Yurendell de Caster, who was under contract with the Washington Nationals and the Detroit Tigers during the past twelve months, but was released in spring training and joined the independent league circuit, will join the most-storied franchise of the sport. The third baseman, who played for the Dutch National Team in the 2009 World Baseball Classic, will report to the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees in Scranton, Pennsylvania this Tuesday. He led the northern league in various offensive categories. His chances to play regularly for the Bronx Bombers are rather slim, but he might get a shot as a backup infielder later this year, if he continues to put up such numbers also in the International League.
Press Release New York Yankees:
Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks 3B Yurendell DeCaster is trading in his RedHawks pinstripes for a set of Yankees pinstripes.
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The All-Star third baseman has had his contract purchased by the New York Yankees today and will report on Tuesday to the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees, the Triple-A affiliate for New York in the International League.
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DeCaster, 29, joined the RedHawks this spring and was arguably the top player in the Northern League this season. Entering tonight’s play, DeCaster was leading the Northern League in hits (54), doubles (14), home runs (13), RBI (43) and slugging percentage (.682). He was batting .344, good for fifth in the league, and was second in runs scored with 36.
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DeCaster was selected to the Great Plains team for the 2009 Northern League All-Star Game earlier today and was the top vote-getter in the league but will not participate in the game.
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“For my money, he is one of the best players to ever come through the Northern League, and that is the caliber of player we like to have in RedHawks uniforms” said RedHawks Manager Doug Simunic. “We knew this day was coming and we are glad he can continue his career at the Triple-A level. Hopefully we can see him in Yankee Stadium sometime soon.”