MOOSIC, Pa. _ While Yankees fans have been clamoring for hotshot prospect Gleyber Torres' promotion to the Bronx, at least one person doesn't believe it's a good idea just yet. You can trust this assessment _ it comes from Torres' manager.
"If you ask me today, if the call comes, he is not ready," Al Pedrique said Tuesday. "He is headed in the right direction. I like where he is at for a 20-year-old kid to be in Triple-A. He's very mature. But defensively, he needs more work at third and second."
While Pedrique offered no timetable for Torres to join the Bombers, the organization is hopeful the young infielder will be in New York this season. Torres, who was acquired from the Cubs in the deal for Aroldis Chapman last July, started the season at Class AA before ascending to the RailRiders in late May.
Torres started slowly against International League pitching and was under .200 a week ago. But a recent hot streak (9 for 27) has raised average to .254.
Torres himself was surprisingly cautious when asked if he was ready for The Show.
"That's a tough question, everyone wants to play in the big leagues," he said before quickly adding, "I think I'm ready."
Torres, a natural shortstop who's regarded as the Yankees' No. 1 prospect, has been splitting time between third base and second base, learning the two new positions. It's widely assumed he will eventually replace the struggling Chase Headley at third, although Pedrique pointed out, "I think (Torres) is taking longer at third than second. You can tell he is starting to figure some things out at third base. With the work ethic he has and the softness of his hands, he is going to be fine. He has enough arm strength at third. It is a matter of time for him to feel comfortable."
Among the other prospects who are on the cusp of a call-up include right-hander Chance Adams, infielder Tyler Wade and, to a lesser degree Clint Frazier. Baseball America ranked the Yankees' farm system as the best among American League teams earlier this year, second only behind the Braves.
