TAMPA – This did not come easily for Gleiber Torres at first, but with time and persistence, the Yankees shortstop was ultimately successful.
He got DJ Lemahieu to open.
“In the first year, ’19, DJ was a man of few words,” Torres said on Monday. “He didn’t talk very much, he was super quiet. I think he was my old brother.”
But during both spring training and the quarantine period in between last year, Torres began to get to know his hardcore double-play partner better. He spoke more of this offseason, with Torres telling Lehmahu how he wanted to get better defensively. Then entering the camp this year, he said that Lehmaeh was going to take his mind even more and he told manager Aaron Boone and bench coach Carlos Mendoza that he would accompany him for every game and workout with Lemahieu Rheka, who wanted to be the player as The Machine. as much as possible.
In addition to his conversations about baseball, Torres wanted to see how the three-time Gold Glove winner and two-time batting champion went about his work on a daily basis, hoping to copy some of the things that helped him As he tries to get both, his bat and gloves come back this season.
“I’m just trying to look at the DJ’s routine, everything he does he does in the cage or practice or even during the game,” Torres said. “I just try to learn and whatever I learn, I try to put in my game. Try to do better and better every day. “
Veteran Lemahieu said that when he was establishing himself in the big leagues with Rocky, he learned from the likes of Troy Tulowitzki (his double-play partner), Todd Helton, Justin Morneo and Michael Cordier. He did everything he could, as Torres is now doing to Lemahieu.
“I think Glibor is kind to the level where he doesn’t need me in any way, but it always helps someone get off the baggage,” Lemahieu said. “I think that’s what he’s looking for. I’ve had a lot of fun getting to know him and working with him.
“It’s a dangerous combo when he focuses on who he is and as talented as he is.”
In last year’s short season, Torres hit just .243 with three home runs and 102 OPS-plus (100 average leagues), with GM Brian Cashman later saying he was not in “best shape” to start . weather. Torres also struggled defensively, in his first year as the Yankees’ full-time shortstop after transitioning from second base, to nine errors in 40 games.
This spring, 24-year-old Torres looked solid defensively, with no errors in his first 12 matches. He was also batting 8-of-30 with two home runs entering Monday’s game against the Phillies.
Although its quantity could not be determined, it is the value of shoring Torres Lemahiu in the camp.
“They’ve absolutely joined the hip,” Boone said. He said, ‘He has played too much every single day. If there has been a visit, they are both together on this and it is by design. Part of this is driving Glibber. … For double-play partners who have actually joined hip, and apparently have a kind of professionalism of DJs, their closeness has been really great to watch as they develop and grow. I can’t wait to see what he does and will do this year. “
Torres laughs on Monday when he sometimes pulls back on all the questions for Lemahieu, “because maybe he feels tired about himself.” But Torres has cracked Lemahieu and he continues to tap on that source of experience as much as possible.
“We have the best relationship right now,” Torres said. “When DJ and myself are talking about baseball, it is amazing. I just try to find out all he can about the league … ask him what he sees or what he feels. This is one way I think I can improve my defense and get better every day. “
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