You have to go way back in time to see a young shortstop arouse as much expectation among New York Yankees fans as Anthony Volpe. Even Derek Jeter had not generated this kind of expectation when he arrived in MLB.
There is, however, a step to take between the minor ranks and major league baseball. And Volpe is adjusting to big league play.
While some believe Volpe will eventually end up at second base, Bronx Bombers infield coach Travis Chapman believes the 21-year-old has the tools to stay in his favored position.
I saw him the last two years in the minors and knew he had the tools and the ability to be a big league shortstop. I think he’s shown it in the minors and so far here with the Yankees.
Volpe will have some big shoes to wear, but the Yankees’ plan is for him to be the shortstop of the future.
You better believe it. We have been preparing for this for several years and nothing has changed.
To get there, Volpe will have to adjust to the speed of the majors, especially in the way of turning double-play balls, but no one is worried that he will get there, especially not Chapman.
He used to go around the ball a bit, but we wanted him to be more direct to the ball. He’s elite in that part of the game now and can go straight there.
There will inevitably be tough times in the career of Volpe, who won’t turn 22 until later this month, but the Yankees are in the car with him, and also with Oswald Peraza, who between them will form the midfielder of New Yorkers for several years.
- Bad news in Philly.
- Steve Cohen is not wrong.
- In great evils, great means.
