Possibly the most interesting competition this spring is the
competition for the backup catcher position, and not for the reasons you may
think. Heading into camp it was almost a foregone conclusion that John Ryan
Murphy would win the job over Austin Romine this spring and would backup Brian
McCann when the team heads north for Opening Day. Many believed on various
blogs and Twitter that Romine would simply be kept on the spring roster until
the last possible second to better his chances of clearing through waivers
since he is out of options so the Yankees could stash him back in Triple-A
without the 40 man roster obligation. A monkey wrench was thrown into those
plans when the Philadelphia Phillies and the San Diego Padres showed interest
in acquiring Romine and now the team may be rethinking their original stance on
their backup catcher this season.
Murphy has a minor league option remaining while Romine does
not so the team could conceivably start the season with Romine on the bench and
Murphy down in Scranton. This would give the team, and other teams, more time
to evaluate Romine before making a decision on his future. Romine could come
out and hit the ball well, because his defense has never been questioned, and
increase his trade stock or stick with the team making the Yankees look like
geniuses. Romine could also come out and stink up the place offensively and
would be easier to pass through waivers and keep in the organization a month or
two into the season when most teams have their rosters fairly set.
If the Yankees go that route then you have to wonder what it
does to Murphy and his confidence. We have seen it too many times before that
this Yankees regime keeps prospects down in the minor leagues too long, Jesus
Montero needs an ice cream sandwich, and they seemingly get bored, discouraged,
uninterested or all of the above. Murphy showed a great talent and knack for
the game last year and at least an adequate bat with room to grow, something I
have never seen from Romine at the major league level, and would have to be
somewhat discouraged if sent down. I’m not saying simply trade Romine just for
the heck of it, especially after already trading Francisco Cervelli this
offseason, but a trade may be better for all parties involved. Romine would get
a fresh start and an actual opportunity while Murphy continues to develop into
a MLB catcher behind McCann in the Bronx. It’s a win, win for all in my book,
the problem is nobody’s ever read my book.
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Sorry for the Capatcha... Blame the Russians :)