The New York Yankees snapped their Spring Training losing streak on Tuesday against the Detroit Tigers, which is just about the most meaningful thing you can do in spring, ranking right behind "Staying Healthy" and "Finding a Good Chinese Restaurant in Tampa."
Perhaps they had a little help along the way breaking the hext.
Just as things were getting hairy in the ninth, with the bases loaded and a three-run lead, an all-time fan stepped up to help reliever James Norwood protect the castle. That fan ... was into it.
We're talking, of course, about the man in a bandana and cargo shorts who set up beyond the outfield wall with a glove and a ready stance. As every pitch was delivered, he hopped into place, ready to attack with cat-like quickness. Was he aware he was beyond the wall? Was he trying to enthusiastically catch a game-losing grand slam? The world may never know.
Either way, 2017 Yankee and brand new YES Network analyst Todd Frazier was very excited by his readiness.
YES Network Yankees commentator Todd Frazier impressed by Spring Training wannabe
Honestly ... are we sure this guy's a worse option than Aaron Hicks? He may not have the pedigree, but at least he still seems locked in on defense.
Frazier's particular brand of mischief will be great for the YES studio, but you can't help but wonder if he eventually works his way up to in-game broadcast duties. It would be great to hear he and Michael Kay riff on whatever hijinks go down in the bleachers. Remember the human man eating the porkchop out of Meredith Marakovits' hands? That times ten would be great.
The Yankees still have some roster decisions to make, but last I checked, the "pound the table" meeting didn't feature quite enough love for Outfield Bandana Guy. He's probably destined for a DFA, and will eventually go on to hit .325 in Boston.