Headley On WFAN: A-Rod And I Will Work Together To Get Yankees Back In Playoffs
NEW YORK (WFAN) -- While Alex Rodriguez's presence at spring training has resulted in wall-to-wall media coverage -- with so many people trying to handicap how he will do in his first season off a year-long suspension -- the guy signed to actually start at third base has been quietly going about his business.
Speaking to WFAN's Mike Francesa on Thursday afternoon, Chase Headley addressed sharing a clubhouse with A-Rod and what it has been like for him as he prepares for his first full season with the Yankees after signing a long-term deal during the offseason.
Headley was acquired in late July from San Diego and acquitted himself well in 58 games, hitting .262 with six home runs and 17 RBIs, while playing a flawless third base.
The Yankees liked what they saw and rewarded Headley with a four-year, $52 million contract during the offseason.
"I wasn't necessarily sure how it was going to be coming into New York, being in a smaller market and being on a team predominantly younger for most of my career," Headley told Francesa. "I didn't really know what to expect, but the guys in the clubhouse were tremendous and that's really what makes the place special, the people who are there."
Rodriguez was suspended for the entire 2014 season after violating the league's drug policy. Owed $61 million over the next three seasons, he now finds himself trying to win back the trust of the fans while being perhaps the highest-paid backup in sports history. Headley said so far A-Rod has been the model teammate, and he looks forward to the two working together to try to help the Yankees get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2012.
"You know, I think that having a couple of good bodies is never a bad thing," Headley said. "My point of view is I'm going out there to try to prepare to do my job the best that I can, but Alex has been great. ... I'm glad to have him. I think he's going to be a big part of this team's success. There's been no issue between us and I don't expect there to be one."
Headley also spoke about youngster Didi Gregorius, who will be the team's starting shortstop following the retirement of future Hall of Famer Derek Jeter.
"Well, I think defensively there really are no weaknesses. He's a tremendous athlete. He has tremendous range. He's got a good arm ... He can get the ball out quickly and it carries for him," Headley said of the 25-year-old Gregorius, who the Yankees acquired in a three-team trade in early December. "I've seen him offensively be a lot more than I think people are giving him credit for. There's some upside in there. Yeah, he's got to learn and develop as a hitter, which we all do in our career, but him being in a lineup that has established hitters that know what they are doing is really going to help him and take the pressure off of him.
"If he's just himself and can stay within what he's trying to do I think he will be great for us," Headley added.
Headley said he loves playing in Yankee Stadium, and appreciates not being asked to be "the man," as was the case during his time with the small market Padres. But he also acknowledged that the Yankees have to get back to being the Yankees, not the team that was one of the worst offensive clubs in the American League last season.
"I see a lot of ability, first and foremost. A lot of guys that have had a lot of success at this level, guys that are professional and know how to play the game the right way," Headley said. "If we keep the guys on the field that we expect to be on the field, I think we have a great shot to not only make the playoffs, but make some noise in the postseason."
Headley said he has bought into the Yankee ideal 100 percent.
"For me, the No. 1 reason I came to New York were the expectations. I've never been in the playoffs my entire career and I want to be there, and I want to compete for a championship. That's what the expectations are in New York and I'm going to embrace that," he said.
Headley spoke about several other topics. To hear his complete interview, please click on the audio link below: