Yankees Right Fielders

The Yankees are attempting to repeat as AL East Champions in 2012.  With that being said, they are proceeding with a number of returning players from last season.  One area with a returning player in place is right field.

1.  Nick Swisher:  Swisher returns to the Yankees this season for his fourth year as the team's right fielder.  He had a good season last year, hitting 23 home runs with 85 runs batted in.  Although he's not known for his defensive capabilities, he can man right field at Yankee Stadium.  In addition, look for Swisher to get some time at first base this year too.  The Yankees are hoping for another 20-homer season out of their right fielder.

2.  Andruw Jones:  Jones was brought back to be the team's starting DH until OF Raul Ibanez was signed, and now he'll return to his role as a fourth outfielder.  He only batted .247 in 190 at-bats last year, but he did belt 13 homers in that time.  Jones - a ten-time Gold Glove Award winner - is probably the best defensive outfielder on the team (if not in the league) and should get plenty of time in both right and left, as well as at DH, especially against lefty pitchers.  The Yankees are hoping for another season of good defense and a double-digit total of home runs from him.

3.  Chris Dickerson:  Dickerson was in good shape to break camp as a fourth outfielder with the team until Ibanez was signed, but now his chances are much more dim.  He had a decent season last year, batting .260 in 50 at-bats.  He probably doesn't have any chance of making the team as a defensive outfielder playing behind Jones and a left-handed hitter that the team doesn't need.  He should still provide good depth at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre though.

4.  Justin Maxwell:  Maxwell is a former top prospect in the Washington organization whom the Yankees acquired in a trade last off-season and is well-liked in the organization and was brought back this season.  He was injured for most of last season, batting .260 in 177 at-bats at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, hitting 16 homers and stealing 11 bases in that time.  A good defensive outfielder, he's behind both Jones and Dickerson right now in that category, although he is competing for a job as a right-handed bat off the bench and a backup DH to Ibanez.

The Yankees look pretty good in right field.  Swisher is a good complementary player who can provide power from both sides of the plate lower in the order.  Jones is about as good of a fourth outfielder as a team could ask for.  Dickerson and Maxwell will provide good depth from AAA.