VOLPE PLAYS SHORTSTOP FOR THE YANKEES IN 2023, THE QUESTION IS WHEN?

Anthony Volpe has made spring training fun to follow. Usually I am excited for spring training to start but I am unhappy with the results. Like the season itself, spring is an opportunity to start something new—similar to a new year, new you mantra. This spring training season has been filled with chances—chances for players to show their value, provide the results of the winter prep sessions on the field with coaches and scouts and peer competition. It has been Anthony Volpe that has provided the most wows. He may not be the Yankee starting shortstop on day one, but he certainly will be their shortstop in 2023.

"It is very possible that Volpe could crack the Yankees’ Opening Day lineup. He’s been playing shortstop regularly in spring training games and regularly operates out of the leadoff spot. Volpe has also performed well, batting .297 with a pair of home runs and a .990 OPS in 13 spring training games. But then again, he is 21 and has only played in a handful of Triple-A games," wrote ESNY on Tuesday.

I have been saying all along that the Yankees need to rip the bandaid off and let the kid play. If they waited any longer for Derek Jeter, who knows if he would have been the player he was for the Yankees. When Joe Torre and Brian Cashman decided to take a chance, that was the moment the Yankees turned the corner and became the dominant team in the late 90s and early 2000s. Could this happen again? 

Some predict that Volpe will lead off in the first game of the season for the Yankees on March 30th. It would really send a message to the league if the Yankees took a good risk to make that happen. Imagine Volpe, Aaron Judge, Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton as the stacked four sluggers in the opening day lineup?

"The Yankees’ open shortstop competition probably will be settled later this week. Oswald Peraza is the favorite with Volpe likely headed to Triple-A and IKF going into a utility role (if he’s not traded)," reportined NJ.com. Peraza has rebounded this spring with his new contact lenses helping him see the ball better. His defense sets him apart from other infielders and he has more reps in the majors and even in Triple A than his peer Volpe.

But it is interesting to note that folks that have Pereza in the lineup on opening day have him in the 9 spot and not lead off like Volpe. I say this: if Volpe gives the Yankees the best shot to pick up some early wins and build confidence for this team quickly, I say play him. Even if he does not have the most experience, he has what the team needs now— that spark, thunder and yes chance to make a difference. That's all it takes is determination and chance. 

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof