LEFT IN PAST
Calhoun puts injuries behind as he strives for Yank job
Knocked as a liability in the field or a man without a true position in the past, Calhoun recognized the merit in those criticisms and sought to do something about it upon joining a Yankees organization that saw untapped potential.
“I’ve always been labeled as a bad defender, so I’ve been getting after it this spring with the outfield coaches here, and they’ve taught me a lot so far,” he said. “There’s more to that side of the game I can grow from.”
Luis Rojas, the Yanks’ third-base and outfield coach, has been enamored with Calhoun’s willingness to learn. The exMets manager credited minor-league coaches Raul Dominguez, Dan Fiorito and Jose Javier for implementing a plan to develop Calhoun’s defense, which included ways to improve his first step and preparation for Yankee Stadium’s vastly different corner outfield spots.
“I really want to give kudos to him, because he was willing to listen to what we do here and how we envision his outfield play for us,” Rojas said. “He’s swung the bat so great. And he’s been so coachable. So it’s definitely been a delight to work with and be around him. Everyone’s pulling for him.”
Added Boone: “I feel like he’s more than held his own to this point. I don’t think he’s been challenged really with much, but he’s handled every routine play that he should handle.”
While Calhoun has been considered a dark-horse candidate for the Yankees’ leftfield job, Rojas and Boone signaled that he might be a better fit in right field at Yankee Stadium, where left is the more cavernous position.
Calhoun, however, did not shy away from the challenge left provides in the Bronx.
“Wherever they need me, I would feel comfortable,” he said. “I get acclimated pretty quickly.”
Of course, Calhoun still has to crack the roster, whether it be to start the season or down the road. He believes he has an opt-out in his contract, but he wasn’t sure of the deadline. Calhoun’s agent did not immediately respond to a request for clarification.
Calhoun prefers a future in pinstripes, though, and he cited a few factors when explaining why he signed with the Yankees. For one, the presence of two ex-Ranger teammates, Kiner-Falefa and Jose Trevino, provided friends, familiarity and insight. “They both spoke very highly of this clubhouse,” Calhoun said.
He also found the Stadium’s short right-field porch enticing. Between that and the new restrictions on the shift, Calhoun believes he can seriously boost his output. He noted that hitting alongside the likes of Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Anthony Rizzo, DJ LeMahieu and others would help, too.
“Being in this lineup, I can be myself,” Calhoun said. “I don’t have to go out there and try to hit a home run. I can be a low-volume guy, but I can also produce.”
While Calhoun is once again confident after a few down years and has the support of his coaches, he’s not ready to make any declarations when it comes to his standing on the organizational depth chart. The Yankees are weighing their outfield options, and spring training is not over yet.
Calhoun still has work to do if he wants to start the season in New York, but he’s forced himself into the mix.
“It don’t matter if I make the team or not,” Calhoun said, when asked if he’s done enough to win a job. “Obviously, I would love to make the Yankees’ Opening Day roster, but I can’t control what they decide.
“I know I’m gonna give it my all, no matter what.”