DUNEDIN, Fla. – Are the Yankees better served by Cody Ransom’s ability to play shortstop if Derek Jeter goes down or having Morgan Ensberg to DH against lefties?
That’s the dilemma facing the decision makers for the second and final utility infield spot on the 25-man roster. And since Ensberg can get out of his minor-league contract (worth $1.75 million if in the majors) by midnight tonight, the Yankees may be forced to make a decision sooner than they would like. Especially with Tampa Bay interested in Ensberg to keep third base warm for stud prospect Evan Longoria.
The 26-year-old Ransom, who has major league experience with the Giants and Astros, can play four infield positions and hit 28 homers and drove in 90 runs for Round Rock (Triple-A) last year.
Ensberg, who swatted 36 homers and drove in 101 runs for the 2005 Astros but split last year between Houston and San Diego, is strictly a corner infielder who would DH against lefties since Shelley Duncan would likely play right field or first base for Bobby Abreu or Jason Giambi versus lefties.
Ransom, who doesn’t have a spring training out clause in his contract, will make $450,000 if he is on the big league roster.
“I have been impressed with his ability to play so many different positions. Anywhere you put him he plays good defensively,” manager Joe Girardi said of Ransom, who is batting .281 (9-for-32).
Ensberg, 27, has worked at first and third but is more comfortable at third. Still, Girardi said he would be confident with Ensberg at either corner.
“I would not hesitate to put him at first or third,” Girardi said. “He told me he could play second in a pinch. He told me he caught until he was 15. Defensively, I don’t worry about him. He played a pretty tough position at third base and played it pretty well over the years. You can move him around a little bit.”
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Kyle Farnsworth’s solid spring took on water yesterday when he gave up a run and two hits in an inning of the Yankees’ 7-2 win over the Blue Jays. Farnsworth, who fanned two, opened the day with a 1.50 ERA in five games and had given up five hits in six innings.
Johnny Damon, Robinson Cano, Duncan, Wilson Betemit and Ransom all had two hits. Betemit hit a monster homer to right and drive in three runs.
Not counting a victory over Virginia Tech, the Yankees take a five-game winning streak into tonight’s game at Legends Field against the Rays.
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Girardi wants a lefty in the bullpen to face left-handed hitters and give the opposing manager something to think about, but he isn’t going to take a lefty just for the sake of not having an all right-handed pen.
“We would like to have a left-hander, but it’s not vital,” said Girardi, who has Billy Traber and Sean Henn to choose from in that order. “That’s because I believe our righthanders have the ability to get left-handed hitters out.”