Yanks pulling for ex-football star to make it
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — As Mark Teixeira’s career winds down, he’s keeping an eye on how Tim Tebow’s attempt at baseball goes.
Former Yankee David Aardsma, who pitched to Tebow during his workout in Los Angeles on Tuesday, said Tebow’s batting stance and swing were reminiscent of Teixeira’s.
“A Heisman Trophy winner. That’s exciting,” said Teixeira, who didn’t start on Tuesday because of a sore neck. “I saw his swing on videos. It’s a short stroke, a powerful stroke, very balanced.”
Like manager Joe Girardi, Teixeira said he will be pulling for the ex-quarterback.
“I’m rooting for him,” Teixeira said. “I think [it’s] great for baseball. He’s an incredible athlete. A guy who’s played in the NFL, had success in the NFL. Now he has a chance to make the majors — though it’s probably a long shot. Listen, let’s just watch. I’m all in. Let’s see what he can do.’’
Girardi called Tebow “physical specimen.”
And he didn’t consider it to be a publicity stunt.
“As long as it’s legit, I think it’s a good thing he wants to play in our game and see how his skills match up,” Girardi said. “He’s obviously got some power.” a
The Yankees have gotten plenty of additions from Triple-A Scranton/WilkesBarre since dealing veterans at the Aug. 1 non-waiver trade deadline and could get some more Thursday when rosters expand to 40.
Luis Severino figures to be among the prominent names recalled after he was sent down because of his continued struggles this season.
“I think at some point we’ll probably see him again this year,” Girardi said Tuesday. “We’re trying to help him develop, so he’s more of a finished product. His name has come up in conversations a lot.”
Severino could be a candidate to help out of the bullpen, as well as Richard Bleier, James Pazos and Bryan Mitchell.
“He was a big loss for us,” Girardi said of Mitchell’s spring training toe fracture. “He was throwing so well and we could use him for multiple innings. Since June, it’s been a struggle and hurt us.”
Most of the players the Yankees could call on for a stretch run have already been in The Bronx, such as Ben Gamel — who was named International League Player of the Year on Tuesday — and Rob Refsnyder.
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre manager Al Pedrique was named the league’s Manager of the Year, which impressed Girardi.
“We’ve had about half his team for about half the year,” Girardi said. “There’s been a lot of changes. I’m proud of what the guys did down there and we want to see them keep going.”
The Yankees completed their Aug. 1 trade with the Pirates for Ivan Nova on Tuesday, acquiring OF Tito Polo and LHP Stephen Tarpley in exchange for the right-hander.
One scout said Polo projected into a corner outfielder and a “Rondell White-type.” Tarpley has impressed with a plus-fastball.
Nova has excelled with the Pirates, going 4-0 with a 2.87 ERA in five starts since the trade.
The 22-year-old Polo spent the season at two Single-A levels with Pittsburgh. Tarpley, 23, was 6-4 with a 4.32 ERA in 20 starts with Single-A Bradenton this season.