The Miami Marlins checked into spring training on Monday for their first full squad workout, and there was a distinct Yankees influence. Co-Owner Derek Jeter is happy to have some old 'pinstripe buddies' as mentors.
"Helping the kids that's the main goal," says former Yankees catcher, and 5-time All-Star Jorge Posada, who was hired by Jeter last week as a special adviser. But there's no better player for Posada to advise than newly acquired Marlins catcher Jorge Alfaro.
"It's a dream, you know," says Alfaro, who came over from the Phillies in the R.T. Realmuto. "People that I watched playing on T.V. when I was a little kid giving (me) advice to make (me) a better player, it feels really good."
One other former Yankees teammate of Jeter is also providing direction to the young Marlins corp. Veteran outfielder Curtis Granderson couldn't be a better influence to guys like South Florida native Lewis Brinson.
"I told him from the get go that I was going to pick his brain," says Brinson. "(He's) a seasoned vet, (he's) been through it all, been on good teams, been on bad teams."
"I think you always have to be in a situation where you can listen," says Granderson. "To be approachable, and if need be hopefully provide some information that can help everyone."
There are proven winners everywhere you look at Marlins camp, hoping the young players can soon follow suit.
Source: CBS 12