JC Escarra reported to the Aguilas Cibaeñas late last month a few days before the Yankees were eliminated from the World Series. The Cuban-American was on the team’s taxi squad for the entirety of the playoffs. Now the Bronx Bombers have added the native of Hialeah, Florida to the 40-man roster and Escarra could pay dividends due to his versatility for the upcoming season, the slugger can not only play in the catch, but he can also play in infield and outfield.
Escarra had this to say recently to the Cuban Baseball Digest about his torrid hitting at Triple-A this season and possible future promotion to MLB,”It gives a little more motivation, I feel like it’s a door that has opened for me and that I have to be thankful for another opportunity. This is an opportunity that a lot of guys don’t get, so I am trying to make the most of it. “
“I am one step from the big leagues, in fact I’m so close I can almost taste it and I feel im my last go around in the minors with Baltimore I wasn’t able to enjoy myself. I wasn’t able to do what I wanted to do, but now that I am back I am making the most of it. I am showing that I do belong and deserve to be called a big leaguer. “
Escarra’s addition to the team’s 40-man roster would give the Yanks insurance in case any of the team’s catchers, Austin Wells or Jose Trevino were to incur any injury during the course of the Spring Training next year, Wells missed of few games last season due to being hit by a pitch on one of his hands. At Scranton Wilkes-Barre this campaign Escarra hit .302 with 14 doubles, eight homeruns and knocked in 34 runs over 52 games.