The New York Yankees made a great decision before the season began by giving Anthony Volpe the starting shortstop job. While Volpe has been inconsistent at the plate to begin his major league career, his value has been evident elsewhere. Volpe is near the top of the league in stolen bases, and as of this writing has yet to be caught. He causes confusion on the basepaths the likes Bombers fans haven't seen in decades. Volpe also is playing at an above average defensive shortstop, and his infectious excitement resonates through the team.
Oswaldo Cabrera also was awarded a roster spot in the spring. Cabrera has been splitting time but he, like Volpe, has shown the Yankees fans and management he is more than a fill in utility player. Cabrera may never be a superstar but he is a better option than Hicks in left and should remain the starter there.
That brings us to the newest young buck to break into the lineup in Oswald Peraza. The 22 year old top prospect didn't have the best spring and was left off the roster, but with Stanton, Donaldson and others going down, and then Torres struggling, his time is now. He has been starting at second base and should be there every day until Stanton gets back in 2 months or so. Torres can fill in at DH in the meantime and give the superior defender the 2B job.
That leaves out Josh Donaldson. Donaldson has been horrible with New York and it's time to end this terrible experiment. Since he was traded to the Bronx Donaldson is batting under .220 and his supposedly great defense has produced a 1.6 WAR. What Donaldson has done can be replicated by Peraza, but as noted above, like the other youngsters he can run. Josh Donaldson is not speedy or a good base stealer. That element is what Peraza can bring.
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