Meet your New York Yankees infield

The New York Yankees find themselves in a familiar position;  They are one of the favorites to win the World Series.  However, the faces have changed and they have some serious holes in their lineup as of February.  The departure of Todd Frazier to the Mets and the trades of Starlin Castro and Chase Headley have left a hole in the Yankees infield, as they scramble for a second and third baseman.

As most Yankee fans know, Didi Gregorious and Greg Bird are penciled in for first base and shortstop.  There isn’t much need to introduce them to the masses as they aren’t fighting for a position.  This post is to get to know some of the newcomers to the Bronx Bombers.  There are plenty of worthy candidates.

Tyler Austin

httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ntgm34t83f8

One of the most overlooked members of the Yankees infield is youngster Tyler Austin.  As the only other natural first baseman, Austin will most likely make the team, but if he doesn’t, I wouldn’t be surprised.

Austin has a good glove, some great pop as seen in his highlight tape, and a knack for clutch moments.  Austin has been oft-injured but a healthy season could be crucial for the Yankees success.  The man in front of him, Greg Bird, isn’t exactly the most durable player in the world either.  This would be even more of a reason to keep Austin around.

Tyler Wade

httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yn7LjsMt1LA

Tyler Wade is a dark horse candidate for the third base position, even with the addition of Brandon Drury.  Wade is a serviceable player who could also get time at second base while Gleyber Torres most likely starts the year in Triple A.

Wade did not bat well last year, batting only .155.  However, he only had 58 plate appearances and baseball is a very fickle game.  The only way to get out of a slump and into a hitting streak is by playing, and Wade wasn’t afforded that opportunity.  Wade has also been working with some guy named Albert Pujols on his swing so he should be much improved with the stick.

Ronald Torreyes

httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUxnBB6sxeg

Ronnie Torreyes may not make the team strictly because of the numbers game in the infield, but he deserves to.  Torreyes has been the ultimate professional, filling in at quite literally every position and smiling throughout.

He’s a fantastic clubhouse guy as he started the “interviews” with all the Yankees who came back to the dugout after a home run.  He’s shown that he’s a capable utility player too, picking up clutch hits throughout the years and never wavering in big moments.

Danny Espinosa

httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TWkxwHYgAc

Danny Espinosa may not be the same player he was a few years ago, but if the above highlight reel has shown anything it’s that he’s capable of taking over games.  If he has a good spring he may just take that job away from Tyler Wade while Gleyber Torres waits in the wings.

Espinosa has a good glove, some serious pop and is a grizzled vet.  Even if he doesn’t make the team he’s a good presence to have in Tampa to teach the younger guys how to be a professional in the MLB.  He’s a switch hitter as well so that adds to the intrigue of keeping him around.

Miguel Andujar

httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbkHUljEjoU

Miguel Andujar came in like a lion last year when he started his MLB career with a three hit, four RBI night.  He was immediately sent back down later in the week and never returned to the big leagues.

This kid is uber-talented and will be the future Yankees third baseman.  However, his defense is lacking and is continuing to work on it as he continues his journey as a top level Yankees prospect.  The Bombers will probably start Andujar out in Triple A as he’s still somewhat of a liability on defense and Brandon Drury is a proven major leaguer, but the future is very bright for this young man.

Brandon Drury

httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNnhD5lrvKU

Brandon Drury is the Yankees’ newest acquisition, picked up in a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks.  No one is really sure how the Yankees were able to get such a good young player on the cheap but Yankee fans aren’t complaining.

Drury is masterful in the field and even better with the bat.  He has power to all sides of the field and as a right-handed hitter is actually more comfortable hitting opposite field home runs.  There must be a reason why the Yankees coveted him so much.  In all seriousness, he will most likely be the Opening Day third baseman and will not disappoint.

Gleyber Torres

httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2hB58ul4qA

The gem of the Yankees farm system is Gleyber Torres.  After Tommy John surgery ended his season early, Torres is ready to rock and roll as the Yankees every day second baseman.  He will most likely start the season in Triple A as the Yankees will be able to control him for another season if he doesn’t start in the majors.

Torres is everything you want in a prospect.  He can hit for power, average, and hits line drives to all parts of the field.  He’s an excellent fielder with an even better arm and is extremely poised for a 21 year old.  There are very high expectations for him, but he may wind up cementing himself as a staple of this Yankees young core.

Baseball season is almost here, folks.  The Yankees infield is far from set but that’s the fun of competition.  There are at least four or five guys who are more than capable of manning the second and third baseman spots.  As Spring Training rolls along, it will be interesting to see how the Yankees work with their young prospects and veterans.  Either way, it will be a very fun season.