Yankees: We interview Chad Green and found him happily with his feet

The New York Yankees have a deep pool of pitching talent. How that talent is to be deployed has yet to be decided, but Chad Green will happily be wherever he is at.

The New York Yankees know full well how valuable RHP Chad Green can be. His prowess was on full display last year as he started a game, closed four more, and made another 35 appearances. When the smoke cleared, Green had posted a phenomenal 1.83 ERA and WHIP of 0.739.

The most important stat, though, might be his 103 strikeouts in 69 innings pitched. His postseason numbers show a matured pitcher. He started rough but slowed the game down in time for the ALCS. Green found his footing there, appearing in three games and giving up nary an earned run.

Now in 2018, Chad faces an annual question: Can he best serve the Yankees as a starter or reliever?

For Green, the answer is found at his feet.

That attitude has him just as comfortable about his role as Luis Severino is his. Of course, the difference is that Sevvy is guaranteed a starters’ job. That does not bother Chad.

"“If it doesn’t work out starting, I’d be more than happy to pitch in this bullpen.”"

Will He Get Some Satisfaction?

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Green’s satisfaction at being on this team was evident throughout the interview. With his military-grade short, sandy hair blowing ever so slightly in the breeze, Chad radiated his usual sanguine attitude based on his work ethic and experiences.

No matter if he spoke with a grin or look of determination, every word sounded like “team.”

He was, for instance, more unequivocally thrilled that NL MVP Giancarlo Stanton has been added to the team than Greg Bird was, but then he won’t lose any DH at-bats to the behemoth.

And he feels better prepared for the 2018 campaign now that he has been to the ALCS.

The most important thing he learned?

"“…just slowing the game down even more…and know that every pitch is important.”"

Perhaps more than coincidentally he seems to have come to the same conclusion about what it takes to have a successful season as his teammate, Masahiro Tanaka. Just yesterday, Tanaka-san said this:

“The hard part about being in this league is to be consistent in the performance every year.”

When asked what he thought was the most important quality he needs to bring to the 2018 campaign, Green echoed the Ace’s sentiment.

"“I think I’m capable of being consistent, that’s what it comes down to.” Now that’s team unity, at least in the philosophical sense.”"

A Psalm of Baseball

But perhaps the biggest key to his success and the Yankees as a whole is to be up and doing with a heart for any fate. If that is indeed the team’s philosophy, Green has already embraced it.

"“I’ll be happy to pitch whatever situation there is.”"

Next: It's Spring Training, So Naturally the Yankees are Exuding Optimism

You can bet Chad will be called on in plenty of high-pressure situations this season. And no matter if they be in the first inning or the ninth, the Yankees are likely to be glad Chad Green’s feet have brought him there.