PITCHERS AND CATCHERS REPORT: WORLD SERIES OR BUST BEGINS

Source: SNY

It feels like the holiday season as Yankees pitchers and catchers report to Tampa for 2020 Spring Training. According to SNY, "Everything starts in Tampa this week with the Yankees reporting for spring training, and Boone will have his reunion with the media on Wednesday to discuss those expectations and much more for the first time."  It is World Series or Bust and the third time could be the charm for Boone and the Yankees.  No turning back.

Along the journey to greatness in 2020, the Yankees can expect to fill some holes and make some harsh decisions based on who's performing and who's not.

Source: ESPN.com

"Cashman said that third base is Gio Urshela's to lose, and rightfully so after he more than exceeded expectations when he took over for Andujar after his injury early in the season. And there's the prospect that we could see Andujar at first base to see how he would play there. Luke Voit, though, is the obvious starter at the position," reported SNY.com

Of course, there's the fifth starter debate, the fact that Yankees are going to be without Domingo German for the first 80 plus games and oh the possibility of injuries.  We already know that James Paxton will be out for a while following his surgery to remove a cyst from his lower back. Not sure who will replace him in the rotation but this will be an opportunity for a young pitcher to make their mark.  Could it be 20-year-old Deivi Garcia?

"The championship window for the Yankees is still very much open, but look at it this way: Gleyber Torres is entering Year 3. Aaron Judge is going into Year 4, and so is Luis Severino if you want to exclude his handful of games last year. Gary Sanchez will be in his fifth full season in pinstripes." reported SNY.com.  This is the group that will need to take it home.  They need to lead this team through the finish line.

Is this the year the Bombers take it to the next level? Is their core where it needs to be to compete against the fiercest in the game?  Spring 2020 will begin that story.  And fall 2020 will finish it.  With a happy ending and ring 28.

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof