SAN DIEGO — The expectations placed on Rachel Balkovec are no different than any other Yankees coach: help the players improve.
“The whole thing is we are trying to make players better,’’ senior director of player development Kevin Reese said Tuesday at the winter meetings, where Balkovec was introduced as the team’s minor league hitting coach. “The answer to the most important question — does she make us better? — and the answer is yes.’’
At least that is the answer the Yankees are looking for from the 32-year-old former college catcher at Creighton and New Mexico whose professional baseball experience has been in the strength and conditioning arena.