It's the question everyone wants to know the answer to. It's the story line that I will be watching all Spring. Can Greg Bird prove that he can earn his starting job back? Should he still be the Yankees starting first baseman?
Luke Voit updating his IG story before game time, what a power move. pic.twitter.com/gcs5pgzGiR— Evan Daniel (@mrevandaniel) February 24, 2019
During the offseason Brian Cashman said that the starting first baseman job was Luke Voit's job to lose. Cashman's confidence is well-deserved after Voit's season ended with a .333BA, 14 homers and 33 RBIs in 39 games last season. n the other hand, Bird hit .199 with 11 homers and 38 RBIs in 82 games after missing the first two months due to right ankle surgery. Voit's success meant Bird was left off the postseason roster and now he has a lot of hard work ahead of him to get his job back.
But that doesn't mean he can't. If Bird has a strong season and can stay healthy he is going to force a very difficult decision from the Yankees. It may not be a popular decision either.
Spring is young, but both players have already left memorable impressions. In the Yankees first game on Saturday Bird started the game and went two-for two on the day with a double in his first at bat and then a line drive single in his second plate appearance.
On Sunday Voit got his chance to make an impression and he didn't waste his opportunity either. In his first at bat he lined a 97mph fastball into right field for an RBI single. His highlight for the day was hitting a huge three-run homer in the fourth inning that looked like it flew out of the stadium. He ended the day 2-for-three and after the first two games of spring are over Aaron Boone is already impressed and liking what he sees.
I don't think there has been a battle for a position that has been as interesting as this for awhile. Bird showed us signs of greatness back in 2015, but he's fizzled since then and hasn't lived up to expectations. On the other hand, Voit spent his career in Triple-A and recently turned 28. Was he just a late bloomer....or was last year just a fluke?
Hi, I’m Luke Voit and I hit dingers. pic.twitter.com/SE3oNysAUO— Evan Daniel (@mrevandaniel) February 24, 2019
If the Yankees had to make a decision today I can't help but wonder if Voit really has an edge like Cashman has said. With a right handed heavy lineup strategically I wonder if the Yankees are really looking for a reason not to give Bird the job. They have already invested so much time in him. If Voit makes a minor mistake but Bird shows some improvement does the job go to Bird instead?
Voit has become a fan favorite and rightfully so, he is a good dude. But will the Yankees once again choose Voit over Bird? I think the Yankees are higher on Bird then we think. I can't help but wonder....once opening day gets here who's on first?
--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @nyprincessj
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