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Around the Empire: Yankees news - 3/12/17

Right field job hasn’t been decided yet; Tanaka and Sanchez in midseason form; Polo proving integral for Colombia; #GleyberGood

MLB: Spring Training-New York Yankees at Philadelphia Phillies Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

New York Post | George A. King III: Aaron Judge has had himself a very good spring training, so it seems like a forgone conclusion that as of right now he’s earned the starting right fielder job. His competition, Aaron Hicks, has quietly had himself a decent spring as well, so the Yankees aren’t ready to hand the job to Judge just yet. There’s still a possibility that Hicks could win the job, though if things keep up then it still seems like Judge’s job to lose. Just seems like typical Yankees not wanting to announce anything yet.

New York Daily News | Mike Mazzeo: For the third consecutive year, Masahiro Tanaka will get the ball on Opening Day for the Yankees. Though it feels like mid-season and Opening Day is in the past, given how well Tanaka has pitched this spring. Tanaka’s not the only one though. His new batterymate, Gary Sanchez, also looks as if he’s in mid-season form. The Yankees would need big years from both Tanaka and Sanchez if they want to compete this season, so seeing them succeed early has to put their minds to ease.

ESPN | Thomas Neumann: The World Baseball Classic is underway and the Yankees have several players participating for their respective countries such as Dellin Betances (D.R.) and Didi Gregorius (Netherlands). However, prospect Tito Polo is also starting to make a name for himself for Team Colombia. Polo, acquired from the Pirates in the Ivan Nova trade, proved to be an integral part of the team’s win over Canada this weekend. Polo also says he’s eager to prove himself and wants to have a good season for the Yankees as well.

New York Daily News | Mike Mazzeo: Count Gleyber Torres among those Yankee players having themselves a good spring. After replacing Starlin Castro in yesterday’s game against the Tigers, Torres was batting against former Yankee Justin Wilson. On what would have been ball four, Torres decided he wanted more than just first base and swung at the ball and hit it out of the park for his first spring homer. Joe Girardi was even impressed by the organization’s top prospect, hopefully it won’t be too long before we see him playing baseball in the Bronx. #GleyberGood.