Greg Bird. Greg Bird. Greg Bird. Greg Bird.
Yankees first base prospect Greg Bird was named MVP of the Arizona Fall League's Fall Stars game after becoming a late addition to the roster. Originally outfield prospect Aaron Judge was the only Yankee to make the All-Star game, despite Bird leading the AFL in nearly every offensive category. Bird put the East All-Stars on the board with a huge home run that had no trouble clearing the 410 fence in center field. You'll want to see this.
The sound that ball makes off the bat is kind of amazing. It's hard to deny that Bird looks good in those pinstripes, and that that impressive display of power wouldn't look good in the Bronx. His left-handed swing seems almost made for the short porch in right field. No one is confused by the fact that Mark Teixeira is on a downward trend as he nears the end of his contract with the Yankees. If Bird can continue his ascent through the levels of the minors, he'd be in a good position to take over first base duties in New York after Teixeira is gone.
Bird's strong season in 2014 after his big breakout season in 2013 has gotten him high praise and moved him up prospect lists like Baseball America's, where he was ranked 4th in the Yankees' system. We might be able to get a good look at Bird in spring training if the Yankees bring him in as a non-roster invitee. He'll probably start the season with the Double-A Trenton Thunder in 2015, hopefully not staying there too long before getting a bump up to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre at some point during the season.
.@Yankees prospect Greg Bird is @MLBazFallLeague Star of the Game on the strength of this bomb http://t.co/r38T470ymhpic.twitter.com/4DzARxU4Hz
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) November 2, 2014