Yankees invited C Todd Pratt, INF Andy Cannizaro, INF Angel Chavez, C Raul Chavez, RHP Tyler Clippard, C Ben Davis, INF Eric Duncan, OF Brett Gardner, RHP Phil Hughes, RHP Steven Jackson, LHP Ben Kozlowski, INF Ramiro Pena, RHP Ross Ohlendorf, C Peter Pilittere, C Omir Santos, OF Jose Tabata, INF Marcos Vechionacci, RHP Kevin Whelan, and RHP Steven White to spring training.
It appeared that Pratt might have a chance to join the Yankees last year, but he went to the Braves and the Bombers opened the season with Kelly Stinnett as Jorge Posada's backup. Now he'll get a chance to battle Wil Nieves and Chavez for backup duties. Although he's well past his prime -- he turns 40 next month -- he's the best choice of the group.
As of right now, that assessment is correct; Pratt at 40 is still better than the less-than-average Chavez and the young but underperforming Wil Nieves. He is however better than Stinnett, and although his defense is occasionally shaky, he does bring some power to the plate, and can play 1B if necessary.
I still wish they would have kept Fasano, his defense was stellar. Sure, he couldn't hit a lick, but most #1 catchers can't hit well either, and his defense was superb. At least Pratt gives us an option at 1B besides Mienty-Fresh.
