Yankees' future bright with Frazier, Torres

January 18th, 2017

NEW YORK -- Compared to their half-season living in the shadows on the other side of the Trade Deadline's biggest blockbusters, the hype that accompanies life as the Yankees' best prospects could wind up being a cakewalk for and .
The Yankees' top two prospects as ranked by MLB Pipeline.com, Frazier and Torres stood side by side on Tuesday as the organization's inaugural Winter Warm-Up entered its second day, with the promising players joined by and fellow prospects Chance Adams and James Kaprielian.
"It's really exciting. To be ranked the No. 1 farm system by a few people out there is awesome," Frazier said. "I think we have so many people around us right now that we're almost bound for success. We have so many great pieces that help puzzle us together. I'm glad to be a part of it."

The prospects visited the Yankees Museum at Yankee Stadium, where they were able to hold one of Babe Ruth's game-used bats, feel the fabric of Lou Gehrig's jersey and inspect a glove once worn by Mickey Mantle.
They then visited a Bronx senior center and elementary school before making their way to the Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square, where they and general manager Brian Cashman participated in a town hall with approximately 300 invited fans that was live-streamed on Yankees.com.
"It's a very exciting day. It's my first time in New York City," Torres said through an interpreter. "It has been a beautiful experience to be here and see the city, and learn the history of the ballclub."

While Torres opened eyes with a sensational Arizona Fall League performance that saw him crowned as the circuit's youngest MVP, the 22-year-old Frazier said that he had to deal with the pressure of being touted as the centerpiece of the deal that installed into the Indians' bullpen.
While Miller's electric left arm helped Cleveland to its first World Series since 1954, the hurler's 6-foot-7 shadow proved more difficult to escape than expected for Frazier, who said that he did not show what he was capable of as he posted a.228/.278/.396 split line in 25 games with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
"I went from trying to fill Clint Frazier's shoes to trying to fill [Miller's]," Frazier said. "The guy did what he did because he's one of the best pitchers in the game. To try to live up to the amount of hype that he had because I was traded for him was hard. He did what he did and I struggled.

"I think for the first time in my life I was humbled. I needed that. I needed to get off cloud nine and realize there were things that I needed to work on. I'm glad that a guy like Andrew is who I got traded for, so I need to continue to work every day."
Frazier said that he is trying to keep his goals realistic and does not expect to crack the Yankees' Opening Day roster, but while walking around Yankee Stadium, it was impossible not to imagine roaming the outfield in uniform.
"I was envisioning myself and a few others out there at some point," Frazier said. "I don't know when I'll be there, but I'm happy to be here. I'm proud to say I'm part of the Yankees organization. It's the goal to make it up there this year."
Torres said that he was pleased to see his former organization, the Cubs, win their first championship in more than a century, but he is even more excited about the opportunities that await in Yankees pinstripes. Tuesday's events offered both prospects a glimpse of the dreams that now appear to be within their reach.
"You have to feel proud to be with these talented players, but you've got to stay humble," Torres said. "You've got to keep working hard and got to keep your mindset for the future. You want to focus on the game and the future."