The Yankees continued their dominance of the Grapefruit League midway through spring training. They have run their record to 13-4 behind strong starting pitching and an offense that is hitting home runs at an impressive rate. We already knew that the minor-league teams will be fun to watch this year, perhaps the boys in the Bronx can surprise us as well.
Didi Gregorius (The Netherlands), Dellin Betances (Dominican Republic) and Tommy Layne (Italy) are all away from camp playing for their countries in the World Baseball Classic. You may not have known that Tito Polo is on the Columbian team. The 22-year old outfielder is drawing raves for his play on the field and leadership off it.
Andy Pettite was a guest instructor in camp this week. During his time there, Greg Bird asked him to throw extra batting practice.
On the injury front, this week saw Luis Cessa (fever) and Billy McKinney (flu) miss time to sickness. Mason Williams (patellar tendon) has begun baseball activities and is expected to see game action soon. Ronald Herrera (shoulder) has begun throwing. Tyler Austin (foot) is still in a walking boot. James Reeves (elbow) is still sidelined. Madison Martin, Dustin Fowler’s girlfriend, was hit with a foul ball and, according to the New York Post’sGeorge King, was seen with ice on her face but appeared OK.
The Yankees had four players selected during the Rule 5 Draft. So far this spring here are their stats:
- Caleb Smith, Cubs 6.75 ERA 4 IP 4K
- Tyler Webb, Pirates 1.80 ERA 5IP 4K
- Tyler Jones, Diamondbacks 2.25 ERA 5IP 6K
- Luis Torrens, Padres 1-12 .083 BA 1 RBI
The Yankees have decided to take an about-face on James Kaprielian. Earlier this spring they announced that he would only pitch in simulated games. Now, it appears likely that he will get a start in a spring training game.
Minor league camp has opened this past week. Games will begin by the end of the week. This means that the first round of cuts are imminent. Regulars will begin getting more action and stay in games later. So, in order to prepare for the season, younger players will need to head to the minor league facility.
Here are the stories from this past week, in case you missed any of them:
- Paul Pagnato writes about how the Yankees still believe in Jorge Mateo
- Robert Pimpsner highlights five Yankees prospects you don’t know but should.
- FanGraphs released their list of Yankees prospects. Paul Pagnato highlights it.
- MiLB ranked the Yankees Third in players 21 and under. Paul Pagnato covers it.
Player profiles:
- Zach Littell by Robert Pimpsner
- Austin DeCarr by Gershon Rabinowitz
- Aaron Judge by Rob Terranova
- J.P. Feyereisen by James Vlietstra
- Jorge Guzman by Robert Pimpsner
- Chance Adams by Gershon Rabinowitz
- Oswaldo Cabrera by Robert Pimpsner
- Jake Cave by James Vlietstra
- Abiatal Avelino by Paul Pagnato
- Nelson Gomez by Robert Pimpsner
- Rony Garcia by Robert Pimpsner
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