As we approach our “Pitchers and Catchers” show this Sunday, I would like to set the stage for how both New York teams fair in the bullpen, starting rotation, bench, and starting nine. I will give my thoughts throughout the weekend leading up to the show at 7pm.

It’s no secret that a solid bench is key to surviving the 162 game grind. This is especially important in the post-amphetamines world we live in. In recent years the Yankees been unable to find the kind of bench productivity that was so key to their four titles under Joe Torre. A combination of bad luck, dearth of positional talent on the farm, and former starters ill suited for a bench role have been key reasons for the troubles the last few years.

Last year, when key starters went down, you had Chad Moeller, Morgan Ensberg, Alberto Gonzalez, and Justin Christian playing key positions. The age of the current starting lineup (approximately 32) makes it even more important this year. Are the Yankees any better in this department? I think the answer is yes, but the lack of organizational position depth poises problems if injuries strike.

The first position of major concern is catcher. Jorge Posada is coming off of surgery and its unknown if he will be able to handle defensive duties starting on opening day. Jose Molina is a nice defensive catcher, but his .216 average doesn’t help in the lineup. Fortunately, the Yankees have Francisco Cervelli healthy and possibly ready to step in.

Cody Ransom takes over for the departed Wilson Betemit. A career minor leaguer, he hit over .300 with four homers, in limited duty, in 2008. He can play third, short, second, first, and a corner outfield position. That kind of versatility has been lacking the last few years. Plus he could provide much needed pop as a pinch hitter. Juan Miranda, who could have won the first base job before the Teixeira signing, is a great lefty bat. If there is an injury to Matsui (likely) he could also step in as the full time DH. Don’t be surprised if Miranda is given the “back up quarterback” syndrome with Yankees fans if he performs well.

Centerfield is the big positional battle this spring. If the Yankees go with only 11 pitchers, than both Brett Gardner and Melky Cabrera, will make the team. Since neither are “traditional Yankee centerfielders” you wonder how long they will last before Brian Cashman looks for a deal. Since Cabrera has never had any period of bench play in his career you have to think he wouldn’t be the most ideal candidate coming off the bench. Gardner served in a bench role last season and would be more apt, in my opinion, to be successful in that position again. It’s not crazy to think that the Yankees will look to see who is worth keeping as a bench player, trade the other, and acquire a centerfielder midseason.

The best part about this seasons Yankee bench is the Xavier Nady/Nick Swisher factor. Assuming that Matsui is healthy and can DH, Damon plays every day in left field, and Posada behind the plate you will have either Nady or Swisher looming on the bench. It will be tempting for Brian Cashman to trade either player, but the Yankees had major problems in the outfield when Matsui went down.

You have to think that the Yanks have major confidence in their current group of bench players. None of the non roster invitees (Todd Linden, Shelley Duncan, and John Rodriguez) seem to fit very well on the current roster. More likely, they will depth at Scranton.

The combination of Miranda, Swisher/Nady, and Cody Ransom, and the depth at catcher with Cervelli makes the Yankees bench pretty decent. The main concern is that, outside of Swisher/Nady, you wouldn’t feel comfortable with anyone playing for long stretches. The lack of positional depth on the farm is still an issue that the Yankees must continue to address. Of course, this is less of a concern with the Yankees since they have never been shy acquiring that depth mid-season. End result: Yankees have a good bench, but not nearly enough organizational depth to overcome extended injuries to any of their key offensive players.

Tags: Bench, New York Yankees