The Chase is on
Headley: 2017 has to be better
TAMPA — Chase Headley needs to be better, and he knows it.
“I know there’s more in there,” said Headley, who went 2-for-3 with a two-run double and a run scored in Sunday’s Grapefruit League game against the Astros in West Palm. “I know that I can produce more than I have.”
The Yankees gave the switch-hitting 32-year-old third baseman a four-year, $52 million deal two seasons ago after acquiring him in a trade with the Padres in July of 2014.
In 2015, Headley committed 23 errors and posted a .693 OPS. In 2016, he got off to a miserable start at the plate, contributing to his team’s miserable start in the standings.
“No, I haven’t lived up to my own expectations as a Yankee,” said Headley, a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger award winner in 2012. “The first year I was atrocious defensively. And that was probably the most frustrating part of my career, because you expect some variation offensively. But defensively, I’ve always been pretty steady and take pride in not bringing my hitting to the field, so that was frustrating. And then obviously last year my start was so bad that it really contributed to digging us a big hole.”
On May 3, Headley’s batting average was .147 and the Yankees were 8-16.
“Mechanically, I had a little too much forward movement in my swing and I was a little too pull conscious,” Headley said. “And when things are going that bad and you have some poor luck, your confidence gets a bit shaken. Because of my past track record, it never got to the point where I was like I’m not going to hit again, it was when am I going to hit again.”
Eventually, he rebounded to hit .268 the rest of the way.
“I got a couple of things to fall into place, I started taking good swings and I began to relax,” Headley said. “I got into a good place mechanically and with my confidence.”
Yankees fans have understandably voiced their displeasure at Headley.
“If I perform the way I’m capable of, that won’t be an issue,” Headley said. “They’re passionate fans, and I appreciate that. It’s not always fun to hear it when you’re not playing well, but it’s New York, so the fans care. They cheer you when you’re playing well, so you accept the criticism and the noise that comes when you’re not performing.”
The Yankees were listening to trade offers for Headley during the offseason, but nothing transpired. The team has several quality infield prospects, most notably 20-year-old Gleyber Torres, who has lived up to expectations in the spring. Torres, a shortstop, could move to second or third once he reaches the majors.
Headley is going to need to produce, because the kids are knocking on the door.
“I have a high standard for myself. I know what my goals are and my expectations are as a player,” Headley said. “There’s always somebody coming. That’s the nature of the game, so I don’t think it’s worthwhile for anybody to worry about that.”
What Headley is concentrating on is getting ready for his 11th season in the big leagues, making sure he’s comfortable at both sides of the plate, which can be challenging during the spring. The Yankees can’t afford another poor April from their third baseman.
“I just want to come out healthy and feel like I’m in a good spot,” Headley said. “I’m getting closer to where I want to be. It’s a process, but we’ve got a lot more time in the spring to get everything right.”