New York Yankees fans disheartened by video of rival Vladimir Guerrero Jr. working with former Bombers Captain Don Mattingly
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Toronto Blue Jays is working hard in spring training ahead of the new season. Don Mattingly, the legendary former first baseman for the New York Yankees, is assisting him.
A video showing Guerrero Jr. going through drills with Mattingly was posted on Talkin' Baseball's Twitter page.
"Mattingly working with Vladdy Jr."- @TalkinBaseball_
Mattingly working with Vladdy Jr. https://t.co/dLQXaScAZn
Some Yankees fans were not too pleased with this crossover despite Mattingly's current role as bench coach for the Blue Jays.
"Stop it Don," one user tweeted.
@TalkinBaseball_ Stop it Don
"History repeats itself, first as a tragedy, second as a farce."
"This is worse than when Benedict Arnold betrayed America during the Revolutionary War. Making me sick see the hitman in a Blue Jays uniform," another said.
@TalkinBaseball_ This is worse than when Benedict Arnold betrayed America during the Revolutionary War. Making me sick see the hitman in a Blue Jays uniform
However, others were pleased that the young talent would be able to learn and improve his defensive game under the watchful eye of one of the game's best.
"Donnie Baseball is looking to take Baby Vlad to that next level #SpringTraining #BlueJays #springclips"
Donnie Baseball is looking to take Baby Vlad to that next level #SpringTraining #BlueJays #springclips twitter.com/TalkinBaseball…
"I love Donnie. He was in the National League forever. Him in the AL East coming into Yankee Stadium feels weird."
I love Donnie. He was in the National League forever. Him in the AL East coming into Yankee Stadium feels weird. twitter.com/talkinbaseball…
"This hurts my heart."
This hurts my heart twitter.com/talkinbaseball…
"This makes me ill."
@TalkinBaseball_ This makes me ill.
"I hope Vladdy realizes how lucky he is"
@TalkinBaseball_ I hope Vladdy realizes how lucky he is
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. cautiously optimistic about next season
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. refused to give anything away when asked what could be expected from him and the Toronto Blue Jays in 2023.
After an underwhelming 2022, Guerrero Jr. is hoping not to get bogged down by expectations before the start of the new MLB season.
"Last year, I put a lot of pressure on myself," Guerrero told reporters Friday. "As a ball player, you want to get better every year. You all know the numbers I put up in ’21. Last spring training, I came here to try putting up even better numbers, and I think that affected me a little bit. This year, I’m coming here with a plan, and I’m going to trust my talent.
"This year I'm not going to say anything. You gotta watch it."
While Guerrero Jr.'s attacking output faltered last season as compared to 2021, there was a visible improvement in his defensive game. Blue Jays fans will be hoping for a strong showing from their talisman in 2023.