Bleeding Yankee Blue: THE HYPED & SINCE FORGOTTEN ROB REFSNYDER

Thursday, January 26, 2017

THE HYPED & SINCE FORGOTTEN ROB REFSNYDER

(July 24, 2016 - Source: Bob Levey/Getty Images North America

The Youth movement may still be a new concept to the Yankees but even its young stages it has already changed a lot. We have newer and older faces, but do the Yankees really have room for all of these guys? As the spotlight starts to shift it looks like the answer may be "no."

The trade deadline brought some new exciting players into the Yankees farm system. All of the new potential working through the farm system has energized fans with new excitement that has not been seen in years. Names like Clint Frazier, Gleyber Torres, Jorge Mateo, and Miguel Andujar have the same hype that Gary Sanchez, Greg Bird, and Aaron Judge did two years ago. But wait.....there is one person missing in that last group...

(Sept. 8, 2016 - Source: Rich Schultz/Getty Images North America)

Anyone remember Rob Refsnyder? Yeah, that guy. The one who is suddenly all but forgotten was once included in that same group. He was supposed to be a part of the young core of Yankees that would replace the aging veterans and be the replacement for Robinson Cano at second base.

Greg Bird and Rob Refsnyder made important appearances together in 2015. Bird showed all of us (even me) that he could be Mark Teixeira's replacement thanks to his offensive and defensive abilities. Refsnyder only played in 16 games but he had a .302 BA. He impressed the Yankees so much that Joe Girardi trusted him as a starter in the 2015 AL Wild Card game and gave him playing time instead of struggling veteran Jacoby Ellsbury. It was symbolic!

In 2016 it looked like Refsnyder might finally get his chance and be the starting second baseman. It quickly changed when Brian Cashman made a surprising trade bringing Starlin Castro to the Bronx. The shortstop soon to be second baseman ruined any chance Refsnyder had at finally becoming the Yankees everyday starter.

Photo: Getty Images

The Yankees did try to get Refsnyder onto the 25-man roster and keep him out of AAA. They tried to use his versatility but expanding his second base and right field abilities into a third and first base role that didn't work out but it wasn't for a lack of effort. We have always been in his corner because he works hard and he's just a good guy. His attitude and maturity impressed us all, read I'M HIGH ON ROB REFSNYDER.

(June 13, 2016 - Source: Dustin Bradford/Getty Images North America)

So unfortunately, right now Refsnyder looks like he gets the short end of the stick and will be stuck at AAA until injuries arise or he is out of minor league options. Castro isn't going anywhere so he has no definite place on the team. He could be the super utility player, but at this point Tyler Austin looks to be favored more thanks to his success against lefties last season and he can hit for power.

With the way things currently stand on the Yankees and all of the talent they do have Refsnyder looks to be one of the first of the "older" youth movement to go. There's no room for him on the roster and the Yankees will have to figure out what to do with him sooner rather than later. I have always loved his passion. He may not have the star attraction now that these new kids have but he really gave it his all.

It just sucks to see a talented guy with a heart of gold not achieve the ultimate dream. I guess this is what happens when you have a strong farm system. Someone has to be the odd man out, but will it be Refsnyder?