CLEVELAND – Four rows of tables lined a ballroom for the American League’s media availability on Monday afternoon, the first of which looked more like the Yankees' clubhouse than an All-Star event.
Masahiro Tanaka, Aroldis Chapman, Gleyber Torres, Gary Sánchez and DJ LeMahieu were all present, the five players representing the team with the AL’s best record. Even CC Sabathia was there, brought in by Major League Baseball to honor his career as he heads toward retirement.
“That’s the kind of year that we’re having as a team,” Chapman said through a translator. “We’re happy about that.”
Chapman is now a six-time All-Star, while LeMahieu is here for the third time. Sanchez, Tanaka and Torres are all in their second All-Star Games, so all five have an idea of what to expect this week.
“I’m happy to be here; it’s exciting,” Torres said. “I learned a lot last year, and I still have more to learn about the league. I’m taking all the experiences and trying to get better.”
If Torres continues to improve, he should be a fixture at the Midsummer Classic for years to come. His teammates gushed about the 22-year-old’s maturity, both in terms of his approach at the plate and his work ethic.
“The game slows down for him,” Sabathia said. “I’m impressed that he can come in this year with Didi [Gregorius] down and play a great shortstop for us; one of the best in the league. It’s awesome to see that versatility. I know he came up as a shortstop, but moving to second base and being able to move back on this stage was great.”
Torres didn’t make his big league debut until April 22 last year, yet he’s already playing in his second All-Star Game.
“I keep looking up and checking to make sure he’s 22 years old,” LeMahieu said. “We keep saying in the locker room what an impressive talent he is. When we look back at his career, it’s probably going to be pretty impressive.”
As good as Torres is, LeMahieu’s season has been better. Widely regarded as the Yankees’ first-half MVP, the 30-year-old (he turns 31 on July 13) leads the AL with a .336 average, has a .900 OPS and his team-high 63 RBIs have already eclipsed his total of 62 last season and are just three shy of his career high.
Considering his role with the Yankees was uncertain when he signed a two-year, $24 million deal in January, LeMahieu’s contribution to the Yankees’ 57-31 record -- both at the plate and in the field, where he’s played first, second and third base -- is somewhat astonishing.
“He has been a key part of this team,” Chapman said. “I didn’t think he was capable of playing so many different positions. I’m glad to see how he’s done it, and at the plate, what else can you say about the guy?”
One of LeMahieu’s former Colorado teammates hasn’t been surprised to see him thrive in the Bronx.
“He’s been doing it the whole time he’s been in the big leagues, just in a bigger market now, people are getting to see it a little more,” Rockies All-Star shortstop Trevor Story said. He deserves all the praise and recognition he’s getting.”
For Sanchez and Tanaka, their return to the All-Star Game is meaningful for different reasons.
Tanaka was selected in 2014, his rookie season, but was unable to pitch -- he would probably have started for the AL -- because of a right elbow injury. Sanchez was a reserve in '17, his first full season with the Yankees, but he suffered through a terrible season in '18, battling injury and inconsistency.
“I don’t think we’re surprised,” Sabathia said. “As an organization, his teammates, we all know what Gary is and how good he is. How hard he works behind the plate. It’s good to see him turn his career around and have a good season this year.”
Tuesday, the pair will work together as a battery, as Tanaka will likely follow starter Justin Verlander as the AL’s second pitcher.
“It’s going to be great,” Sanchez said through a translator. “I love Masa; he’s my friend. I think I know him more than I know myself because of all the times that I’ve caught him. I’m going to be really excited when he comes out to the mound.”