The Yankees haven’t played in a postseason series since 2012 and last year’s wild-card disappointment was the first game beyond the 162-game schedule in that time frame.
If they don’t get to a series this year, manager Joe Girardi’s job will be a hot topic. He is signed through the 2017 season and will make $4 million. This is Girardi’s ninth season, and the glow of the 2009 World Series victory has been extinguished by the past three years.
Most important story in camp
Masahiro Tanaka’s right elbow. At this time last year, he was preparing to pitch with a slightly torn ulnar collateral ligament that wasn’t surgically repaired. This year the ace is coming off surgery that removed a bone spur from the elbow.
Best position battle
Unless an injury surfaces, there really isn’t a qualifier in this category. Catching prospect Gary Sanchez will be given a chance to be Brian McCann’s backup, but will be pushed by Austin Romine.
Most intriguing rookie or minor leaguer
Stud shortstop prospect Jorge Mateo isn’t going to make the team, no matter what he does, because he is 20 and has played just 21 games above Low-A. Yet, he is clearly the Yankees’ top prospect and this is his first big league camp.
Story to watch develop
This topic is repetitive, but can’t be avoided: Every time a starter takes a mound — whether for a bullpen session or a game — attention will be paid because of the health issues a year ago.
Manager’s toughest challenge
Playing time and pitchers’ innings are scripted during spring training, so Girardi won’t have to fret about over-using anybody. Acclimating Starlin Castro into the Yankees’ universe will be on Girardi’s list. So, too, will getting to know Aroldis Chapman. Making a decision on Sanchez, who the Yankees believe is untouchable, will be tough because the hardest months to judge players are September and March. Seeing if Castro can play third is on the list.
Who needs to step up
Jacoby Ellsbury’s talent isn’t an issue. Staying on the field was an issue last year during the regular season. And getting benched in the wild-card game was puzzling. He needs to stay healthy if the Yankees have a chance to win the AL East.
Most interesting newcomer
That was going to be Castro, until Chapman and his left arm that hurls baseballs at 100 mph was acquired from the Reds. Even an act as mundane as a bullpen session will be must see activity no matter how early in the morning pitching coach Larry Rothschild works him out.
Most noticeable absence
Adam Warren and Justin Wilson were big parts of the Yankees’ pen last year. Warren went to the Cubs for Castro, which falls under “You have to give to get.’’ Wilson went to the Tigers for two minor league pitchers in a deal that remains a head scratcher.
Biggest comeback
The first season of third baseman Chase Headley’s four-year deal could have been better thanks to a career-high 23 errors.