A Moment For Reflection.

We all know that Greg Bird's failure has been a drag on this team.

I believe, in his youthful exuberance, that Greg " covered up" the extent of his foot injury.  I often commented that it was odd to watch him limp down to first on a sure ground ball out, hit to second.  Baseball players ( except for Cano ) hustle, and Greg is a baseball player.

Finally, the Yankees woke up and realized that his lack of offensive production and his inability to run, were signs that something was wrong.  I mean, was Joe wearing rose colored glasses?  Was Brian not looking?  And where was the doctor hiding, who mis-diagnosed this injury in the first place?  How does that doctor still escape the microscope of journalistic inquiry?

More than a month later ( I think he departed the scene May 2, but don't hold me to that), Greg is finally doing re-hab in minor league games.  But he is still down there and not in Anaheim.

Finally, to my point:

I think we have to give a lot of credit to Chris Carter, and be damned thankful that he is wearing pinstripes.

He has been much better defensively, than we imagined. A league above what we get from sticking Romine there, or Gary or Refsnyder or Holliday.

His offensive numbers , of course, are not what we were programmed to expect from Greg Bird, but Carter has had his moments.  He has generated important runs, leading to victories, and he has prevented numerous errors ( and runs) with a nice glove at first. The power is still there.  He takes walks.  And, sure he strikes out more than average.

But he has been a total professional.  If we had anyone capable  as back-up ( other than in 14 run blow-outs), I would be happy to let Bird spend the season in AAA, and not return until his numbers demand it. I want to see from him, " spring training " numbers, earned in several weeks of AAA competition, before he returns to the big club.   No more excuses.  When he shows up he better deliver.

Chris Carter deserves our respect.  He should not simply be automatically replaced by a younger, "big prospect" player, who has done nothing at the major league level.

Quietly, Chris Carter has proven himself to be an  off-season acquisition we could not have done without.

Welcome to the Yankees.