By FRED KERBER
Posted: 4:38 am
July 19, 2008
Richie Sexson just completed his first day as a Yankee. As he turned his 6-foot-8 frame in front of his stall in the Yankee clubhouse, he found a healthy throng of media types waiting to become his best friend for a zippy quote.
"Now I see why they carry their clothes," Sexson said, referring to many Yankees teammates who dress far from the maddening crowd.
It's not Seattle. Sexson saw that in many ways.
"Players and coaches and the staff are more upbeat," Sexson said after his 1-of-3 Yankees debut included a two-out RBI single in the first inning from his fifth spot in the order during a 7-1 trouncing of Oakland at the Stadium.
"In Seattle, we got so far out that it becomes kind of a stagnant atmosphere. It's tough to play in that when you're 20, 22 games under .500."
Sexson, who'll play first and DH, was miserable for a season and a half in Seattle. His four-year, $50 million dream contract situation in his home state became a nightmare. He hit .205 last season and was at .218 when the Mariners released him July 10. So he viewed last night like opening day.
"Fresh, just like it's the start of a new season," said Sexson, 33, whose hit came off A's starter and loser Greg Smith (5-8), one of four Oakland lefties. "You get off the schneid, get out going. It felt good. I think that's my role, to come in and try to get some hits off lefties."
Well, the Yankees didn't give him a pro-rated contract to steal bases. Sexson, who said discussing his Seattle disappointment is something "I try to stay away from, it's over," is a two-time All-Star who twice hit 45 homers. Despite the overall anemia, Sexson was hitting .344 against lefties this season.
"It's a big bat, especially against left-handers," Joe Girardi said. "He's got a lot of power and he plays a very good first base as well. He's a complete player. If we can get him back to where he was, he'll be a big addition."
Sexson had one hit, one RBI, one walk, one strikeout, hit into a double play and was his usual reliable self at first.
"Richie can play. Yeah, he's scuffled a little bit this year, but everybody scuffles," Derek Jeter said. "He's always played well against us. It's a whole new start for him."
