Who will be playing second base for the Yankees in 2018?
It’s really hard to type when your hands are shaking from
excitement. Maybe even hyperventilation.
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| Photo Credit: Newsday |
The Yankees have acquired Giancarlo Stanton from the
Marlins. The prospect load isn’t overwhelming, but the Marlins have
acquired all-star second baseman Starlin Castro.
So, this leaves a gaping hole at second base right?
Not exactly. The Yankees are obviously very excited about
their number one prospect in all of baseball in Gleyber Torres. Hurt for most
of 2017 due to Tommy John surgery in his non-throwing arm, Torres promises to
have an all-star caliber career for the Yankees. Moving Castro could simply be
making room for Torres to start at second base heading into the 2018
season.
If Torres is going to start for the Yankees at second base,
he’s going to have to prove his worth in Spring Training. However, he did in
2017. He hit .448 with six doubles, a triple, two homers and nine RBI in 19
games.
Torres’ time is now, but the Yankees do have other options,
and that includes a guy with just a one more letter in his last name. Ronald
Torreyes, one of the Yankees unsung heroes in 2017, is more than capable of
holding down a starting position.
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| Photo Credit: Getty |
Torreyes entered 2017 as a starter for Gregorius as
shortstop, and played exceptionally well. He doesn't add much power to the
lineup, but clearly that is not needed for the Yankees, who led the AL in
homers in 2017. In 108 games, Torreyes hit .292. As a starter in the beginning
of the season, he hit over .300.
Are the Yankees looking at Torreyes as a long term second
baseman? Of course not. However, he’s a fantastic platoon player. I think it’s
fairly obvious that the Yankees are making room for Torres to take over second
base. The plan was for Torres to be the “shortstop of the future”, but the
future is now for the Yankees and Didi Gregorius has emerged as one of the top
shortstops in all of baseball.
Another option the Yankees have at second base in 2018 is
Tyler Wade. Although Wade struggled in 2017, he has promising tools to be a
good player in the Major Leagues. He's a very good defensive player and has a
lot of speed, which is something the Yankees lack in their lineup. I don't
think the Yankees would favor Wade over Torreyes or Torres, but it's always
good to have a plan C.
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| Photo Credit: Getty |
Whoever plays second base for the Yankees, it's going to be
a lot of fun to watch this offense go to work.
Article by: Noah Clement
Follow @BronxBomberBall
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