CHECKING IN ON MANNY BANUELOS

I have always been a fan of Manny Banuelos.  I believed, much like many of our writers here at Bleeding Yankee Blue, that he could be an important piece to the future of the New York Yankees pitching.  He, and Ty Hensley of course.  We wrote about Manny a long, long time ago in: FEATURE: ATTACK OF THE KILLER B'S. Febuary 2011 we wrote that.  It seems like a million years ago.

As many of you know, Manny underwent Tommy John Surgery and was out for the entire 2013 season.  Many forgot about him.  Me, being a lover of the southpaw, didn't.  And neither did Chad Jennings of LoHud, who, in October, wrote this about Banuelos:

"After having Tommy John surgery last year, Manny Banuelos did not pitch in an actual game this season. He did, however, pitch at the minor league complex and in instructional league.... he was reaching 92-94 mph with a good changeup and getting breaking balls over the plate. He is expected to be ready this spring, but he will not pitch at all this winter..."

In Joel Sherman's New York Post piece from December 28th, he writes, "... whether the Yankees sign Tanaka or not — there will be so much intrigue come spring training surrounding Banuelos... "

He also wrote that Cashman said of Manny: "...Banuelos is coming back from Tommy John surgery that is not considered as serious, but he hasn’t even finished his development program."

Sherman also wrote: "Banuelos, 23 in March, once drew comparisons to Johan Santana. But questions remain about his control and durability. Brackman is gone, Betances has been put in the bullpen and so Banuelos is the last chance for the Killer Bs."

All is interesting and I'm hoping that Manny does great things and surprises alot of people.  I also hope the Yankees aren't babying him like the did guys like Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain, both are now out of the Bronx.

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