Yankees: We interview Luis Severino, who showcases true humility

Yankees pitching coach Larry Rothschild shared his thoughts on the team’s pitching staff earlier today. Now hear what RHP  and Yankees ace Luis Severino thinks.

New York Yankees pitchers and catchers don’t report for a week. But that doesn’t mean Luis Severino isn’t ready to deliver. I caught up with him today, and the soft-spoken Severino talked all about his motivations and goals.

First up is that he agrees with his pitching coach on two points. One is that he needs to have a plan to avoid hurting his incredibly crucial right arm.

In fact, they must have agreed already. Sevvy says he limited his off-season throwing program. His workouts he kept the same, but he started throwing later.

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Sevvy also agreed with his pitching coach, Larry Rothschild, that the team could use another starter, but they are probably at least a playoff team as currently constituted.

And he says he worked in the Dominican Republic once again with former big league pitcher and apparently current pitching guru Pedro Martinez. It’s a brave new world when a former Red Sox villain turns into a more prominent Yankees facilitator of success than Derek Jeter is now.

And of course, he is thrilled that CC Sabathia is back with the team. He said that CC is the one all the other pitchers turn to, including Luis Severino. I actually think he called him old, but I am letting that one go.

"“I thought we would get the guy from the Pirates (Gerrit Cole), but Houston got him, but I feel we need somebody else.”"

The Man Inside the Shirt

However, one of Sevvy’s best qualities was on full display even without a uniform on; his humility.

Given two opportunities to talk about personal goals and his standing since he finished third in the CY Young voting last year, Luis never took the bait.

We asked him if the Yankees are good. Like, World Series title caliber:

"I feel we can get to the playoffs and maybe get a surprise."

And I could not have given him a better chance. I asked him who is the best pitcher in New York City. But instead of pumping out his muscular but lithe frame, he just said he would have to wait until the season is over to voice an opinion.

Next: Now Hear from Yankees Pitching Coach Larry Rothschild

Throughout the brief interview, it was clear that Sevvy focus is on working hard to be successful, as opposed to taking it for granted. Or assuming the Yankees will make the playoffs. That kind of thinking has players watching the World Series.

Hard work, humility and focus. I think Luis Severino has already created the Yankees 2018 Spring Training mantra.