Prado, Pirela and Refsnyder! Oh My!

The search for a replacement for the irreplaceable second baseman Robinson Cano continues. Martin Prado is a proven veteran player in his prime who could play the position on an everyday basis. He’s a great defensive player, a leader on and off the field, and a gritty and energetic presence in the lineup.

But Prado is too versatile to pin down to one position and the Yankees are likely to use him as a super utility weapon, playing him at second, third, the corner outfield spots and even at shortstop. He’ll be an everyday player but not at the same position each game which is the best way to utilize his talents. Think of him as a modern day Tony Phillips (Look it up!), playing all over the field and in doing so allowing players to get rest, spend time as the designated hitter and move players around more easily.

He’s probably the most versatile player in baseball and the Yankees taking advantage of that will really help the team. But with Prado taking tours around the diamond who will start at second base? Allow me to shed some light on why Yankees fans should watch Spring Training very closely.

General Manager Brain Cashman (Whose signed a 3-year contract extension on Friday) said that a Spring Training competition between two Yankees prospects, Rob Refsnyder and Jose Pirela, is likely. Refsnyder started out 2014 as an unknown BabyBomber but had Yankees fans begging for him to join the team by June after the Brian Roberts experiment collapsed upon itself.

Sep 22, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Jose Pirela (67) scores on a double by shortstop

(not pictured) against the Baltimore Orioles during the fifth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The front office stood their ground and kept the 23-year in Triple-A where he finished the year with a .318 batting average along with 14 home runs and 63 RBI in 137 games between Double-A and Triple-A. Pirela batted .305 with 10 homers and 60 RBI in 134 games.

The 24 year old was called up to the big leagues after  Prado went down with an emergency appendectomy. In seven games with the Yankees he collected eight hits in 24 at-bats while driving in three runs. The two prospects were evenly matched at the plate but as we all know offense doesn’t paint the whole picture.

Refsnyder isn’t a defensive wizard. In fact, he’s probably a below average defensive player. He used to be a right fielder back in college but the Yankees felt he was better suited for second.

Pirela on the other hand is a very solid defender and may be as versatile as Prado to an extent. Pirela could actually have more value as a bench utility player who could fill in all over the diamond when necessary. Refsnyder’s defense is in need of improvement but if you’ll take a moment to remember a young Robinson Cano too fell under scrutiny for his sub-par defense.The Yankees let him learn along the way and today he’s among the best defensive second baseman in baseball.

They should do the same while allowing Pirela to get as much playing time as possible off the bench witch will also help to rest some of the team’s veterans.

If I had to bet I’d put my money down on Refsnyder being the second baseman on Opening Day if his bat plays out well enough in Spring Training which he has the ability to do. It’s nothing against Pirela and in fact not pinning him as the starter is a testament to how valuable he can be when used in the right role. Either way this will definitely be a fun competition to watch come Spring time.