No Shohei Ohtani news today for the New York Yankees, but that hasn’t slowed the Bombers down on their international search for prospects.
Remember that Japanese prospect who the New York Yankees were almost certain to snag? What was his name again?
Doesn’t matter because he’s not coming to the Bronx.
While fans are still wallowing in the loss, the Yankees have stepped right back into the dating game right away. According to Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com and MLBpipeline.com, the Yankees have their sights set on some other international prospects.
While @Yankees might be out on Ohtani, they are looking closely at Cuban OF Julio Pablo Martinez, who has big showcase planned Dec. 8, and former @Braves prospect Yunior Severino
— Jonathan Mayo (@JonathanMayo) December 4, 2017
Julio Martinez, a young centerfielder, has been residing in Haiti and preparing for the aforementioned showcase to take place on Dec. 8. Martinez has experience in both the Cuban National Series and the Canadian-American Association.
And another Severino might be making his mark in pinstripes soon. Yunior Severino is an 18-year-old second baseman from the Dominican Republic whose contract with the Atlanta Braves was voided in an international signing scandal.
Nothing is set in stone yet, but it appears the Yankees are moving on in the international market, trying to find the best fit for their youthful team in pinstripes.
Speaking of international excitement, Gary Sanchez has taken a break from his intensive offseason training to explore Machu Picchu in traditional garb.
Do yourself a favor and look at that second picture, which is definitely going to be my phone background by tomorrow morning.
But it’s nice to see Gary Sanchez doing something other than training. While it’s great to see him lifting weights and doing otherworldly workouts, I think I enjoy seeing the young catcher traveling and seeing the world when he has the opportunity.
And more goodbyes for the New York Yankees. It was announced yesterday that Al Pedrique would not be returning to manage the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, according to Mark Feinsand.
Oakland has named Al Pedrique as its first base coach. Pedrique managed the Yankees' Triple-A team last season but was not given an opportunity to interview for their managerial opening.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) December 4, 2017
Pedrique was in the Yankees farm system since 2013, coaching everywhere from Charleston to Trenton. His most impressive seasons were in 2016 and 2017, where he led the team to the top of the standings and brought home one championship.
Like we’ve said before, there are far more things going on than just the Ohtani news. The New York Yankees are just getting started this offseason.
