New York Yankees: Clint Frazier taunts critics after defensive play
In a relatively meaningless minor league game this week, New York Yankees prospect Clint Frazier made an impressive defensive play. He then proceeded to continue digging his own grave.
When the New York Yankees traded away Andrew Miller for Cleveland Indians top prospect Clint Frazier in 2016, the baseball world couldn’t wait to see what the kid with the quick bat could do in a hitter-friendly Yankee Stadium.
In 2019, with the Yanks suffering an unprecedented number of injuries, Frazier finally got his first real shot and, for the most part, delivered on the promise of his potential.
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However, several blunders, especially on the defensive side of the field, lead to the self-proclaimed “Red Thunder” to be demoted a little more than two months ago.
Since then, the closest he’s been to Yankee Stadium is close to 150 miles away, where he’s been playing with the Scranton Railriders, the Yankees’ AAA affiliate.
You see, it’s not really so much that he left a lot to be desired defensively – he has a -6 DRS in 319 OF innings this season – it’s how he’s handled himself within the organization and the press that covers them that has left a real sour taste in all vested parties.
First, after playing a sloppy right field against the Boston Red Sox on June 2, Frazier refused to address the media.. until 2-days later. At that point, he didn’t issue an apology. Instead, he drew a line in the sand.
Clint Frazier addressed reporters just now for first time to the group since rough fielding Sunday. He was both defiant & remorseful. In avoiding the media then, “I don’t regret it.” Said it’s not in the rules to speak to reporters & that teammates speaking for him make it worse.
— James Wagner (@ByJamesWagner) June 4, 2019
Then, after the Yankees acquired Edwin Encarnacion from the Seattle Mariners, Frazier was optioned to Scranton-Wilks Barre and took the full 3-days to report to the Railriders. Keep in mind that they’re located a mere 2.5-hour drive away from Yankee Stadium. This left some wondering if the rookie was sending the organization a message in his absence.
Now, he’s taking the opportunity to taunt his critics – the fans? the organization? the media? – after making a phenomenal play in the outfield in a relatively meaningless game between the Railriders and the Pawtucket Red Sox.
His reply to a Tweet showing video of his “WebGem”? See for yourself:
guys a dh
— Clint Frazier (@clintfrazier) August 27, 2019
What Clint Frazier doesn’t see, it seems, is that for the New York Yankees organization he is expendable. They have a plethora of outfielders doing the job he seems to feel so entitled, and they’re doing it at a high level.
In fact, since his demotion…
- Brett Gardner is hitting .275 / .353 / .538
- Mike Tauchman is hitting .344 / .416 / .618
- Cameron Maybin is hitting .294 / .375 / .541
As for Frazier, his numbers in Scranton this season are .243 / .300 / .426.
Next. Scioscia interested in becoming Phillies manager. dark
Don’t get me wrong, Clint Frazier has the talent and is MLB ready. However, nothing in life is given and playing for the New York Yankees is a privilege you must earn.
Let’s see if he can get it right next season.