LET RONNIER MUSTELIER PLAY THIRD BASE!

The Yankees are facing some serious problems with key players out. We've talked about it here for weeks on BYB.  There are holes to fill and lots of speculation over whom the Yankees will bring in. There is one guy that isn’t getting nearly enough attention. Ronnier Mustelier.

Ronnier came to Spring Training to compete for the outfield hole left by Curtis Granderson. He has since made a big splash, having Kevin Long, Joe Girardi and Brian Cashman taking serious notice. Let me rephrase that... we fans are really taking notice as well and as we have said many, many times here, LET THE KIDS PLAY....let Ronnier play!

(In Photo: Ronnier Mustelier playing for Cuba)

Ronnier’s story is unique. He defected from Cuba in 2009. At 26-years old, he was signed with the Yankees for $50,000 in 2011. Being 5’10”, 210 lbs., he is nothing short of a brick house. You could question his size but he has been able to hit incredibly well thus far. In his past two seasons in the minors, he has hit .356 and .314 respectively. He is 6 for 17 this Spring Training, with a .353 BA. There is no doubt that he has a good read on pitches and knows what his way around the batters box. The Yankees have faith in his ability to hit, read that HERE. The real test will be if he can field.

Girardi had him playing third base on Saturday for 3 ½ innings. If he can get a handle on the position, it allows the Yankees to move Youkilis to first base while Mark Teixeira is out.

The bottom line is that the Yankees need a good bat and Ronnier can provide it. He has experience playing the outfield in the minors and played third base in Cuba, read that HERE. He is definitely versatile. With Granderson being out, the Yankees could use a consistent hitter and Ronnier could be just that. And, honestly, I would love to see him and Robinson Cano on the same line-up. I feel like that would be a serious threat to opposing pitchers.

If Ronnier can manage to prove himself at third base, there is no doubt that he will make the Opening Day roster. And if he gets enough playing time in the Bronx, he may just become the next fan favorite. One thing is for sure, he is one of the most interesting players to watch for right now.

--Erica Morales, BYB Writer
Twitter: @e_morales1804

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