Predicting The 2011 Opening Day Roster, Take 2

By On March 27, 2011 · 10 Comments · In Roster Decisions

is expected to finalize the Opening Day roster tomorrow, so I thought today would be a good time to predict what his roster will look like. Of course, most of the roster has already been announced, so this should be a fairly simple exercise. Here is my first try at the roster, written 10 days ago. There is just one change, but injuries might alter the roster further.

Everyday Players

C
1B
2B
SS
3B
LF
CF
RF
DH

Bench

BUC
OF/PH
UIF Eduardo Nunez
IF

The only change can be seen on the bench, where Molina looks to be the favorite for a spot that was assumed to be Montero’s. I would like to see Jesus get the spot regardless of his struggles, but I can understand stashing him in the minors until his bat heats up. Another change might be seen in the outfield, where ‘s oblique injury might result in him hitting the DL and the newly acquired making the team as a reserve outfielder.

Rotation





Freddy Garcia

The rotation is made up of the same 5 guys most people initially predicted would make the team, but I actually was hoping that would get a chance to start the year in the rotation. If the choice was between Garcia and Colon for one roster spot, I can understand keeping the safer Garcia. But once both made the roster, I would have preferred that the Yankees ride the hot hand in Colon for as long as possible.

Bullpen







Colon made the club at the expense of , who was sent to Milwaukee in exchange for . Other than that, the bullpen looks like most people expected it to prior to camp, but a minor injury to Feliciano might open the door for someone like , , or Steve Garrison to make the club. I would bet on Sanchez being the choice, since he is out of options, but Chad Jennings thinks he may be traded and that Garrison might make the team.

Do you see the Yankees doing anything differently? What would your 25 man roster look like?

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10 Responses to Predicting The 2011 Opening Day Roster, Take 2

  1. TJ Saint says:
    March 27, 2011 at 1:00 pm

    CC Sabathia
    A.J. Burnett
    Phil Hughes
    Ivan Nova
    Freddy Garcia
    That’s my opening day rotation

    Reply
  2. UYF1950 says:
    March 27, 2011 at 2:53 pm

    What about Ayala replacing Feliciano?

    Reply
    • Moshe Mandel says:
      March 27, 2011 at 2:59 pm

      That’s interesting. They have given him plenty of chances and he’s looked good. I could see it.

      Reply
  3. LetMonteroPlay says:
    March 27, 2011 at 3:05 pm

    Jesus Montero should really be the backup. Cashman is making another dumb move, Molina isnt even on the 40 man roster, Montero can be tutored by Girardi, Posasa, Tony Pena, and even Martin, Give him a chance. He has a .250 batting average vs a .063 with Molina, give me a break.

    Reply
  4. TJ Saint says:
    March 27, 2011 at 8:30 pm

    As much as I love Montero, I have to dissagree. I would much rather have Montero in the minors developing his skills behind the dish, playing everyday, and getting him tons of at bats than having him play 3 days a week. The Yankees are doing a smart thing. They want to wait for Montero to get hot. Once Montero is hot down in the Minors, that may be a better time to call him up. Their is no point in giving him nothing but a lack of confidence at the Major league level to early.

    Reply
  5. Meow Meow says:
    March 27, 2011 at 8:47 pm

    That’s a darn good roster. I keep hearing that Garrison will fill in for Feliciano.
    I agree with the backup catcher situation. Bring Montero up later. He’s a kid. He’s got time.

    Reply
  6. TJ Saint says:
    March 27, 2011 at 8:57 pm

    I agree, he still needs time to polish his defense and get his bat hot before he makes it up to the big club. I just wish the Garcia was in the bull pen and Colon was in the rotation.

    Reply
  7. bornwithpinstripes says:
    March 27, 2011 at 10:15 pm

    colon won and should be the 5 spot, 93mph and has DR innings in his arm ,he is tuned up..i would go as far as he can take us..then garcia.//. montero as back up.. no way andrew,I was at the game today..boy is his bat slow..looked brutal..prior , how can joe leave him off..chaves still has a good stroke, quick inside..

    Reply
    • TJ Saint says:
      March 28, 2011 at 9:39 pm

      I agree, Colon still has stuff left in the tank. Once Colon is out of gas, bring in Garcia or Milwood. However, I prefer Jesus in the minors. He still needs work behind the dish.

      Reply
  8. alorlando says:
    March 28, 2011 at 1:21 pm

    Colon deserves to start over Garcia. Nova is the real deal, however, he seems like he starts to get hit after 5 or 6 innings. Prior to that, he is unhittable.
    Smart move on Montero playing everyday in the minors instead of seldom in the majors.

    Reply

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