Change Has Come
It is a minor move, but it has major implications: Ramiro Pena is the Yankees new backup infielder. The obvious choice was to take Berroa, an expensive veteran with very little upside, but the Yankees went with a guy who has never played above AA. Why did they do it? Defense is the primary answer, the guy is a wizard with glove. Now the question is, how will the Yankees use Pena?
He will probably sit on the bench unless there is an injury or they need a pinch hitter, but the Yankees would be smart to consider Pena as a late-inning defensive replacement for Jeter and give him an occasional start when Chien-Ming Wang is on the mound.
Whatever they do with Pena, it is significant that they chose youth over experience and gave him a spot. Hopefully, it is the start of a trend in the Bronx.
