Last night I was told by an MLB executive that the Yankees plan to switch Derek Jeter to Left Field this season, citing his declining range in the field. This would allow the Yankees to start Ramiro Pena–a glove they really like–at Shortstop and shore up their infield defense. One long-time scout said that he believes even though Pena’s bat hasn’t come around that he could turn into the next great Yankee if the team gives him some time to adjust to Major League pitching.
Expect the Yankees to be big players in the free agent market this year. Although Brian Cashman has been quoted as saying that Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes are ready to go without any significant innings limits, the team is probably wary of going with two young pitchers in the rotation again after 2008. A source inside the club expects Joba Chamberlain to start at AAA and said that the team has been looking into John Lackey to slot into the three spot whether or not Andy Pettitte returns for another season.
Windy with a chance of dingers.