FIVE YANKEE PLAYERS MAKING AN APPEARANCE IN TAMPA THIS WEEKEND

Source: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Now that the top free agents are signed, it is time for fans to focus on the fabulous five who are expected to or have made an appearance in Tampa this weekend.  NJ.com had a great piece Friday about the guys we have been waiting for and now that Bryce Harper is ready to start his new life in the lap of luxury in Philadelphia, here are some key Yankee players who have the potential of turning heads back to where they are supposed to be...with the greatest franchise in baseball history.

Source: John Munson | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Gary Sanchez made his debut this spring on Friday.  The Yankees lost that bout against the Baltimore Orioles and Sanchez went hitless, with a strikeout and ground out.  Despite this performance, the Yankee catcher is ready for action.  "Typical spring training,” Sanchez said. “It was good to get in a game and get some at-bats and see pitching, get an opportunity to catch Paxton for the first time, see his pitches. See the environment in a live game. I feel good,” reported NJ.com. Great, wonderful, fantastic.  I will have more on this during the BleedBlueShow podcast live Monday night at 9:00 p.m. EST.

Source: Newsday

Despite losing to the Pirates Saturday, Troy Tulowitzki continues to heat things up for the Yankees this spring.  He went 1-for-2 with a run scored and a walk, hitting .500 so far. "There’s no question he has the ability to impact the ball," manager Aaron Boone said. “But I’m probably more excited about how well he’s moving in the field, attacking the ball and just playing free and easy. He looks really athletic out there,’’reported NJ.com.

Source: NY Post

Giancarlo Stanton went 0-2 on Thursday as he continues to prepare for what he hopes is a great sophomore season with the Yankees. “G’s a worker. He’s a guy in the cage, on high velo breaking balls as nasty as can be. He likes those opportunities to steal reps if he can get them. That’s really consistent with what we’ve seen from Giancarlo since he got here. I am talking about his professionalism. This is a guy that is focused and works at his craft," reported MSN.  According to the latest on NJ.com, the Yankees will have Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton in the lineup for Monday's official opening day at Steinbrenner Field.  This will be the first time during this exhibition season as neither player participated in the first two Grapefruit League games.

Source: NJ.com

Tyler Wade continues to grind this spring going 5 for 8 over four spring training games. He is demonstrating speed and agility as well in the field.  But when given the chance last season, he only hit .167 so will the Yankees take another chance on him in 2019? According Aaron Boone, perhaps.

"With what he brings with his speed and his defensive versatility, he can be a valuable player for us if that offense can continue to come around.’’

Source: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports

Seahawk QB Russell Wilson is expected to spend some playing time with the team.  His locker is prepped and ready but he has yet to make an appearance.  His time with the team was memorable last year and with all of the hype around free agents, having Wilson around will certainly add to the excitement in Yankeeland.

As the Yankees continue to build their skill set and endurance for the long season ahead, it is good to get back to business now that that free agent distractions have dimmed.  Just like last year, the Yankees have one mission to fulfill, win.  Win a lot and win often.  No more hitting droughts and just relying on home runs.  The team needs to be nimble, quick and adaptable.  Let's hope these words are ingrained in this year's team and we see some of it in action this week.

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof