Back Me Up! Back Me Up! The infield bench and starters.

The 2011 Yankee bench has been somewhat weak in some areas, somewhat strong in others, but surprising in all areas.  The question remains, however, is it good enough to be back in full?

Yankee icons Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez aren't getting any younger, but they still have plenty left in the tank if given enough off days.

Which raises the question:

Do they have enough depth?

Three Yankee starting infielders will have guaranteed spots in 2012:
1B Mark Teixeira
SS Derek Jeter
2B Robinson Cano-whose option will be triggered and should be getting a large contract next season.

That leaves a spot for A-Rod in question.  While they will definitley have him going forward, they must decide if he is best suited for third base in 2012, or if it is time for the inevitable move to designated hitter.  More on this will be discussed later in the DH post.  If he is not at third, his replacement is likely Eduardo Nunez, whose fielding has improved tremendously this season after filling in for injured players Jeter and A-Rod.

That leaves a spot on the bench for Ramiro Pena or Jorge Vazquez to claim in spring training.  If neither one can show sufficent skills for a 2012 spot, signing Omar Vizquel isn't a bad idea, as he can play second, third, and short.

But what about Eric Chavez?  He will most likely not be back in 2012, but, hey, A's fans, your bench is calling...

That being said, I project the starting third baseman going forward to be Eduardo Nunez.

Therefore, I see the bench in 2012 looking somewhat like this:
SS Pena
INF Vizquel http://aol.sportingnews.com/mlb/story/2011-09-21/omar-vizquel-eager-to-play-again-in-2012
C Romine/Montero
OF Dickerson/Golson

Yep, he still plays...and at a very productive level too.