He was very disciplined. He always had his head on straight. He has been working out three or four times a week at Northwestern and leaves for spring training Tuesday. Girardi insists he is 100 percent, that his back is completely healed. He is anxious for the long season ahead.
Good catchers are hard to find.
Defensively he is, or certainly was, among the best receivers in the league. But he still must establish himself as a hitter. Girardi admits he needs more experience, but is confident he will hit with consistency once he gets to know the pitchers. Because of his injury, his .191 average last season can be discounted. But he definitely has the inside track.