Future Pheenom

The Yankees have done a great job of developing talent in the last four years. Luis Severino, Gary Sanchez, Aaron Judge and Miguel Andujar have revitalized the Bronx bombers. And despite trading some prospects and graduating a few others, there's still a pool of impressive youngsters.

Topping that list is Estevan Florial. Just 21, the lefty hitting outfielder has opened even more eyes with his Grapefruit League play. A laser of a home run, and a batting average over .340 reinforce the sense the Dominican native is someone special. Tack on strong defensive skills and you have the kind of prospect who could easily have factored -- along with the presence of Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Hicks -- into the Yanks not pursuing Bryce Harper.

Now the warning: Florial has yet to play above A ball.  After missing half of 2018 with injuries, he's ticketed for Trenton, two levels from the majors. I'm planning to get a first-hand look at him sooner than later; hopefully, he'll still be with the Yankees when I'm in Florida next week.

Thanks to my pal Dennis for sharing this image from the first weekend of Spring Training 2019, when the Yanks visited the Rays in Port Charlotte.

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