I hate when the media and fans alike make accusations about players sucking in the spring. Do you have any idea how hard it is to play baseball in the first place? Now get a major leaguer in the batter's box and expect them to hit consistently. It ain't easy...especially in the spring.
When it comes to Troy Tulowitzki and Gary Sanchez, there's panic. Here's the thing... I want to see these guys get at bats and work, but I'm not expecting much but them getting into a rhythm. That's it. Some players are just slow early and speed up as the season goes. Everyone calm down.
The New York Post has this about Tulo:
"... in the four games since that hot start, the 34-year-old, who missed all of last season following surgery on both heels, has gone in the other direction, going 0-for-11 with eight strikeouts.
So, which player did the Yankees sign to the veteran’s minimum salary after he was released by the Blue Jays in December? It depends on who you ask.
One scout who has seen him play this spring said Tulowitzki is 'struggling with the bat, but [I] don’t see anything yet about mobility.’
Another countered, 'He’s slowing down as we go [with both] bat speed and range.'’
That last quote is just stupid. It's way to early to write a player off.
And then comes chatter about Gary Sanchez:
"Starting catcher, Gary Sanchez, has once again looked porous at the plate. During Grapefruit League play, Sanchez is 2-for-13 with one RBI and five strikeouts. The injury narrative is getting old and it’s time for “El Gary” to show why he’s a capable starter at the MLB level... He will need to focus in and regain his confidence at the plate in the next few weeks, as the regular season will present different challenges."
Empire Sports Media there...love them. Here's the thing. I have never been a really huge fan of Sanchez. I think he's slower, I don't think he works hard and I think he's got a chip on his shoulder. And that's not me saying it today... that's me and BYB saying it a few years ago before the guy even came up. But that being said, 2-13 is a pretty small sample to panic about. I'm sure this guy can put up 30 home runs this year... and that's really why he's there. It's not his defense.
Look, everyone needs to take a deep breath and wait and see how the season starts. When everyone starts to get some consistency at the plate and a nice sample size, then we can panic if things don't go our way. Let's not forget... this is the Spring.
Relax.
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