Spring training is an interesting juncture for any MLB team, let alone the New York Yankees. It gives them a platform to test the new roster’s composition and overall readiness for the 162-game stretch regular season. Moreover, the Grapefruit League also serves as an opportunity for top prospects.
Top-ranked prospects of the farm system thrive on the big stage to stake a claim on the starting lineup. Meanwhile, this year, a particular outfield prospect stole the show in game one of the Grapefruit League. The highly regarded left-handed hitter slammed a towering hit in his very first plate appearance to send waves across the league.
Spencer Jones Slams 470-Foot Bomb On Spring Debut
The New York Yankees commenced the Grapefruit League with a blockbuster season opener against the Detroit Tigers. The team registered a mega 22-10 win over the Tigers, and the no.2 prospect of the farm system stole the limelight accordingly with a monstrous hit. Spencer Jones, widely regarded as the left-handed version of captain Aaron Judge, scorched a 470-foot home run in his first spring plate appearance vs the Tigers. His shot cleared the right-field bullpen and left everyone in the field stunned. “A long, lofty homer to right-center,” Boone said of Jones’ jaw-dropping hit. Meanwhile, the prospect shared his feelings after his career’s first spring session. He said how hanging out and playing with some of the great names of the sport is a cool feeling.
“Just cool to be a part of it for right now. And learn as much as possible. I’m just trying to be a sponge,” said Jones. Spencer Jones first rose to fame owing to his uncanny resemblance with Yankees captain Aaron Judge. The duo’s physique and athleticism are remotely similar. And thus, expectations surrounding the prospect began to gain momentum. However, Jones used the pressure of expectations to his advantage and established that he was here to stay on his spring debut. Additionally, the Yanks leadership has been extremely protective of the prospect as they denied trading him twice this off-season. So that also adds to the pressure. But so far, Spencer Jones seems to be immune to that. Hopefully, as and when Grapefruit League gets underway, Jones will utilize his opportunities to make a solid statement for the future.
Anthony Volpe Tweaks Swing Mechanics Ahead Of Sophomore Season With Yankees
New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe delivered a decent rookie season last year. However, ahead of his sophomore year, the kid is putting his rookie year learnings to good use and apparently tweaked swing mechanics. During a recent spring game, Volpe’s bat swing seemed much flatter compared to last year.
Apparently, Anthony Volpe chose to go flat in the strike zone to reduce the high strikeout rate. “The goal is just making me the hitter I know I can be, and I know I should be,” said Volpe. Also, the young shortstop added that he feels comfortable with the new adjustment and is not overthinking anything at the present moment.
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