TAMPA — At least one Yankees legend thinks Didi Gregorius could hold off top prospect Gleyber Torres and stay at shortstop a long time.
Bucky Dent, who helped the Yankees to two World Series wins in the 1970s, said that while he’s heard from friends in baseball that Torres is “the real deal,” Gregorius’ experience under the Bronx’s pressure sets him apart.
“I’ve talked to some people about (Torres),” Dent told NJ Advance Media at the Thurman Munson awards in Manhattan last week. “He’s got a bright future. But I think Didi has built himself. He’s done it in New York. It’s going to be interesting to see what they do.”
Dent could speak from experience.
Swisher’s back, bro!
He was the shortstop when the Yankees took home world championships in 1977 and 1978, when he was the MVP. Dent was also an All-Star with the Yankees in 1980 and 1981.
Dent would go on to work for years in the Yankees’ minor league system and manage the major-league club for parts of two seasons. He last coached in the majors as the Reds’ bench coach in 2007.
“Didi has been a tremendous player over the last year,” the 65-year-old said. “To come into New York, to play behind a guy who is a Hall of Famer, a guy like Derek Jeter. To grow into the position and develop the way he has developed the last year or so — I give him a lot of credit.”
Gregorius had a big 2016.
The Netherlands-born shortstop hit 20 home runs — more than double his career high. He also posted a career-high batting average (.276). His biggest problem, hitting against lefties, actually became a strength as he posted a .320 batting average vs. southpaws.
Torres, however, is charging fast.
MLB.com ranked Torres baseball’s fourth-best prospect and the best in the Yankees’ farm system. Last year, he became the youngest player (age 19) to win the Arizona Fall League MVP and batting title. He’s set to start the season at Double-A Trenton.
“(Gregorius) just needs to keep playing the game the way he’s playing. He’s developed every year,” said Dent, who added he’s only spoken to Gregorius briefly at Old Timers’ Day games. “Last year, he hit left-handers really well. The first year he struggled defensively. He’s become a really outstanding defender. He’s cut down on his mental mistakes and he keeps growing every year. That’s what happens in New York. … to be able to play under this pressure day in and day out, and to play behind a guy like Derek Jeter, I think he’s done a fabulous job.”
Brendan Kuty may be reached at bkuty@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BrendanKutyNJ. Find NJ.com Yankees on Facebook.
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