YANKS HAD A CHANCE TO SNAG TOMMY LA STELLA & THEY BLEW IT

I'm a huge Tommy La Stella fan.  He was the hungry, energetic second baseman on the Atlanta Braves that I wrote about a while ago.  If you didn't see the report, read about it here. It's called: TOMMY LA STELLA COULD BE A PERFECT FIT FOR NEW YORK. In it, I wrote:

"...I speak of “our guys” a lot here on BYB.   You know, players that you watch move up the ranks and follow, because they're local guys and they’re doing things the others aren’t. They’re guys like a Doug Cinnella in the 90's,  like Rob Segedin, a farmhand now with the Yankees. Guys like a Rob Kaminsky , and if you’re from North Jersey you know him. And even guys like Tommy La Stella, a second baseman prospect for the Atlanta Braves that has the energy, pride and respect for the game like nothing I've seen in a long time...This kid wants it and it’s evident the way he mans the position...I am a Tommy La Stella fan.  He’s courageous, he’s talented and I wish I was able to get him over to New York one day."

That was last March. Here's the reality. The Yankees didn't pull the trigger to try and acquire this guy, and that's because Brian Cashman is hinting our minor leaguers are the answer.  Look, you know me, I'm all for the youth movement. But this post is personal for me, I wanted to see La Stella in pinstripes.  Anyway, Cashman said of the recent vacancy at second base:

"...He specifically mentioned Triple-A standouts Jose Pirela and Robert Refsnyder as a pair of players who could battle for the starting second base job in 2015.

'As long as they’re developing, they’re going to get a chance,' Cashman said. 'The last few years there’s been less of an opportunity because there have been less obvious candidates. We’ve had, to some degree, some failures, whether it’s in our development or our drafting or our signing internationally that caused a little bit of a black hole that everybody obviously knows and we acknowledge.'”

Here's the thing, I don't trust what Cashman is hinting. I'm sticking with my theme. It's my opinion that Yankee farm is bred to be traded.  I am not for it, I'm suggesting the Yankees don't give them enough of an opportunity.  So, if Cashman is going to commit, then commit. I support the idea of Rob Refsnyder, but my gut says the Yankees may not give him a shot.  That's why in the back of my mind, I was thinking about Tommy La Stella, a Major League second baseman, battle tested and still very young and still very hungry.

Now there's the thing, maybe Cash IS serious about Refsnyder or Pirela filling the hole. I applaud it. The only way that it's in line with the "youth movement", is because Cashman and the Yankees passed on La Stella, who was now acquired by the Cubs.  It's been reported here:

Cubs acquired INF Tommy La Stella and ATL's No. 4 international signing bonus slot for RHP Arodys Vizcaino and 3 int. signing bonus slots
— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) November 16, 2014

Gonzales is from the Chicago Tribune.

What's the point of this post? Simply to say, "Hey Cash, I'm holding you to it.  You passed on a great young, hungry second baseman and floated Refsnyder and Pirela in our faces. Now we want to see action.  Don't break our hearts."

We're ready for the youth movement in Yankeeland. But if on Opening Day, we end up with some 38 year old second baseman of the scrap heap and Refsnyder and Pirela end up back on the farm...

I will come right back to this post and highlight the fact that we passed on a young sensation who wants the opportunity. Tommy La Stella.

Congrats to the Cubs.  They got a good one here.

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TOMMY LA STELLA COULD BE A PERFECT FIT FOR NEW YORK

Sure, the Yankees have Brian Roberts at second these days since Robinson Cano took the money and moved to Seattle.  Now, we all know that Cano is a great second baseman, but never exactly had the fire in the belly, at least that's what I think.  He did it with ease, and that’s probably what annoyed me all these years about Cano.  Anyway, look, it’s not our problem anymore if you love Yankeeland. The talented second baseman found a new home… and life goes on.

The only reason why I’m even bringing it up is because there is a kid that I’m absolutely gushing over… and the kid's homegrown, meaning, from my area.  I speak of “our guys” a lot here on BYB.   You know, players that you watch move up the ranks and follow, because they're local guys and they’re doing things the others aren’t. 

(In Photo: Doug Cinnella)
They’re guys like a Doug Cinnella in the 90's,  like Rob Segedin, a farmhand now with the Yankees. Guys like a Rob Kaminsky , and if you’re from North Jersey you know him. And even guys like Tommy La Stella, a second baseman prospect for the Atlanta Braves that has the energy, pride and respect for the game like nothing I've seen in a long time.

This kid wants it and it’s evident the way he mans the position.

I was reading Mark Bowman of MLB.com the other day, in fact it was from his March 18th article, right around the time the Yanks played Atlanta.  In it, La Stella talks about finding his way through baseball. He spoke of his loving family, and believing in himself and what he could accomplish on the diamond. Bowman’s subtitle says it simply, but then expands quite well on what could possibly be the most recent bright moment in North Jersey baseball.  The subtitle… “Braves second baseman beginning to knock on door of the big leagues.” Sure, but that’s just the start.  Have you seen this guy turn 2? Have you seen this guy hit? He’s a warrior, he's scrappy and he needs the proper recognition he deserves. What I would do to get him to the Bronx if I was Brian Cashman. This kid's got a future.

There are some unique quotes from this kid, and good job by Mark Bowman. Check this out: “… As La Stella has impressed during his first big league camp and created further reason to wonder when he might be given a shot to serve as Atlanta's starting second baseman, he has not lost sight of what he learned when his parents forced him to get a job after he abruptly quit playing baseball during the summer leading into his senior year at St. Joseph Regional High School in Montvale, N.J.

"It was really a perspective issue," La Stella said of his decision to briefly stop playing. "It was one of those things where I really didn't understand just how blessed and fortunate I was to be able to do what I had been doing. It took me stepping away from the game and realizing that I'm very lucky and fortunate to be able to do.

'Thank God for my parents, because they made me go out and get a job. Getting the job really gave me the perspective I needed to really get back into it and realize that I have a gift and [I was] wasting my talent.'

…his parents did not allow him to remain idle. Instead, they led him through a job search that ultimately landed him employment at a farm stand.

Along with delivering bales of hay that would be used for Halloween arrangements, La Stella had a wide range of responsibilities, none of which was more influential than the task of feeding an uncooperative donkey.

'Every night when I would go to feed this donkey, as I was carrying that bucket of food out there, I was thinking, 'What am I doing?'' La Stella said. 'I could be playing ball…'”

I love this kid. It's a great life lesson as well. Look, sometimes you actually need to step away from something you love to realize what you actually have.  Kudos to Bowman for capturing that moment. Kudos to La Stella for opening his eyes and seeing the big picture.  If he didn’t, who knows if he would be trying to make it to the Bigs these days. He could have been pumping gas.

La Stella’s an inspiration to all kids.  We all have kids in our own lives struggling in sports, many of us do at least. As they get older, the competition becomes tougher. That’s when frustration builds. That’s when there’s a drop off and that’s when you see who the champions really are.  "The quitters find a new hobby or new activity… the champions work and climb the mountain", or so they say.   It’s hard as hell to stay with it, that's for sure. Sometimes, like La Stella, you need to walk away to see the big picture… but never quit on yourself.  Believe.

I am a Tommy La Stella fan.  He’s courageous, he’s talented and I wish I was able to get him over to New York one day. Who knows, maybe they're eyeing him right now. Maybe the Braves aren't interested in giving him away either.  The Yanks could use his youth, desire and perseverance.  He’s got guts and I want you all to follow this kid wherever he ends up… he’s got his head on straight… like Ty Hensley, like Dante Bichette, like Tyler Austin… all these kids want are chances.  They’re working their tails off… they believe, they’re just looking for the window of opportunity.  Hopefully La Stella gets his chance…I’m pulling for him.

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GOODNESS GRACIOUS! JOHN STERLING IS CALLING THE "KITTEN BOWL"

I have seen big named guys and gals get bigger and bigger in their career.  John Sterling has achieved alot in his broadcast career, but calling the half-time "Kitten Bowl" game on the Hallmark Channel is not one of them in my opinion. Not sure if you saw this, but I read about it yesterday and was going to ignore it.  Well... I can't. What's John thinking?

According to several sources... and we'll go with Newsday on this one... "Beth Ostrosky Stern, wife of radio host Howard Stern, and John Sterling, the voice of the New York Yankees, will co-host "Kitten Bowl," the Hallmark Channel's feline answer to Animal Planet's venerable "Puppy Bowl" specials that air on Super Bowl Sunday. The Hallmark Channel yesterday said the program -- produced in association with the Port Washington-based no-kill shelter North Shore Animal League America, with which Stern has long been involved -- will air Feb. 2, from noon to 9 p.m."

Now look, I'm not a total jerk. I like that he is working in association with the North Shore Animal League America group, but still John, come on bro, this is weird!

I will tell you that I was reading that Sterling will be appearing at Professional Baseball Instruction, a facility for kids who want to learn more about baseball and their development and that event is on October 26th. That facility will be having Sterling in to tell stories to the kids.

I'm sure John has a million stories about his home run calls, some moments with players and our favorite, Suzyn Waldman. I actually find this to be a great idea! That facility is run by former ballplayer Doug Cinnella, someone's career I followed growing up and I admire the guy for all he's done for the game of baseball. I touched on him in BYB EXCLUSIVE: ROB SEGEDIN, check it out.

But back to Sterling... I love you man, but unless this "Kitten Bowl" thing is about collecting a huge paycheck, I'm just not sure why you want to put yourself out there...

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BYB EXCLUSIVE: ROB SEGEDIN

I like Rob Segedin.  Sure, he's not a household name... yet, but he's a kid with a dream and I admire that.  I live in the Tri-state area and always root for the local guys.  For example, when I was in college there was a guy named Doug Cinnella who we all followed in my area growing up.  These days, it's Segedin.  Both guys have the will and determination to accomplish anything in the game and when one of yours makes it, it's something you root for.  It just so happens that these days Doug Cinnella runs a very popular baseball facility for kids in New Jersey and Rob Segedin is working his way up the major leagues for the New York Yankees. Both love the game, both will never leave the game because for these guys, baseball is their life.

I got to know Rob through another friend and Yankee, Ty Hensley and chatting with him, I realized that any friend of Ty's is a friend of mine.  We share the same values and the same love of the game.  The difference is I write about it and he plays it.  I became curious like I often do and reached out for an interview.  Rob accepted and I wanted to bring you guys up to speed about this young man... a man with a mission... to be on the pro side of the New York Yankees one day real soon.  You want to read about determination... read about Rob Segedin.  Enjoy this one... I sure did...

BYB: Growing up, did you ever think you would be in the farm system for the New York Yankees? Tell me your journey from being a little kid, playing for Old Tappan, Tulane and now...

Rob Segedin: For as long as I can remember, and as far back as home videos show, I have been drawn to baseball from the time I could swing a bat. I played it all growing up and never thought that I would play professionally until the start of my junior year of high school. I started playing with the Bayside Yankees, a travel team that plays anywhere from 65-80 games a summer all over the country. It was the first time I was exposed to elite competition, and I was able to hold my own. It wasn't until I started getting scholarship offers from big division 1 schools for me to fully grasp the idea of playing professionally. I chose Tulane because they were giving me an opportunity to start as a freshman. I continued to improve my skills in college and was fortunate enough to get drafted by the Yankees.

BYB: What's it like to be a member of Team USA?

Rob Segedin: My college coach was set to coach Team USA in 2009.  After my freshman year in 2008, he told me that he wanted to bring me the trials to compete for a spot. However, I got hurt during the summer of 2008 and didn't get invited to the trials because I missed the 2009 collegiate season.  I was healthy by the end of the season and one of the third baseman, Anthony Rendon, hurt his ankle right before trials. So my coach ask if I could take his spot. I went into the trials without seeing any live competition for almost a year, but showed enough to the coaching staff to make it as an alternate. I stayed with the team until they left the country and finished the summer in Cape Cod. To be able to represent your country is an incredible experience that I will never forget. You got a bullseye on your back so you want represent your country and yourself with class. 

BYB: Growing up, who did you idolize and why? 

Rob Segedin: I grew up a Yankees fan and started watching baseball when Derek Jeter was a rookie. He is what the Yankees are about in every aspect. The way he plays the game, the way he represents himself on and off the field. He just does everything right. It was fun to be able to watch him growing up and then be in the same locker room with him.

(In Photo:  Rob Segedin, Ty Hensley and Anderson Feliz)

BYB: You've spent some time with Ty Hensley in Tampa. You know we love that kid. Tell the audience about your friendship and climbing the ranks together. 

Rob Segedin: I met Ty right before I was scheduled to get surgery. Ty and I got surgery on the same day. He was first, I was second. So we have been through the entire rehab together, pushing each other, and helping each other out along the way. It was good to have someone go through the rehab with. He is a great kid, he works hard, and has a bright future. He will come back next year better than he was when he was drafted. 

BYB: Where do you want to be in 2 years? Describe the scene. Who will be there and what will be going through your mind. 

Rob Segedin: Playing in Yankee stadium trying to win a championship. Growing up so close to the stadium, I could see a bunch of family and friends at my first game. My wife will definitely be there as she has been so supportive of my career. I would think that I would be a little anxious to get my first at bat, first ground ball,etc.  But it is the same game as I been playing my whole life, so I will be ready if the Yankees call on me.

BYB: In baseball history, tell me who the 3 people you'd love to have a pint with and what is the 1 question you'd ask each of them. 

Rob Segedin: I have been fortunate enough to have conversations with Jeter, Mo, and Pettitte. Those Would be my initial three but I will expand. Yogi Berra would be one. I would love to talk baseball, have him share on his experiences back in the day as well as stories about his Yogi-isms.

Cal Ripken would be two. I would like to ask him how he was able to prepare himself to play everyday and compete at a high level. Barry Bonds is three. I know he gets a lot of negative publicity, but he still put up crazy numbers throughout his career. We would talk about hitting and approaches at the plate. 

BYB: Tell me how you are progressing with your hip injury from this season.

Rob Segedin: My hip injury was truly a blessing. Hip injuries get a bad reputation because it is uncommon in baseball.  The surgery that Ty and I got is going to get us to new levels in our game. Pre-injury, I could not rotate my hips efficiently and had to compensate with other parts of my body. I feel like a new man now. My hips are more explosive and should be able to elevate every level of my game as a result of the surgery. 

BYB: What New York Yankee have you not met yet, but can't wait to meet and why?

Rob Segedin: Yogi. He is a classic Yankee and I would love to just chat with him.

BYB: How's that BYB shirt treating you?

Rob Segedin: Awesome. It is in my locker at the complex. It is one of the shirts I wear in the gym to workout. 

BYB: Final question. Do you read Bleeding Yankee Blue?

Rob Segedin: I stay away from reading Yankee blogs because I don't like getting caught up in 3rd party opinions on the Yankees farm system. I do read the Bleeding Yankee Blue player profiles that you write.

Rob, you need to read this one... it's all you bro!

I thank you and BYB readers thank you as well.  Thanks for bringing us inside your world... and we look forward to seeing you in the major leagues soon!

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