In light of a few recent roster moves, the Yankees Opening Day roster is nearly set. Here’s a quick recap of the moves and a look at the latest projected roster.
- Rule 5 pick Jamie Hoffmann cleared waivers and returned to the LA Dodgers. This opens the door for Marcus Thames as one of the backup outfielders.
- According to Ed Price, the Yankees placed Chad Gaudin on waivers early this morning. Gaudin had an awful spring, but he was more of a proven major league pitcher than Sergio Mitre, who now looks like the favorite for a long relief role.
- The projected Opening Day roster (via LoHud):
Pitchers
Alfredo Aceves
A.J. Burnett
Joba Chamberlain
Phil Hughes
Damaso Marte
Sergio Mitre
Chan Ho Park
Andy Pettitte
Mariano Rivera
Dave Robertson
CC Sabathia
Javier Vazquez
Catchers
Francisco Cervelli
Jorge Posada
Infielders
Robinson Cano
Derek Jeter
Nick Johnson
Ramiro Pena
Alex Rodriguez
Mark Teixeira
Outfielders
Brett Gardner
Curtis Granderson
Nick Swisher
Marcus Thames
Randy Winn
Not bad at all.
Touching on the two major position decisions: Hughes is the odds-on favorite to be the No. 5 starter and Gardner will likely be the starting left fielder.
As for the batting order: Johnson should hit second, Cano fifth, Posada sixth and Granderson seventh. The rest should be obvious.
There’s your update! It looks like this team has resolved its spring training debates and is ready to repeat as champions.
Please, send along any questions you have about this season in the comments or my inbox.
