Current New York Yankees third basemen Miguel Andujar stays true while free agent Manny Machado remains representing the unsigned Manny.
If the younger Manny’s being Manny, what is Miguel doing?
Miguel, fortunately for the New York Yankees world-class organization, is remaining Miguel—the mild-mannered kid whose character allows nobody and nothing to phase his stature.
Through a translator via Dan Martin of the New York Post, Miguel Andujar made it clear that the Manny Machado rumors aren’t bothering him in the least. Responding to the idea that he may feel anxious with the Machado rumors swirling about, the Yanks young third basemen chuckled.
“Not at all,’’ Andujar said through a translator. “I always stayed positive and if he would have signed with the Yankees, even better.’’
Machado, 26, remains unsigned nearly through the stage of pitchers and catchers reporting to Tampa (Feb. 13 for the AL New York squad). Add Bryce Harper to the mix as well (concerning unsigned mega-sluggers).
Muddying the waters is what the current Yankees shortstop’s reality. Didi Gregorius, though cleared to begin throwing activities, is still on the official shelf with no real return-to-the-field timetable.
He provided an interesting tidbit related to the injury a year ago. The very moment he knew his arm was done, the entire infield knew.
“I think you can ask Andujar, I told the infield right away, ‘I think my arm is done,’ ” said Gregorius, adding he willed himself to finish the series. “I have a strong mind. I think you can play through anything. I know I didn’t have much strength left, so I played the best I could.”
When he returns, the man the kids label Didi wants it to remain permanent.
“I want to be back completely,’’ Gregorius said. “I don’t want to go out there and [have] something happen. I haven’t even thought about hitting.”
With exactly a week remaining until the Tampa festivities begin, the Manny Machado circus continues. Miguel Andujar remains cool as anything you’d like to throw at him.
