At Yankees training camp, there are two positions available. Shortstop and left field. While young Anthony Volpe’s performances at shortstop are generating a lot of attention, those of the left fielder candidates are also impressive.
Aaron Hicks, who has played with the handles of his grave more often than not in 2022, looks revived. He is the one with the most to lose in this battle. So far, he’s doing well. Yesterday afternoon, he hit a long homer in his team’s loss to the Rays.
However, virtually every other protagonist also hit the long ball in this encounter. Hicks’ biggest rival for the job, Oswaldo Cabrera, homered for three in the third inning. Willie Calhoun and Rafael Ortega, two players invited to the camp, also had four-goal shots.
While power is always an asset, Aaron Boone isn’t necessarily looking for that to fill the role. He wants an outfielder who produces offensively and above all who is solid defensively. That hasn’t been Hicks’ cup of tea in the past.
In the next few days, Boone intends to send Aaron Judge down the left to use Giancarlo Stanton in right field. This option, although temporary, could do the trick if ever Hicks or Cabrera are not able to pull out of the game.
Since they’re not on the 40-man roster, Calhoun and Ortega will have to do a lot to get the job. As for Hicks and Cabrera, the competition is at its peak. If I had to bet, I would put a small two on Cabrera.
