Once again, Tyler Wade comes through. I wonder if management noticed?

In November, Tyler Wade turns 27. He's been a Yankee since 2017 - never known another organization - though this is the first year he's seen more than 50 games. 

He's hitting .267, his best season ever, fourth among Yanks with at least 100 at bats. He plays everywhere but catcher. He steals bases at a 79 percent success rate. 

He hit well in the minors. In 2017, before he started shuttling between Scranton and NYC, Wade batted .310 and stole nearly 30 bases at Triple A. At age 22, he was a Triple A all-star SS. That year, fans thought he'd get a shot. 

He got 58 at bats, hit .155, and was disappeared. 

The following year, Wade received 66 MLB at bats, hit .167, and again was jettisoned. That's when the brain trust decided to make him a utility lug nut. He would learn every position. That consigned him to two more years on the shuttle - and even then, few opportunities, because the Yankees would sign veteran cast-offs. (That's the Yankee way.)

For years now, Wade has been reputed to be the fastest Yankee. Last October, they carried him on their playoffs roster. He batted once, drew a walk. They didn't let him steal. Often, when he pinch runs, they hold him back. (Though he always rattles the pitcher.)

During the recent 13 game winning streak, Wade played often. He went 6 for 20, ( .300), and lifted his average to .278. He settled a ragtag infield, playing beside Andrew Velasquez (currently of Scranton.) In one game, a Fox announcer mused that Wade was the best all-around player in the Yankee lineup. Nobody scoffed. 

Last night, Wade stole third - fronting a double steal with Gleyber Torres - a move that changed the game. It was a hellova gutsy decision. You cannot get thrown out at third, not in the ninth, not in a pennant race, not down a run to Baltimore. Had Wade been out, today's tabs would put his head on a pike. But he beat both the throw and the ensuing video challenge. His move averted a soul-crushing Yankee loss. (Had Wade remained at 2b, Brett Gardner's bloop single would have been easily caught by the SS.)

When you look at Tampa, you see a team of Tyler Wades: hungry players, mid-20s, skilled in multiple positions, lightning fast, peaking in their careers, confident in their abilities, heading to the world series.

When you look at the Yankees - well - you might miss Wade entirely. He's a late-inning replacement, an occasional runner. We prefer veterans, even though their batting averages are - (for real) - .148, .205, and  .227. 

I realize that I'm approaching this from the upper deck of fandom. Game decisions are hard to critique from far away. We don't know the inner dynamics. Is a player nursing a secret injury? Is he overworked? Does his dog have ringworm? Hey, you never know...

Still, when you look long range at a player like Tyler Wade, you can see that the fix was always in. Long ago, somebody in the front office decided that Wade is not worthy of a starting role. The Yankees play the front office favorites, and if you're not on that A-list, good luck. You'll get 50 at bats, scattered over three months, and unless you hit .350, you're gone.  

Meanwhile, the Yankees will trade for another pricey veteran - who will immediately become the most important Yankee. He'll need at least 200 at bats. Guys like Wade, with no fairy godfather in management, must scrounge for chances to show their stuff.

Well, last night, Wade showed his stuff. That should mean more playing time, right! (Badabadoom. That's a joke.)