Of course there are more than five Yankee issues that are in Sunday’s Post. After you get by Joe Torre, Alex Rodriguez, Mariano Rivera, Carl Pavano and Kei Igawa the list doesn’t end.
Until Friday night the Bernie Williams saga was one that figured to contain daily drama. However, Williams said he wasn’t interested in reporting to camp without a major league contract. That, of course, could change, but for now the Yankees’ icon isn’t in the spotlight.
Melky Cabrera, the reason there isn’t room for Williams, is slated to be the fourth outfielder. The plan calls for Cabrera to spell Hideki Matsui in left, Johnny Damon in center and Bobby Abreu in right. One, the regulars will get needed rest and Cabrera will stay sharp in case of an injury.
During the exhibition schedule Cabrera will get plenty of at-bats to stay sharp. The big question is what happens when the games count. Can Joe Torre get the switch-hitting Cabrera enough at-bats? If he can’t, would Cabrera, who was very impressive as a rookie last year, be better served playing every day at Scranton (Triple-A) than sitting on the Yankees’ bench?
Cabrera also figures into how the Yankees may upgrade a shaky pitching situation. The Yankees had a strong interest in Pirates lefty reliever Mike Gonzalez during the off-season but the Pirates didn’t need an outfielder. Gonzalez, who missed the final five weeks last year due to tendinitis, is with the Braves, who have Bob Wickman to close. The Braves could be inclined to move Gonzalez after teams see he is healthy this spring. Like a lot of teams, the Braves like Cabrera.
Other issues include where Scott Proctor lands. GM Brian Cashman told Proctor recently to plan on returning to the bullpen where he thrived a year ago. But what happens if Pavano and Igawa aren’t the answer in the back end of the rotation? Would the Yankees convert Proctor? Or allow stud prospect Phil Hughes skip Triple-A?
Spring training will also be used to decide who is Jorge Posada’s backup. Wil Nieves seems to be the favorite but veteran Todd Pratt is in on a minor league deal.
Kevin Long replaces Don Mattingly as hitting coach and it will be interesting to see how a team of veterans takes to a rookie hitting coach.