As Yankees first baseman Mike Ford prepares for his third spring training with the team down in Tampa, Fla., he knows that this upcoming season can be something special, especially with the addition of Gerrit Cole to their pitching rotation.
Ford stated that "some great stuff" went through his mind when he heard the Yankees signed the offseason's biggest gem.
"He brings a dynamic that's crazy," Ford said Tuesday in Tampa. "He bolsters out staff that's already awesome, so to have him -- probably the top pitcher in the game -- couldn't be happier. Definitely glad they got him."
Ford, 27, got his first taste of major league action last season, after being called up from AAA-Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on April 16 as Greg Bird hit the IL.
Appearing in 50 games for New York, Ford held slashes of .259/.350/.559 with 12 home runs and 25 RBI in 163 plate appearances.
After finally getting his time in the majors, Ford is ready to prove himself worthy of staying up in New York for as much time as possible.
"I'm gonna let it play out how it plays out and just play my game," Ford said on the competition he's set to face at camp. "We've got a really good lineup and roster and pitching, so we'll see how it goes."
Ford said that the production he had during his time with the Yankees "just proved" that he could play there.
"Obviously it's a short sample size, I'm going to have to keep working on things, people are going to make adjustments. Anyone can be good for 160 at-bats, so if I keep working on my craft and making the adjustments, I think I can prove to myself that I can play there for a little bit longer."
"It makes it easier," Ford added on the fact that he's spent three months in New York already, been part of the clubhouse and spent time having fun with some of the guys.
Ford's main competitor at first base will be Luke Voit, with Bird signing a minor league deal with the Rangers during the offseason. Although Voit is the favorite to land the job, the fact that Ford is a left-handed hitter could play a role in him making the 40-man roster, as the Yankees are a bit short on that front.