Bench
Red Sox: David Ross, Daniel Nava, Pedro Ciriaco, Mike Carp
David Ross is a solid defensive backup catcher and Lavarnway, who struggled in a second-half call-up in 2012, could find a way in the mix if Salty and/or Ross struggle. Nava, who owns a .261 average off righthanders, could spell Gomes and Bradley in left and has also offered to grab a first baseman’s glove. Yankee killer Pedro Ciriaco, who filled in admirably when Will Middlebrooks went down with a broken wrist, will be looking to get another shot to surprise. Carp was brought in to provide some backup for Napoli at first base.
Yankees: Lyle Overbay, Eduardo Nunez, Jayson Nix, Alex Rodriguez, Chris Stewart, Brennan Boesch and Ben Francisco
The Yankees’ bench positions were wide open coming into spring and a bevy in injuries has shuffled the deck again. Red Sox castoff Lyle Overbay will help out at first base while Teixeira rehabs. Brennan Boesch and Ben Francisco were added to the outfield/DH mix.
The edge: Red Sox. Ben Cherington has been focused on building depth since Red Sox fans witnessed a host of hapless flotsam-and-jetsam lineups during the latter part of 2012.
- Choose another
