The Battle For Left Field

  After Cashman released a statement about how the "budget" wouldn't be able to re-sign Johnny Damon, us Yankees fans were puzzled... Who would go out in Left Field? Cashman has signed a few candidates, but... who will indeed go out in left field on opening day?

They have Marcus Thames.

They have Randy Winn.

They Have Brett Gardner.

Greg Golson may also try to compete for that spot.

   Overall, the Yankees will have to choose someone to be that starter, so.. how will they decide who to send out?

High Standards

   Most of the players that I listed had a lot of starts in '09, but the standards are set high for the Yankees and only one can be "the starter". With a lot of high pressure in NY, Girardi will have to see who does best under pressure, and who is an all around better player.

Marcus Thames (pictured)

  As the starting LF for the Tigers last year, Thames had good success. He had 65 hits, 13 home runs, and a .252 average. It seems like typical, average stats. I think Thames will have to really be working on his hitting if he wants to try to earn that spot. Expect Thames to be a PH for the Yankees in 2010.

Randy Winn

  In my opinion, Winn put up much better stats than Marcus Thames in '09. As an outfielder for the Giants, Randy had 141 hits, 2 home runs, and a .262 average. Winn isn't as much as a power hitter but he has a great glove and can get on base. I expect him to be the starter for the Yankees in 2010.

Brett Gardner

  Last year, Gardner and Cabrera split the starting spot in Center for the Yankees. Overall, Melky turned out to be better and got the starting spot. Gardner served as a PH and PR. I don't think he will get that starting spot based on his age and abilities. Last year he had 67 hits, 3 home runs, and a .270 average. Even though I think he will be a big contender for the spot in left, I think he will be a utility outfielder for the Yankees this year.