Article by: Christine O'Connor
Twitter: @christineeeeO
Image Credit: Fansided.com
The New York Yankees have been less than exciting this offseason, but there has been some action in the Bronx. They haven't made the playoffs in two years and, if they are going to return to the postseason, it very well could be with their new additions from this winter.
Let’s take a look at what the Yankees have done so far this offseason:
Jeff Pentland, Hitting Coach
After letting go of Kevin Long, the Yankees found a new hitting coach. Pentland has been a hitting coach for five major league clubs, most recently with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2011. He seems to be enthusiastic, but he certainly has his work cut out for him.
Didi Gregorius, SS
Everyone raves about his defense. Listening to scouts, it is apparent Gregorius is going to be great at shortstop. Gregorius is still developing at the plate, which is something fans are unaccustomed to witnessing at short in the Bronx, but scouts seem to have a lot of faith in him. Yankee Fans need to get used to having someone new at shortstop.
Nathan Eovaldi, RHP
Scouts seem to love Eovaldi's young arm, which allows him to bring the ball to the high 90s. But unfortunately this 24-year-old doesn’t seem to have much more than a fastball. Scouts seem to be optimistic. Hopefully this youngster will improve with some work with the Yankees pitching coach Larry Rothschild.
Andrew Miller, LHP
Miller has a four-year, $36 million contract to live up to. If he continues to perform like he did last season (2.02 ERA), Miller could combine with Betances to be the Yankees' greatest weapons in more ways than one have one of the best back of the bullpen in the league.
Justin Wilson, LHP
The former Pirates 2009 All Star might be the set-up man the Yankees need.
Chase Headley, 3B
Chase Headley was one of the few positive aspects during the Yankees 2014 season. Flashing a great glove and showing some power at the plate, the Yankees saw something that they couldn’t afford to lose. They signed him to a four-year, $52 million contract. While he hasn’t always been on winning teams, he has a winner’s attitude.
Stephen Drew, SS
Struggling at the plate during the 2014 season, Stephen Drew is nothing more than an insurance policy for Rob Refsnyder and Jose Pirela at second base and Didi Gregorious at shortstop.
Garrett Jones, 1B
Jones seems to be a solid back-up option for the frequently injured Mark Teixeira at first base and the aging Carlos Beltran in right field. This lefty might have some pull power that could play well at Yankee Stadium.
Chris Young
Chris Young made the switch from the Queens to the Bronx after the Mets let him go in August. The Yankees then signed him to a $2.5 million one year deal with incentives. He will act mostly as a back-up for an injury-prone outfield.
With the team looking a little younger, it seems to be a step in the right direction. No one knows what will happen in 2015, with many new faces and an aging, newly active Alex Rodriguez showing up in Tampa next month, but we can only remain optimistic.
Are the Bombers rebuilding or retooling? Call it what you will ... but will it work?
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