The Yankees’ lineup lacks power for the first time in what seems like centuries, a result of injuries and the team’s increasing age.
So naturally, the Bronx Bombers got their first two home runs of the season from the aging and injury-prone. Vernon Wells and Travis Hafner hit their first home runs with the Yankees and provided the only extra-base hits in the Yankees’ second straight embarrassment to start the season, a 7-4 loss to the Red Sox last night at Yankee Stadium.
The night was absolutely Amish, quiet and void of any electricity, with the Yankees’ anemic offense unable to spark excitement from a crowd braving The Bronx’s frigid temperatures. But Wells briefly broke the rules, looking as comfortable in the cold as he did in Canada, while making three All-Star teams with the Blue Jays.
After an 0-for-3 debut with the Yankees, the 34-year-old outfielder erased the memory by going 3-for-4, including a three-run homer off Alfredo Aceves. With the Yanks trailing 7-1 in the eighth, Wells jumped on the first pitch.
“He was trying to get ahead with fastballs, and I’m not one to wait around too much,” said Wells. “I’ll take my chances.”
Wells, who was traded from the Angels on March 26 after hitting .230 with 11 homers in 77 games last season, had only nine at-bats with the Yankees before the season started, but he showed signs of resurgence while hitting .361 with four homers in spring training with the Angels.
“Once the offseason started, my goal was to just get better, get back to what I’m capable of doing and making solid contact,” Wells said. “If I do that, I’m capable of helping this team from start to finish.”
Though displeased with the team’s 0-2 start, Wells couldn’t be happier about where he’s starting this season. Having played the bulk of his career in Toronto, Wells said he’s felt extremely comfortable in The Bronx, where he has played his second-most games as a visiting player.
“The thing about this place, I’ve been here several times. It’s like I was at home,” said Wells. “I’ve always enjoyed playing here. Getting a chance to put on the Pinstripes is an honor and a privilege and I have a great respect for that.”
Hafner gave a brief glimpse into what could be should he avoid the disabled list and embrace the short porch in right field, hitting a solo homer off Clay Buchholz in the fourth inning to cut the Red Sox lead to 6-1.
The 35-year-old started at designated hitter after going 1-for-2 off the bench in the season opener and finished 1-for-4.