Top prospect Gleyber Torres , whom the Yankees called up for the firs time Sunday, was briefly one of Stanton’s pupils, the pair spending time hitting together and talking about their craft in Tampa.
Stanton said Torres’ swing stood out to him because of its similarity to the stroke of Javy Baez, the Cubs’ 25-year-old star second baseman.
“It’s a lot like — really like Baez a little bit,” Stanton said before Torres made his debut vs. the Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium . “I like how there’s a lot going on but it’s very precise. Some people are short and (don’t have) that much movement but he’s got some cool action in there and some pop at the end. It’s cool.”
LaMarcus Aldridge, the All-Star forward/center in his second season with the Spurs, tells KweséESPN that his good relationship with Udoka goes back to their time playing together in Portland: “We got cool when he came [on] with the Blazers.
“He’s a good guy, works hard so I just got close to him then. He’s been kind of like the middle man, trying to help me and how I feel [get] across to the coaching staff. He’s trying to help me feel more comfortable every year.
“He’s been the guy that I work with every summer since I’ve been here. He’s been a big part of me getting more comfortable.”
Although Quinn isn’t one to publicly evaluate his team’s needs, the Lions are without an obvious starting replacement following the offseason departure of center Travis Swanson. With a couple of interior linemen meriting consideration when the Lions are scheduled to be on the clock in the first round, Quinn noted he wouldn’t rule out the possibility of going that direction.
“If he’s a good football player and he’s at or near the top of our board, I have no problem taking an interior offensive lineman,” Quinn said.
The Lions are changing up blocking schemes this year under new position coach Jeff Davidson. Whether that means an emphasis on zone or man blocking, Quinn isn’t saying, but he could have options for either scheme at pick No. 20.
UTEP’s Will Hernandez is the power blocker. The 348-pound, first-team All American is deceptively athletic for his size, but his calling card is going to be bullying opposing defensive linemen in close quarters.