Yankees Editorial: Is Jose Pirela This Years Solarte?

One year ago, Yangervis Solarte blessed us all with a true underdog story, playing so well in spring training that he beat out Eduardo Nunez for the utility infielder’s spot to start the 2014 Season on the New York Yankees major league roster.

Just seven games into this years spring training exhibition schedule, and Jose Pirela is solidifying himself as this year’s Yangervis Solarte.

"“I think he can be a good player,’’ skipper Joe Girardi told George King III of The New York Post about the 25-year-old from Venezuela who had two hits, scored a run and drove in an RBI for the Yankees Sunday in their 3-2 win over the Washington Nationals at George M. Steinbrenner Field “He swings the bat well, has speed and can play the outfield.’’"

Through five games played so far this spring, Pirela is hitting .455 with three RBIs. Pirela was called up to the Bronx for a ‘cup of coffee’ at the tail end of last year season, and boy would he leave his mark. The right-handed hitter batted .333 in seven games after posting an impressive .305 with 10 home runs and 60 RBIs through 130 games for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

“I like him better than Rob Refsnyder,’’ one scout said of Pirela to George King III. “He can do more and is a better fielder.’’

As Yanks Go Yard editor Jason Evans pointed out, with utility-man Brendan Ryan not having played a spring game yet due to a back injury, a 25-man roster spot can certainly open up for Pirela.

What do you think Yankees fans? Is this years Solarte on display right in front of our own eyes? Let’s see if Pirela can stay hot the rest of the spring.

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