Manager Joe Girardi comments on A. J. Burnett and Jesus Montero
The funny thing about the New York Yankees is the near limitless financial resources they have at their disposal. The prospect of having all of Major League Baseball’s top talent seems a little too easy for them. Nevertheless,
one is believed to understand that there are limitations on roster manpower and formation positioning. That is exactly why the team is considering restructuring its line-up for the coming campaign in 2011.
The chase is on to sign Cliff Lee and while the pursuit of the player is red hot, there have been deductions made in the pitching rotation. There is a possibility Andy Pettitte may return to the squad after hitting the temporary
retirement button. There’s another amendment made with the deduction of Javier Vazquez from the side. He’s been shipped off to the Florida Marlins squad on a trade deal. Finally, Dustin Moseley has been thrown back into the free agency in an effort to cut
down on personnel.
Allan James Burnett however is being given another chance to regroup and he’s working with pitching coach, Larry Rothschild. Manager Joe Girardi recently came out to say the ball thrower will work out with the coach in the off
season spring training.
"The big thing for A.J. is refining his mechanics and making sure that everything's on time," Girardi said. "That doesn't necessarily mean changing him completely, it's just he has the leg kick and the little bit of a swing. It's
something that we have to make sure - when it's time to get that foot down and where it goes down and where his arm is all in the right spot, at the right time."
On the other hand, Jorge Posada has been given the opportunity to start off as the team’s designated hitter. His catcher’s role is up for grabs and it’s believed that prospect, Jesus Montero, will be coming in to fill the position.
"We believe he's going to be a very good player," Girardi said. "He's going to have to come into Spring Training and earn a job. That is the bottom line. He's going to have to earn the job as a catcher. Is he ready? We'll have
a much better idea as we watch him go through Spring Training."
With the pieces set in motion, it has to be seen what happens in the coming days and whether the Yankees will be able to continue on with their plan.
Tags: