As personal backstop to Number 3 ace Mike Mussina, young Yankee catcher Wil Nieves continues to impress fans with his steaming hot bat and always-sticky mitt.
Following a tepid spring, Wil "dialed-her-up" in June, blasting his way to a solid .111 batting average, though it's still below his personal goal of .150. Also, Wil is still chasing his first 2007 four-bagger, though that "zero" HR total belies several monstrous foul balls, warning track bombs and sky-high pop-ups, the likes of which have old-time ballfans reminiscing of Jason Giambi in his pinstriped heyday.
Along with that magical but elusive .150 goal, the Puerto Rican-born Nieves must also chase the colorful ghosts of former Yankee back-up backstops John Flaherty (now a YES commentator) and the slow but beloved platemaster Sal Fasano, who is now practicing his craft somewhere in the minors. Needless to say, George Steinbrenner and Brian Cashman consider Wil an untouchable in trades, in part because of the way he handles former all-star hurler Mike "Moose" Mussina.
As the Moose's personal backstop, Wil has called several fine games, outwitting batters and coaxing the fireballing Moose into an astounding 4.92 earn run average. It's the perfect chemistry of youth and wisdom!
Here's to Wil Nieves, who at only 29, is part of the Yankee Youth Movement of 2007, which is destined to make the future as exciting as the past.
Atta, boy, Wil!
Failure? Wil won't!
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3 comments:
I am pleased to read that the elite media of the east ( and west ) coast has finally recognized the potential and contribution of this fine young prospect.
One criticism: you have mentioned little of Will's fielding and defensive credentials behind the Moose. By my calculation, he is also quietly, but steadily,approaching .150 in his success rate throwing out potential base-stealers.
In effect, this young talent is, at minimum a two tool guy in the making. More Kudos to Brian and his team for not overlooking Will Nieves in the mix of 2007.
-Alphonso
Nice profile. I look forward to your take on the rest of the studs off the Yankee bench: Cairo, Basak, Phillips and Thompson!
I have been traveling to Vegas for the professional pokers' world series, and to LA to assist in the Paris Hilton jailing. As a result, I missed the promotion of Chris Basak to the big club.
I scouted Chris when I went to Tampa this Spring. Saw him play in Bradenton ( vs. Pirates ) and at Legends' field ( vs. Jays). I was struck by two things:
1. He can hit singles off AA and AAA pitchers.
2. He is prone to making errors.
For this Yankee team,therefore, he is an ideal utility infielder. When the Mets released him, they felt he was old and slow. Since when have we ever listened to the Mets?
I'll be looking for him tonight
( maybe at SS ?) vs. molting Birds.
- Alphonso
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