GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT

Good things come to those who wait, or so they say.  It’s certainly a saying that Dean Anna hopes is more true than not.

Anna is the 27-year-old infielder the Yankees received (from the Padres) in exchange for minor league reliever Ben Paullus last November.  The Bombers signed Anna to a one-year MLB minimum ($500,000) contract this past month.

The second baseman/shortstop/third baseman had been mired in San Diego’s farm system in spite of putting up solid numbers at the plate and in the field.  For the Yankees it may turn out to be a blessing in disguise.

Given that the Bombers are thin at the positions Anna plays, it only made sense that the team would sign him and bring him in with the opportunity to win a roster spot.

In the Pacific Coast League last season, Anna hit .331 with a .892 OPS and scored 90 runs for Triple A Tucson.  It marked career highs in nearly every category for the infielder.

The numbers don’t appear to be a fluke as Anna has increased his batting average by at least 18 points each of the last two seasons while moving from Double A to Triple A.

Could he be blossoming into a Major League caliber player?

The Yankees must believe the potential is there given that he is considered a legitimate candidate to win the utility infield position.

With the fielding deficiencies of Eduardo Nunez, and the injury concerns with Scott Sizemore, it would not come as a surprise to see Anna as the player the team takes to the Bronx.

Anna isn’t going to be spectacular; he’s just going to be solid.  He doesn’t steal many bases (only 3 at Tucson) and doesn’t hit for power (nine home runs last season) and he might not win a Gold Glove in the field.  However, what he does provide is stability and consistency.

In short, he’s not going to hurt you at the plate or at his position, and there’s a lot to be said for that.

At 27, the infielder is now entering what are considered to be the peak years of a ballplayer’s career.  Recent history would indicate now would be the time to give the man his shot in “the show”.

We’ve seen what Nunez can (hit) and can’t (fielding) do and Sizemore’s career average (.238) would indicate that he’d mainly be used for defensive purposes only, so why not give Anna the chance he deserves?

This spring the Yankees’ situation represents the best opportunity Anna may have to playing in the big leagues.

It is something he’s waited for long enough.


    

--Steve Skinner, BYB Writer
Twitter: @oswegos1

   

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THE YANKEES TRADE FOR THE "DEAN OF SWING"

Don't worry Ladies and Gentlemen... we got Dean Anna.  Now look, I'm am in NO way making fun of Dean Anna.  I am applauding him. The guy is supposed to be an animal.  He's also been named one of the most "underrated players" out there.  The Yanks got him in a trade from the Padres. I'll take him.  Don't forget, no one knows just how hard it is to make it to the big show and there are many, many steps to get there.  If you don't remember, Marci Hensley, Ty's mother said it best when we ran our interview with her last year on Thanksgiving (HERE). She stated simply,

" I lived through it with my husband, Mike Hensley. I lived through the highs, the lows, the injuries and his heartbreak when he was released. We worked 4 jobs between us to allow him to finish school, most of the time not knowing where our next dollar was coming from." 

She then expanded:

" I do know that making it to the majors is more about a bunch of factors such as health, opportunity, and work ethic coming together.  That doesn't happen in one season with kids coming out of high school. It takes some time, in pinstripes or in some other jersey, it doesn't matter."

That's mama bear right there.  You have to read that and as a fan, respect every single guy that comes through the system.  It's not easy. In other words, respect Dean Anna.

 Anna just signed a minor league deal with the Yankees.  It's being reported by ESPN that: 

"The Yankees have traded for minor league infielder Dean Anna. Anna had an .892 OPS in 2013 for Triple-A Tuscon. He is 26. He could potentially be a backup infielder. He swings left, throws right.

The Yankees gave up Ben Paullus. Paullus, a 24-year-old righty, had a 5.56 ERA in Class A."

Welcome Dean.  Thank Marci... she's the best!
 
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GUESS WHERE CITO CULVER IS GOING NEXT?

(In Photo: Cito Culver)
Good news for our pal Cito Culver.  Word is out, according to the Charleston Riverdogs that Cito Culver, and teammate Ben Paullus, have been promoted to High A Tampa. Nice!

According to the Riverdogs press release, "Culver, who hails from Rochester, NY, was batting .232 with eight home runs and 29 RBI in his 104 games as a RiverDog this season...Paullus, a right-hander who earned SAL All-Star honors as a reliever, recorded nine saves and had a 6-3 record and 2.54 ERA in his 32 appearances...In a corresponding roster move, third baseman Dante Bichette, Jr. was activated from the disabled list."

 (In Photo: Dante Bichette Jr)
I'm not so familiar with Paullus, but as you know if you read Bleeding Yankee Blue, we interviewed both Cito and Dante.

Be sure to read:

 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: DANTE BICHETTE JR

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: CITO CULVER

2 great kids with mad potential.

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