Carlos Narvers enjoyed an impressive season with the Red Sox. It was quite the achievement until he received the Downballot Al Rookie vote this year.
During this time, the spotlight shifted to the pitchers, and the Yankees made a move for him in an offseason deal.
Baseball America recognized Elmer Rodriguez Cruz as the Yankees’ Minor League Player of the Year on Monday, highlighting a strong season for the right-hander, who is 22 years old.
Rodriguez Cruz’s strikeout record was second only to Mets rookie Jonaton, who had 179 strikeouts in the minor leagues this year.
“We targeted him for a reason. We saw a lot of potential,” said pitching director Sam Briendar earlier this season. “He’s a solid strike thrower and has impressive velocity, averaging over 95 miles per hour. We believed firmly that his secondary pitch could have a significant impact.”
Recently added to the list of America’s top 100 prospects, Rodriguez Cruz is seen as a player who could really progress the Yankees’ pitching future.
He is set to kick off next season at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, following his promotion after the Double-A Somerset playoff run wrapped up.
The Yankees managed to improve their record to 6-8 in extra-inning games after beginning the season at 3-8. Interestingly, all three of their recent extra-inning victories came on the road.
Ben Rice’s recent accomplishments at Camden Yard included a memorable grand slam, reminding fans of his previous success there last summer. At that time, he hit a three-run homer that helped the Yankees secure a 5-3 lead, although Clay Holmes later allowed the opposition to rally.
Sunday’s game focused on Rice’s standout performance, but last summer’s match was notably marked by Alex Verdugo’s significant play on the left field grass.
