For years the Yankees have been known for having a very good farm system.  In the 90′s they gave us Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Jorge Posada, and Andy Pettitte who still play for the Yankees 16 years later.  In the 2000′s we welcomed players like Phil Hughes, Joba Chamberlain, David Robertson, Brett Gardner, and Francisco Cervelli.  Now at the start of the 2010 season, the Yankees have rookies who continue to prove they are worthy of their spot in the roster.  They maybe brand new, but they seem to have the mentality and ability to stay in a major league level for a while.

On May 21, 2010 against the Mets, New York native Kevin Russo got his first major league base hit off Hisanori Takahashi.  He also collected his first two RBI in his second AB with a double.  Those were the only two runs driven in for the Yankees that night.

Curtis Granderson was out for almost a month with a groin injury.  Moving Brett Gardner to center gave left field options to Marcus Thames and Randy Winn, but neither were able to live up to the expectations.  Joe Girardi made a move one game by putting Kevin Russo in left field against the Mets.  Russo, a natural infielder, lived up to the challenge and played some extraordinary defense.  Girardi has been using Russo in left field for the remainder of Granderson’s absence, and Russo has continuted to amaze Girardi, teammates, and fans with his defense.  In the wake of Granderson’s return, Russo feared that he would be sent back to AAA, but instead Randy Winn was rightfully designated for assignment.  This shows Russo’s worth in the Yankees roster.

Recently, two more rookies that were called up have made big contributions with just one swing.  On June 13th, Chad Huffman was called up to play right field, giving ARod the day off and Nick Swisher a half day playing DH.  In his very first major league AB, Huffman beat out an infield hit.  I remember being on my feet cheering for him to beat out the throw.  I was really happy for him.  It was his only hit of the game, but he did make some great defensive plays during the game.

Last night, Colin Curtis PH in a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.  Not only did he get his first big league hit, but it was a two RBI double extending the Yankees lead to 9-3 which was the final score of the game.

If these rookies keep up the hitting and the defensive plays, they will have a great chance at staying up in the big leagues for a while.  All three rookies definitly hope to be a big part of the Yankees farm system in the future.