TAMPA — Perhaps the next game Spencer Jones plays at Steinbrenner Field, traffic will be temporarily stopped on Dale Mabry Highway as the Yankees slugger comes to bat.
This way, the cars driving past the right-field fence are protected from baseballs flying their way.
Jones had a spring debut Saturday that was typical of his tantalizing potential, belting a huge home run that cleared everything in right field and left the entire stadium before striking out in his next two at-bats.
The 6-foot-4 lefty slugger again tinkered with his mechanics early in camp, but found the right move for his homer, which was estimated to travel 400 feet, which seemed incredibly light.
“I’m just trying to get a good feel with the hands, get them going and use that as a trigger,” Jones said during the 20-3 win over the Tigers.
During the YES broadcast, David Cone described Jones’ swing as “almost [Shohei] Ohtani-esque,” pointing to the toe tap he used, which Jones later indicated is something he looked into.
“[Ohtani] is a great reference for a really good mover with a great swing,” Jones said. “He’s one of those guys where I look at the things he does and try to apply them in any way I can.”
Jones has also turned to Aaron Judge, his fellow 6-foot-2 Yankee, for advice on how to get the most out of his big frame.
The two spent time in big league camp talking about it last spring and have done so again this year, with Jones coming off a strong year in which he hit 35 home runs but struck out 179 in 506 at-bats between Double-A and Triple-A.
“I think the biggest thing I noticed as far as the swing goes is he’s just ready to hit,” said Judge, who also crushed two home runs. “As soon as he puts his foot on the ground with the little tap on his toes, he’s ready to hit. Maybe in the past or even last season they got him with a lot of high temperatures. I think that’s only going to help him. He doesn’t have a big leg kick, he doesn’t have to worry about getting it down.”
“That speed and willingness will really be a game-changer for him.”
Making his expected Grapefruit League debut, Carlos Lagrange flashed his triple-digit fastball while giving up two runs (one earned) in 2 ²/₃ innings. The top pitching prospect scattered three hits and walked a pair of batters while striking out two, both on his changeup.
“It’s kind of a dream come true,” Lagrange said of wearing pinstripes and pitching in his first game of major league spring training.
The 6-foot-1, 22-year-old Lagrange continued to impress Yankees officials and teammates, not just with his stuff, but also with his demeanor.
“Carlos’ potential, man, is to be a front-line starter for the New York Yankees,” Judge said.
Cam Schlittler threw a bullpen session Saturday that simulated two innings, which could be the final hurdle before he faces hitters again, which he hasn’t done since being slowed by a mid-back infection early in camp.
Russell Wilson made a cameo in the Yankees clubhouse Saturday morning, walking through and shaking hands with players, some of whom were taken aback when they saw the Giants quarterback.
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