TAMPA — After a regular season he called a “disaster,” Francisco Cervelli’s offseason didn’t go much better.
The Yankees signed Brian McCann to a five-year, $85 million deal, ending speculation that Cervelli may have a shot at being the Yankees’ starting catcher.
“I’m going to do what they ask me to do,” Cervelli said Monday at the team’s minor league complex. “I know my role now, but you never know.”
Presuming Cervelli doesn’t have a McCann voodoo doll, he will be in competition with Austin Romine and J.R. Murphy as potential backups. But given that he spent most of 2013 either injured or suspended, it’s not surprising Cervelli is simply eager to play at all. He fractured his right hand in April and, while still on the shelf, accepted a 50-game Biogenesis suspension in August.
“Last year was a disaster,” Cervelli said. “We take the positive stuff and become a better person and better player.”
Cervelli said he’s been healthy since December and has no restrictions. He also hasn’t given up on his desire to become a starting catcher.
“I’ve got the same goal,” said Cervelli, who turns 28 in March. “Maybe it’s not gonna happen this year, maybe not next year, but you never know. I’ll continue working for my goal. This is an obstacle, but it makes me stronger.”