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Yankees News: Phenom Reliever Dellin Betances Stands Behind A-Rod

By Arthur Greenberg

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Dellin Betances is considered by many to be the next great homegrown New York Yankees closer, but he shares more than just nasty stuff with Mariano Rivera and David Robertson.

It would seem that Betances, fresh off a dominant rookie season which saw him pitch to a 1.40 ERA in 97.2 innings with 135 strikeouts, make the All-Star team, and finish third in the American League Rookie of the Year voting, possesses a crucial trait that makes for lasting success in the Bronx: tactfulness.

While the return of Alex Rodriguez has many Yankees fans (and likely, front office executives) cursing up a storm, Dellin Betances is the latest Yankee to back the beleaguered third baseman, according to John Harper of the New York Daily News.

As he was being honored at the Thurman Munson Awards Dinner on Tuesday, Betances said, “I’m looking forward to playing with A-Rod again… we welcome him back with open arms.”

Despite the distractions Alex Rodriguez will bring into camp with him in 2015, fans can rest assured that Dellin Betances will handle the situation professionally and focus on repeating his tremendous rookie season. 

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Asked if Rodriguez would prove to be a “œdistraction”, Betances responded, “Not for me. He’s a great guy.”

Betances is not as young as one would think, already 26 years of age. For those who can remember, Joba Chamberlain took New York by storm at only 21 years of age back in 2007. However, Chamberlain seemed to struggle with conditioning and judgement, and eventually, memories of his excellent rookie campaign had all but faded, and he is no longer with the team.

Betances seems to be on another level in terms of character. His maturity is refreshing for a player of his immense talent, and something Brian Cashman and the rest of the front office must consider as Betances heads towards his arbitration years.

Watching Betances deftly handle the media attention his 2014 breakout season generated was a delight, and he clearly has paid attention to the way Yankee greats like Jeter and Rivera humbly and respectfully treated the media throughout their careers; after all, Betances grew up in Brooklyn, just a D-train ride away from Yankee Stadium. Unlike Alex Rodriguez, Dellin Betances seems to lack a desire to make waves.

There may be more A-Rod drama in Tampa this spring, but Betances is doing his part in keeping the focus on winning.

Next: Is A-Rod The Best Option At Third Base For The Yankees?

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