WHY CITO CULVER IS THE NEXT DEREK JETER

I want to introduce Erica Morales to the BYB family.  Erica was brought on to our staff to help write for us for what is expected to be a busy Yankees summer and fall.  Please welcome her and comment on her work. Welcome Erica. --Casey
 

(In Photo: Cito Culver)
Since 1995, Yankees fans have relied on one man at the shortstop position, Derek Jeter. With 2014 steadily approaching, and his contract coming to an end, one word looms above us. Retirement. For most Yankees fans, the uncertainty of what will become of the team hangs thick over our heads. Who will be able to fill the shoes of the great captain Derek Jeter? The answer is simple. Cito Culver.

It always surprises me how many people are unaware of who Culver is. First round draft pick, 32nd overall, by the Yankees in 2010, Cito has quickly made a name for himself. Okay, true, we don’t hear as much about him as you might the Killer B’s and not even a hairs breath as much as we did Jesus Montero, but the kid is still talented. The switch hitter, which grew up idolizing Jeter, had a .250 BA last season while playing with the Staten Island Yankees. He has since been moved to the Charleston River Dogs, along with a lot of other top prospects.

(In Photo: Eduardo Nunez)
Okay, I know his BA isn’t spectacular and could probably use some work. I guess that is why everyone seems to think that Eduardo Nunez will take the position. Nunez is a solid hitter and we all love having a good bat in our line-up. But, when it comes to overall fielding, Culver is the better shortstop. Nunez is shaky, at best in the field. I find myself wanting him to do well and cringing whenever he commits another error. Bleeding Yankee Blue has written extensively about it and has even suggested he be transformed into an outfielder. Read WHY NOT MAKE NUNEZ AN OUTFIELDER? In 2011, Cito had a better fielding percentage, and while those averages shouldn’t be the sole deciding factor, it’s hard to completely dismiss them. Although his hitting could use some work, his defense in excellent. When debating Culver or Nunez the question is, can we expect Nunez to become a better fielder?

 

(In Photo: Cito Culver)

When it comes down to Nunez and Culver, I think it is very obvious that Culver is the heir to the Derek Jeter throne. We got a brief opportunity to see him play this spring when they brought him in to pinch run for Nunez on the March 28th exhibition game (read HERE.) I cannot wait for the opportunity to watch him play as the Yankees regular shortstop one day.

--Erica Morales, BYB Writer




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