Yankees Editorials: Jose Pirela should not be ignored

After hitting well in his brief September stint at the end of 2014, Jose Pirela is off to a very hot start this spring, and it is something that can no longer be ignored. Many fans were welcome to the idea of a Spring Training battle for second base between Pirela and fellow prospect Rob Refsnyder.

While Pirela has been one of the New York Yankees hottest hitters throughout the spring, projected starting second baseman Stephen Drew has struggled mightily. After a rough 2014 season, the Yankees hopes were that a full Spring Training would help Drew rebound in 2015.

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One NL scout who has followed the Yankees closely this spring told Bill Madden of the New York Daily News:

"For me, Pirela’s got to be on their team. He brings an energy that is otherwise non-existent on their team. I suppose I understand why they might not trust either of those two kids defensively at second. Refsnyder especially has a long ways to go to be an accomplished second baseman after converting from the outfield last year. He needs to go back to Triple-A and spend a whole year at the position and then they’ll see what they’ve got. But I’ll be honest, I don’t understand Drew. He was as bad a player as I’ve ever seen last year and he hasn’t looked any better thing spring. He can’t hit a lick and whether they know it or not, the Yankees need offense. That’s why I’d take my chances on Pirela at second."

Entering Thursday, Pirela has put up a slash line of .391/.462/.652 with two doubles, two triples, three RBI’s, three walks, and a stolen base. Drew, however, has only hit .167/.259/.292, although he did hit a home run on Wednesday.

Pirela is hopeful that the second base job will be his come Opening Day:

"I just keep working and hoping I can open some eyes this spring, and do my job. Second base is where I prefer to play, but I’ll play anywhere. I’ll play left field, third base, second base, all the places I’ve played in the minors. Wherever they need me, I’ll be able to do the job. The one thing I know I have to do is work on my defense, and that’s what I’m doing."

Another NL scout who has followed the Yankees agrees that Pirela should man second base in 2015:

"You’re asking me, Pirela or Drew, who do I like better? Pirela. No contest. I just don’t think Drew’s gonna help them and I really like Pirela’s bat."

At this point, I think most people who watch the Yankees agree with the scouts assessment that Pirela should be the starting second baseman. Reggie Jackson even seemingly agreed as he called Pirela “the best hitter in the Yankee organization”. The problem is that manager Joe Girardi and GM Brian Cashman seem convinced that Drew is the best option.

While Drew is a great defensive player, his bat has become so awful that he is comparable to Brendan Ryan, who has always been a great utility defensive replacement, but not a full-time player. As Ryan has yet to make his Spring Training debut, Pirela should come north with the team, as should Drew. Only one can start, however, and that should be Pirela, the younger, better player.

Next: The Blue-Collared Story Behind Garrett Jones

Yankees Editorials: Jose Pirela should not be ignored

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