Tag: Aaron Hill

Year II Season Preview: New York Black Yankees

On March 20, 2024

Expectations

Same as it ever was: despite not making the playoffs last year, the Black Yankees will be expected to contend for the Whirled Championship. That’s what happens when you have Babe Ruth, and, if you had him, you wouldn’t want it any other way.

Best Case

Everything that was supposed to happen last year does: Ron Guidry establishes himself as an elite ace with Waite Hoyt and Jack Scott close behind; the bullpen’s revival, led by Aroldis Chapman, proves real; Lou Gehrig and/or Mike Schmidt move from good to excellent; and Ruth keeps doing Ruth things.

Worst Case

Not only does the pitching fail to come through, but Thurman Munson, Eric Davis, and Mickey Mantle all regress and nobody else truly steps up.

Key Questions

It’s all about the bullpen, according to the media.
There will be a lot of attention on last year’s ERA champion, Andy Pettitte–with some of that focused on what the loss of Albert Belle means for what was truly a fearsome bench last year.

Trade Bait

Sure. The most useful pieces would be OF Albert Belle, SS Derek Jeter, and 2B Tom Herr, any of whom could potentially move on.

You can’t accuse New York of not making moves: Belle is gone, along with some other good talent, in exchange for Andy Pettitte, further deepening what could be–could be–a great pitching staff.

Roster Evaluation

POS	Elite	Strong	Solid	Meh	Weak	Unknown
C		Munson	Sanguillén
1B		Gehrig Mattingly				Etten
2B				Herr
3B			Schmidt			López Maddox
SS					Jeter
LF/ RF	Ruth Mantle
CF		Davis
SP	Pettitte	Scott Guidry Hoyt	~~Ruffing~~
End	Chapman	Cormier	Gossage
RP				Lavelle	Lyle Righetti	Robertson

New Addition | ~~Injured~~

That sure looks like a contending team, especially when you see the potential for some of the players to take steps leftward.

Talent Ratings

	WBL	Minors
Raw Power	OF Babe Ruth	1B Fred Whitfield
Batting Eye	OF Babe Ruth	IF Jack Crooks
Contact	C Manny Sanguillén	OF Mickey Rivers
Running Speed	OF Eric Davis	IF Hal Chase
Base Stealing	OF Eric Davis	IF Hal Chase
IF Defense	3B Mike Schmidt	IF Aaron Hill
OF Defense	OF Babe Ruth	OF Bill Lange
Stuff	P Dave Righetti	P Dewey Adkins
Control	P Andy Pettitte	P Carlos Silva
Velocity	RP David Robertson	P AJ Burnett P Mike Fetters

Best In The Minors

Rank	Age	POS	Name
1 (26)	21	P	Noah Syndergaard
2 (37)	23	P	Jake Peavy
3 (66)	25	P	Whitey Ford
4 (98)	21	P	Carlos Rodón
5 (119)	21	P	Tony Brizzolara
6 (140)	22	OF	Clyde Milan
7 (168)	21	U	Elliott Maddox

Others: None.

This is an old system (there isn’t a single teenager in it), and one that is lacking in talent beyond the top 3. But those top 3 are pretty strong, so perhaps that won’t matter. Maddox breaks camp with the Black Yankees.

	Most	Least
Age	OF Ollie Pickering, 38	1B Anthony Volpe, 20
Height	P Jeff Nelson, 6’8″	C Eddie Fusselback, 5’6″
OPS	OF Babe Ruth, 1.091 (WBL)	OF Ron Pruitt, .487 (—)
HR	OF Babe Ruth, 48 (WBL)	OF Wally Rehg, 2 (—) IF Tom Herr, 2 (WBL) IF Jerry Freeman, 2 (AAA/AA) IF Harry Bauchman, 2 (AA)
SB	OF Eric Davis, 64 (WBL)	Many with 0
WAR	OF Babe Ruth, 8.1 (WBL)	IF Devon Travis, -3.4 (—)
W	AJ Burnett, 15 (WBL/AAA) Andy Pettitte, 15 (WBL)	Sean Newcomb, 1 (—)
SV	Aroldis Chapman, 32 (WBL)
ERA	Mike Fornieles, 2.72 (—)	Hooks Dauss, 6.70 (AAA/AA)
WAR	Ron Bryant, 4.9 (—)	Lady Baldwin, -0.5 (WBL/AAA)

Stats are across all levels. 200 PA / 75 IP min. Non WBL leagues indicated by —.

TWIWBL 56.2: Spring Training Notes – New York Black Yankees

By mknn

On February 19, 2024

In TWIWBL

Spring Training Questions

The pitching staff will be under great scrutiny, with 5th round pick Noah Syndergaard having an outside shot at the rotation.

Last season the Black Yankees were hampered by limited MI flexibility, which will be a concern they want to address.

First Cuts

Things on the mound went much as expected for New York, as Cal Eldred, Don Liddle, Paul Shuey, Frank Viola, Bill Monbouquette, and John Danks all moved on to the minor leagues. Dave Righetti remains in camp, but his control continues to be a concern. On the other side, Lefty Gomez, Noah Syndergaard, and Whitey Ford have all impressed out of the gate.

Darrin Fletcher and Benny Bengough were both reassigned, with the Black Yankees planning to take a look at Ron Pruitt behind the plate as a 4th option. Fred Whitfield and Nick Etten have impressed at 1B, with Ryan Garko being sent to the minors while at 3B Aaron Hill and Elliott Maddox have been stellar (and Héctor López quite good), while Josh Harrison and Red Rolfe were both moved to the minors.

The 2B/SS situation was quite convoluted but poor starts from Mark Grudzielanek, Jess Barbour, Charlie Irwin, and Alcides Escobar have helped clear some space as all four of those IFers were reassigned, with Willie Randolph barely hanging on to a spot in camp.

In the OF, despite there not being much room on the eventual roster, only Bill Lange was moved from the major league camp, although there are doubts as to how long Clyde Milan and Nick Swisher will stick around.

Second Cuts

Other than Jeff Nelson, the pitching has been excellent for the Black Yankees, with nobody else posting an ERA over 3.00. Nelson heads to the minors while New York tries to sort out the rest.

C Gary Alexander was recalled for some depth, and to see if his impressive power holds up against better pitching.

Nick Swisher, Willie Randolph, and Ron Pruitt were sent down as well.

Third Cuts

Lady Baldwin and Vic Raschi were sent down, clearing up the back end of the staff a bit. Whitey Ford and Sparky Lyle are next on the chopping block, depending on what they do over the next week or so.

Eric MacKenzie, Pee Wee Reese, Red Rolfe, and Roger Maris were all sent to AAA. MacKenzie’s demotion keeps Gary Alexander in camp for a while, as much for his defensive flexibility as anything else.

While the IF starters–Tom Herr, Derek Jeter, and Mike Schmidt–are pretty much set, it’s unclear how the reserves will sort out, with Aaron Hill, Héctor López, and Elliott Maddux all making cases for roster spots. Veteran Doug DeCinces looks like he may be done, but he’ll be given another week to turn it around.

Final Cuts

SS Alex Arias was the first to go, in a move that would seem to indicate that Aaron Hill will break camp as the backup infielder for the Black Yankees. That was followed by the demotion of P Dewey Adkins, always considered a long shot to make the opening day roster.

1B Fred Whitfield had a good Spring, but there’s just too much blocking him at 1B, moving him to AAA for the time being.

Gary Alexander was pulled into camp to take some of the load behind the plate. He showed some pop, but little else, and was moved back to AAA as was Hardy Richardson, who was outperformed throughout the Spring by several lesser regarded prospects.

Whitey Ford clearly has the arm to have a future in the WBL, but his time is yet to come as the young lefty will start the season at AAA. He’ll be joined by veteran AJ Burnett, who had a spectacular Spring but was edged out by rookie Noah Syndergaard for the last spot on New York’s staff.

Aaron Hill was sent to AAA, cementing roster spots for Héctor López and Elliott Maddox and, perhaps surprisingly, sending veteran 3B Doug DeCinces (who was adequate as Mike Schmidt‘s backup last season) down as well. Maddox and López were retained partially for their defensive flexibility, pushing both Clyde Milan and recent acquisition Mickey Rivers to the minors.

All of that meant that Spring surprise Nick Etten starts the season with the Black Yankees.

Oh yeah … Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig made the team …

TWIWBL 24.13: Mid-Season Reviews – New York Black Yankees

By mknn

On March 28, 2022

In Team News, TWIWBL

Summary

The Black Yankees are one of the dominant teams in the league, although some cracks have appeared, especially on the mound.

What’s Gone Right

Quite Offensive. The Black Yankees are top 3 in most offensive categories, and are 1st in most of those. They hit for power, they take walks, and the lineup is deep, deep, deep.

The MVP(s). Look, this Babe Ruth kid can hit, but the real MVP of the Black Yankees has been Thurman Munson, who heads into the break having reached base in over 30 straight games.

The 900 Club. Five hitters have an OPS over .890 (I rounded up). Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Munson, Albert Belle, and Eric Davis are a fearsome … dare I say it … Murderer’s Row.

What’s Gone Wrong

The Middle Infield. Derek Jeter is doing alright, but 2B has been a real struggle. Willie Randolph has been much better of late, and still has an OPS around .650, and the less said about Craig Counsell‘s performance, the better.

Back of the Bullpen. Ralph Citarella has been quite good, but both Sparky Lyle and Goose Gossage have struggled.

Guidry’s Fall. Ron Guidry looked like one of the best pitchers in the league for the first few months; while he still leads the WBL in strikeouts, his overall performance has suffered, with only a 5-6 record and an ERA over 4.00.

Key Storylines

The Black Yankees look likely to sit pat: they have the talent to compete just as they are, although pitching is always welcome.

There are some things to watch for in the second half, from whether Ruth’s slight slump is anything to worry about to whether they can continue to carry both 2B as a position and, to a lesser degree, Don Mattingly at 1B.

The most likely thing here is that some of these things break well and some don’t, and overall the team remains a powerhouse.

Trading Outlook

BUYING.

But it’s not clear what they need. Bullpen help for sure, and a solve to 2B could be useful as well.

AAA Shuttle

They haven’t used it a lot. Cole Hamels and Sam Thompson have been fine.

Midseason Changes

Cole Hamels joins the rotation.

Awards

All Stars: Eric Davis (CF); Lou Gehrig (1B); Derek Jeter (SS); Mickey Mantle (RF); Thurman Munson (C); Red Ruffing (P); Babe Ruth (LF).

Player of the Month: Babe Ruth (April)

Offensive MVP: Babe Ruth (OF)
Pitching MVP: Red Ruffing (SP)

Down on the Farm

AAA: Newark Eagles

Next to the Show: SP AJ Burnett & Jake Peavy, RP Bryan Hickerson, OF Joe Harris.

Prospects: SP Jake Peavy (23), C Smoky Burgess (22), 3B Chris Brown (22).

Projects: SP Whitey Ford (24), OF Sam Thompson (26), OF Nick Swisher (29), RP Bryan Hickerson (27), 1B Hal Chase (27), SP Jim Clinton (25).

Suspects: 1B Moose Skowron (29), OF Hank Bauer (31), IF Aaron Hill (23), OF Charlie Keller (33), RP Fritz Coumbe (24).

AA: Hudson Valley Renegades

Prospects: 2B Dick Bartell (20).

Projects: P Joba Chamberlain (25), P LaTroy Hawkins (22), P Art Ditmar (26), OF Roger Maris (26), OF Héctor López (25), Kevin Pillar (27).

Suspects: None, really.

TWIWBL 15.3: Series XII Notes – Effa Manley Division

By mknn

On August 25, 2021

In TWIWBL

#Cleveland Spiders

Ron Blomberg had 3 hits and 4 RBIs, leading the Spiders to an opening game victory over the New York Gothams, 9-4. Cleveland OF Johnny Bates had an odd day: 3 walks and 2 sacrifice bunts, meaning he walked up to the plate 5 times without an official at-bat. The win went to Cy Young, now 3-2, and Doug Corbett pitched 2 scoreless innings to close it out for his first save.

Nap Lajoie and Evan Longoria were both sent to AAA to try to get their swings on track. IF Bobby Knoop and OF Kenny Lofton were recalled to Cleveland. The challenge for the Spiders remains juggling playing time at DH/C/1B, with Blomberg, Louis Santop, John Ellis, and Jake Stahl among their better contributors.

#Homestead Grays

Earl Hamilton moved into the starting rotation, but the fifth slot remains up in the air, with Carlos Zambrano recovering a bit from his early season struggles and John Candelaria not showing enough to stake a solid claim. Cliff Lee was sent to AAA. With a slash line of 162/311/216, Peaches Graham should be joining him, but there aren’t a lot of options in the minors, and Graham’s ability to get on base has some value, especially given how limited his role is as Josh Gibson‘s backup.

#Indianapolis ABC’s

Lefty James will miss about 3 weeks with a sore elbow, which is a blow to the Indianapolis bullpen as the lefty was 3-1 with a 2.36 ERA. Octavio Dotel was promoted from AAA to take James’ place.

Clay Carroll has been struggling in his bullpen role, but not enough to warrant demotion, at least not until the ABC’s learn more about what they have in Dotel. 3B has been a problem spot for Indianapolis all season. Chase Headley‘s demotion to AAA hands the fulltime job to Ed Charles, but it’s not clear that’s a long-term solution. Barry Larkin was recalled to take Headley’s spot, but he’s more likely to pressure Davey Concepcion at SS than to challenge for the 3B job.

#New York Black Yankees

Jack Scott opened the series against Houston with a 6-hit shutout victory, 4-0. Mickey Mantle, Albert Belle, and Thurman Munson each had 2 hits, with Munson extending his hitting streak to 21 games.

In a game that saw Munson’s hitting streak end at 22 games, the Black Yankees clawed their way back to a walk-off win in 12 innings. Babe Ruth plated Derek Jeter with a hit through the drawn-in infield to give Goose Gossage his 3rd victory on the season. Gossage, Ralph Citarella, and Dellin Betances combined for 5 innings of 1-hit relief after a strong start from Waite Hoyt. Belle had 3 hits, Ruth and Jeter 2 each.

The recent dip in form by the Black Yankees has revived the question of what to do with Willie Randolph and Craig Counsell, neither of whom are hitting well enough to justify a big league roster spot. The challenge is that there really aren’t any options, especially with New York carrying 12 pitchers. Aaron Hill was promoted to AAA, and if he does well there, he may replace Counsell on the big league roster shortly.

#Philadelphia Stars

Led by Buck Freeman‘s 7th homerun of the year and Robin Roberts‘ best start, the Stars put together walk-off, 3-2 victory over Brooklyn. The win went to Bob McClure in relief of Roberts, and was sealed by an RBI single from Sherm Lollar, scoring Scott Rolen.

The top of Philadelphia’s lineup–Chase Utley and Gavvy Cravath–went 5-for-9 with 3 runs scored and 5 RBIs, leading the Stars over Brooklyn, 11-3. Utley, Sherry Magee, and Rico Carty all homered, and Ray Collins improved to 5-2 on the season with John Montgomery Ward throwing 3+ scoreless innings for his second save of the season.

Philadelphia is in a hard situation with Bill Dickey at C and Mickey Doolin at SS, both of whom are stretching credulity on how much defensive value a player can add. Both Dickey and Doolin carry OPS’ below .500, but for now both retain their jobs. The Stars would love recently recalled Jimmy Rollins to show more offensively to push Doolin, but so far, no luck.

TWIWBL 11.3: Notes from Series IX – Effa Manley Division

By mknn

On July 11, 2021

In TWIWBL

#Cleveland Spiders

Both Phenomenal Smith and Nap Lajoie were eligible to return from the DL for the Spiders. Smith will head to AAA for a rehab assignment, but Lajoie rejoins the big league club, with Kenny Lofton heading back to Buffalo. Lofton was never really given a shot, which is puzzling given that Larry Doby is still struggling to get his OPS to .600.

A single by Bill Dahlen in the bottom of the 14th gave the Spiders a come from behind win over Kansas City. The player of the game was probably Stan Coveleski, who allowed 1 run in over 4 innings of relief, but he wasn’t involved in the decision with the win going to Chuck Porter, who improved his record to 3-2. Dahlen finished the game 3-for-6 with 2 RBIs, and Louis Santop had 3 hits as well.

Pinch-hitting in the bottom of the 9th, Ron Blomberg hit his 8th homerun of the year to give the Spiders a 4-3 victory in the 3rd game of the series with the Monarchs. Bob Feller earned the win with 4 innings of hitless relief, following a largely ineffective Cy Young, and Terry Adams picked up his 9th save.

The Spiders needed a starter, and sent the highly ineffective Chad Qualls to AAA in favor of Hardie Henderson.

On the one hand, once-time wunderkind Rowland Office, Sammy Strang, and Doby are all struggling, with OPS around .600; on the other, the Spiders are surging. So, for now, all 3 stay in the WBL, but the clock is ticking.

#Homestead Grays

Needing a starter, the Grays send Bartolo Colon back down to AAA after just 4 innings of work, bringing up 21 year-old John Candelaria to make the start in their final game against Indianapolis.

Candelaria was mediocre, allowing 10 baserunners over 7 innings, but only 4 runs. A long homerun by Pops Stargell, 3 hits from Davey Johnson, and 4 RBI’s from Roberto Clemente helped drive the Grays to an 11-4 victory.

Stan Bahnsen has allowed 4 hits and no runs in 8 innings, enough for him to slide into the rotation. Jeff Kent was sent to AAA with Phil Garner getting the call to the big leagues (Bill Mazeroski is hitting a little better than Garner, but Garner’s defensive versatility was probably the deciding factor).

#Indianapolis ABC’s

Jake Stenzel hit a grand slam, more than enough to support a fantastic outing by Red Faber against Homestead. Faber allowed 4 hits in the complete game effort as the ABC’s won easily, 9-1.

Looking for a way to get Edd Roush more playing time, the ABC’s have inserted him into a platoon with Dave Henderson in CF. Perhaps more importantly, Joe Morgan was finally cleared to return from the DL, waiving Lonny Frey.

#New York Black Yankees

The Eric Davis RBI engine just keeps on going–given a start against the Gothams, Davis went 3-for-4 with a double and a homerun and 4 RBIs in a 5-3 victory for the Black Yankees. The win went to AJ Burnett and the save to Sparky Lyle, his 4th.

Despite the win, Burnett was sent to AAA to straighten himself out, with Cole Hamels being recalled into New York’s bullpen. The Black Yankees would gladly move Craig Counsell (178/260/289), but their only real option is Aaron Hill, who isn’t hitting that well all the way down at AA, so for the time being, they’ll accept Counsell’s lack of offense in exchange for his defensive versatility.

#Philadelphia Stars

Ray Collins gave up 6 hits–3 to Alexei Ramirez–in a complete game shutout of Miami, improving his record to 4-0 and lowering his ERA to 2.57. Collins was helped by homeruns from Jose Ramirez–the first of his WBL career–and Sherm Lollar.

Trailing 9-5 after 5 innings, the Stars scored the next 5 runs in a 10-9 victory. Mickey Doolin and Buck Freeman had 3 RBIs each, and Scott Rolen had 4 hits. Each of the three of them hit homeruns, with the victory going to Rheal Cormier (3-0) and Bob Howry earning his 10th save.

Jack Easton was sent to the IL with a burnt hand, having not really done enough to guarantee a return to Philadelphia when he becomes eligible. Larry Jackson was recalled to take his place.

Another ineffective outing by Pedro Feliciano has ended his time in the WBL for now, with the reliever unable to get his ERA into single digits. Don Carman was promoted to take his spot in the bullpen, and Feliciano was eventually waived to clear room on the 40-man roster for other transactions.

Jackson was quickly returned to AAA, with Bob McClure moving to Philadelphia and 37-year old Ken Forsch being released. The Stars have declined to indicate whether Jaret Wright or JM Ward will take the final rotation spot.

Gene DeMontreville has some value with his glove, but hitting 156/156/178 is rough, and his defense means less on a team with Doolin already at SS. DeMontreville was sent to AAA, with 22-year old Jimmy Rollins recalled from AA to backup Doolin.

Getting to 30: Effa Manley Division

By mknn

On August 7, 2020

In 2000 Spring Training, Team News

#Cleveland Spiders

The pitching staff seems set with Hank Gastright and Firpo Marberry heading back to the minors. The only real question is the long reliever roles, where 1 or 2 of Hardie Henderson, Sudden Sam McDowell, and Stan Coveleski will make the roster. They’ve all struggled a bit, especially with their control.

Surprisingly, Jim Thome ends up losing the battle at 1B. But 5 players remain on the roster who can play 1B, and all of them were significantly better than Thome during the Spring.

SS is just a desolation for the Spiders: neither Bill Dahlen, Joe Sewell, or Tom Veryzer have hit over .133 or posted an OPS over .360 over the Spring games. Bill Knickerbocker has shown some spark, but it’s only been 10 ABs. Sewell and Veryzer are sent down for now, but a better performance has to come out eventually.

#Homestead Grays

Ray Brown and John Candelaria stay in camp as long relievers, which means Bartolo Colon and Babe Adams are off to the minors.

Josh Lindblom is holding on to the closer role, but Kent Tekulve and Michael Jackson are clearly poised to help out if he falters.

Khalil Greene impressed enough in his stint to beat out Jay Bell for the backup SS role behind Arky Vaughan. The final cut was rough, first of all because Paul Waner‘s short-term injury complicates the situation. Beyond that, Honus Wagner has struggled, but has shown some power, making Phil Garner the final cut for now.

#Indianapolis ABC’s

The ABC’s are one of the few teams to have an embarrassment of riches of starting pitching. It’s great for them, but makes the roster cuts rough. Rob Dibble and Lefty James in the bullpen are locks, as are Red Faber, Dolf Luque, and Johnny Cueto in the rotation. Paul Derringer joins as the 4th starter.

The 5th slot is between Virgil Trucks, David Price, and Bronson Arroyo. But Willie Mitchell and Dixie Leverett would have earned starting positions on other teams: look for their return or for them to be trade bait.

The rest of the cuts were pretty pedestrian, if a little surprising: Barry Larkin was eliminated from the crush of options at SS, Charlie Hemphill just couldn’t do enough in the OF.

#New York Black Yankees

Like Indianapolis, too much starting pitching is a blessing in disguise. Ron Guidry is a lock, along with Red Ruffing and Dave Righetti. Beyond that, 5 pitchers are competing for 4 spots: 2 in the rotation, 2 in the pen. AJ Burnett, Lady Baldwin, Waite Hoyt, and Whitey Ford all deserve another start, while Jack Scott should get some more bullpen innings before the final decision.

It’s complicated by Sparky Lyle and Goose Gossage both being sidelined with injury.

Luckily 4 of the 6 remaining cuts are clear, as Joe Harris, Chris Brown, Hardy Richardson, and Aaron Hill head to AAA. Sam Thompson will join them, but the final cut is difficult, especially as both Red Rolfe and Moose Skowron have torn the cover off the ball in limited action. Skowron has the biggest challenge to make the team, as 1B is well blocked, so he also returns to the minors.

#Philadelphia Stars

There are 2 pending questions on the pitching staff: first, while Monte Ward, Jack Katoll, and Pete Alexander are all on the roster, it’s not clear who starts the season as the 5th starter. Second, Brad Kilby, Rheal Cormier, and Pedro Feliciano are 3 hurlers trying to fill 2 spots.

Mickey Doolin can’t return from injury soon enough; in the meantime, Larry Bowa will start at SS, backed up by Roger Peckingpaugh, with Pat Meares heading to the minors.

Sending both Bobby Abreu and Dusty Baker to AAA clears up a crowded OF, and Cecil Cooper will join them after failing to displace Ted Kluszewski at 1B.

Spring Training Preview: New York Black Yankees

By mknn

On June 20, 2020

In Team News

Most of the questions are in the rotation. Ron Guidry is a lock, and the scouting department are insisting Jim Clinton has a slot as well. But the other 3 slots have 8 contenders in Waite Hoyt, Dave Righetti, Red Ruffing, Jack Scott, Lady Baldwin, Jake Peavy, AJ Burnett, and Whitey Ford. 3 of those make the rotation, 3 make the bullpen, and 2 head back to the minors.
- Guidry has been great. Clinton has pitched his way out of consideration, as have Peavy and Burnett. The rest remains up for grabs, with Ford and Baldwin the most impressive so far.
  - The rotation is pretty open, but in a way that is good for the Black Yankees. Clinton remains the worst of the group, and heads to AAA. Aside from him, though, they’ve all been decent. If the season started tomorrow, it would be Guidry, Baldwin, Hoyt, Ford, and Righetti. But it all could change based on performances for the rest of the Spring.
- Sparky Lyle, Ralph Citarella, and Dellin Betances have yet to give up a run on the bullpen, and Fritz Coumbe has been pretty stout as well.
  - Lyle has been hurt, but he was amazing before that. Citarella and Goose Gossage look like the setup crew, with Coumbe and Betances in the mix as well.
Thurman Munson is the starting C, but Smoky Burgess and Manny Sanguillen are fighting to be his backup.
- Sanguillen has a clear edge at this point.
Both Lou Gehrig and Don Mattingly should make the roster, although it’s not clear which will see more playing time.
- Mattingly has the clear edge here as Gehrig has struggled to find a groove offensively. Moose Skowron has been recalled for the rest of Spring training.
Both Willie Randolph (2B) and Doug DeCinces (3B) have outside shots to unseat the incumbents (Hardy Richardson and Chris Brown).
- Richardson has had a very rough time of it, likely losing out to Randolph if the season started now while neither DeCinces nor Brown are doing anything notable.
  - Richardson doesn’t make the roster as of right now, with Craig Counsell or Aaron Hill backing up Randolph at 2B. That sounds fine until you realize Counsell and Hill are also the best performers at 3B so far. That has led to Red Rolfe being recalled from AAA.
It would take great Springs from Albert Belle, Charlie Keller, or Joe Harris to force their way into the OF picture.
- Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, and Aaron Judge are playing at an incredibly high level. Eric Davis‘ speed and defense probably earn him a roster spot, and nothing else is clear.
  - Even with Harris, Charlie Keller, and Sam Thompson not making the roster, the truth here is this is probably the best OF in the league.

	Near Definite	Likely	Possible	Long Shot
Starting Pitchers	Ron Guidry	Lady Baldwin Whitey Ford	Waite Hoyt Dave Righetti Red Ruffing Jack Scott Jake Peavy AJ Burnett
Middle Relievers			Fritz Coombe Dellin Betances Bryan Hickerson David Robertson
Setup		Ralph Citarella Goose Gossage
Closer	Sparky Lyle
C	Thurman Munson	Manny Sanguillen	Smoky Burgess
1B		Don Mattingly	Lou Gehrig	Moose Skowron
2B		Willie Randolph	Hardy Richardson
3B			Chris Brown Doug DeCinces	Red Rolfe
SS		Derek Jeter	Aaron Hill	Craig Counsell
OF	Babe Ruth Aaron Judge Mickey Mantle	Eric Davis Albert Belle		Charlie Keller Sam Thompson Joe Harris