Matt Carpenter is making the most of his early days in pinstripes.
When the Yankees signed Carpenter last month, the logic behind the move involved adding a veteran bat for the bench with the ability to bring a versatile glove for defense.
Well, Carpenter is holding up his end of the deal, emphatically!
On Sunday, Carpenter went 3-for-4 with the two home runs and drove in seven runs. The Yankees routed the Chicago Cubs, 18-4, to complete a weekend sweep and improve to 44-16 on the season.
When it comes to savvy bargain pickups, the Yankees have hit it big so far with Carpenter. Since his signing with the Yankees, Carpenter has six home runs in 10 games.
As a 12-year MLB veteran, with three All-Star appearances on his resume, there’s little Carpenter hasn’t seen in his career. In his utility role with the Yankees, he’s to be ready when his number’s called. On Sunday, with a couple of late scratches in the lineup, they called his number.
“I put him in the garage for a week, and pulled him out for a spin,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “That’s impressive. What he’s doing, what he’s done since he’s gotten here… Just a lot of really good at-bats, tremendous play down there at third, really impressive. You’re seeing the fruits of some labor that he put in over the winter time.”
While with the St Louis Cardinals, Carpenter was so good, he was earning votes in the race for National League MVP. The good times, however, turned to struggle on the field as his numbers began to decline.
After the 2001 season, St Louis decided to pass on bringing Carpenter back. He then signed a minor league deal with the Rangers, ending up in Triple-A Round Rock after he didn’t make Texas’ Opening Day roster. Eventually, the Rangers released him in order to pursue opportunities elsewhere. The Yankees, meanwhile, were monitoring Carpenter throughout the entire process.
The road Carpenter’s traveled requires humility, perseverance, and a strong work ethic. Now he’s playing for the best team in baseball, on the biggest stage in sports, and enjoying the process.
Carpenter was asked if he’s back to his All-Star form, after struggling in recent years. His response revealed plenty to learn from.
“I certainly feel good, I feel like I’ve played the game long enough to know what it feels like when I’m right. This is certainly that.” Carpenter said. “Kinda got away from me in the last few years, just didn’t really have it. Was able to put in a lot of good work and have a lot of people help me kind of get it back, so it’s pretty rewarding to do it in New York for the best team in baseball. Them having faith to sign me, it means a lot, and I’m enjoying it.”
The pace he’s on likely won’t continue, however, it’s sure as hell been entertaining to watch.
It’s also been inspiring.
Anthony Rushing is on Twitter @TonyRushingNY
Baseline Sports NY is on Twitter @Baseline_NY
