The consensus across the baseball landscape is that the Yankees club that starts spring training this week in Tampa is better than the outfit that ended 2013, a season highlighted by injuries to marquee players and underwhelming performance by others.
However, after spending close to a half-billion dollars to attract high-end talent and losing Robinson Cano, are the Yankees good enough to win the AL East — which houses the Rays, Blue Jays, Orioles and world champion Red Sox?
Pitchers and catchers report to George M. Steinbrenner Field on Friday, and the hurlers are the first or second biggest question mark in the Yankees’ universe. All five starters — CC Sabathia, Hiroki Kuroda, Masahiro Tanaka, Ivan Nova and whoever earns the fifth spot — has to answer questions.
David Robertson replacing Mariano Rivera isn’t the Yankees’ biggest problem in the bullpen. That would be: Who takes over for Robertson, among the best eighth-inning relievers the past few seasons?
Position players report Feb. 19, and the first full-scale workout is the next day.
Though the additions of Tanaka (seven years, $155 million), center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury (seven years, $155 million), catcher Brian McCann ( five years, $85 million) and right fielder Carlos Beltran (three years, $45 million) certainly provide the opportunity to be better, general manager Brian Cashman isn’t ready to proclaim this year’s model an upgrade over last year’s bunch going into camp.
“I have no idea,’’ Cashman said when asked if his club was better than last year’s team at this point. “We lost a high-profile player in Robinson Cano and [now] have a huge hole in the middle of the diamond. Andy Pettitte, Mariano Rivera and Robinson Cano are gone. We added significant pieces but lost a significant piece. I am not saying anything. We were a championship-caliber team last year until the injuries, and if this team stays healthy we will be a championship-caliber team.’’
An infield of Mark Teixeira — who played just 15 games last year due to a right wrist problem — Brian Roberts, Derek Jeter and Kelly Johnson is eons away from the 2009 infield of Alex Rodrigues, Jeter, Cano and Teixeira that propelled the Yankees to a World Series win over the Phillies.
Rodriguez is gone for the year via suspension. The 31-year-old Johnson, who has played 14 career games at third base, is front-runner for the bulk of playing time. Roberts, 36, appeared in 77 games last season, which was the most since 2009 when he played in 159.
“We have Jeter at shortstop,’’ Cashman said of the Yankees’ captain, who turns 40 in June and was limited to 17 games last season due to a leg problems that started with a re-fracture of the left ankle in spring training.
Because his bat doesn’t project power, the Yankees are hesitant to use Eduardo Nunez regularly at third where he has experienced defensive problems but his live body and ability to hit good pitching can’t be ignored.
As for the bullpen in front of Robertson, Shawn Kelley could be asked to move from the sixth/seventh-inning gig he did well last year. Lefty Matt Thornton was signed for two years and $7 million to replace Boone Logan.
“We have a good collection of arms, we will find out,’’ Cashman said of the pen. “Joe Girardi is good at finding the right spot for everybody.’’
Better? Yes.
Good enough to win the AL East?
The rundown
For all the money they spent the Yankees have holes. The infield minus Robinson Cano is suspect. The rotation is counting on Ivan Nova, and that is dangerous. David Robertson will be OK replacing Mariano Rivera, but who takes over for Robertson in the eighth?
Most important story in camp
Alex Rodriguez: If he surfaces, he is it because he is A-Rod. Should Rodriguez sit it out, then Masahiro Tanaka takes the title with Derek Jeter a close second.
Best position battle
Third base: Kelly Johnson appears to have the edge, but if the Yankees can get past Eduardo Nunez lack of power, Nunez is a better option.
Most intriguing rookie or minor leaguer
Manuel Banuelos: The lefty starter missed last year due to Tommy John surgery and could work his way into a big league roster spot with a solid spring.
Story to watch
Derek Jeter: He played 17 games last year. He will be 40 in June. He is coming back from left leg problems. Betting against him causes people to go broke but ….
Manager’s toughest challenge
Subbing Jeter: It won’t come until late April or early May, but there will be a time when this question is answered: Does manager Joe Girardi have the guts to pull Jeter in favor of Brendon Ryan for defense in late-game situations?
Will Girardi be willing to drop Jeter from second to eighth if the veteran struggles at the plate?
Who needs to step up
Mark Teixeira: He has operated in the shade for the past two years. A balky right wrist ruined last season. Now, with Rodriguez suspended, Teixeira must become a middle of the order presence he hasn’t been since 2011.
Most interesting newcomer
Tanaka: He arrives with glowing reports from all who have seen him. He also carries a seven-year, $155 million price tag. And anybody who can predict how Tanaka will do in America is guessing.
Most notable absence
Rodriguez: Because he is Alex Rodriguez. Yet, how do you replace Robinson Cano? Furthermore, Andy Pettitte and Rivera are gone, and never underestimate what the veteran hurlers meant to the club on the mound and in the clubhouse.
Biggest comeback
Jeter: It has to be. If he returns to 2012 form, the Yankees have no worries. But what happens if he doesn’t? Ryan has trouble hitting water if he slips off the GWB. Eduardo Nunez?
Save the dates
- Reporting date for pitchers/catchers: Feb. 14
- Reporting date for position players: Feb. 19
- First MLB spring training game: Feb. 26 at Pirates
- Three spring training games to watch
- Feb. 25: vs. Florida State University (first spring action)
- March 16: vs. Braves (Brian McCann’s former team)
- March 18: vs. Red Sox (Jacob Ellsbury’s former team, defending champs)
Ticket info: (813) 879-2244 and yankees.com