Alumni Making Impressions in Spring

A look at how several alumni are performing in Spring Training

By: Robert Pimpsner

March 20, 2008 – Its spring time!  The weather is starting to warm up in the north and opening day is just around the corner.   Many ex-Staten Island Yankee players are sprinkled throughout the Major League camps fighting for a spot on the opening day roster of one of the 30 clubs.  Many of them are in Tampa working out at the Yankees complex.  Here is a look at how several former Baby Bombers are doing in spring training.

Andy Cannizaro

                Through eight games former Baby Bomber Andy Cannizaro is batting .308 for Tampa Bay with a homerun and four RBIs.  He signed a minor league contract with Tampa Bay and was invited to spring training after becoming a free agent after the 2007 season.  Cannizaro made a lasting impression on Rays’ manager Joe Maddon this spring and looks to factor into Tampa’s plans for this season.

Kevin Thompson

                In 18 games this Spring Kevin Thompson has been making a case for himself to join the Pirates opening day roster. KT has played in 41 games at the major league level but was unable to obtain a regular spot on a roster.  In 2007 he batted only .143 in 22 games last season with the Yankees and the Oakland Athletics.  So far the young speedy outfielder is batting .313 this spring.  If Nyjer Morgan takes the starting centerfield spot then Nate McLouth would take the fourth outfield spot and KT will be optioned to Triple-A.

Brett Gardner

                Brett Gardner is arguably the fastest player to come through Staten Island.  The young speedy outfielder has been impressive so far in camp; batting .393 in 15 games for the Bombers and is 6 for 6 in stolen bases.  He is making a case for himself to make the Opening Day roster as a possible fifth outfielder.  Gardner’s chances of making the opening day roster might have increased due to the incidents with the Tampa Bay Rays; the Yankees might want to have an extra outfielder on the roster to take the spot of the suspended Melky Cabrera.

Shelley Duncan

                Shelley Duncan plays the game hard with a passion unlike any other.  His hard playing and youthful energy gave the Yankees a much needed spark last season.  This season he is fighting for a spot as a backup first-baseman for the Bronx Bombers.  While it looks like the slugging Duncan will make the team, he would have to first sit out a 3-game suspension due to his involvement in an incident with the Tampa Bay Rays.  After his suspension is over it is likely he will be splitting time with Jason Giambi at first and might even get a shot at playing right field a few games this season.