Yankees Re-sign Defender of the Infield

It's minor news in the world of the Yankees, but it's good news nonetheless. The Yankees have re-signed Brendan Ryan as Derek Jeter's back up at shortstop as well as to fill a utility role.

I've discussed it before, Ryan cannot hit. It's not that he refuses to, but it's close. But there are few in the game that display his glovework at shortstop. He's got great footwork and a cannon for an arm.

The Yankees are going to be negotiating with free agents like mad men in the next month, so it's nice that a small, but vital move got taken care of early.

Pena Makes Final Cut

The Yankees have finally penned in the 25th man on their active roster. Ramiro Pena has been named to the squad, despite the very good exhibition season turned in by veteran Angel Berroa.

Pena is just 23 years old and has never played above Double-A, but the Yankees quickly took notice of his great glove work and a quick bat. The Yankees clearly feel having a very good, versatile glove off the bench is more important right now than an extra bat.

Pena will likely be ticketed for the minor leagues once Alex Rodriguez returns from the DL (he was placed on the IR today, retroactive to March 27.), with Cody Ransom resuming his role as the utility man.

To make room on the 40-man roster, one of our favorites, Dan Giese was designated for assignment. He's likely to be claimed by another organization.

Ramiro Pena Makes his Case

Mark Feinsand of the NY Daily News reported this morning that the Yankees are giving serious consideration to awarding the utility infield spot to 23-yr old Ramiro Pena. With the injury to Alex Rodriguez opening a spot on the roster, it was believed that Cody Ransom would be the every day third baseman and Angel Berroa would be the utility man.

But Pena has opened a lot of eyes this spring with his glove, speed, and the ability to play multiple infield positions. A .304 spring batting average and 7 RBI hasn't hurt his cause either.

The down side, of course, is having a 23-yr old sitting most days instead of playing regularly in the minor leagues. (Pena hasn't played above Double-A thus far.) Berroa has made a case for himself this spring by hitting .400 this spring. He's got power and could push Ransom if he were to struggle in A-Rod's place.

The bad news for both players is that the winner of the competition will most likely be sent to the minors when A-Rod returns, with Ransom resuming his utility role.