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FORT MYERS, Florida – Aaron Boone may have a secret weapon, but he does not plan to keep it secret. The Yankees coach did not hesitate to talk about his center player before Saturday's game against the Red Sox.
"I think Aaron Hicks is perhaps the most underappreciated player in the game. He's such a valuable player, who's in a prime position," Boone said before praising the plate discipline. batting-hitters. "As good as our guys control the strike zone, it's probably the poster. And the ability to hit with power and the speed that it brings. He is really a complete player. He has come to his home for the last two seasons. We want to see him in good health and when that happens, we know he is an elite player. "
Hicks, who doubled with a double in Saturday's 8-5 loss, had no response to Boone.
"I have nothing to say. I do not know how to answer that question, said Hicks, who can become a free agent after the season.
The MLB's 20-second clock used for the Yankees' first spring training match drew all the attention of a "do not disturb" sign on the door handle of a hotel at 3 am morning.
"I did not notice it too much," said Hicks about the center clock, visible to the batters and not started before the second pitch. "Did it start when I hit? It was confusing. I was looking around me. From the corner of my eye, sometimes, I noticed where the clock was. ''
After the first run, the Boone manager had more important tasks to manage than a 20 countdown.
"I paid attention to the first run, but after that I had other things to do," said Boone, who has not been visited by the referees for of his pitchers or hitters.
A year ago, most pitchers were in minor leagues and operated with a pitching clock. It has happened that the stopwatch has 10 seconds when launching the throw.
"I think, especially when they start getting used to it, I do not think it will affect too many people," Boone said.
For his part, back in the George M. Steinbrenner Stadium in Tampa, Luis Severino said his plan was to launch another simulated game before starting a demonstration match. Severino launched a simulated game on Saturday.
J.A. Happ and Zack Britton also participated in simulation games, while Luke Voit worked more for the first goal.
Clint Frazier debuted in the left field, handled the only touchdown ball, and opened the season with a single on-line at the first run.
"I was happy to have the ball hit. The bats felt good and I'm ready to play [Sunday]'' Said Frazier, who only played 15 games a year ago for concussion problems.
Frazier showed speed and confidence by continuing the ball of the first inning while running towards the left field line. Frazier worked with Carlos Beltran on his defense.
With Jacoby Ellsbury, Frazier has a chance to make the club.
Frazier, Voit, Austin Romine and DJ LeMahieu are the best-known names of Sunday's trip to Port Charlotte to face the Rays.
Boone and Alex Cora played together with the Indians and worked together at ESPN before fighting on either side of the alley in a fierce sporting rivalry.
Despite leading the Yankees and Red Sox, the two men remained friends.
"Everyone said that he had won 100 games. With all the injuries they suffered, he did very well, "said Cora on Saturday. "In this market he was exceptional."
Boone said his appreciation of Cora had increased last year, when Boston won the AL East eight lengths ahead of the Yankees, beat them in the ALDS and eliminated the Series. World.
"It probably took a certain turn, you sit in a similar chair and you understand everything you bring as a manager for these two franchises," said Boone. "I think we will always have a solid relationship. Even last year, when we quarreled and things get hot, I still like the guy and respect him. "
When the Yankees beat the Red Sox in the second game of ALDS last year at Fenway Park, while they were tied 1-1, they were lucky enough to win the series without returning to Boston for a match. decisive game 5.
So, when Aaron Judge was spotted playing "New York, New York" while walking in front of the Red Sox club to get to the team bus, some thought he'd woken up a dead team that had won the next two matches in the Bronx and was moving forward. l & # 39; ALCS.
"I think it was a bit more of a coincidence than people might think and a little less intentional than people might think," said Boone. "It's in these two teams, between the lines. Neither team needs a little training. "
Gleyber Torres scored a goal from one shot over the center field fence for his first spring run at the first inning of an 8-5 loss to the Red Sox at Jet Blue Park.
In the first Red Sox match of the season – against the Yankees – the reigning World Series champions started two regulars, third baseman Rafael Devers and receiver Sandy Leon. It would not have worked well with the customers who paid to see the newcomers.
Sunday schedule: The Yankees go to Port Charlotte to face the Rays. Jonathan Loaisiga, who will rotate at Triple-A Scranton / Wilkes-Barre, will start for the Yankees.
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