You ask, we solution. The Post is fielding issues from readers about New York’s most significant professional sports groups and finding our beat writers to reply them in a series of often revealed mailbags. In today’s installment: the Yankees.
If Gleyber Torres turns into a liability at shortstop, will Yankees quickly pivot and shift him again to 2B? If so does DJ LeMahieu shift again to 1B? — Rob
When the Yankees let Didi Gregorius go away for Philadelphia, they set shortstop in Torres’ hands irrespective of some inquiries about his assortment and footwork but not bat. Torres would have to definitely fail for the Yankees to move him back to 2nd. Tyler Wade, who has played 13 games (5 starts) at brief in the big leagues, would then be questioned to play every day barring a trade.
Moving Torres back to 2nd would indicate LeMahieu would obtain himself in the similar part he was in last year — initially, next and third. His bat taking part in 2nd is a huge in addition. And moving Torres to second impacts what very first baseman Luke Voit, who demands to engage in often to deliver, will do.
What can the Yankees get for Aaron Hicks? He is created of glass. — Andy D.
Hicks has been on the injured record six periods due to the fact becoming a member of the Yankees in 2016 and has been on the shelf 11 moments given that acquiring to the major leagues in 2013. Had this season commenced on time, Hicks, 30, would have been on the IL just after getting Tommy John surgical procedure adhering to very last year.
So there are well being fears, and commencing future 12 months Hicks has five a long time and $50.5 million left on a deal which under typical instances would not be a offer-killer. Even so, the economic landscape in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic is not known.
With Estevan Florial’s progress in the minimal leagues stalled by injuries, the Yankees really do not have a middle fielder completely ready to exchange Hicks if he is dealt. Brett Gardner (still left) and Mike Tauchman (all three outfield spots) are a lot more worthwhile in roles other than heart, although Gardner did properly last 12 months when he was 35.
Post your Yankees thoughts to be answered in an impending mailbag
The harm historical past, income, a long time and not getting a centre fielder big-league all set from the procedure does not put the Yankees in a fantastic place to move Hicks, who don’t forget hit 27 homers, drove in 79 operates and posted a .833 OPS even though taking part in above typical center discipline in 2018.
(James) Paxton, (J.A.) Happ, (Masahiro) Tanaka all free brokers. Which do you see the Yankees re-signing? — Yankee 23
I would say the beloved to return is Tanaka, but you can make a case for Paxton and Happ coming back again, much too.
Tanaka has been comfy in The Bronx since becoming a member of the Yankees in 2014 and made a decision in opposition to opting out following the 2017 year. What the no cost-agent sector for a 32-year-aged pitcher will be is unknown. Tanaka thrives since of his demanding plan, preparation and drama-free of charge identity, all of which is appreciated by Yankees choice makers.
Paxton’s health heritage has to be deemed. So, far too, is the lefty getting a no cost agent for the first time and becoming represented by Scott Boras, who encourages consumers to working experience free of charge company. Paxton will be 32 in November.
Happ, 38 in October, could return as a back again-end starter, but if he pitches perfectly in whatsoever kind of period there is, the veteran lefty could be attractive to yet another club.
What is the approach for a rotation this calendar year and upcoming calendar year? — GT3
Gerrit Cole, Tanaka, Paxton, Happ and Jordan Montgomery are the starters any time this period opens.
As for future 12 months, Cole and Montgomery will be beneath handle. Should Tanaka, Paxton and Happ leave, the Yankees they have Clarke Schmidt, Mike King and Deivi Garcia as attainable replacements. And Luis Severino would be predicted again from Tommy John surgical treatment at some stage upcoming season.
What position will (Austin) Wells enjoy? — Mims and Cole SZN
On a convention connect with this week, the Yankees’ first-spherical decide claimed he considered of himself as a catcher and is working to improve at that posture. Nonetheless, he acknowledged that should really a situation swap accelerate his vacation to the major leagues, he would not battle it. How the still left-handed hitter hits will establish how rapid he moves.
Do you consider a shorter season (say 50 or 89 online games) will reward the Yankees? — Jay
With Giancarlo Stanton, Aaron Judge and Hicks obtaining further time to recover from accidents that would have prevented them from starting off the time on Opening Day, the Yankees have previously benefited from the delayed commence.
Insert a highly effective bullpen that provides Aaron Boone a lot of alternatives and Miguel Andujar acquiring extra time to bolster a surgically fixed correct shoulder, and the shorter season assists the Yankees.
With all the back again and forth, do you consider baseball will be performed this yr? — David Valdez
Wednesday, commissioner Rob Manfred certain there will be baseball played so you have to consider it will. The more substantial dilemma is what will it look like, in particular if there are only about 50 games played.
