Mark Teixeira and Michael Pineda looking forward to the 2012 season – MLB News
Mark Teixeira is one of the most exciting hitters in baseball right now. The right handed striker made his Major League Baseball debut in 2003 and since then he has produced match winning performances. His career batting average of .281 suggests that he is a consistent performer. Hitting 314 home-runs in his nine big seasons, the hard hitting Teixeira can be an asset to any MLB team.
However, last season Teixeira was unable to live up to expectations as he posted his career low .248 batting average. The striker is looking to work hard on his game play to improve his batting average this season. In an interview with a leading sports website, Teixeira said he might try bunting to his game to get things back on track.
"One thing I noticed is that my average with men on base was good, but when no one's on base, it wasn't,'' Teixeira said. "So when no one is on base, if they're playing a big shift, I may lay down some bunts this year."
“I’ve been so against it my entire career,” said Teixeira, who was honored at the Thurman Munson Awards Dinner at the Grand Hyatt in Midtown last night. “If I can beat the shift that way, it’s important. ... I have to adapt. I’ve been frustrated and finally given in.”
Teixeira stated that the right porch of Yankee Stadium is very tempting. Although the hitter hasn’t tried bunting since he left High School, he will be looking to up his average in 2012. The 31-year-old is very excited at having Michael Pineda in the Yankees’ side. Pineda, who produced wonderful performances in his very first big league season, was traded for Jesus Montero earlier this month.
Teixeira is convinced that Pineda has the talent and abilities to become an ace with the Yankees. Pineda, on the other hand, has already started to train with the Yankees coaching staff. In addition to his flame throwing abilities, the tall pitcher has a keen interest in learning new skills. Both Mark Teixeira and Michael Pineda will be looking to change the course of their career this season.
Tags: