THE YANKEES 26TH MAN

Source: Elite Sports

We have made it to February, the unofficial start of Spring, at least in the baseball world.  With all of the discussion around who else the Yankees need to add to its roster this season, what about guys who have played with us off and on and contributed over the last year?  Guys like Mike Ford and Clint Frazier seem to come to mind and with roster spots tight, who will win the battle of the Yankees 26th man?

Source: Yahoo Sports

"Frazier could win the job if his outfield defense is much better this spring than it was a year ago. Also, he may need to convince Cashman and Boone that he’s more mature by laying low this spring instead of becoming a distraction by not keeping his hair short, bickering with the media and finding his way into another controversy," reported NJ.com on Saturday.

It appears Frazier will need to show a lot of promise in both maturity and outfield defense in order to win favor with the front office.  Both of these could be hard for him given his track record last season.  But, everyone deserves a chance.  And that includes Miguel Andujar who is expected to try out in the outfield this spring, to give him for opportunity to stay a Yankee.  If he can pick the new position up easily, Frazier may have seen his last days as a Yankee.

Now the kid from Princeton who has be the exact opposite of Frazier, has a real shot at 26th man too.

Source: The NY Times

"Ford could be the favorite because he’d give the Yankees a left-handed power option to play first base. Also, as a rookie last season he handled not getting regular at-bats during his call-ups better than a lot of young players typically do," reported NJ.com.  Ford always seemed particularly poised and polished when he played.  His speed is lacking but if he shows power, he could add the necessary bench and alternative first base man for the Yankees.

A better battle for positions = a better Yankee team overall, one that is hungry.  It will be interesting to see how things play out for Frazier and Ford as well as the rest of the "on the fence" Yankees who will vie for a spot on the 2020 team.

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof