Checking in on the race for the last roster spot

Before spring training started, I took a look at the possible competitors for the Yankees’ 25th roster spot, saying that the spot would likely go to a pitcher, and probably a lefty.  While Spring Training stats are not especially meaningful due to small sample sizes and the more casual nature of the competition, I thought it would be interesting to see how the main contenders are doing so far, and if any of the competitors look to have in inside track.

Cesar Cabral:  The Rule 5 draft selection from Boston has put together a solid spring thus far, giving up 2 runs on 5 hits in 8 1/3 spring innings, with 3 strikeouts against no walks.  This is not an especially dominating performance for the 23 year-old, but should be good enough to keep him in contention for a roster spot.  Even if he doesn’t make the team, Cabral may still be an option for the Yankees in the minors if they figure out a way to retain him.

:  Rapada has probably helped his cause the most this spring as he has been auditioning for a LOOGY role.  In 3 1/3 innings the side-arming Rapada has been downright dominant, giving up just 1 hit and 1 walk with 6 strikeouts.  Although Rapada has historically been awful against righties, he has held them in check so far this spring, while retiring all 5 lefties he has faced so far (4 via strikeout).  If Girardi is strongly interested in adding another lefty to the roster, Rapada’s performance will definitely make him take notice.

:  Even though a 5th outfielder is likely not as big of a priority as another reliever, having Dickerson on the roster could increase the flexibility of the Yankee bench (and prevent the horror of seeing in the outfield in an emergency situation).  Dickerson’s spring has been pretty quiet so far, going 3 for 12 with a double and a stolen base, and this performance is likely not impressive enough to convince the Yankee brass to add another outfielder.

:  Like Dickerson, Maxwell would be competing for an extra outfielder role spot on the roster.  He has hit well so far, going 4 for 13 with 2 doubles and a steal, and could definitely earn some consideration if another outfield option were to get injured at some point this spring (or early in the season).

:  Hall may get an extra look due to Eduardo Nunez‘s hand injury, but so far he hasn’t done much to stand out performance-wise.  Hall is just 2 for 12 so far this spring, though his ability to play a variety of infield positions will definitely be useful if Nunez isn’t ready to go on opening day.  Hall hasn’t done enough to merit addition to the roster unless the utility spot is available, in which case he would be a solid short-term fill-in until Nunez is healthy.

:  Pena has put together a solid spring so far with the stick, going 4 for 12 with a double.  Pena’s skill with the leather is well known, though his utilityman skill set is likely redundant with Nunez.  Consequently, he, like Hall, probably needs Nunez to be on the DL in order to make the roster on Opening Day.

:  The man most famous for his leaping catch to preserve ‘s perfect game bid would be a long-shot to make the roster, and is likely just a camp body.  That said, he has made the most of his opportunity so far, going 4 for 11 with a triple and a stolen base.

:  Has not played due to an oblique injury, but might be back soon.  He could be a good option if the Yankees want to add another reliever, but aren’t dead-set on adding a lefty.  Kontos’ injury likely put a damper on his chances of making the roster out of Spring Training, though he could put himself in position to be an early callup if he comes back pitching well.

Overall, not a whole lot has changed in the race for the 25th spot.  Rapada is looking like the frontrunner due to his skillset and performance so far, but the Yankees will be using much more than a few Spring Training games to make their evaluations.  In what has been a largely drama-free spring (aside from the hand-wringing about ‘s velocity), this is pretty much the only position battle remaining.