Bronx Bomber Ball

In case you missed the breaking news from last night, prized Japanese free agent Shohei Ohtani released his short list of teams he will be meeting with this week.  The Yankees are not on it. It was widely presumed that New York was the frontrunner to land the 23-year-old dual threat, but Ohtani has made it clear he prefers to sign with a team on the West Coast, as well as one in a smaller market.   Photo Credit: AP

Blake Rutherford is a 19-year-old, left hand hitting outfielder selected in the 2016 MLB amateur draft. The Yankees selected Rutherford with the 18th overall pick in the first round. Rutherford was born in New Jersey, but moved to Southern California at the age of two and attended  Chaminade College Preparatory School in Simi Valley. Senior year Rutherford batted .577 and clubbed nine homeruns, in only 27 games. He was invited to play in the Under Armour All American game in 2015 and also competed with the USA 18 and under team. His time with the USA team includes winning a gold medal in Japan. Photo via MiLB.com