The way the MLB works is your draft players, they go to the farm system, work their way up, and go on to become major league players. Mostly, anyway. Every so often you have a player that just doesn't cut it, and never makes it out of the farm system. And then you have guys like Eduardo Nunez.
Nunez came up through the farm. It was said that he was being groomed to take over the helm for Derek Jeter. But time has shown us something different. Look, I like Nunez, but like most Yankees fans, seeing him in the line-up makes me cringe. He has a good bat, there is no denying that. But his fielding leaves a lot to be desired.
A few years ago, when there was a swirl of information over Cliff Lee, it was suggested that the Yankees should trade him to make the signing possible for us. The Yankees absolutely refused. They hung a "Not For Sale" sign around Nunez's neck and kept going. Of course we didn't get Lee, but we did have Nunez. I thought this meant that Nunez would get more play time, more experience, and basically be as vital to this team as possible. That, however, is not the case. Nunez so far has only been used as back-up. Put in the line-up when someone is injured, and we have no other alternative. If fact, they even went with Brendan Ryan at shortstop last season in an effort to avoid using Nunez.
This off-season, the Yankees have made a lot of moves. There is an incredibly long list of names connected to us. Especially since it has become clear that the front office has taken the money-be-damned approach to acquiring players once again. There was even a piece by Nick Cafardo that reasoned the Yankees could likely pick up AJ Burnett once again. Don't worry, Yankees fans. It's just rumors and speculation. There is no real basis for it. My point is, why haven't the Yankees tried to deal Nunez?
The Yankees have said on several occasions that Nunez has potential. I have no doubt of that. In 2011, when Jeter was injured and Nunez took over, his bat came alive, and while he was still error prone, those became less and less. It was clear that all he needed was more time. But the Yankees continue to push past him. Ignore him unless the need become too great, and then call him in. He is like the water boy. Suited up with little to no chance of getting in the game. So why not deal him to a team that would use him, and get us someone we could use?
Our infield still has question marks. Our fifth starting spot is still not secured, and stock piling arms is never frowned upon. Nunez can be a bargaining chip. The Yankees have said that Nunez could possibly be our everyday starting third baseman, but I would have to see that for myself. If they do in fact go through with that, then I see one purpose. Bringing his value up, to use him as trade bait.
I like Nunez. I have always wished he got more playing time. More time means he adjust. We take advantage of his bat, and his errors become fewer and fewer. Sure, we would have to find a way to keep his helmet from flying off, but we could work on it. Bottom line here? Nunez's talents haven't developed to where they should, and unfortunately it is because of how the Yankees have used him. Reminds me of Francisco Cervelli, and a slew of other underdeveloped minors that just couldn't hash it.
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