A certain someone may or may not be lonely in the Pacific Northwest and may or may not want to come home to the Bronx, but the Yankees have their second baseman. Rob Refsnyder appeared on Hot Stove on Monday and Jack Curry asked if he can win the job in 2016. His response:
“I think you have to go into that whole situation with that mindset. I think if not, you’re at a disadvantage…I’ve got one of the best jobs in the world and I’m looking forward to the opportunity.”
The 24 year old hit .302 with three doubles, two home runs, five RBIs and two stolen bases in just 16 games in 2015. His defense, which was the constant scapegoat when anyone was asked why he wasn’t being called up, was outstanding. He flashed the leather committing just one error in his brief stint in the Majors.
His lack of playing time wasn’t a bad thing either, he sat on the bench and soaked up all the knowledge he could. He took the opportunity to pick the veteran’s brains to improve his game and give him an advantage for 2016. There has been a few rumors regarding trades to “upgrade” the position. In my opinion, there is no need to trade for a starting second baseman. He’s already on the team. Refs proved he can hang with the big boys and, barring a disastrous Spring Training, should be out there everyday. Dustin Ackley is on the roster and, in his 10 games at second last season, hit .258 with three homers and eight RBIs. Overall he hit .288 with four homers and drove in 11 in 23 games in the Bronx. He’s a super utility guy and hits leftie, which will get him playing time at Yankee Stadium. But it shouldn’t be a platoon situation between him and Refs.
Spring Training might still be three months away, but Refs is already hard at work. He’s at the team’s Minor League complex in Tampa preparing for what he expects to be an intense Spring.
“It’s going to intensify, but I’m already doing some things with coaches here just building it up so it’s not such a shock to the body once you really start getting after it.”
To use his own words, he is just scratching the surface. I expect a fun, productive spring out of him. Is it February yet!?
Check out Refsnyder’s full interview with the Hot Stove guys below.
