5 Position Battles To Watch For New York Yankees In 2016 Spring Training

By Andrew Frosceno

The New York Yankees get their spring training games underway on Tuesday, and although the roster may be considered pretty set, there are still some jobs to be won. These five positions may not seem important, but the depth they provide could mean the difference between a playoff berth and sitting home in October.

5 Position Battles To Watch For New York Yankees In 2016 Spring Training
← Tip: Use keyboard arrows to navigate →

5. Backup Catcher

Backup Catcher Credit: Getty Images
Gary Sanchez, the Yankees' top catching prospect, brings the most upside and power, but they may opt to give him even more seasoning in Triple-A. If he goes to the minors, Austin Romine or Carlos Corporan will be the backup.

5. Backup Catcher

Gary Sanchez, the Yankees' top catching prospect, brings the most upside and power, but they may opt to give him even more seasoning in Triple-A. If he goes to the minors, Austin Romine or Carlos Corporan will be the backup.

4. Utility Infielder

Utility Infielder Credit: Getty Images
Ronald Torreyes got some time with the Dodgers last season and is the favorite thanks to being on the 40-man roster. Pete Kozma has the most experience, however, from his time with the St. Louis Cardinals which could help him win the gig.

4. Utility Infielder

Ronald Torreyes got some time with the Dodgers last season and is the favorite thanks to being on the 40-man roster. Pete Kozma has the most experience, however, from his time with the St. Louis Cardinals which could help him win the gig.

3. Swing Pitcher

Swing Pitcher Credit: Getty Images
The "Adam Warren role" has become valuable with the ability to pitch short or long. Bryan Mitchell showed some positive signs in 2015 and could give length. Ivan Nova is also a possibility if he isn't the fifth starter or even Diego Moreno.

3. Swing Pitcher

The "Adam Warren role" has become valuable with the ability to pitch short or long. Bryan Mitchell showed some positive signs in 2015 and could give length. Ivan Nova is also a possibility if he isn't the fifth starter or even Diego Moreno.

2. Fifth Starter

Fifth Starter Credit: Getty Images
CC Sabathia is the favorite thanks to his contract. Ivan Nova translates better in the 'pen as a righty and would be the long reliever or even the swing man. Sabathia still must perform in spring to earn the spot or Nova could grab it.

2. Fifth Starter

CC Sabathia is the favorite thanks to his contract. Ivan Nova translates better in the 'pen as a righty and would be the long reliever or even the swing man. Sabathia still must perform in spring to earn the spot or Nova could grab it.

1. Middle Relievers

Middle Relievers Credit: Getty Images
There are three or four 'pen spots open in front of the three-headed-monster. Depth is needed ahead of them, and Branden Pinder, Nick Rumbelow and Chasen Shreve are on top. Jacob Lindgren, Nick Goody and Vinnie Pestano could also sneak in.

1. Middle Relievers

There are three or four 'pen spots open in front of the three-headed-monster. Depth is needed ahead of them, and Branden Pinder, Nick Rumbelow and Chasen Shreve are on top. Jacob Lindgren, Nick Goody and Vinnie Pestano could also sneak in.

Share On FacebookShare StumbleUpon

You May Also Like