Something the Yankees have lacked all season long is pure athleticism and speed. With Greg Allen, they now have that.
According to Katie Sharp, Allen became the first player ever to record at least two stolen bases while hitting a double and a triple in his first four games with the Yankees.
With a Yankee team that was constructed based on power, it’s been a different type of baseball over their last several games.
“I think any time you’re scoring, usually there’s good energy,” manager Aaron Boone said of his team that has quietly won seven of its last 10 games. “But it’s been really neat to see us for the last couple of games, few games, do it in some different ways. The home run ball showed up for us tonight, four different guys, but the little ball was there, running the bases. Yeah, there’s an excitement. … It’s been a fun brand of baseball here the last few days.”
The team seems to have gotten another bolt of energy over their last few games, despite plenty of players, including Aaron Judge and Gio Urshela, hurt or on the COVID-19 injured list. And it’s mostly been provided by Allen, who has been a clear spark plug.
“[He’s] been an absolute pro in the room and been incredibly productive between the lines. And obviously, the element he brings of running the bases, the versatility, and really good defense he brings in the outfield. And really every at-bat, obviously he’s gotten results, but just the quality of the at-bat has been really strong. I love what he’s brought,” Boone said.
Allen uses his speed as an asset, and it has been one for the Yanks.
“I think it goes down to just finding ways to impact the game,” Allen said. “You may not always get a hit while you’re at bat, but if you can make a good defensive play, get in scoring position, or help a team score a run with your legs, I think all those things have value. So at the end of the day, it’s about finding ways to impact the game for me.”
It makes one think why Allen wasn’t called up earlier.
The Yankees value Aaron Hicks because he, like Allen, is a switch-hitting, athletic outfielder. Of course, Hicks is out for the year, and has been since May 12. But nonetheless, Allen is certainly playing himself into the everyday lineup, even when Judge, Clint Frazier, and Miguel Andujar return.