A few of us have suggested this, and RAB noticed (I missed it) that the Yanks called hin IF/OF in press release of his assignment to SWB.
"In case you missed it earlier, the Yankees activated 3B Brandon Drury from the disabled list and optioned him to Triple-A Scranton. Interestingly enough, they called him an “INF/OF” in the press release. I wonder if that means the Yankees are planning to move Drury around now?"
I think it's a great idea.
DotF: Bird, McKinney continue rehab assignments in AA win - (
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agree. you need versatility on the bench, especially when carrying just 3. I really would prefer 4.
He has ML experience at 2B, 3B, LF, RF- and even one game at SS and one game at 1B. He also has some experience as a PH- 40 plate appearances as a PH.
He is not a great defender, but can be at least average at many positions. That gives a team options.
He could actually fill TWO bench roles. He can be the Yanks 5th OF AND their primary INF reserve (2B and 3B). He might even be given time at 1B in the minors to see if he can be a caddy to Bird (get ABs against tough lefties) or to give Bird a day of rest.
In other words, he would replace Austin on the roster- while also being an INF.
The Yanks could have Hicks be the 4th OF- playing all 3 positions, with Drury being the 5th guy- and the backup 1B, 2B and 3B. That would allow the Yanks to carry a guy who can be the backup SS- but would really be more of a PR type of player. With a backup C, the bench is all but complete.
He has ML experience at 2B, 3B, LF, RF- and even one game at SS and one game at 1B. He also has some experience as a PH- 40 plate appearances as a PH.
He is not a great defender, but can be at least average at many positions. That gives a team options.
He could actually fill TWO bench roles. He can be the Yanks 5th OF AND their primary INF reserve (2B and 3B). He might even be given time at 1B in the minors to see if he can be a caddy to Bird (get ABs against tough lefties) or to give Bird a day of rest.
In other words, he would replace Austin on the roster- while also being an INF.
The Yanks could have Hicks be the 4th OF- playing all 3 positions, with Drury being the 5th guy- and the backup 1B, 2B and 3B. That would allow the Yanks to carry a guy who can be the backup SS- but would really be more of a PR type of player. With a backup C, the bench is all but complete.
Completely agree. Which has made it strange why he has ONLY played 3B in his rehab stint in the minors. With Andujar, Drury's versatility to play a multitude of position in IF and OF should be used. To piggyback off what you said, in terms of experience at those other positions...he played 55 games at 1B in the low minors as well. So he should really be groomed down in AAA to play corner OF's, 2B, and 1B...in addition to 3B. Would only make him more valuable and make the team better.
Sure , its possible that Andujar may go into a 1 for 35 funk and get demoted, its possible Bird doesn't come back and its possible that an infielder gets hurt. Barring any of those things, I don't think Drury is long for this team.