According to Joel Sherman, the Yankees are currently in the middle of extensive renovations to the Himes minor league complex in Tampa. It’s literally only a block or two away from George M. Steinbrenner Field. The Yankees moved into the Tampa complex in the early-1990s and these are by far the largest upgrades they’ve made, says Sherman.
Here are the details of the renovations and upgrades:
There are four indoor, air-conditioned batting cages already under construction at the complex – across the street from Steinbrenner Field. And groundbreaking begins Tuesday on an additional six indoor cages.
In addition, a weight room is scheduled to be built that will mirror the state-of-the-art qualities of the ones the major leaguers use at Steinbrenner Field. The main office structure is scheduled to have a second floor added to house offices, meeting rooms and a classroom for Latin players. The Yankees are among teams trying to better care for the young Latin players in the areas of education and life skills. The team hired a full-time teacher for its Dominican academy and has hired an education coordinator that will oversee the entire system.
Two years ago the Yankees made other renovations to the Tampa complex, including refurbishing all fields and adding a building to house offices and a cafeteria for players. This might all be one huge renovation plan that is being constructed in stages. Doesn’t really matter.
The Yankees have not added much Major League payroll in recent years and they are trying to get under the luxury tax threshold in the near future, but give them credit, they’ve spent a ton of money behind the scenes the last few years. They’re upgrading the minor league complex big time, they added two new minor league affiliates (GCL2 and Pulaski), and there was the massive international spending spree in 2014.
You’d be surprised how many teams keep things status quo in the minors. Improving player development conditions are a way to gain a competitive advantage. The Yankees treat their players well and give them access to state-of-the-art facilities. It helps their current prospects and it could even help them lure players in the future, particularly international free agents. This is good stuff. It’s a great way for the Yankees to use their financial might.
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