White Sox: Robertson's first trip back to Yankee Stadium ‘a little different'

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NEW YORK -- David Robertson is back where he spent the first seven seasons of his career and “it’s a little different” to be in the visiting clubhouse.

The closer pitched for the New York Yankees from 2008-14 before he joined the White Sox in December on a four-year, $46-million deal. Now almost a full season in, Robertson, 6-4 with 31 saves and a 3.34 ERA, said the environment between the two clubs is the biggest difference and he attributes it mostly to media coverage as the number of outlets that covers the Yankees nearly triples the White Sox.

“You’re kind of under a microscope a little more playing here in New York,” Robertson said. “You’re expected to win every day. I don’t blame them. That’s just the mentality they have on that side. 

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“It’s not that we don’t try to win here. It’s just a different feeling. It’s hard to express that feeling or sense that there is when you’re in the New York clubhouse, but that’s the biggest difference for me. It’s an intense atmosphere here.”

Robertson feels fortunate to have learned from so many Yankees greats during his time in New York. He cited Andy Pettitte, Mariano Rivera, Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada as those who had the biggest impact on his career.

“I had a lot of good years here,” Robertson said. “I was fortunate to play under some of the greatest baseball who have ever played.

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“Those guys are legends of the game. Having them tuck me under their wing and being able to watch how they went about their business and how they became who they are kind of led me on the straight path, made it a whole lot easier to play baseball.”

Some of that preparation could come in handy in making his first trip back to Yankee Stadium easier for Robertson. Robertson stopped by the home clubhouse on the first day to see Yankee equipment manager Rob Cucuzza and expects to see a bunch of former teammates during the four-game series.

“It’s a little different being on this side, field still looks the same, still the same dimensions,” Robertson said. “I’m just in a different uniform and I’m going to be facing against some guys I’ve played with for a long time.”

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