Anthony Volpe vs. Oswald Peraza vs. IKF (but not really).
No more pretending he’s a good defender over there.
No more ignoring the talented young studs in the system ready to rock.
It seems like I might have gotten my wish.
He just so happened to have went lift off today against the Twins ace Pablo Lopez.
Anthony Volpe’s homer earlier today should not be the deciding factor for him earning the job.
No, instead it’s just another moment that shows you he’s ready to be the guy.
He’s played more than solid defense while posting an OPS over .950.
Anytime you flip on the TV this month and see him out there you see a guy who belongs.
Even just watching at bats where he doesn’t get on base on typically impressive.
His swing and the way he loads is top tier.
You see a top prospect who gains nothing else from playing any longer in the minor leagues.
The dude needs to be in The Bronx next week.
Volpe doesn’t turn 22 years old until next month.
Anthony Volpe deserves to be that exception.
The Yankees didn’t do a whole lot in the offseason to improve their offense.
In fact you could argue they got worse by letting Andrew Benintendi walk.
You know how you make this team better?
You play the kids.
If you start Anthony Volpe at shortstop on Opening Day you’re making this team better.
Does he make you better than the Astros by himself?
You have to do this.
Unfortunately for Peraza he hasn’t had the best spring while Volpe has.
Boone oddly gave an honest opinion of what he’s see so far from Oswald.
(MLB.com) For the most part, hes been all right.
Yesterday, he didnt have great at-bats.
Working on a little, small mechanical thing.
When he gets his load in the right way, hes pretty good.
Hes been OK. Hes been OK. Hes impacted a few balls.
Yesterday was the first day where I didnt feel like his at-bats were great.
Otherwise, whether he gets a result or not, the at-bats are all right.
Peraza gets the heat, but not them?
Explain that to me.
Still seemed harsh given everything I just said.
Maybe they do all have dirt on him and Cashman.
So what happens with Peraza if Volpe wins the job?
My educated guess is he starts the year in AAA.
It sucks because he really doesn’t need any more time down there.
You saw what he could do last year at the big league level.
He has tremendous skill and is deserving of the big stage.
DJ LeMahieu, Gleyber Torres, Josh Donaldson, and IKF make it impossible for both kids to play.
If it were my call I’d DFA Donaldson and go from there.
My point is that there’s guys it’s possible for you to move easily to make room.
As things stand now though, Peraza will likely start the year in AAA.
I can live with that as long as Volpe is the starting shortstop.
The Yankees would also get a 1st round pick if he finished in the top 3.
The incentive to call him up now and start him right away is clear as day.
Make it happen and let’s have some fun.
