Cane Cutters News

 Former Cane Cutters Outfielder Taylor Dugas earns promotion to High A Tampa within the New York Yankees organization.

 

When the New York Yankees drafted Taylor Dugas in the 8^th round of the 2012 MLB First Year Draft, they knew they were investing in a player with a strong baseball background and great makeup from the University of Alabama. In his four years with the Crimson Tide, Dugas broke multiple records, including records for most hits (334), doubles (67), and triples (18), while ranking among the top 10 in most other offensive categories in Alabama’s storied history. While he showed advanced plate discipline and coverage during his years in college, some players find the move from college to pro ball difficult, and struggle during their first couple seasons in the minors. Not Taylor Dugas. The Lafayette native has found early success in the minors, as Baseball America ranked him as the most disciplined hitter in the Yankees’ farm system.

In his first season after signing a deal worth around $132,000, Dugas hit .306 with 51 walks and 35 strikeouts with the Short Season Staten Island Yankees. His performance warranted a call-up to Class A Charleston for his first full season in pro ball. Now, after spending just half a season in Charleston with the Class A RiverDogs, a stint that saw Dugas hit .250 with 32 walks and 24 strikeouts, Taylor will be playing for the Tampa Yankees, the New York Yankees High Class A affiliate. Although his average was not stellar, his advanced approach at the plate was evident given his walk-to-strikeout ratio. Dugas has spent just half a season at each of his last two stops, as he has flourished since in the minors. In fact, many experts believe he will be playing in the majors before the end of the 2014 season.

Through two appearances in High A Tampa, Dugas has been a contributor. Although hitless in his first game, he worked a walk and scored a run. In the following contest, Dugas went 1-for-2 with another free pass. 

During his time with the Acadiana Cane Cutters during the summer of 2011, Taylor Dugas hit .336 with 7 doubles and 24 RBIs, helping lead the team to the Texas Collegiate League playoffs in their first season of existence. He also had 34 walks while striking out just 9 times. Head coach Lonny Landry, who had coached Taylor since he was just a child with big league dreams, speaks fondly of his memories coaching Dugas and his tireless work ethic. “He was the hardest working player I’ve ever coached. He’s a great kid, a class act from a great family.” Coach Landry went on to say that he expects to see Dugas in the big leagues. “They won’t waste any time with him,” Coach Landry said, “Once he gets up there, he’ll probably be in the lineup that night.”

It is always entertaining to keep an eye on former Cane Cutters’ players as they continue their baseball careers, be it in college ball or in the minor leagues. Watching Taylor Dugas advance through the minor leagues will be a spectacle in itself as he makes his way to the majors. Though his path is not exactly laid out in front of him, one thing is for sure: Dugas will work harder than he ever has to make the major league roster. He certainly has a great start.

 

College Baseball's Brightest Stars shining for Major League Baseball's Biggest Stage.