Torre Chooses Youth Over Veterans

March 31, 2007

By DailySkew

Who Says You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks?
Filed by Damian 3-31-07

Well, the 2007 Yankees roster was just about finalized yesterday, and manager Joe Torre surprisingly (and thankfully) chose four young players to make the roster over two veterans and a 2006 mainstay.

“If you have young pitchers and you don’t reward them when they do well, you shouldn’t have young pitchers,” Torre said. “He’s earned the right.”

Durable left-hander middle-relief pitcher Ron Villone was cut, as was gritty backup catcher Todd Pratt. Last year’s backup 1st baseman Andy Phillips was also cut.

Two versatile pitchers- men who can start or go long relief-Brian Bruney and Sean Henn, made the team, as did young backup catcher Wil Nieves. The big news is that 1st baseman Josh Phelps beat Andy Phillips.

Phelps is a Rule-5 draft pick that absolutely torn up Spring Training this year, while Andy Phillips continued to struggle.

With all the criticism Joe Torre recieves from other bloggers, the Daily Skew would just like to tip its hat for Joe for not sticking with the illusion of safety with grizzled, washed-up veterans.

Brian Bruney is one of my dark horse favorites from last year (as is Jeff Karstens, who unfortunately will start the season on the DL).