Yankees Troy Tulowitzki out to prove his doubters wrong
Yankees shortstop Troy Tulowitzki had an up and down spring, but luckily it ended on a high note as the former five-time All-Star looks to re-establish himself as a legit everyday player.
After playing in only 66 games over the past two seasons (none in 2018), Troy Tulowitzki got off to a flying start with the Yankees — even if it was only the first three Grapefruit League contests.
In those initial games, the now 34-year-old two-time Silver Slugger went 3-for-6 with two home runs and five RBIs. Unfortunately, Tulo immediately entered an extended slump that saw him get just one hit in his next 14 at-bats while striking out eight times.
Soon after Tulo was 5-for-27, and Internet-based Yankee managers were ready to ship the two-time Gold Glove-winner out of town.
With Gleyber Torres perfectly capable of playing shortstop until the return of Didi Gregorius sometime this summer, many fans called for manager Aaron Boone to install the expensive bench option known as D.J. LeMahieu at his customary second base.
A three-time Gold Glover, LeMahieu had a dreadful spring at the plate — whereas Tulowitzki genuinely showed signs of life, the more reps he got.
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- LeMahieu spring line: .205/.271/.273 with five runs scored, three doubles, three RBIs and a 6:4 K:BB ratio across 48 plate appearances.
- Tulowitzki spring line: .242/.333/.636 with six runs, one double, four homers, eight RBIs and a 15:5 K:BB ratio in 39 plate appearances.
With the Blue Jays amidst a full-blown rebuild, they were willing to eat the remaining two years and $34 million on Tulo’s deal, plus a $4M buyout in 2021.
However well paid Tulo may be, he’s still plenty motivated to prove he can play shortstop at the major league level and help the team he grew up cheering for make a deep Postseason run.
If that passion wasn’t evident before Spring Training began, it was indeed on display following his first Grapefruit League home run as a Yankee — which just so happened to come against his former club. As Tulo told TSN:
"“That was the team that basically told me I couldn’t play anymore,” Tulowitzki told reporters after the game. “It’s spring training, it is what it is, but it was a big day for [me].”“I’ve been thinking about that at-bat for a long, long time… anybody who tells you you’re done, you’re going to have some little extra fire.”"
With the full support of Aaron Boone, who believes all Tulowitzki is lacking is consistent at-bats that will lead to improved timing at the plate, Tulo, the Long Beach State product isn’t satisfied with merely reaching Opening Day, as Anthony Rieber of Newsday reports.
"“I didn’t want to just get back. It was to do much more than that. To help the Yankees win games, and I get to start that in a couple of days. Just thinking of taking the field on Opening Day, it will be cool when it happens. I didn’t know what I was in for. I didn’t know if I’d stay on schedule, play nine innings or go back-to-back. But my body held up. I feel good and I’m excited about that.”"