WITH THE HOMEGROWN, THERE IS NO GUARANTEE

There is only one thing that can be said of the future. It is unpredictable. You can work towards a goal you want to achieve, but you cannot foresee what obstacles you may encounter along the way that may stall or deter your progress.

With that said, I recently read an article on the YESNetwork.com (HERE) attempting to predict what the 2018 Yankees line-up would look like with all homegrown players. Granted, it was an entirely hypothetical piece, and very well written, but I found it silly. There are so many factors that come into play, that it is difficult to see a Yankee team, even one four years from now, that will be comprised completely of homegrown players. The piece states:

"Could a 'wipe the slate clean for '18' mantra bring a World Series for a team made up only of only young talent? Marlins and Astros fans can point to 201 and say probably not, and keeping in mind that even "young" core players like Ivan Nova, Eduardo Nunez and even Michael Pineda will be hitting free agency by the winter if 2017, there's a whole lot of uncertainty to follow." 

So even YES acknowledges that the thought is a bit silly. The line-up that they put together is incredible. I will admit that I would love to see guys like Gary Sanchez, Cito Culver, Slade Heathcott, Tyler Austin, and others all come up and play in the Bronx. But the truth is that there is no crystal ball that can determine these things.

Look, I'm not saying that it won't happen. Simply that it is unlikely. I could be absolutely wrong. In fact, if the 2018 Yankees line-up is nothing but homegrown, young talent, please bring it to my attention. I will gladly write a retraction and eat my words here. But let's look at our track record with homegrown players and how the New York Yankees operate?  Remember Jesus Montero? Young and talented and untouchable. He was supposed to take over the mantle as starting catcher. Absolutely could not be traded. And yet he is now wearing a Mariners uniform. He is now teammates with another homegrown player. Robinson Cano. The Yankees could not possible be rid of the best second baseman in the game, right? But he made the choice to pick a contract over a legacy.

These young players are undoubtedly talented and the future. But there are so many factors to take into consideration. Trades, players who chase the money, and a slew of other possibilities that we still cannot see. Sure, there was a time when the Yankees won championships with homegrown players at the very center of the team. The Core Four, and Bernie Williams all played huge roles in our wins in the '90s. But that was a handful of players, not an entire line-up. I would love to see the Yankees utilize their farm system. Sprinkle them in, I welcome it! I would love to see these talented young men make it with the Yankees for their entire careers.  Realistically however, I'm not holding my breath, and that's all because of the Yankees track record.

--Erica Morales BYB Senior Writer
Twitter: @e_morales1804

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