No Big 2, but Dellin trusts Yanks’ process

TAMPA — The hard feelings are gone.

Dellin Betances arrived at camp — for what could be his final season with the Yankees — focused on the future. The reliever, who arrived late following the birth of his son, Dellin Jr., is in his walk year. After a contentious arbitration loss two years ago, Betances said he would welcome an extension, but he can only focus on his growing family and winning this year.

“Cash and Jim, my agent, have definitely had discussions,” Betances said of Yankees GM Brian Cashman.” Like I said before, my priority is my baby boy and obviously I love playing here in New York. The Steinbrenner family always puts a great team together, this team is amazing, I would love to play here in New York. Whenever there is a decision to make, my agent will come to me. My focus is on my baby at home and trying to help this team win. I don't really want to continue to answer these questions. I will but after this point, I'll focus on what I need to focus on: helping this team win.”

Betances' best offers, however, might come from outside the Yankees. There could be another team that wants him as a closer. And if the Yankees' attempt to overcome powerful lineups with a bullpen full of hard-throwing back-end relievers works out this year, there will be copycats that will pay him well to set-up.

Betances, who grew up in New York, would prefer to stay home and he's comfortable in his set-up role.

“I love it here in NY. Obviously nowadays, I feel like middle relievers are getting a lot of love,” Betances said, before immediately turning his attention back to the job at hand. “We'll try to do the best we can and hand the ball to the powerful guy we have in Chapman, great bullpen. I'll focus on winning the championship. I think we're on track for that. I would love to be here and win more.”

Betances, who struck out 115 batters in 66.1 innings last season, thinks the Yankees have done enough to be back in the hunt for a World Series — even if they haven't signed his good friend Manny Machado.

“I am good friends with Manny, so I kept up with him. But I think we made a bunch of great moves,” Betances said. “Obviously we got (James) Paxton in a big trade, nobody really talks about that. He was one of the better pitchers last year. Bring back (Zack) Britton, who is having a whole offseason not having to rehab something. That's gonna help him out. Adam Ottavino is a tremendous bullpen guy as well. DJ (LeMahieu) and (Troy Tulowitzki). We did a lot.”