LAKELAND, Fla. _ He's the Yankees' third baseman _ for the near future, at least.
Last year, as Miguel Andujar was posting a solid rookie season, he had to listen to nonstop rumors about the Yankees potentially signing Manny Machado to replace him. After the Bronx Bombers passed on Machado, who signed with the San Diego Padres earlier this month, Andujar then heard the rumors that the Yankees were waiting on superstar Nolan Arenado next offseason, all despite finishing second in the American League Rookie of the Year voting.
Now that Arenado and the Colorado Rockies agreed to an extension Tuesday, it looks like Andujar has more time to prove he can be the Yankees' third baseman of the future.
As he did when Machado his historic contract, Andujar shrugged off the latest development.
"It's good for him, man. I want to be like that one day!" Andujar said in English when asked about Arenado's eight-year, $260 million extension.
With five years before Andujar approaches free agency and two seasons before he is arbitration eligible, the Yankees have time to see if he develops into a solid third baseman before they even consider extending him.
And Andujar knows he has more to prove.
"Joking aside, that does not impact the position where I find myself," Andujar said through team translator Marlin Abreu. "I just mentioned a moment ago that I want to keep enjoying the game and keep playing hard and giving my best and enjoy everything that happens around the game with teammates and the opportunity itself of playing this game and doing what I know how to do, play baseball."
The rumors and speculation, including having Andujar's name mentioned in possible trade scenarios this winter, didn't worry manager Aaron Boone. He has kept communication open with his young players, and Andujar knows he and the Yankees have high expectations.
"I had conversations with him throughout the year about just things we expect. You communicate certain things and try to keep that dialogue open. But I don't know if I specifically addressed any rumors or anything like that," Boone said. "I certainly always want to convey to him what we think of him, what we think of his potential. So I'm always communicating with him. Did I address any of the rumors stuff about who we might acquire? No."
Andujar slashed .297/,328/.527 with 27 home runs and 92 RBIs in 573 at-bats last season. The Yankees do not have concerns about his bat, but his defense left a lot to be desired.
Andujar's defensive runs' saved rating last season was a dismal -25 and he had the second worst fielding percentage (.948) among major league third basemen.
Andujar took it on himself to address his weaknesses this offseason.
One thing the Yankees really like about Andujar _ besides lightening quick bat speed _ is his work ethic. The 24-year-old was in Tampa, Fla., during November, working with the Yankees player development staff on improving his defense.
"Miggy's just got a great makeup about him. He's kind of low key. He works really good. He's got really good work habits," Boone said. "I think he did a really good job this winter of getting himself in really good physical condition. I think he's made significant strides in that because I think he has an understanding and feel for things that he wants to get better at."
This spring, Andujar is working on his approach to balls off the bat. The Yankees have asked him to use his athleticism to create a hop in his step when the ball is hit to develop more of a rhythm in the field. They have also had him practice throwing with a more over-the-top shoulder motion, though he is still using the side-arm on quick plays when coming in on balls.
"I've had a positive mind from the beginning and I understand the question, but at the same time I have to keep doing what's helping me improve," Andujar said. "I've got to keep a routine, keep practicing hard. Those are the things that I really focus on."
