It may not be the start of the 2018 season just yet, but the much-anticipated return of New York Yankees baseball is finally here coupled with monster Giancarlo Stanton.
Ever since the night that the New York Yankees fell 4-3 to the Houston Astros in Game 7 of the ALCS, fans have had to fill their lives and minds with something other than their Bronx Bombers for the last 125 days.
But that cold, arduous wait is finally over. For all baseball fans, Jayson Stark of The Athletic summed it up perfectly.
If you're a baseball fan, welcome to one of the great days of the year.
There will be baseball games. There will be box scores.
Next time we won't be able to say that: The all-star break.
Almost 5 months from now.
Let's get this started!
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) February 22, 2018
Today at 1:05 PM on MLB.tv, the Yankees kick off their 2018 Spring Training season against the Detroit Tigers at George M. Steinbrenner Field.
As noted earlier this week, right-handed youngster Luis Cessa gets the ball for the Yankees in his first chance to prove to manager Aaron Boone that he is worthy of a roster spot. Countering the young righty is a young lefty that is also trying to make the big club in Detroit, Ryan Carpenter. With it being Spring Training, neither starter will be long for the game as both clubs have a number of hurlers that need to be evaluated and get their own work in as well.
While it is set that we are guaranteed to see both starting pitchers this afternoon, Yankee fans are going to have to wait to see sluggers Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge occupy spots on the same lineup card.
#Yankees Skipper Aaron Boone said Aaron Judge, Gary Sanchez and Brett Gardner won’t play in the team’s Spring Training opener on Friday. Luis Cessa will start the game on the mound.
— NYY Sports Talk (@NYYSportsTalk) February 21, 2018
With all the different guys like Danny Espinosa, Jace Peterson and newly-acquired Brandon Drury set to battle it out for jobs with the New York, expect to see these types of lineup combinations on a regular basis until we get to the start of the regular season.
Despite the fact that today’s contest is against the Detroit Tigers, last year’s Motown Malay has nothing to do with the benching of Gary Sanchez, according to Yankees beat writer Bryan Hoch.
The incident with the Tigers last August was not a consideration in having Gary Sanchez sit out tomorrow, Aaron Boone said.
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) February 22, 2018
Regardless, there is a buzz throughout Yankees camp that we haven’t seen since the late 90’s and the first taste of 2018 Yankees baseball is mere hours away.
Drury Deliberations:
With newcomer Brandon Drury now officially in pinstripes, the 6-foot-2 infielder had a lot to take in during his first full pinstripe practice on Wednesday. Drury had this to offer when asked about the dynamic duo of Stanton and Judge in the same lineup, via Bryan Hoch.
"When you're playing defense, that ball comes at you quick. It's not fun playing defense with Stanton, and I know Judge is the same way. Those two guys going back-to-back in the order, that's a joke." – Brandon Drury
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) February 22, 2018
Drury was highly recommended by the Yankees new third base coach Phil Nevin, who spent time managing the 26-year old for the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Triple-A affiliate Reno Aces.
Nevin said Drury’s best position is third base; Cashman confirmed the initial plan is to play him at 3B.
Drury only played 1 game at 3B in 2017; 114 at 2B. MLB career played 136 at 2B, 41 at 3B and 89 in OF. https://t.co/B3uQmM5cKf
— ⚾️ (@YankeesMLBNews) February 22, 2018
While the utility man sported the No. 27 for the D’backs in the desert, that jersey number already happens to be occupied by some dude named Giancarlo Stanton. So, Drury will have to be content with the beloved Todd Frazier‘s number from last year, No. 29. And even though it was only for a few months, Frazier left some rather large shoes to fill.
Good luck with that, Brandon.
DangeRuss Words:
With the New York Yankees recent acquisition of Russell Wilson from the Texas Rangers, many wondered what the Super Bowl Champion would have to offer the Baby Bombers if/when he came to camp. While the message to his teammates is still a story to be told; his arrival date is set, and done with swag only an NFL Champion could deliver.
#73 headed your way Monday! @Yankees Spring Training @TheJudge44 @GianCarlo818 pic.twitter.com/UTsF4o6bKH
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) February 22, 2018
The best part of the video is easily the targeting of Stanton and Judge for a “home run derby.” Wilson did go deep while in practice for the Texas Rangers at their spring training facility a season ago, but I guarantee it was not in front of the circus-like atmosphere that is already formulating in Tampa as we speak.
All joking aside, Yankee players and fans alike are definitely excited and interested in what kind of knowledge can be offered by someone with such a winning mentality as Wilson. And like he said to close out his video:
“Let’s go win a World Series. Why not?”
That’s all for now from the Boogie Down, but be sure to stay locked in right here at Elite Sports NY for all of your Yankees need-to-know-now news.
