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TAMPA – The Yankees witnessed in October what Giancarlo Stanton could do when he’s healthy and his timing is right.
The problem is, this happened so infrequently while in the Bronx, thanks to extended absences due to injuries and setbacks.
Now, at 31 and seven years off his contract after turning down an opt-out in the offseason, Stanton has another chance to meet the huge expectations of the deal he signed with the Marlins and his exchange with the Yankees. .
“I think we’re tired of looking around at the end of the year in that locker room and not being where we want to be,” Stanton said. “You don’t want those memories to continue year after year. We have to take that step and overcome this bump this year.
Having Stanton in the middle of the roster throughout the season would help.
“Still, the idea is to be out there fighting with the team as much as possible to change that narrative,” Stanton said Wednesday of George M. Steinbrenner Field. “Besides… going out and doing what I can and what I need to do to stay there and not keep it as a thought all the time.” ”
But that will be a thought until Stanton – similar to Aaron Judge – shows he can stay injury free.
The glimpses he gave the Yankees in the playoffs, when he smashed six homers in seven games, left his teammates and coach Aaron Boone wanting more.
Stanton admitted that he took notes on what he might have done in the Yankees’ otherwise disappointing playoffs last season to see how he can keep it going through a season.
“What was on my mind and preparation [I did] and keep going this year and keep improving, ” Stanton said.
So far there have been no issues at camp, with Stanton taking reps in right field, as the Yankees test if he could be an option in defense – although he has said he will be maybe best as a full-time designated hitter in an effort. to preserve his body.
Stanton said he was very much in favor of being able to play on the right ground “during the season as much as the team needs”.
More importantly, they want him to be available to strike.
After playing 158 games and making 38 homers in his first striped season, Stanton played just 41 regular season games in the past two years before making all seven playoff games last year.
It was then that he opened his eyes, once again, to guys like Luke Sees.
“It shows you that he was an MVP for a reason,” said Voit. “My God, the circuits he was hitting were light tower circuits.” They were awesome. If we can get him on the pitch we know he will be amazing.
Aaron Boone said he thought Stanton was more dangerous at home than when he was named NL MVP with the Marlins in 2017.
“We saw [in the playoffs] how I feel, if he had been healthy in 19 and 20, what we would have seen throughout those seasons, ” the manager said. “If he can stay healthy he’s going to turn into a special season. I think in many ways he’s a better hitter than when he won the MVP.
Boone pointed to the work Stanton has done with his “approach and focus” as part of “the development of a great and talented player”.
None of this will matter, however, if it is sidelined.
Stanton said his goal this offseason was to become “more dynamic to keep strength as much as I can without being stuck in the gym … [and] be prepared a little differently and see.
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