This Yankee takes his role change in stride
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Isiah Kiner-Falefa senses a change is happening in the Yankees’ infield this spring, recognizing that he’s increasingly competing for the shortstop job in name only.
Top rookie Anthony Volpe is in In a terrific rookie camp, the organization was demanding a lot from Oswald Peraza, which sparked tough looks in Kiner-Falefa’s mirror. Playing shortstop for the Yankees was a dream he grew up in Hawaii, and he has the chance to make it happen in 2022.
Now, his choice seems to be leaning towards trading That would end his pinstripe tenure or add his positional versatility to help the team in other ways. Kiner-Falefa chose the latter.
“I take it,” Kiner- Falefa said. “I didn’t think my stats from last year were enough to keep the position, so that’s what it is. I didn’t do well enough last year. I got another chance to be here, so I just want to do my best to show what I can do And why am I here.”
this That’s how Kiner-Falefa found himself in the middle of a spring training game in Lakeland, Florida. March, trusting his instincts and some drills from coach Nick Swisher will translate into competent game play. Kiner-Falefa made it through that game, then continued to make occasional starts in the outfield.
Manager Aaron Boone and his coaching staff A growing recognition that Kiner-Falefa’s athleticism translates well into a utility role. Kiner-Falefa described his mission as “getting ready for some lefties and some righties.”
Although Kiner- Falefa was concerned about being circumvented Disappointed, he used the setback as motivation for his winter training, vowing to get stronger and fight back in the ‘. Kiner-Falefa added some muscle and tweaked his stance, bringing back the kick he used in the Rangers system.
“I just think I’m understanding My role is a little bit more, the type of pitchers I might be facing when I get on the field,” Kiner-Falefa said. “It’s about doing more research and preparing for who I might face and being ready while I’m there.
“I think the [muscle] weight has been helping me. Moving around, from the outfield to the infield, has also been helping my body. Those days off, sometimes sucks, but also an opportunity for me to work with the coach and improve every day. “
