Good news: Leche is still young. Bad news: Melky has shown no ability to hit for power in the big leagues and his ability to consistently reach base is in serious question. Further, while Cabrera’s defensive ability would suggest that he could stick in 2009 as a 4th outfielder, due to his age it would be better that Cabrera played everyday in Triple-A (rather than ride the pines in the Bronx)…except for one thing: He’s out of options.

Therefore, at the end of the day, Melky Cabrera will either be the Yankees starting center fielder this season, or, he will be on their big league bench, or, he will be playing for someone else, other than the Yankees, in the majors at some point this year.