TAMPA – Aaron Boone has at least admitted that it could be this spring for Marcus Stroman this spring.
But if the Yankees veteran is in camp as a trade candidate and the top five starters are healthy, Stroman had a conversation with Boone on Tuesday morning, making the manager feel good.
“I'm pleased with the conversation I've had with Marcus today and where he has his mental preparation and where he thinks he's physically,” Boone reported Tuesday to George M. Steinbrenner Field. After that, he said on Tuesday. “We're in a good place. He certainly understands the situation. I'm sure he's heard some of the things this winter. I can't control everything. … out there. Doing your job at a high level has a way to calm some of them.
“The bottom line is that we're ready to sell him.”
Wherever Stromann pitches or what role he plays without remaining, it only takes one injury to a member of the Yankees' rotation.
Boone said Stromann didn't ask him what his role was this year, but the manager's message was essentially to make things work for himself.
“The situation is what it is,” Boone said. “We have a lot of people who expect you to start pitching in the big leagues. Marcus is one of them. …The cream goes up and I feel it works. But for now, it's about preparing him to become a real contributor.
“All the noise around this winter alone can be a bit of awkward situation, but I'm pleased with the place he's coming to his focus and physical preparation.”
A year after signing with the Yankees, Stroman is set to make $18 million this season, and if he pitches 140 innings it will trigger a $18.3 million option for next year.
Moving his salary could mean that at least some of it could allow the Yankees to reach the highest luxury tax threshold (currently projected to exceed around $4 million), but However, they have not yet found a taker for him.
In the meantime, Stroman arrived at camp on Tuesday and posted a 4.31 ERA in 154²/₃ innings. He hasn't acted in the postseason.
“The biggest thing right now is making sure you're ready to roll Marcus,” Boone said.
