Athletics | Brendan Kuty and Chris Kirschner: ($) A projection of the Yankees’ Opening Day roster now that spring training is underway. There aren’t many surprises, with Jasson Domínguez starting the year at Triple-A and Cade Winquest and Jake Bird rounding out the bullpen as perhaps the most notable ideas.
Kuty and Kirschner also provide updates on two potential X-factors for the Yankees. José Caballero is focusing his offseason work on increasing his bat speed, which was well below average last season. “If your bat speed increases, even if you miss a ball, you’ll hit it a little harder than before,” said the shortstop, who led the AL in steals for the second straight time last year. Luis Gil, who struggled to return to his Rookie of the Year form due to injuries last season, will likely get a chance in the rotation early on with Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón starting the season on the shelf. “He’s capable of big things,” manager Aaron Boone said of the 27-year-old, adding: “I’ve seen him dominate like aces dominate, so he’s capable of it, no doubt.”
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MLB.com | Bryan Hoch: After coming through the Yankees system with the label of “bat first” prospect, Austin Wells has become one of the best defensive catchers in the game. The main driver of this has been his framing of the pitch, with his MLB-leading 19 framing runs to the bottom of the zone over the past two seasons. “One thing that has helped him get separation is his ability to make quick adjustments,” Yankees catching coach Tanner Swanson said. “He is able to gather information even with minimal training.”
That propensity for continuous improvement hasn’t translated to his offense, which faltered at times last year after a strong rookie season. “I expect a lot more from him offensively, just like him,” Boone said of his backstop. “As a Major League catcher, especially as a rookie and a first- and second-year player, there’s a lot of things you focus on outside of your hitting. I always think there’s a lot more going on offensively.” Wells agrees. “It’s just about maintaining consistency,” he said. “This is the next level for me, and I think it will help me give up less at-bats.”
MLB.com | Bryan Hoch: As he gets a chance to face some high-level competition in spring training camp, the Yankees remain optimistic about George Lombard Jr. According to Brian Cashman, the organization’s consensus No. 1 prospect “could play defense in the big leagues right now, but he’s still developing on the hitting side.” The Yankees general manager also calls the shortstop an “exciting, high-end talent,” while Boone praised his “consistent good work habits.” For his part, Lombard embraces everything that comes with his place atop the Yankees farm system. “I feel like I’m lucky to be in this situation, where I have these expectations and these goals to achieve,” he said. “I really try to block that out. I recognize the situation I’m in and then I just focus on my work and let those things figure themselves out.”
