Jose Caballero tells The Post how doubters fuel him and about the annoying trait that gives him an edge
José Caballero, the Yankees shortstop/utility man acquired from the Rays at the trade deadline last season, takes a swing at some Q&A with Post columnist Steve Serby.Q: What did your 100th career stolen base last year mean to you?A: It means a lot because growing up and trying to become professional, I had a big injury on my leg, and they were doubting me if I could run again.So that’s why running means a lot to me because I wanted to show the doubters that I could do it.
Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Greg Joyce about the inside buzz on the Yankees.Q: What was the injury?A: I broke my tibia and fibula when I was 16.
I tried to catch a fly ball and one of my teammates at the time slid into me.Q: Was that scary for you in terms of your future?A: It was, for sure.In Latin America, that’s when you sign professional, at least that’s when they’re looking for you.
It was a really tough time for a kid like I was.I just turned 16 like a week before it happened.
In the process of coming back on the rehab and things, scouts and people that know about baseball were doubting about my running skill just because they didn’t know how I would come back.It was a big surgery as well — actually it was three surgeries on it, so people were concerned about it.
… So it means a lot to become a big leaguer that is known by his speed.Q: How long were you sidelined for?A: A year.Q: That must have been torture for you.A It was.I would go to the field and see all the scouts and all the people trying to recruit my teammates, and I was just on the sideline.
It was pretty tough.Q: What drives you?A: Doubts.Q: Why are there still doubters?A: Because haters will alway hate.Doubters will alway doubt, let’s say it that way.Q: If I were on another team, would I not like you?A: I can see why you wouldn’t like me, but if you’re just playing the game and understand that I’m just trying to win a game … everyo...