AN EARLY UPDATE

Early Spring Training stats are of limited value. The only pitchers throwing for real are the minor leaguers trying to make the club; the big leaguers are just stretching their arms out for two or three innings. Consequently, the hitting stats do not mean a lot.

Still, it is worth checking how the key players are doing. By “key players”, I don’t mean the regulars. Rather I mean the guys trying to win positions on the club, and the players who are returning from injuries.

So with the caveat that these stats are only minimally relevant, the key Yankees are doing as follows.

BRETT GARDNER

Gardner is making a major run at the starting CF position. So far he is batting .417 with a .462 OBP, two stolen bases, and, surprisingly, three home runs. Admittedly, he has put up these stats against minimal pitching. But if he keeps up this pace, he will be the starting CF.

CODY RANSOM

The 33 year old rookie was supposed to replace Wilson Betemit, but with the injuy at 3b, he may start. He is doing what he can to justify a chance. So far, he is batting .346 with a .370 OBP. He has yet to hit a home run, but it’s early. His progress may determine whether the Yankees make a trade for a 3b.

MELKY CABRERA

Melky is not going down without a fight. So far he has a .360 OBP. But he is only hitting .238 and has shown no power. Right now it’s advantage Gardner for the CF slot.

JORGE POSADA

Jorge can still hit. This Spring he is hitting .353 with a .421 OBP and a .647 slugging percentage. Whether he can catch remains the question. He is scheduled to start Sunday against the Twins. Your intrepid reporter will be there to see how he fares.

AUSTIN JACKSON

The superstar of the future has shown nothing. .250 BA, .294 OBP, .313 Slugging Percentage. Looks like a trip to Scranton for AJ.

HIDEKI MATSUI

Hidek has only batted seven times. He has two hits, including a triple, but the sample is not big enough to have any value. Only time will tell if Godzilla can still bring it.

We’ll keep our eye on these guys and others as Spring Training progresses. Please note that I got through this entire posting without once mentioning Arod. (Damn. Just mentioned him. Almost made it.)

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