This story is excerpted from the Yankees Beat newsletter by Bryan Hoch. Read the full newsletter by clicking here. And subscribe and get it regularly in your inbox.The sight of a clean-cut Alex Verdugo practicing his swing with a bright red bat in the backfields at the Yankees’ spring complex proved unsettling this week, as Oswaldo Cabrera’s batting lineup looked almost out of place. DJ LeMahieu, Anthony Rizzo and Anthony Volpe.But Verdugo was indeed the one who threw away the brand that apparently came with the Red Sox uniforms at the factory. As someone who made a similar transition years ago, Johnny Damon has some advice for Verdugo: Just be yourself.“I was a fan in Boston. Coming to New York is tough, but I’m sure he’ll be fine,” Damon said. “Don’t worry about anything. I always like to tell people, “I’ve been loved and hated everywhere I’ve been.” I’m fine at the moment. It took years, but I’m fine now.”In December, the Yankees acquired Verdugo from Boston for three pitchers: Richard Fitts, Nicholas Judice and Greg Weissert.Verdugo, who turns 28 in May, comes from the 2023 a season in which he hit .264/.324/.421 (100 OPS+) with 37 doubles, 5 triples, 13 home runs and 54 RBIs in 142 games.He also had a few meetings with manager Alex Cora over the rush and late game.Verdugo said afterward that while initially “angry” that the Red Sox traded him to their rival, he soon saw the opportunity that lay ahead in New York.”When [Aaron] Judge, [Giancarlo] Stanton, Gerrit [Cole] and Rizzo reached out and greeted me on the team..
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