Brewers’ Yelich eager for clean slate
Slugger hoping 2020 struggles won’t carry over into 2021 season
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich has never believed the results of one season have any carryover effect into the next year.
He didn’t think that when he was coming off an MVP season in 2018 or a second straight batting title in 2019. Nor does he feel that way that now as he tries bouncing back from the most disappointing season of his career.
“Good or bad, the previous year really doesn’t mean anything,” the 29-year-old Yelich said Friday from the Brewers’ spring training site in Phoenix. “You can’t do anything about it. Whether you were the MVP the previous year or you sucked, everybody starts at zero in spring training and the new year. We live in a business where it’s, ‘What have you done for me lately?’ What I’ve done lately is play terribly, so I’m looking forward to a fresh start and starting a new year.”
During a pandemic-shor tened 2020 season in which many stars struggled, Yelich arguably was the most notable example. He hit .205 after winning NL batting titles in 2018 and 2019.
He still produced a .356 on-base percentage thanks to 76 walks and had 12 homers and 22 RBIS in 58 games. But his .786 OPS was his lowest since 2015 and significantly off his Nlleading totals in of 1.000 in 2018 followed by 1.100.
“I thought I was pretty much all-around terrible,” Yelich said. “It just wasn’t good. But it is what it is. This is baseball. That stuff happens. You can’t change it now and you can’t do anything about it.”
The Brewers hope for Yelich to bounce back after signing him to a $215 million, nine-year contract prior to last season. Their hopes for a fourth straight playoff berth depend largely on him returning to form.
But they aren’t showing any signs of concern regarding their franchise player. Brewers manager Craig Counsell said at the start of spring training camp that Yelich “wants to be better, and he’s going to be better.”
“I just don’t worry much about Christian,” hitting coach Andy Haines said.
Braves extend manager Snitker through 2023
It took a while for Brian Snitker to get his shot at being a big league manager.
He’s in no hurry to let it go.
The Atlanta Braves announced they have extended Snitker’s contract through the 2023 season, with a club option for 2024.
Snitker is certainly worthy of the job security, having led the Braves to three straight NL East titles and within one win of a spot in the World Series last season.
The 65-year-old Snitker took over the Braves on an interim basis in 2016 and is heading into his fifth full season as the skipper.
“It feels good,” he said after Friday’s spring training workout in North Port, Florida. “I’m not one that worries about that kind of thing, honestly. If this was going to be my last year or whatever, I would give it ever ything I’ve got. But it’s nice, obviously, that someone thinks enough of you to extend that kind of package.”
Snitker has been with the Braves organization for 45 seasons as a player, coach and manager — mostly in the minor leagues — after signing with the club as an undrafted free agent in 1977.
White Sox, Cuban pitching prospect Vera agree to contract
The Chicago White Sox and Cuban pitching prospect Norge Vera have agreed to a minor league contract that includes a $1.5 million signing bonus.
The 20-year-old righthander played one season for Santiago in Cuba’s top league. He was 2-3 with a 3.79 ERA, one complete game, one shutout and 37 strikeouts in 11 star ts.
The White Sox also announced minor league deals Friday with outfielder/first baseman Darío Borrero, right-handers Adrián Gil and Carlos Hinestroza, catcher Manuel Guarimán, outfielder Carlos Jiménez and third baseman Víctor Quezada.