When Tino Martinez watches the Yankees these days, it’s like he hopped into a DeLorean. It’s suddenly 1996, a mixture of young, up-and-coming stars and established veterans coming together for a magical season.
Instead of young players blossoming such as Derek Jeter, Andy Pettitte and Mariano Rivera, there is Gary Sanchez, Aaron Judge and Luis Severino. Instead of veterans Charlie Hayes, John Wetteland and Mariano Duncan, there is Chase Headley, Brett Gardner and David Robertson. Both feature lockdown bullpens and quality starting rotations.
“Just the way they play,” the former Yankees first baseman said Wednesday when asked about the comparison.