THE UNDERRATED ROMINE MACHINE

Photo: Newsday

Despite injuries to a couple of the starters, the Yankees are playing some excellent ball right now.

Part of the reason is their depth, which has played an integral part during these early stages of the season. This article from the New York Post gives one such example in our pal, Austin Romine:

"Since Romine moved into the lead chair Sunday in Baltimore, the Yankees have won five straight games and he has started four of them, including Friday night’s 4-3 win over the Cardinals in front of 39,102 at Yankee Stadium..."

Photo: Paul J. Bereswill

When Gary Sanchez was placed on the DL you could hear a collective 'OH NO' from Yankee Universe. Everyone knew that Romine would now be the everyday catcher. He was considered more of a defensive catcher with not much expected from his bat. Without Gary, the Yankees were losing a significant offensive weapon. While Austin doesn't hit the tape measure home runs we have become accustomed to seeing from Gary, he has been hitting a lot better than some thought he would.

Yes, I know it's only been a few games but, I feel Romine has exceeded expectations as he has hit .324 with 5 RBIs in 37 ABs.  Not bad for a kid that was designated for assignment in 2015.

Personally, right now I feel that whatever he can provide with the bat, is icing on the cake. The guys at the top of the order that are supposed to provide the spark are doing just that. It's what Romine provides behind the plate that really matters. His pitchers love how he calls a game and they put their trust in him. Adam Warren had this to say.

“Game calling, by far,’’ pitcher Adam Warren said of Romine’s best attribute. “We started working at Double-A, and I hardly shake him off. He knows swings and he knows hitters.’’

Photo: Paul J. Bereswill

Austin Romine has come a long way in the last couple years. He is another of the kids I got to see in the Arizona Fall League as he played in it 3 different times (09,10 and 12). I'm glad Austin has finally gotten his chance and run with it. He is a hard worker with a great attitude and in my eyes, at least, he has earned his spot with the team.

“The team is playing well, period. I’m not going to take credit,’’ Romine said when asked if it was gratifying that the club is playing well and winning with him at a premium position. “I’m trying to stay out of the way the best I can. We have a lot of people doing things right. I can’t sit here and take credit for anything.’’

--Michael Carnesi
BYB Writer
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