Carlos Beltran, Alex Rodriguez, Andrew Miller and Aroldis Chapman are all gone from the New York Yankees roster. The surprising start from CC Sabathia is long gone, and the franchise that never says die is finally done… right? Wrong!
The Yankees have opted for a strong youth movement with some veterans mixed in, and the results have been better than they could have hoped. The roster overhaul had many fans, including myself, thinking it was a wrap for 2016 and looking toward the future, but here we are.
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Thanks to their “Baby Bombers,” the Bronx Bombers sit 6 games back in the Wild Card. While a playoff spot is unlikely, as of late it’s been exciting baseball. Led by Gary Sanchez, Tyler Austin and Aaron Judge, along with Chad Green, it’s a new day in the Bronx and the sun is shining. (Greg Bird will add some pop when he returns next season as well.)
One of the main reasons I was a huge fan of New York getting rid of the senior citizens was to bring some buzz back to the ball park. Attendance for games this year has been suspect, to put it nicely. Having good, young players makes us a factor again in a crowded New York / New Jersey sports market. I love the passion of Aaron Judge, who seems like a power hitter in the making; he is six-foot-seven and an above average 1st baseman. Meanwhile, Sanchez is a breath of fresh air for the team at the catcher position.
Looking into my crystal ball, here’s my take of the potential 2017 opening day lineup for the Yankees:
CF: Jacoby Ellsbury – No one is taking that contract. He’s all ours!
SS: DiDi Gregorius – He will find his place with the team (I hope.)
C: Gary Sanchez – The next big thing behind the plate for New York, and a good bat.
RF: Aaron Judge – Hulk Smash!
1B: Greg Bird – If what we saw in 2015 can be recharged, start spreading the news!
LF: Clint Frazier – We gave up Andrew Miller for the kid. I say go all-in.
3B: Chase Headley – We love to hate you, Chase. Even if you don’t mess up, we find a ways to blame you.
2B: Starlin Castro – Just like an M. Night Shyamalan movie, you don’t know what you’re in for, but you go see it anyway.
DH: Tyler Austin – He’s too good to not have in the lineup, and he can also play some first base.
We’ve only tasted a sample size of the young talent, but if it’s a sign of things to come we will be just fine. The Yankees most likely won’t make the postseason this year, but watching these kids grow up will be exciting.
For more Yankees chat, follow Joe Cardoso on Twitter @Cright.
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Additional Images Courtesy: Allen Kee / ESPN Images
