What’s left to prove after Miguel Andujar finished second in Rookie of the Year voting last year? Avoiding a sophomore slump, sure, but for Andujar, it’s much more than just repeating his impressive offensive performance from last season. After a winter of the fanbase clamoring for Manny Machado in pinstripes and constant questions about Andujar’s defense, the heat is on.
Signing Machado made (and still makes) sense for the Yankees. He could have taken over at third base while Andujar moved elsewhere. Instead, the Yankees have decided to go with Andujar at the hot corner once more. Even if this is a matter of Hal Steinbrenner simply not wanting to open the checkbook, it’s still a vote of confidence for Miggy from the front office.