New York Yankees Editorial: Didi Gregorius is Good?

When the New York Yankees wen’t out and acquired Didi Gregorius in a three team trade back in December, scouts, beat reporters and fans all shared one thing in common; they tried comparing Didi Gregorius to the legend Derek Jeter.

The pressure was immense for the 25-year old shortstop, who was coming to play in a major sports market for the first time in his career, in what is just his fourth major league season.

After a shaky start to his first season in pinstripes, many fans were calling for Gregorius’ head. Of course the hot start to the season for Shane Greene in Detroit only made matters worse, but despite the criticism from fans, the pressure of replacing Derek Jeter and the ever-so-friendly New York Media reigning down on Didi’s shoulders, the Yankees stuck to the course, remained patient with Gregorius, and the results are really starting to pay off.

After batting .206 in April and .232 in May, Gregorius really started to turn things around. He batted .258 in June and a very impressive .317 in July. In July alone, Gregorius batted in a monthly high-13 RBI. After the All-Star Break, Didi is slashing .370/.390/.481 with an .871 OPS. Compare this to his pre All-Star slash line of .238/.293/.326 with a .619 OPS and the difference in night and day.

Even more impressive, Greogrius is also looking like the defensive shortstop the Yankees always knew was capable of being, making just two errors since June 5.

"“When we got him I spoke about his ability but that he was not a finished product,” GM Brian Cashman told the George King III of the New York Post. “There were going to be growing pains, and we were forced to be patient. You hope your patience pays dividends. We are seeing that.’’"

As the Yankees open up a three-game series against their historic rival Boston Red Sox in the next stop towards the pennant race, they will continue to rely on the new and improved Didi Gregoriuis.

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