The New York Yankees season has officially begun with Spring Training games now upon us. And in the first game of the Spring season, the Yankees faced off against the Toronto Blue Jays. This is the first taste of Yankees baseball for the 2020 season, so let’s take a look at three takeaways from today’s game.
JA Happ Impressive in First Outing
The first few Spring outings are not something many players give a lot of credence. However, for baseball fans deprived of their favorite sport, the games mean something more. JA Happ during the offseason was seen as an extra player, someone that could/would be trade bait. But with injuries to James Paxton and Luis Severino, JA Happ is now the Yanks number 3 starter. JA Happ would pitch the first two innings of the game and face the minimum six batters. The Yankees will need Happ to pitch well this season. So a good first outing is a positive sign.
Gio Urshela Continues Display for Faith
Gio Urshela had a breakout year in 2019. Urshela would hit 21 homeruns and drive in 74 RBIs and slash .314/.355/.534. The offensive breakout would lead the Bombers to give Gio the first opportunity to keep the third base job. Gio Urshela has always been known as a tremendous glove-man, and Gio showed that off with an unbelievable play during the game. Urshela has displaced a young, dynamic bat in Miguel Andújar, and even though regression in 2020 is likely, Urshela will still be a valuable asset for the Yankees.
Gio Urshela does not care this is the first spring game pic.twitter.com/UyviaZ7dnf
— Eric Hubbs (@BarstoolHubbs) February 22, 2020
The Yankees as a team are hungry
One thing that Spring Training brings every year is optimism. However, when it comes to the “powerhouse” organizations like the Yankees, there’s a different feeling in the air. The Yankees preach “winning” as an organizational mantra. And even though the team lost the Spring opener, the Yanks’ young players would not give up and would battle and not be shutout.
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