Banuelos Opens Strong, Leads T-Yanks to Victory

Key Story:
It’s been a trying few seasons for Manny Banuelos.  The once heralded pitching prospect  has lost really two seasons because of injuries.  Getting off to a good start and putting himself back on the map had to be on his mind as he took the mound.  Banuelos delivered as he was very good in his start for Tampa.   He faced ten betters, striking out three while allowing a walk in his three innings of work.  Getting stretched out will take some time especially because of the injures but it was what he and the Yankees both wanted.  This is the start of the season that he wants as he makes his way to New York.

Captain Clutch of the game:
Two players contributed to the win tonight.   Peter O’Brien the big bat catcher had himself a good day as he went one for four with a home run and an RBI.  Power is his calling card but he needs to make contact if he wants to become a legit big leaguer.  The next player is prospect writer’s whipping boy Cito Culver.   Culver has one of the best chances to actually make a major league roster as he can player shortstop and most shortstops aren’t very good right now.  This isn’t the golden age of shortstops right now.  Culver went two for four with a double and two runs scored.  Now that he has stopped the three year experiment of switch hitting there is a chance that Culver can actually gain some prospect status.

Golden Sombrero of the game:
While no player actually had a golden sombrero two players get this award and came close.  Angelo Gumbs has seen his prospect status drop and this game isn’t going to help.  Gumbs went zero for four with three strikeouts.  Not a way to start the season especially for a guy with some of the best bat speed in the Yankee system.  Not wanting to be outdone by his teammate Eric Jagielo wanted to copy Gumbs but add in an error at third base.  Not the best full season debut for a guy who is suppose to be a polished college hitter.

Up next:
The Tampa Yankees will play Lakeland again.  No pitching announcements have been made but my guess would be Rafael DePaula against Jordan John.  DePaula is looking to dominate this level as he did Low  A Charleston last year.