Yankee slugger
Andrew Savulich/News tinues to progress and see the neurologist daily. He did dry swings and tee work on Tuesday.
Boone is hopeful that Frazier can begin baseball activities soon before eventually starting the season at Triple-A Scranton. The plan is to ramp up Frazier’s activity gradually and see how he responds. “Baby steps,” Boone called it.
TAMPA — Giancarlo Stanton isn’t looking back anymore. “I think that chapter, the Miami chapter, is done now,” Stanton told beat reporters during a 13-minute sitdown on Wednesday. A little more than a week away from Opening Day, the newest Yankees’ star is ready to embrace his new team and all the expectations and added pressure that come with playing in New York. The kind of expectations and pressures that do not exist in Miami.
“It’s going to be different for me,” admitted Stanton, who will make his Yankee debut on March 29 in Toronto. “I’ve got to go through it. But my view is if there’s guys on the side of me that can do it, I should be fine doing it as well.”
Stanton was asked what he’s heard about playing in The Big Apple full time.
“A lot of it has to do with you guys (the media) — the good times will be magnified and so will the bad times,” said Stanton, who reiterated he waived his notrade clause to facilitate this move. “The fans expect a lot, so be prepared. I expect a lot too, so we’re in the same boat.”
Stanton, who has had to get acclimated with playing left field this spring — in preparation for when Brett Gardner gets a day off against a lefty — appreciates the accountability that is required to play in the Yankees’ organization.
“You have to own up to your performance, to what you say, what you didn’t say,” he said. “I think that’s how it should be. It’s not how it is everywhere. I like it.”
The thought was that Stanton, a California native, preferred going to the West Coast. But that option wasn’t on the table, so New York represented the next best option as he attempts to make the playoffs for the first time in his career.
“I mean, that is random peoples’ view of what I preferred,” Stanton said. “I’ve always enjoyed New York, playing here.”
Stanton is going to live with his former teammate from Miami, AJ Ramos, who is now with the Mets.
Asked if they’ll be splitting the rent, Stanton, who is due $295 million over
Jacoby Ellsbury (oblique) will get two at-bats and play four innings in center on Thursday against the Twins in Fort Myers. He will then get the day off on Friday before playing again on Saturday. Ellsbury is not expected to be ready by Opening Day . ... Stanton is unlikely to appear in left during the Toronto series, according to Boone. the next 10 years, replied: “Yes, we are.”
Stanton and Ramos have lived together for a long time, so it was a natural fit.
“It’s a cool situation where we’re (still) in the same city, so we decided why not,” Stanton said. “We’re not in town (together) too often, but that doesn’t matter. It’s something cool. We’ll have a little fun rivalry there in the Subway Series, and it’ll be nothing new for us.”
Stanton has spent a lot of time around fellow slugger Aaron Judge. The duo combined for 111 homers last season, and could hit back-to-back in the order regularly out of the No. 2-3 spots.
“He’s not satisfied with last year, you could tell that,” Stanton said of Judge. “He wants more and more and to get better, which is exactly what you need after a season like that — a that’s not enough attitude. You need 25 guys with those attitudes.” Added Stanton of Judge’s upcoming sophomore campaign and not being a one-hit wonder: “I think he’ll be fine. He’s got a good grip on the outside noise compared to inside the clubhouse and in between the lines. I think he’ll be fine.”
Stanton spoke about leadership and speaking up if necessary, things he seems ready to take on in his new role.
“It has to be organic when the time presents itself,” he said. “It’s not how long should you have been here before you say something. When you see something that needs to be addressed say it and help whatever the issue is. It’s not about when I get my Yankee pass to say something.” hile admitting that he’s allowed himself to think about what it’s going to be like wearing a new uniform and playing in Yankee Stadium, Stanton made clear that “this ain’t about me right now.”
His career in The Bronx is about to get underway — with championship expectations right off the bat.
“I’m looking forward to fighting with these guys,” Stanton said. “They’re hungry. We’re all hungry. I’m looking forward to getting out there and proving it on the field.”
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