Clint Frazier wants to be a Yankee

TAMPA, Fla. — A year ago, Clint Frazier’s hairstyle made more headlines in Tampa than his talent did, something that’s never good for a top Yankees prospect. But after making his major-league debut last year and then hearing his name mentioned in trade chatter during the offseason, Frazier returned to Steinbrenner Field on Friday with a different outlook — and a tightly-cropped ’do that he said gets trimmed weekly.

“I was just trying to be myself and I was stepping on people’s toes,” Frazier said of his previous clubhouse turbulence. “I’m not going to do that this year. I don’t want people talking about my hair when I’m talking about my game.”

Frazier, 23, went 31-for-134 with nine doubles and four homers in 37 games, had a .231/.268/.448 slash line and played with an aggressive style that quickly stood out. After the December trade for Giancarlo Stanton bumped Frazier even further down the depth chart, he approached new manager Aaron Boone and told him he can play centerfield, too, despite being known primarily as a corner outfielder.

At this point, Frazier may be more valuable as a trade chip for another starting pitcher, but he hopes it won’t come to that. After experiencing some growing pains, he’d like to stay put with the Yankees.

“I want to be here,” Frazier said. “I don’t want to get beat by this group. I want to play on this team.”

By David Lennon

dave.lennon@newsday.comDPLennon

David Lennon is an award-winning columnist, a voter for baseball's Hall of Fame and has covered six no-hitters, including two perfect games.