"He doesn't care if you're Aaron Judge, Anthony Volpe" - Former coach explains why Anthony Rizzo is Yankees' clubhouse anchor
Anthony Rizzo has been a revelation for the New York Yankees so far in the postseason. After being left off the roster during the ALDS due to fracturing fingers, the veteran first baseman was added back to the lineup for the club's matchup against the Cleveland Guardians.
Despite struggling throughout the season with injuries and inconsistent performances, Rizzo has emerged as a key contributor for the Yankees, posting a .429 batting average in the ALCS. A proven veteran, he has not only provided value to the team on the field but also off it.
In the latest episode of "The Mayor's Office" with Sean Casey and Rich Ciancimino, Casey explained how the New York Yankees are simply better when Rizzo is in the lineup.
"Don't forget in 2016 when he broke the curse out there in Chicago, he's a money player. I don't care was Rizzo's season looked like, it was up and down offensively and he ended up getting hurt a little bit here and there but that guy is one of the big leaders on the team," Casey said of the veteran first baseman. [14:29]
There are many members on the New York Yankees' current roster that have World Series experience, which makes a veteran like Rizzo even more important for the team. The All-Star first baseman has been to the top of the MLB mountain before with the Chicago Cubs, and the experience is invaluable.
"When Anthony Rizzo is in that lineup they are a better team and when Anthony Rizzo is swinging the bat, now they're a dangerous team," the former Yankees hitting coach said. [14:45]
While Rizzo's experience is valuable to the clubhouse, as is his ability to lighten the mood around the team. There is undoubtedly nerves and tension for some players on the team, which makes Rizzo's lighthearted nature essential in the postseason.
"Rizzo is one of the funniest guys in that clubhouse. He keeps all of those guys on their toes, he doesn't care if you Judgy or Volpe, whoever you are, he's going to keep you on your toes," Casey said of Rizzo's lighthearted approach in the clubhouse. [15:42]
Anthony Rizzo has been prank calling the bullpen throughout the postseason
One of the ways that Rizzo has helped ease the tension has been by prank calling bullpen coach Mike Harkey. According to Harkey, Rizzo will call the bullpen every game, something that causes both a laugh but also a little bit of nerves.
Although it may be a small act, these are the types of things that a veteran player such as Rizzo could bring to a team to help his teammates relax. While the Yankees have their fair share of haters across the league, Rizzo is someone that's impossible not to like.