September is a-Callin'

In one week it will be September 1st. That means school is starting, my birthday is coming up (DRIVERS LICENSE!!!), and that the Major League rosters will be expanding to 40 players.

According to my calculations (AKA counting), the Yankees currently have thirty-nine of the fourty, 40-man rosters spots open.

So who do they call on for some extra bullpen depth and offensive help?

First let's go to the people already on the 40 man roster....

When Joba Chamberlain and Dan Giese are recovered for their tendinitis, they should be added, with their roles unknown. They better let Joba (and maybe Giese) start.

The bullpen could use a little more depth. Scott Patterson and Billy Traber are very likely to be back. Chase Wright will also likely be up, but his role is uncertain right now. He could be starting.

Hitting-wise, Shelley Duncan and Justin Christian will likely be back up, and Juan Miranda should be making his major league debut.

Who knows that might happen with Melky Cabrera, Phil Hughes, and Ian Kennedy? If they continue to struggle they might just tell him to go home and get healthy and work on their stuff in the offseason. If they have a strong stretch and look like they can help, they'll be up. I actually think they might call up Melky regardless as a defensive sub.

Now to the guys not on the 40 man roster...

They are going to want a third catcher. Chad Moeller will likely be added to the roster. In addition, they have two more possible spots. Phil Coke will be Rule V draft eligible this winter, so they are likely to add him to the 40 man roster anyway, so they could give him a call. Always good to have another lefty.

If they feel that Alfredo Aceves or Victor Zambrano can contribute, I don't see why they wouldn't see what one of them can do.

Although it is very unlikely, if they feel a need for another back-up infielder they can go to a guy like Bernie Castro or Nick Green. If they want another back-up outfielder, they can go to Ben Broussard or Matt Carson.

Chien-Ming Wang and Jorge Posada can hit the 60 day DL if they need a roster move.