Gary Sanchez, Brett Marshall, and Manny Banuelos Debut

Written by Greg Fertel | 22 June 2010

Yesterday, the Gulf Coast League Yankees opened their season with some big names. Starting the game was Manny Banuelos, who underwent an appendectomy right at the start of the season. He was not expected to miss this much time, but since it's not an injury, it's not like he had any setbacks and it really isn't a big deal. It's good to see him get back on the mound and face some live competition.

Banuelos pitched 2.0 innings, gave up one run on no hits, a walk, and he struck out two batters. I expect him to build up some arm strength and be promoted to Tampa very quickly. That rotation is pretty full right now, so I wonder if the Yankees will simultaneously promote Andrew Brackman to Double-A Trenton. It's a little disappointing that Banuelos missed half of the season, but if he has a strong second half, it will do a good job of reminding everyone why many considered him the top pitching prospect in the organization at the start of the season.

Photo Credit: The Yankee U

When the Yankee brass failed to get Gerrit Cole signed after the 2008 draft, it looked like the Yankees sixth round pick, Brett Marshall, was the pitching coup of the draft.

Even though he was straight out of high school, the Yankees sent him straight to Charleston, where he got off to a decent start and then began to tail off. He made 17 starts and then underwent Tommy John Surgery. His line:

17 GS, 87.1 IP, 98 H, 67 R, 54 ER, 7 HR, 37 BB, 60 K, 5.56 ERA, 4.45 FIP

Well, Marshall returned last night in relief of Banuelos and pitched three innings. He allowed four runs(1 ER) on three hits and three walks. He also struck out three. I wouldn't expect much from Marshall this year, as he tries to regain his command coming back from TJS. It will be good to see him getting innings, but next season is when we should start putting stock in what he does.

Photo Credit: Eric Kayne

While Marshall and Banuelos made their 2010 debuts, Gary Sanchez made his career debut. The catcher was the Yankees biggest international sign last season and has been drawing rave reviews ever since stepping foot in Yankee camp.

His first career game probably went a little better than he had hoped. In his second at bat, he stepped up to the plate with the bases loaded and hit a grand slam. He finished the game 2 for 4 with a homer, a strikeout, a walk, and an error.