I was delighted to hear that the Philadelphia Phillies have signed infielder Ronald Torreyes to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training.
The Venezuelan born Torreyes became a valuable part of the New York Yankees' bench in 2016 and especially 2017 when he hit .292 in 108 games for the Bronx Bombers. However, when Aaron Boone took over the managerial reigns from Joe Girardi in 2018, Torreyes was largely consigned to playing in Scranton-Wilkes Barre and was limited to 40 games at the big league level although he managed to hit .280 in 100 at bats.
I went ballistic when the Yankees designated Torreyes for assignment after the 2018 season. The Chicago Cubs (with whom Torreyes had played in the minors in 2012 and 2013) acquired him from the Yankees only to designate him for assignment. Torreyes signed as a free agent with the Minnesota Twins in December 2018. I was optimistic for Torreyes' chances in the Twin Cities, but he spent most of 2019 with the club's Triple-AAA franchise in Rochester. Torreyes was called up to the club in September, but only appeared in 7 games batting .188 in 16 at bats before becoming a free agent at season's end.
I think Torreyes' size works against him (he's listed at 5,8 and 151 pounds). If he hit for power like Jose Altuve then he'd be cut some slack, but that isn't his game. Signing with the Phillies' organization gives Torreyes, 27, a chance to reunite with Girardi who certainly appreciates what Torreyes brings to the table. With MLB expanding its roster to 26 players, Torreyes would be an ideal man to fill out that final roster spot. Of course, there are no guarantees, the competition will be fierce and sentiment will only take one so far. But if anyone can champion Torreyes' cause it is Girardi. If the Phillies reach the post-season in 2020 it will have as much to do with Torreyes as it will with Bryce Harper. The best teams are strong from 1 to 25. Torreyes can make that 1 through 26.
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