Brian Cashman, Thank You For Proving Me Wrong!
By Derek McAdam
March 29, 2023
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A few weeks ago, I wrote an article explaining how it seemed unlikely that Anthony Volpe would make the Major League roster out of Spring Training. There’s no doubt that he was the best shortstop for the Yankees this Spring Training, and was arguably one of the best players on the team during that time. I wanted him to make the Yankees’ Opening Day roster, but there were several factors that I took into consideration.
First, I figured the Yankees would wait to bring Volpe up to manipulate his service time to potentially use to their advantage long-term. Cashman may have thought that Volpe would need a few weeks in Scranton to see how he did at that level. The Yankees also may have needed to clear a roster spot up by trading either Gleyber Torres or Isiah Kiner-Falefa and have needed some time during the regular season to do so.
But in the end, Cashman decided that Volpe was worthy of an Opening Day roster spot, and I can’t be more proud to say that I was absolutely wrong about my initial prediction.
As I mentioned, there is no question that Volpe earned a spot on the roster, and I think that many people wouldn’t disagree with that statement. Now that he is on the roster, there is are a few things that Volpe will bring to the table.
First, and foremost, Volpe seems to be a fantastic shortstop. Throughout Spring Training, he was making several great defensive plays, and even made one yesterday during the exhibition game against Washington to throw out the speedy CJ Abrams. He has the potential to be the best defensive Yankee shortstop in a LONG time… and yes, most likely will be a better defender than Derek Jeter. He’s got a strong arm and is extremely athletic.
Looking on the offensive side, Volpe has also shown that he can be a good hitter and show patience at the plate. He doesn’t have all the power in the world, but the Yankees don’t need nine starters that only hit home runs. Volpe can help balance the lineup with just putting the ball in play, similarly to DJ LeMahieu, who has some pop in his bat, but is known for just putting the ball in play.
Additionally, Volpe will bring some speed to the Yankees. To begin the season, Volpe may be one of the only players that may be active on the base paths, considering that Harrison Bader will start the season on the IL. Yankees fans know that over the past few seasons, the Yankees have always been a fun, and successful, team to watch when they’re not stagnant running the bases.
Considering that if Volpe begins the season hitting in the No. 9 spot, this can benefit the Yankees with LeMahieu leading off. If Volpe can swipe a base, or maybe two, during LeMahieu’s at bat, they have a decent chance of scoring the run. I’d love to see more of this throughout the season than just relying on home runs.
I can’t remember the last time Yankee fans were so excited over a prospect making his Yankee debut. My guess is that Volpe will receive either the largest or second-largest ovation tomorrow at Yankee Stadium (Aaron Judge could potentially beat him out.)
Nonetheless, this is an exciting time for Yankee fans, so let’s sit back and enjoy what Volpe is going to bring to this team, hopefully for many years to come. Once again, I want to thank Mr. Cashman for proving me wrong about my initial prediction. I would have rather been proven wrong and have been happy about Cashman’s decision than been correct about my prediction, but have been disappointed that he wasn’t yet a Yankee.
Enjoy the last day of no baseball, because tomorrow begins the long season ahead!
