tonytalkssports My Take on Sports, particularly the Yankees, Maple Leafs and Browns

Now What Mr. Cashman??

Yesterday afternoon, the big experiment of moving Curtis Granderson to left field and Brett Gardner to center field came to a screeching halt as Granderson will be out for ten weeks as a result of a broken right forearm. Granderson was hit by J.A. Happ in his first at bat in a game against the Blue Jays at George Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida. Upon seeing Granderson get hit, you knew it might not be good. I thought it was his wrist but when I heard it was the forearm I thought maybe there was a chance it wouldn't be that bad. So much for wishful thinking as it was later announced that the Yankee outfielder would be out for ten weeks due to a broken forearm.

The injury leaves the Yankees with a whole in their lineup as Granderson was hitting fifth behind Mark Teixiera. The injury also means that the Yankees lose another legitimate power hitter. So now what?? How is the void going to be filled for the 30-some games that Granderson will miss? Yankee General Manager Brian Cashman indicated that for the time being the answer will be found internally. That would mean that it must come from Matt Diaz, Juan Rivera or one of the youngsters in training camp. Among that group, I say go with one of the kids.

Since we are only talking about 30-35 games, why not try one of the kids in left field. The group to choose from could be Zolio Almonte, Melky Mesa or Ronnier Mustelier. Almonte probably has the most upside of the three yet he is also the least experienced. Mesa is a solid outfielder but probably the weakest hitter of the three and Mustelier falls somewhere in between as the Yankees haven't really figured out where this kid should play. With the Yankees committed to getting their payroll down to $189 million in 2014, they are going to need to have young talent make the big club.

Granderson is a free agent next year and there is plenty of speculation that the Yankees will not be able to re-sign him as they will be focused on re-signing Robinson Cano. Granderson's injury allows the Yankees to see what they have and how life will be without the classy outfielder. While Cashman says the answer to the problem is internal, that doesn't mean that bringing in a veteran from elsewhere isn't a possibility. Of the names mentioned, the only one that makes sense to me is Alfonso Soriano.

Soriano is a right-handed hitting outfielder who has power and would also be your right-handed hitting designated hitter. The former Yankee would be a good addition and the Cubs would be willing to eat a significant portion of his contract. I am not crazy about getting Vernon Wells, as his production has been on the decline for the last two years. If your going to bring Johnny Damon back you might as well bring in Bernie Williams.

For me, I'd like to see them go with one of the kids. While Slade Heathcott, Tyler Austin or Mason Williams are the top outfield prospects in the Yankee system, if the decision is made to leave these kids in the minors then I say let either Almonte, Mesa or Mustelier play left field. Do you remember the energy that Melky Cabrera brought to the team when the Yanks gave him a shot in center field?? It would be exciting to see a young kid in the lineup as opposed to Matt Diaz or Juan Rivera. If the Yanks aren't comfortable with that, then they need to get Soriano. Hmmmm...would things be so bleak if the Yanks still had Raul Ibanez and Andruw Jones?? Maybe someone should ask Mr. Cashman that question.