Baby Bomber has grown up
IN TODD Frazier’s surprisingly well-attended “homecoming” news conference Tuesday afternoon at Yankee Stadium, the veteran third baseman gave serious air time to just one of his new teammates.
“Clint Frazier talks a lot of smack,” the elder Frazier said, smiling. “I’m going to have to switch lockers with him soon if he doesn’t keep his mouth shut.”
“Todd thinks he’s going to take my locker, but he’s not,” Clint Frazier responded, flashing his own grin. “He knows who was here first.”
He paused for effect, and then added: “Just kidding.”
Both Fraziers started in the Yankees’ 4-2 victory over the Reds, and Clint went 0-for-4, dropping his slash line to a stillimpressive .277/.284/.569 in 17 games and 67 plate appearances. Just as impressive and even more surprising, as exemplified by the rookie outfielder’s rapport with his fellow Frazier, is how comfortable he looks and sounds up here — after appearing so darn uncomfortable in spring training.
Mark it as yet another impactful development for the Baby Bombers.
“I think now that I know the guys more and I’m up here producing with them and helping them be a part of something, [I’m more comfortable],” Frazier said. “Spring training was different. I didn’t know many people. But as spring training progressed, I got more comfortable with the guys and got to know people a lot better.
“It’s unlike spring training right now. This is a lot more fun environment to be part of.”
You remember Frazier’s spring training, right? For as much excitement he generated with his “legendary bat speed,” to borrow Brian Cashman’s wording, he also created a stir in the clubhouse by pushing the limits of the Yankees’ legendary hair-length rules. When CC Sabathia grew out a full beard, Joe Girardi ordered Frazier to trim his red locks, and the 22-yearold did so.
“I don’t think that necessarily matured me,” Frazier said of the incident, which he described as “blown out of proportion.” Nevertheless, he added: “I think maybe I learned from, if that could be blown up, something else could be blown up times two. I think it’s just a part of knowing yourself and knowing what you need to do and what you need to say and what you don’t need to say. I just let my game talk for me.”
“I think he’s just growing up,” said Yankees bench coach Rob Thomson, who oversees the team’s outfielders. “I’m sure it’s tough coming over to a new organization. I think he’s getting comfortable. He’s getting comfortable with his teammates, his coaching staff, his manager, himself. It’s all good.
There’s that “comfortable” word again. Sorry to be so repetitive, but the Yankees’ chances of qualifying for the playoffs may very well rest on the comfort level of their many young players.
David Robertson, who followed his White Sox-turnedYankees teammate Todd Frazier to the interview-room podium, reflected on how much the Yankees’ roster has turned over since he departed in December 2014. Only eight healthy players remain from the ’14 team.
“I feel like the new old guy,” said Robertson, 32, who took back his uniform No. 30 from Frazier. “Everyone in there is 22, 23 years old. It’s great. It’s nice to be in a clubhouse that’s got so much energy. There’s kind of a buzz about this team. I can tell just from being here for three days.”
Added Robertson, with a laugh, “It had to get younger. It couldn’t get any older than when I was here.”
Frazier, now wearing No. 77, carries buzz and energy, and major talent. And now he’s comfortable on top of that.
“I think myself and other people get put in situations that kind of force you to grow up a little bit quicker than you might anticipate,” he said. “Playing with the New York Yankees, in a chase for first place, you’ve got to make sure that you’re not a little kid on the field with a bunch of grown men.”
He’s no little kid out on the field. Not in the clubhouse, either. These guys sure bloom quickly, don’t they?