Yanks Sweep Cubs: Pena Wins Backup Infield Spot

The New York Yankees defeated the Chicago Cubs last night by the score of 7-4, and the Yanks won again today 10-1, sweeping the Cubs in the two game exhibition set at New Yankee Stadium. The two games were highlighted by the amount of home runs hit by the Yankees.

In the first game, Robinson Cano put the trailing New York Yankees on the board with a 2 run blast to right field, which was not only the first home run at Yankee Stadium II(I guess, though it doesn't matter yet), it was the first ever run scored by the Yankees at their brand new ballpark.

Later in the ballgame, Hideki Matsui hit a 2 run bomb right off the foul pole down the line in right field, giving the Bombers a 4-3 lead. Although a 4th run would be scored by the Chicago Cubs to tie it up, Cody Ransom would follow with a 3 run jack for New York, giving the Yankees a 7-4 lead they would never relinquish.

Derek Jeter hit a blast and Mark Teixeira slammed two home runs today, and a strong combined pitching performance by veteran southpaw Andy Pettitte and hard throwing new acquisition AJ Burnett held a strong Cubs lineup to only 1 run. That run was scored off the bat of Alfonso Soriano, who jacked a homer to left field.

So that series went spectacularly. I absolutely love the new ballpark, I think it's going to be really fun to watch the season unfold down there in the Bronx, and I'm really hoping that no. 27 comes this season. Of course, my mind says otherwise, but that's a completely different matter.

I found out something really awesome and strange today. Of course, y'all know how Cody Ransom, who was supposed to be the backup infielder, is going to be the starting third baseman for the Yanks until Alex Rodriguez can come back from his injury. That leaves an empty slot in the backup infield position. Well, we found out who would be taking Ransom's place on the bench, and that is oddly not Angel Berroa, the favorite for the job who had a great spring offensively and beat out Hideki Matsui for the ROTY in 2003. Nope.

It's Ramiro Pena! How neat is that?

I mean, I have nothing against Berroa. I like the guy, I really hope he can make a comeback with the Yanks and that he's able to redeem himself for the awful past few years. On the other hand, you've gotta admit, it's always sweet when you see a young guy like Pena, who had never played past AA prior to this season.

So now it's time for me to answer a few questions about this guy, as we wait for Opening Day in Baltimore on Monday.

Who Is Ramiro Pena?

Ramiro Gauna Pena, born in Monterrey, Mexico, on 7/18/1985, is a Yankee prospect(I guess Yankee ex-prospect with this news) who is known for his glove work more than his bat. He has decent speed and below average power, but he is solid defensively. He has very good range, and although he has commited a large amount of errors in his minor league career, that's something that can get better as he gains more expereince. As for his offensive production, I'd predict his stats would be something like this in 09:

185 at bats

.253 AVG, 1 HR, 5 SB, 20 RBI

The switch hitting young Pena made it to the All Star Futures Game in 2008, so that should give you an idea of how talented he is.

So how did he win this job? I'll quote the MLB.com article:

"Despite having not played above Double-A Trenton, Pena opened eyes in camp when Derek Jeter left the club for the World Baseball Classic, showcasing a slick glove and a developing bat. Pena batted .277 (18-for-65) with two doubles, a triple and seven RBIs in 30 Spring Training games for New York."

I hope he'll reach his potential and becomes a mainstay for the Yankees. He has the ability to replace Derek Jeter at shortstop, and while he certainly will not be the second coming of DJ, he could be a fairly productive player for the Yanks. Okay, maybe I'm overhyping on Pena. But I just love prospects, mmkay?

You know you like the pictures.

Is that enough pics for y'all? Haha.

And that'll be all. Stay positive, Yankee fans!

-EJ the Kid From New York