Opening Day is looming over the horizon as players from all 30 Major League Baseall teams are reporting to camp for spring training. As players arrive, managers must begin figuring out how they will get new players to mix in with the old. But even this close to the official start of the season, some teams are still making news with free-agent signings, roster changes and clubhouse drama; and the New York Yankees and New York Mets are no exception.
The Yankees have reported that they will feature 12 pitchers on their 25-man roster. The roster will include Melky Cabrera as the fourth outfielder and either Andy Phillips or Josh Phelps to platoon first base with recently signed Doug Mientkiewicz. Unfortunately, the roster will not feature fan-favorite Bernie Williams, who rejected an offer to attend spring training as a non-roster player. GM Brian Cashman declined to offer Williams a roster spot because Williams did not fit into the roster plans for next year. Though many Yankee players have expressed their desire to see Williams back, Williams remains an unrestricted free agent.
After recently reporting to spring training, oft-injured Carl Pavano has once again been sidelined with a bone bruise in his left foot. With the signing of Kei Igawa and the return of Andy Pettitte to the Bronx, Pavano was projected as a fifth starter, but injuries have returned to haunt him once again. The Yankees resigned lefty Ron Villone to one-year minor league contract. Villone will battle Sean Henn for the second lefty reliever spot alongside Mike Myers. Lastly, the Yankees have invited many of their top prospects to spring training, including highly-touted pitcher Philip Hughes. Though it is highly unlikely Hughes will earn a spot on the major league roster, the Yankees will start Hughes at AAA for a possible promotion later in the season.
By most accounts, the Mets had a quiet off-season. Their only major signing brought Moises Alou to the team as a replacement for Cliff Floyd in left field. However, the Mets go into spring training with only two definite starters in the rotation: Tom Glavine and Orlando Hernandez. With Pedro Martinez sidelined for the first half of the season, the Mets have three rotation spots to fill. John Maine and long-reliever Oliver Perez will be battling veterans Chan Ho Park and Aaron Sele, pick-ups Jorge Sosa and Claudio Vargas, and young guns Mike Pelfrey and Philip Humber for those final three spots.
As the Yankees and Mets continue to strengthen their rosters, their division rivals look to do the same. After a disappointing third-place finish in the AL East last year, the Boston Red Sox used their monetary resources to finish off an impressive off-season by signing shortstop Julio Logo, right fielder J.D. Drew, and converted reliever Joel Pineiro. Also finishing in third-place in the NL East last year, the Atlanta Braves retooled their weak bullpen by signing Bob Wickman and trading for both Rafael Soriano and Mike Gonzalez.
The Red Sox and Braves are poised to give their division rivals a run for their money. Though the Yankees and Mets have questions left to be addressed this spring training, both teams should have what it takes to ward off their divisional foes. The foundation of a great season all starts at spring training. Will either the Yankees or Mets have that foundation? Tune in and find out.
Be the first to comment on this article!