The New York Yankees 2019 Season Preview
TAMPA, FL -- The New York Yankees wrapped up their 2019 spring training with a 2-1 loss against the Atlanta Braves. Finishing at 17-13, and a roster cut down to 25, the Yankees are going for it all in 2019.
"We try to be competitive every single year" Yankees GM Brian Cashman said this morning, "We managed to make the best of a bad situation last year; this year, with the help of some outside talent, we're really making a push to bring home another World Series championship to the organization and the fans."
The Yankees finished the 2018 with an 85-77 record, and squeaked into the playoffs. They were overmatched in the ALDS by the division rivals Boston Red Sox. Boston has only improved, signing megastar free agent Bryce Harper to a 7 year, 186.6 million dollar deal in the offseason. The Yankees decided to open their own wallet, and bolster the roster with some established talent of their own.
Off season key acquisitions:
1B Paul Goldschmidt, 2B Jose Altuve, SP Jose Quintana.
The New Gold Standard
Paul Goldschmidt had an MVP caliber year in Arizona last season, hitting a .318/.404/.607 triple slash, with 44 home runs and 115 RBIs. Goldschmidt replaces Justin Bour, who will now move to DH when Stanton is in the field.
Although this move slates Giancarlo to be the projected everyday left fielder, the former MVP did make an effort to improve in the field, having 8 assists, and a 98% fielding percentage. If he falters, the Yankees can always move him back to DH, putting Brandon Drury in Left, and having Gleyber Torres play everyday at 3rd base. There is a feeling that barring injury, we may not see Justin Bour on this team past the trade deadline.
A New Sparkplug at 2nd Base
Jose Altuve left the Astros after winning a World Series, and will find himself playing everyday at 2nd base. Altuve, who had a .328 batting average, also hit 22 homeruns, with a career high 98 RBIs. He also crossed the plate 98 times, and the Yankees may have him batting leadoff, as Brett Gardner was not resigned following the 2018 season.
What Does This Mean For Gleybar?
Gleybar Torres, who started at 2nd base last year, will now be used in a more utility position, as he struggled at the plate last year, hitting only .234, and striking out 168 times. As mentioned previously, if Stanton proves that he cannot handle playing the field, starting 3rd baseman Brandon Drury will move to left, opening up a spot for Gleybar in the infield. An indivision scout mentioned that if Gleybar is slow out of the gate, he may see some time back in Triple A, until the logjam at the big leagues sorts itself out, so Gleybar can continue to develop.
After a Down Year, Quintana Looks to Return to Form
Jose Quintana, once deemed too expensive for the Yankees, has signed a 4 year, 62 million dollar deal, and looks to be the third man in the rotation for the New York Yankees, behind Ace Luis Severino, and Masahiro Tanaka. Quintana had an injury plagued 2018 season, pitching just 148.1 innings, and saw a decrease in performance as well. With an ERA of 4.07, and a career high WHIP of 1.39, a fresh start could be what a potentially healthy Quintana needs. The lefty looks to shake up the right handed heavy Yankee rotation, which will move Mike Foltynewicz to the bullpen.
At the end of the day, the Yankees will be expected to compete from the get-go, and will look to give the Red Sox a run for the division. Despite amassing only 85 wins last year, they are projected to win 96 games this year. Below is the 25 man roster, as well as projected everyday lineup, rotation, and bullpen. Let's play ball!
- Catcher
- Gary Sanchez
- Austin Romine
- First Base
- Paul Goldschmit
- Justin Bour
- Second Base
- Jose Altuve
- Gleyber Torres
- Third Base
- Brandon Drury
- Gleyber Torres
- Shortstop
- Didi Gregorius
- Gleyber Torres
- Left Field
- Giancarlo Stanton
- Jacoby Ellsbury
- Center Field
- Aaron Hicks
- Jacoby Ellsbury
- Right Field
- Aaron Judge
- Jacoby Ellsbury
- Starting Pitcher
- Luis Severino
- Masahiro Tanaka
- Jose Quintana
- Sonny Gray
- Jordan Montgomery
- Mike Foltynewicz
- Relief Pitcher
- David Robertson
- Chad Green
- Dellin Betances
- Tommy Kahnle
- Blaine Hardy
- Chasen Shreve
- Designated Hitter
- Justin Bour
- Giancarlo Stanton
2B Jose Altuve (R)
SS Didi Gregorius (L)
1B Paul Goldschmidt (R)
RF Aaron Judge (R)
LF Giancarlo Stanton (R)
C Gary Sanchez (R)
DH Justin Bour (L)
CF Aaron Hicks (S)
3B Brandon Drury (R)
Projected Rotation
RHP Luis Severino
RHP Masahiro Tanaka
LHP Jose Quintana
RHP Sonny Gray
LHP Jordan Montgomery