He messes with the batters' heads:
"This spring, the club has utilized more defensive shifts against opponents – putting three infielders on either the right or left side against a pull hitter. And it’s not just against the David Ortizes or the Jose Bautistas of the AL East.
'Any little edge we can get. The numbers don’t lie,' first baseman Mark Teixeira said of the data behind the philosophy. 'We’re just trying to save a run here and there if we can.'
A sampling of pro scouts following the Yankees this spring have said it was inevitable; that the Yankees’ aging infield – with range issues at third base, shortstop and second base – had to evolve a better defensive strategy.
Others say it’s just a sign of the times, with more clubs hooked into statistical analysis."
Naturally, Teixeira doesn't see the value in picking his spots:
"The extra infielder in shallow right field has turned Teixeira’s share of would-be singles into outs, though it hasn’t altered his perspective.
'I’m trying to hit line drives, hit balls in the alley, hit home runs,' Teixeira said. 'When I start trying to hit groundballs the other way, it’s time for me to retire.' "
Is that a threat or a promise?
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