THE YANKEE CLIPPER
Frazier’s ‘trimmed’ locks still plenty long, but Bombers won’t wig out
Clint Frazier says he recently got a haircut to conform to Yankee standards, but it’s not much different from last year’s style.
TAMPA — Clint Frazier’s trimmed red locks appear to meet company standards. The Yankees’ outfield prospect said he got some of his curly red hair cut off the Saturday before the Super Bowl in order to get compliant with long-standing team policy. It’s still long, but apparently good enough.
“I haven’t heard anyone say anything about it,” Joe Girardi said Sunday. “I think with Clint’s hair, sometimes because of the color it might stick out more than other people’s. He’s got curly hair. There’s really nothing he can do about that. It’s above his shoulders. I don’t have any issues with it. There are a lot of people in that clubhouse that wish they had his hair.”
The Yankees have had a clean-cut, nobeard policy since 1973, when the late George Steinbrenner put it in. And that tradition has continued. “It’s a rule that the family has carried on from their father,” Girardi said. “I know some players like facial hair and would prefer it, but in the long run and in reality does it change the player in a sense if he has a beard or not? I wouldn’t really think so. But I think the players understand where it comes from, and I haven’t really had anyone come into my office and we need to change it.”
Frazier had his first day of spring training camp, and was thrilled with the experience. “Awesome,” he said, specifically noting the opportunity to get to chat with veteran Brett Gardner. Frazier is expected to open the season in Triple-A because he needs to conquer that level before getting his ultimate promotion to the bigs, Brian Cashman has said.
“My thing is I’m here to learn,” Frazier said when asked about his remote chances of making the team. “That’s ultimately where I want to be, and when the time comes I’ll be there.
ELLSBURY COMING SOON
Jacoby Ellsbury will join the Yankees on either Tuesday or Wednesday, Girardi said. His wife is having a baby. He is expected to arrive Monday night and still needs to take a physical before joining the team at camp.
COOL KIDS
Sunday was the first day of full workouts for position players. The most enjoyable part of batting practice was a group that featured prospects Gleyber Torres, Miguel Andujar and Jorge Mateo, with the trio displaying some serious pop. Masahiro Tanaka threw live batting practice with Gary Sanchez catching. The young infielders worked on their footwork and transitions turning double plays on one of the back fields.