Reports And Subsequent Backtracks About Anthony Volpe Allegedly Refusing To Move Positions Have Sent Yankees Fans Into Hysteria
Michael Urakami. Getty Images.Another day another shit storm in Yankees land. Who does this one involve? You guessed it Anthony Volpe. I gotta say it's crazy to see how polarizing he is with the fanbase. You either think the criticism he gets is well deserved or you believe everyone is too hard on the kid and he should be the starting shortstop. Just the sight of his name causes controversy. Gleyber had this a little bit, but not to this extent.
Before we dive into today's story, let's do a quick overview on Volpe himself. Offensively we've seen just about the exact same profile going on four years now. Streaky, low average, underwhelming ability to get on base, poor control of the strike zone. For two weeks he'll show flashes of his abilities, giving you hope he turned a corner, followed by months of inability to put the bat on the ball. The defensive side of things has been more up and down, starting out hot when he first got called up and then eventually subsiding more to an inconsistent glove with a poor arm and a guy who doesn't trust his hands.
Volpe was hyped up to us as the guy who could hopefully takeover at shortstop and man the position for years. The heir apparent to Jeter so to speak. Unfortunately it just never worked out that way. At the end of the day he's a bad hitter and an inconsistent fielder who likely is destined for a position change to second base in the not so distant future because of his arm.
The most frustrating part of the Anthony Volpe experiment is the organization's unwavering trust in his game. Like I said, we're on four years of this journey with minimal signs of any positive change/light bulb going off moment. The fact of the matter is they've stuck with a below average shortstop for 3.5 seasons. Jomboy did research and found nobody has been given more run while providing so little production in the history of baseball.
That brings us to today. Simultaneous reports from the NY Post's Joel Sherman, who has covered this team for forever, and long time Yankees play by play announcer Michael Kay both alluding to Volpe refusing a position change while he was down in the minors this year.
Advertisement
Background: Those reports reference when Volpe came off the IL from shoulder surgery and was not immediately called up to the big leagues. Finally the moment had arrived where the organization was finally going to stop this nonsense, ease up on their stubbornness, and treat him like everyone else. Jose Caballero had played his way to the starting shortstop role in the Bronx with excellent defense and solid enough hitting. Boone then mentioned Volpe would start to get reps at second base to give himself some versatility should the opportunity present itself in the big leagues. All of that sounded smart, but then Caballero broke his finger and required a short IL stint. Boone said Caballero would remain the starter when he returned from the IL, which only ended up lasting 10 days. Problem was when Cabby returned a bunch of other Yankees began to get hurt, and with Caballero the more versatile player able to play every infield and outfield position, he began to bounce around more. That allowed Volpe to regain his starting shortstop role. The domino effect from that point on caused the Yankees overall team defense to deteriorate. Inconveniently enough the pitching, defense, and offense all decided to evaporate at the same time, causing the team to nose dive lately. Defensive metrics can say whatever they want about Volpe, but they are at their best when Caballero is at short. Boone even admitted this the other night after the Schlittler start in Tampa.
So now we have the two reports about Volpe apparently refusing to play second down in the minors. When those dropped this morning Yankees Twitter went nuts. As I said, Volpe is as polarizing as it gets online. A few hours later Kay completely walked back his report.
I don't know about you, but the timing and wording of all that screams that Cashman gave him a call and told him to reverse course and quiet the noise. It's up to you to believe he completely fucked up hearing a rumor from multiple sources or that the front office got in his ear. Maybe both happened! Sherman did not back down from his report, but also carefully worded it from the start to not make it seem like Volpe refused second base, and it was more a preference situation.
Volpe spoke to the media before tonight's game, refuting everything and insisting he'd play anywhere if it helped the team.
Advertisement
Good quotes for sure and at the end of the day I hope what he says here is genuine. Doesn't take away from the fact that he's still being put at shortstop while Caballero moves around the infield. If it's not him refusing to play the position, then it's on the organization for not making him.
Boone still has his back, telling us he's a "damn good shortstop."
Advertisement
You can tell me whatever defensive metrics you want, but if you watch these guys everyday Caballero at short is their best answer. Is he THE answer at short? Fuck no. They absolutely need a better player at the position, but for now Cabby is the best option until an external option is brought in or top prospect George Lombard Jr. is ready.
The thing is, shortstop at the moment is not their biggest need. Austin Wells is in the middle of one of the worst statistical seasons ever by a Yankee hitter. They must upgrade the position. Their starting rotation that was once a strength, is showing weaknesses either through regression or injury. 3rd base still remains a problem after all these years. Jazz has had a nightmare season at second. Judge is out 6+ weeks still. They have PROBLEMS, and lots of them. Cole has the ball tonight against McClanahan and boy do they need a good start from him. Please win tonight.
P.S. The real group of people at fault for the Volpe situation is the front office. He never asked to be dubbed the next Jeter. They were the ones who chose him as the future instead of going after the likes of Corey Seager, Trea Turner, or any other veteran SS who were available around that time. They never demoted him when he should have been to get more development in. Instead they brought him up and kept him here regardless of his poor/inconsistent play. Sure he could have been more of the guy that garnered this top prospect attention, but the organization putting all their eggs in his basket and not considering any other options until Caballero came around was just unnecessary and is why we're here. Brian Cashman refuses to admit he's wrong about this shit. Volpe is his guy and he is determined to have it work out. I wish Volpe could magically turn into THE GUY, I have nothing against the dude personally. It's just not happening here folks. He is who he is and now it's up to the front office to wake up and move on. We'll all be better for it.