Gardner,Ellsbury and Ichiro

How many other teams have a better defensive outfield?
This IMPROVES the pitching.

I'm well aware the Yanks are going to use Soriano in the OF but they should/are also going to rotate him at DH according to RH/LH pitching so they can play Ichiro.

So when you hear/read the usual negative crap from the media (which is what they specialize in) about the Yanks' "question marks" and weaknesses.....how often are you going to hear the words --- the Yankees have a very good defensive outfield........?

My opinion - if Tex bounces back and provides good protection and run production from BOTH sides of the plate, along with good production and sound defense from McCann at the catcher's position, the Yankees are on their way to having a fine team.

To be continued as the pitching staff is still "unsettled".


I have a good feeling about this team and the upcoming season.

 

...I've taken some heat in the past for sticking up for Ichiro, but with Ichiro, Els, and Gardner in the OF, defensively, I can't think of another team with a better trio.

 

I'll go out on a limb and say there are very few teams which can come close to matching this trio.

 

No doubt that the outfield is looking pretty good and when you can place Beltran and Soriano out there for days off and DH stuff this team is looking good. That outfield and McCanns game calling will benefit the staff by leaps and bounds.

 

Honestly I don't see Ichiro for anymore then someone off the bench with an occasional start. He may get (if he even stays with the team) 200-250 ABs. Soriano & Beltran are the one's that will flip flop from outfield to DH with both getting there 500+ ABs. JMO.

 

...Ichiro is being discussed purely because of his defense.

 

I feel Ichiro could provide great help this year as the 4th outfielder who can pinch run, play defense, and play all 3 outfield positions. Assuming we go with the traditional 13 position players then here is the roster as it sits today.

1 McCann Romine
2 Cervelli Murphy
3 Tex
4 Johnson
5 Roberts
6 Jeter
7 Ryan Nunez
8 3B
9 Soriano
10 Ichiro
11 Beltran
12 Gardner Almonte
13 Ellsbury

 

With 6 outfielders I don't think Almonte will start the season with the Yankees. And it will be interesting to see who they keep up to back up McCann. My guess will be Cervelli.

 

...yeah, Cervelli has already been signed so he's probably a backup...and I gotta believe that either, Gardner, Ichiro, or Wells, will be gone.

 

Ichiro is still a gamer, Vernon it's been real, it's been nice, but not real nice!