LISTEN: Matt Holliday Says He's Excited About Yankees' Young Talent
NEW YORK (WFAN) -- Add Matt Holliday to the growing list of those who are buying into the hype surrounding the Baby Bombers.
"I'll tell you what, I've been very impressed," the seven-time All-Star, acquired by the Yankees this offseason, told WFAN's Mike Francesa on Thursday. "I knew there was some good, young talent here, and after having seen (Gary) Sanchez and (Greg) Bird and some of these other guys, I'm pretty excited. ... These guys are really talented and eager to learn, and I think they're going to be studs pretty soon."
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Holliday said he anticipates being used mostly as a designated hitter -- a role he gained some experience in during interleague games with the Cardinals.
"I don't mind it, honestly," he said. "I just try to stay busy. And most of the stadiums and the facilities these days, there's a cage, and there's plenty of space to stay loose and even run some sprints in the cage and make sure that you can get some swings."
The 37-year-old veteran added that he's willing to chip in at left field or first base if needed.
Holliday has played only half a season in his 13-year career as a member of an American League team -- in 2009 with the A's. But he said making the transition from one league to the other is not as daunting as it once was.
"I feel like the adjustment to the pitching, you see it. I mean, obviously not to the extent that you do in your own division. ... But having interleague, you have some at-bats built up against the guys that have been there for a while," Holliday said.
"With all the advanced video and scouting reports and things like that, I feel like it should be a little bit of an easier transition."
To listen to the interview, click on the audio player above.
