Heading into the Postseason, Joe Girardi has some decisions to make. Who will be on the New York Yankees final ALDS Postseason roster?
By Jamie Martin
After clinching their first playoff berth in two seasons, the New York Yankees now face a one game wild card playoff.
If they can make it to the ALDS, there are some key decisions that potentially have the ability to decide their postseason fate. With key injuries, some new stars have emerged while others have struggled to match their past success. The Yankees need players to step up if they want to make a deep run in the playoffs.
The 2015 Yankees team is a very different one from those of the past.
They are underdogs, they need to prove themselves, and it won’t be easy. It is a diverse group, a blend of veterans and rookies, each and every single one of them as eager to succeed as the next. But it remains to be seen who will be included in the final group.
Regardless, the 25 men provided with the opportunity to play in the postseason will give their best to bring the World Series back to New York City.
Pitchers
SP Masahiro Tanaka– Has been a pretty reliable starter for the Yankees and should end up starting the Wild Card game.
SP Michael Pineda– Has struggled for consistency but is a very strong arm and will likely end up staying in the rotation for the postseason.
SP CC Sabathia– Struggled throughout most of the season but has started to regain some confidence and is pitching well as of late. Knows how to pitch in the postseason and could end up being very important for the Yankees down the stretch.
SP/RP Adam Warren– Will likely stay in the rotation if the Yankees make it past the Wild Card. Has been a strong arm all year and is a very good option in the bullpen.
SP Luis Severino– Has greatly impressed in his rookie season and has the confidence and ability to pitch in big postseason games.
SP/RP Nathan Eovaldi– Is close to coming back from injury but will likely only be a bullpen arm during the postseason.
SP/RP Ivan Nova– Likely wouldn’t end up starting a postseason game. Has struggled for consistency and could end up being left off in favor of another bullpen arm.
RP Justin Wilson– The best lefty middle reliever on the Yankees roster, has the ability to get guys out and can be relied upon in big situations.
RP Dellin Betances– Arguably one of the best relievers in the MLB, has put together another very solid season.
RP Andrew Miller– Has been very solid all season and is one of the best late inning relief pitchers in baseball.
RP Chasen Shreve– Has not pitched well as of late but was one of the Yankees biggest bullpen arms throughout much of the regular season. Should be given the opportunity to be a part of the postseason roster.
Position Players
C Brian McCann– Has had a very solid season both behind and at the plate. Is one of the best catchers in baseball and has the potential to come up with important hits in big situations.
C JR Murphy– A solid backup catcher who can hit the ball pretty well. Likely won’t see too much time unless McCann struggles with injury.
DH Alex Rodriguez– One of the most important players on the Yankees. Has had an amazing bounce back season and is a leader in the clubhouse. Is continuing to prove the critics wrong and will hope to do the same in the playoffs.
1B Greg Bird– The Rookie has become very important to the Yankees with the injury to Mark Teixeira. Will look to continue his impressive hitting in the postseason.
2B Rob Refsnyder– Will likely have to play a key role for the Yankees as Stephen Drew could possibly be out for the rest of the year.
SS Didi Gregorius– Has shown continual improvement in his first season as a Yankee. Is a solid hitter with a very good glove who could become key to the Yankees making a run in the postseason.
UTIL Brendan Ryan– Solid backup player who can play multiple positions. Will make the roster due to his versatility.
3B Chase Headley– Has had a pretty solid year at the plate and is a very valuable player for the Yankees. Glove can sometimes be an issue but he has steadily improved throughout the season.
OF/1B Dustin Ackley– Acquired in July by the Yankees and wasn’t expected to have a big role at the club. Has shown his ability with multiple big homeruns and his bat should keep him on the roster for the postseason.
LF Brett Gardner– Has slowed down behind the plate recently but is a very important player for the Yankees at the top of their order.
CF Jacoby Ellsbury– The Yankees leadoff hitter has struggled throughout much of 2015, failing to replicate his production from the last few seasons. Is experienced in the playoffs and should hopefully find his swing again.
RF Carlos Beltran– A very important player who has come up clutch many times for the Yankees. Knows how to play in October and could end up being the most valuable player on the team as they look to make it deep into the playoffs.
OF Chris Young– Has had a solid season as the Yankees fourth outfielder. Can swing the bat well and is always a homerun threat.
OF Rico Noel– A recent call-up, Noel has impressed with his speed and could possibly find his way onto the postseason roster. Is virtually a designated pinch runner and may find himself sacrificed for a better hitter such as Slade Heathcott or another bullpen arm.
Notable Absences
1B Mark Teixeira– Arguably the most important player on the Yankees up until his injury. Had a very solid season at the plate and is one of the best defensive first basemen in the MLB. Will be a huge miss for the Yankees.
2B Stephen Drew– Has struggled with symptoms from a possible concussion and likely won’t be involved in the postseason. Had solid power numbers during the regular season but his average was way below par. Shouldn’t be too big of a miss for the Yankees.
