TAMPA – Gleiber Torres did not disagree at all with general manager Brian Cashman’s notion that the second summer training, which began last summer, was “not in the best shape”.
Perhaps no Yankee other than Gary Sanchez would want to put more than Gleiber Torres behind him by 2020.
“Last year I [couldn’t] Prepare yourself, really, because everything was closed, ” Torres asked Friday about Cashman’s comments. “Everyone knows what has happened to COVID.”
The 24-year-old said he has not spoken to Cashman about what he said in December, but the Yankees have praised Taurus so far about his work this spring.
The change began after Torres returned from a left hamstring strain in September.
In the 24 games prior to the injury, Torres had three extra-base hits and a .636 OPS in 91 plate appearances. After returning on September 5, Torres was far more productive, with eight extra-base hits and 69 plate appearances in 18 games with OPS and continued that success in the playoffs.
“Before my injury, I didn’t feel right,” Torres said. “I was feeling very good after the injury. I lost weight and played a little better. “
And after the Yankees’ loss to the Rays in the ALDS, Torres quickly returned to Tampa to do more work on his defense.
“Not for what reason [Cashman] Torres said. “I just want my body to feel good again and be better and better.”
Torres and the Yankees will soon find out if he paid and if Torres is one of the best young players in the game, he was in 2019.
That season, Torres hit 38 homers. A year ago, in a very short season, the number dropped to three.
Even Torres was at a loss to explain the huge shortfall.
“I don’t know,” Torres said of the slip. “[2019] Was great I did not get any injuries. We only had 60 games last year and I was hurt. I did not feel very comfortable when I went to the plate. We had a short spring and weather and I tried to fix many things. “
He hopes Homer numbers bounce back.
“I still think [I have] Torres said. “I don’t know why I didn’t hit a lot of homers last year. I’m trying to be strong [have more] Agility. We will see this year that I have the same or more homers as ’19. “
The Yankees will take solid defense and an elite bat, regardless of homers, as Torres looks to reestablish himself in conversations about the best young players in the game.
He signed a massive 14-year, $ 340 million expansion to Fernando Tatis Jr. with San Diego.
“We know he’s a great player,” Torres said of the 22-year-old. “I am so happy for her.”
Asked if he would use it as an inspiration, Torres said, “Surely, who doesn’t want to take a single penny?” It is an inspiration for everyone. “
He said that he and the Yankees have not discussed a new deal.
“I just play like I play and try to get better,” Torres said. “And we will see in the future if I have the opportunity to get a big contract.”
That effort marks the beginning of this spring.
“The past is the past,” Torres said. “I just focused. Last year was tough all around. We want to forget that. ”
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