While position players don’t report to the Yankees’ Spring Training complex in Tampa for another week, guys are still trickling in to get a head-start on the season. Second baseman Rob Refsnyder was seen leaving the minor league facility today, and stopped to give his thoughts on the newly-acquired Starlin Castro:
.@Rob_Refsnyder wasn’t disappointed by Starlin Castro trade: “If I work hard, I really don’t see how that can be a disadvantage for me.”
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) February 17, 2016
.@Rob_Refsnyder: “Starlin (Castro) is a great addition to the Yankees. I’m looking forward to learning from him.” pic.twitter.com/VKqUr2qn0v
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) February 17, 2016
Refsnyder learned about the trade a few days before his wedding. He was expected by many to compete for the starting 2B job this spring, especially since he was given a start in the pivotal AL Wild Card game against the Astros, but the Castro acquisition put that speculation to rest.
Refsnyder told reporters that he hasn’t worked out anywhere else besides second base, so it appears that the plan is to keep him right where he is. With super-utility guy Dustin Ackley expected to be on the Opening Day roster, it appears as if Refsnyder is ticketed for Scranton to begin the season.
The Yankees believe Refsnyder’s bat is MLB ready, but his glove still leaves much to be desired. He played solid defense during his time with the team last September, but the organization obviously thought it didn’t warrant giving him the keys to a starting role.
Should anyone get hurt over the course of the season, expect to see Refsnyder get the call. He hit .302/.348/.512 with two homers and five RBI over 16 games for the big-league club last season
