SAN FRANCISCO — Willy Adames wasted little time making one factor clear: He desires to play all 162 video games for the San Francisco Giants.
So when launched as their new shortstop Thursday, Adames appeared to his left and gently put a hand on supervisor Bob Melvin’s proper shoulder, smiled and stated, “if he lets me.”
Melvin won’t want a lot convincing, thrilled to immediately have stability at a place that lacked continuity this 12 months in his first season as skipper.
Editor’s Picks
2 Associated
Adames did not hesitate to additionally provide a thought to new boss Buster Posey: He plans to win a number of championships with the Giants identical to the catcher-turned-executive did right here.
Surrounded by his dad and mom and different household and pals, Adames was formally launched and welcomed at Oracle Park after signing a $182 million, seven-year contract – the primary large, splashy transfer made by Posey since he grew to become President of Baseball Operations in late September.
“There isn’t any phrases to explain my feeling proper now to be right here on this stunning metropolis, I am simply so blissful to be right here,” Adames stated. “… This can be a dream come true for me. I am thrilled to be right here, I am so excited. Hopefully we will win a number of championships such as you did, and that is one of many most important causes I am right here.”
Everybody who has encountered Adames to this point cannot look ahead to him to get to work for instance each on the diamond and within the clubhouse.
“He is a singular connector of individuals,” Posey shared from Craig Counsell’s description of the 29-year-old infielder from the Dominican Republic. “That actually struck me as a result of I believe to win championships it’s a must to have personalities like Willy that they are capable of determine with everyone within the clubhouse, and that is not simply gamers. I heard from a number of folks that Willy treats everyone with the utmost respect. He performs with power, he performs with pleasure and I do know that our followers are simply going to be thrilled to look at him compete each day.”
Adames’ deal marks the richest contract for San Francisco since Posey reached a $167 million, nine-year pact in 2013.
“I did not know ’til it was executed. I used to be like ‘wow,'” Adames stated.
From afar, Adames watched the legacy left by his hero Derek Jeter that went far past the baseball diamond.
And that is as necessary to Adames as taking part in all 162 after he appeared in 161 video games final season for Milwaukee. He considers a part of his function to assist the younger gamers study “to be an expert” and lead a membership that has missed the playoffs the previous three years in successful the suitable means.
“For me that comes first, it comes first to be a fantastic human being. I’ve received to thank my dad and mom for that, they raised me the suitable means, to attempt to deal with everyone the identical, it does not matter what you are doing,” Adames stated. “I believe that is one thing that I am actually pleased with, simply to be the identical man every single day, to be variety, simply to provide love again to folks as a result of there’s numerous hate on the market and I do not actually like that.”
The Giants know Adames’ constructive affect might go far.
Requested concerning the instability at shortstop, Melvin famous, “Properly, it is not an issue now.”
Adames offers the Giants an influence bat and dependable protection at his place. This 12 months for the Brewers, he produced his greatest offensive season within the large leagues, batting .251 with a career-high 32 residence runs and 112 RBI.
“Look, each staff desires a Willy Adames on their staff. I believe the factor that strikes me essentially the most is after I’d watch him play a pair instances a 12 months on the opposite facet was he by no means appeared like he had a nasty day,” Melvin stated. “It all the time appeared like every single day was opening day to him. That enthusiasm when your greatest gamers are like that – Matt Chapman is like that, too – it is easy for everyone to must fall in and play in that sort of fashion. It is simpler stated than executed however actually for me that is the factor that struck me most is how a lot he beloved taking part in baseball.”
Adames is shut pals with former Giants third baseman Matt Duffy, who shared his personal experiences being a part of the San Francisco franchise.
All of it grew to become actual when Adames pulled on his new cream-colored Giants jersey and buttoned it up, saying, “I am just a little nervous about this.”
A couple of moments later, the cap went on his head and he felt proper at residence.
“It seems to be superb.”
