The Yankees' final spring training game against the Marlins was cancelled due to rain Saturday afternoon, but the team still has a decision to make. Eduardo Nunez and Yangervis Solarte were told after Friday night's game that they shouldn't pack to make the team flight from Tampa to Houston this afternoon. Instead, the team would need more time before Sunday's 3:00 pm deadline to make their decision.
Nunez currently has the spot on the 40-man roster that Solarte does not, but Solarte more than outplayed him this spring. If Solarte doesn't make the Opening Day roster, he has an opt out clause he can use to seek a better deal elsewhere. After the spring he's had, it's easy to believe he'd find it. The Yankees could simply be deciding which of the two they'd prefer to carry with them, or it could be even more complicated. Perhaps a trade is in the works and they don't want to finalize anything before they know definitively whether or not that's happening. Unfortunately, a trade would point to Nunez staying on the roster.
It's also possible that another player entirely is the subject of a trade rumor. The Yankees have been shopping some of their catching depth all spring training, possibly looking to unload one of the five catchers on their 40-man roster. Ichiro Suzuki has also been the target of trade rumors with the Yankees not being shy to admit that they'd eat salary in order to move him. All of these possibilities would open up a 40-man spot for Solarte if they happened before tomorrow's deadline.
Then again, there is also the possibility that the Yankees make a big splash and sign free agent Stephen Drew. They have been connected to the shortstop at multiple points this offseason and now the indication is that he'd be willing to accept a one-year deal to find a job. The infield picture being as shaky as it is simply makes going for Drew make too much sense. He has concerning splits against left-handers and away from Fenway Park, but another option brought into the fold couldn't hurt, especially for one season. If the team thinks something might be able to be worked out with Drew, it would make sense that they haven't given away their final roster spot.
What do you think the Yankees are up to right now? Who gets the final spot on the roster?