5 Players That Need to Be in Yankees Pinstripes in 2015

Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Jose Pirela

There are no attractive second baseman on the 2015 free agent market. Ben Zobrist tops the list, but hopefully we have learned that signing middle-tiered 34-year-olds is not the secret to success. Stephen Drew has done nothing to prove, he can be the everyday second baseman and if the Yankees do retain him, he will most likely shift to shortstop. That means its time to give one of our two heralded second base prospects a chance. I am going with Pirela over Rob Refsnyder for the time being.

Pirela was the clear cut MVP for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders this past season. He slashed .305/.351/.441 with ten home runs and 60 RBI from the lead-off spot. He also threw in 15 stolen bases, 21 doubles and 11 triples. This is a guy that can do it all. Refsnyder may have more of a long-term appeal, but Pirela is two years older and deserves his chance. This gives Refsnyder a bit more time to hone his skills as he completes his shift from outfielder to second baseman. It also leaves the Yankees some wiggle room knowing that should Pirela faulter, an equally talented youngster is waiting in the wings.