Teixeira On Shift: Go The Other Way? No, I'll Just Hit More Homers And Doubles
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Mark Teixeira is a dead pull hitter from the left side of the plate, and defensive shifts have taken many hits from him over the years.
But don't expect the Yankees' slugger to start going the other way. The first baseman isn't about to sacrifice his power.
"Hit more home runs, hit more doubles and walk more," the 34-year-old told reporters on Wednesday when asked how he plans to beat the shift.
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So don't count on the two-time All-Star laying many down this season.
"We've talked about it ad nauseam," Teixeira said. "Every time I try to slap the ball the other way, it just doesn't go well for anybody. And that's what the other team wants. They want to take the middle-of-the-order power hitter and turn him into a slap hitter. So if I can hit more home runs, more doubles, walk more, that takes care of the shift."
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That's far easier said than done, but the five-time Gold Glove Award winner is especially determined this spring to prove his doubters wrong and show that he's still a star player.
After going on a strict diet this offseason and hiring a new trainer, the veteran feels as strong and healthy as ever.
The Yankees will be counting on him to have a bounce-back season. After playing in just 15 games in 2013, Teixeira missed 39 games in 2014. He hit a disappointing .216 with 22 homers and 62 RBIs and posted a .313 on-base percentage.
