Yankees MiLB News: SWB Year in Review

Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

#PROMOTEPIRELA!!!

No player shined brighter than the RailRiders’ second baseman, Jose Pirela. Pirela was the unquestionable leader and 2014 MVP for SWB. The easy way to look at it is to just take a look at his eye-popping numbers. Pirela finished the season batting .305. He blasted ten home runs, while driving in 60 runs primarily from the lead-off spot in the lineup. He got on base at a .351 clip, scored 80 runs and stole 15 bases. His reward was to inexplicably watch outfielder Antoan Richardson get a September call-up while he continues to wait for his Yankees’ debut.

Pirela’s MVP caliber season was deeper than just stats. When second baseman Rob Refsnyder caught fire at Trenton, Pirela shifted to the outfield to make room for him at Triple-A. Pirela learned how to play first base as well. The International League took notice of his fine season too. Pirela won an IL Batter of the Week Award, was the IL Player of the Month for June, and was a mid-season All-Star. Most recently, Pirela was named to the end of season IL All-Star Team, which basically means he was the best second baseman in the IL. And all of that still didn’t merit a September call-up.

2015 has no real second baseman in the Bronx. Does Pirela have a chance to be on the 2015 roster without a 2014 audition? It’s tough to say, but everyone here at Yanks Go Yard certainly feels it’s time to #PromotePirela.