TAMPA, Fla. -- The Yankees' first batting-practice swings of 2017 were accompanied by a cacophony of jackhammers, drills and saws, as workers rushed to complete a $40 million renovation of George M. Steinbrenner Field in time for the Grapefruit League opener.
On several occasions, those in hard hats were forced to scramble for cover as Aaron Judge lifted towering drives toward the scoreboard. The power tools have given way to old-fashioned muscle, and with Giancarlo Stanton now on board, the Yankees' spring batting-practice sessions promise to be the greatest show on dirt.
The reigning National League Most Valuable Player Award winner, Stanton was acquired from the Marlins in December, providing the Yankees with two of the most imposing power threats in the game.