TAMPA — Considering how high profile Joba Chamberlain is and nobody knowing where he fits into the picture, it was a little surprising Joe Girardi didn’t say the battle for the fifth starter was his major concern on the first day of spring training.
Talking on the day pitchers and catchers reported to George M. Steinbrenner Field, the manager of the World Champion Yankees said figuring out a batting order is atop his list of things to do.
“Our No. 1 concern is ironing out our lineup,’’ said Girardi, who has to decide between Curtis Granderson and Nick Johnson in the No. 2 spot where a big void was created by Johnny Damon leaving. “In saying that, that doesn’t mean it will be the lineup the whole year. Some times you tweak things. But you would like to have a consistent lineup when you leave spring training. I really like the players assembled in camp and we have to figure out exactly where all the parts fit.’’
Girardi made it clear his concern is not over the talent level, just the order in which the talent hits.
Last spring Girardi, wary of Derek Jeter hitting into too many double plays, moved the captain into the leadoff spot and dropped Damon to second.
Since Granderson runs a lot better than Johnson and hits balls in the air, he won’t hit into twin-killings as much as Johnson, who like Granderson is a left-handed hitter.
Whoever doesn’t hit second will likely bat seventh.
As for Chamberlain competing against Phil Hughes for the fifth spot, Girardi anticipates a fierce fight.
“I expect it to play out with great competition,’’ Girardi said. “One thing as the manager that you worry about is they start competing (today). I don’t want them competing (today). I want them to be ready to pitch in a couple of weeks. I expect two guys to pitch at a very high level.’’
Girardi also pointed out that Chad Gaudin, Sergio Mitre and Alfredo Aceves are in the mix.
While Granderson will be in the lineup somewhere, it’s not a lock he is the center fielder. Girardi noted Granderson has more experience playing center than Brett Gardner, but isn’t ready to anoint the Yankees’ biggest offseason acquisition as the center fielder.
“Right now we have what I believe are two good center fielders,’’ Girardi said. “The criteria is that we will look at what’s best for the team and what we think gives us the best chance to win every day.’’