April 1, 1996: The New York Yankees announced today that
their "shortstop of the future," Derek Jeter, would be headed back down
to the Columbus Clippers. To keep the spot warm for him, meanwhile, the
Yanks acquired shortstop Felix Fermin from the Seattle Mariners, in
exchange for pitcher Mariano Rivera.
Originally,
Jeter was supposed to back-up veteran star Tony Fernandez at short, but
opportunity beckoned when Fernandez broke his elbow in spring
training. But Jeter's performance in Florida convinced at least some of
the Yankees' brainstrust that he was not ready to start in the major
leagues.
"I'm sure he'll be a fine player,"
Yankees front office fixture Clyde King acknowledged, "but we just can't
win with him right now."
The rest of the
Yankees' organization, led by Gene Michael, Bob Watson, and new manager
Joe Torre were reportedly adamant against demoting Jeter, but George
Steinbrenner said that he had made the final call.
"My
baseball people were divided, so I had to step up and make the big
decision. That's what leaders do," Steinbrenner told the press.
"I
did have a terrible spring," a dejected but still determined Jeter
said. "I'll just have to do better, and earn my way back to New York."
Fermin,
32, batted just .195 last year for the Mariners, and has hit only 4
home runs in his 9 years in the majors, but he was batting a career-high
.317 when the lockout shut down the 1994 season. He is considered a
good if not great glove, and all the Yankees want him to do is to give
them a credible shortstop until Jeter is ready to take his place.
Mariano
Rivera had impressed the Mariners during his three, scoreless
appearances against them in last year's ALDS, but he remains a young,
unproven pitcher, while the Yanks still have John Wetteland as their
closer.
Rivera said he was disappointed to be leaving New York, but was sure that it was all God's will.
(ALMOST...a true story!)
{shuddering under the desk}
ReplyDeleteThis just in:
ReplyDeleteClint Frazier will get another chance. With Giancarlo Stanton going on the injured list, the Yankees will recall the outfielder, a source confirmed. SNY first reported the move.
For another cup of coffee?
This just in:
ReplyDeleteClint Frazier will get another chance. With Giancarlo Stanton going on the injured list, the Yankees will recall the outfielder, a source confirmed. SNY first reported the move.
For another cup of coffee?
This just in:
ReplyDeleteClint Frazier will get another chance. With Giancarlo Stanton going on the injured list, the Yankees will recall the outfielder, a source confirmed. SNY first reported the move.
For another cup of coffee?
Oh, knowing Giancarlo's usual durability, I imagine he's up for at least a cup coffee and a bagel with a schmear.
ReplyDeleteNow, all we have to wait for is the inevitable mishap to the Oft-Injured Hicks, and Andujar will be back up, too.
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