Why the Yankees Need Omar Vizquel

44-year-old INF Omar Vizquel has stated his desire to play again in 2012. Vizquel may be old, but he is still a tremendous fielder and has won 11 gold gloves at shortstop, the most all time. The Yankees are the perfect fit for the aging veteran.

The Yankee bench last year was mediocre. INF Eric Chávez couldn't stay healthy, even in a reserve role, Peña couldn't hit, and Eduardo Núñez led the team with 20 errors.

Now picture yourself as Brian Cashman: He has a bench that last year was terrible defense and offense wise, a player (A-Rod), who has 5 years left on his contract and hasn't played a full season since 2007 (incidentally, the year he signed his 10-year deal!), and aging icons in A-Rod and Jeter who will need the DH spot (especially Rodríguez !) more frequently. Núñez will need to play infield more in the coming years, so he needs to learn to play better defense.

And who better to teach him defense than the man who holds the record with 11 Gold Gloves at Shortstop?

He may be old for an athlete, but in over 2,200 games at shortstop he has only made 138 TOTAL errors! This man MUST have some things he can teach these young Yankee infielders, and he himself could be an EXTREMELY valuable addition to the Yankees' bench.

So, with age aside...

Why not?

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.