WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – George Springer has arrived in camp after an offseason that included an engagement and a trip to Super Bowl LI in Houston with his good friend, Delino DeSheilds.
"He lost a bet, so now he’s got to wear a Tom Brady jersey for a while," a smiling Springer said in the clubhouse Thursday morning.
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Springer, who finished with a career-high 29 homers and 82 RBI in 2016, is fired up for the new season.
This spring, his locker is next to new teammate Carlos Beltran.
"He has a lot of experience, and I hope to be a sponge around him," said Springer.
On the other side of Springer’s locker is good buddy Jake Marisnick.
"You can be a selective sponge around Jake, but you have to choose what you sponge up," Springer said.
On a more serious note, Springer welcomes the addition of Beltran, whom he respects personally and as a longtime successful player.
"He’s always been consistent to me. He’s never really had a bad year," said Springer. "You watch and see him and you can see his swing hasn’t changed in 15 or 20 years. He’s been the same guy throughout his whole career, and (I) think that’s the most impressive part. He’s been the same guy, and to repeat the stuff he does over and over again, that’s why he’s going to be a Hall of Famer someday."
Springer was busy over the offseason, but managed to keep updated on the Astros' roster changes.
"I don’t have Twitter, so I find out through other people, and it’s cool to see it happen and sit back and be a fan almost. It’s great to see where the organization is heading. The management is saying, 'Here you go, guys, go out and play,'" said Springer.
With no playoffs in 2016, the bar has again been set high for the Astros, and Springer embraces the pressure that comes with that.
He wants to win for the team and the fans.
"The goal is to start well and position yourself," said Springer. "We’ve got to go out and play, and whatever happens will happen. Fans deserve a winning team and squad. We’ll go out and play."