A few years ago, the New York Yankees made some trades and were developing their farm system. Last year, a part of this Baby Bombers group led the charge into the ALCS. For this year, they have been on a tear the last 18 games, winning 16. What is going on and how are they doing this? It's these kids that they are bringing up and delivering in grand style.
While not a young player, Didi Gregorius' three plus years with the team has been a big deal. Since being traded from Arizona, he has been getting better every year and has been one of the few bright spots. Even his numbers last year said a lot despite missing the first month with injury. At 28, he has lot more years left and it would be wise to keep him.
The last two seasons have given Yankee fans a sight to see with Gary Sanchez. He was quick in hitting 20 home runs during the second half of the 2016 season. Last year, he broke Jorge Posada's record of most home runs in a season by a Yankee catcher. Some questionable defense here and there, but his power is something to be amazed. Same can be said for Aaron Judge. Some struggles in 2016 (42 strikeouts in 84 at bats), he claimed AL Rookie of the Year with 52 home runs and leading in walks and runs scored in the AL. Strikeouts might be an issue, but this guy can be relevant for a long time.
This year has seen prospects deliver in a huge way. Gleyber Torres and Miguel Andujar have been hitting machines and creating walk off wins. Since last year, Luis Severino has found his groove as a pitcher and has made the start of the 2018 season even more special. Combined with the veterans, it has the New York Post thinking now of the 1998 team, one that is widely considered one of the greatest teams ever for baseball.
There is still a long season to go until we reach October. For now, the Yankees should keep riding high on these young guys. If anything, they are in the running to be in the World Series and maybe win it all. But, the competition is fierce with Boston, Houston, and the LA Angels. It's going to take everyone to get past them.
Showing posts with label new york yankees. Show all posts
Showing posts with label new york yankees. Show all posts
Monday, May 7, 2018
Wednesday, October 18, 2017
2017's MLB Surprise
While no doubt millions will talk about the Boston Celtics and the gruesome injury that may have ended Gordon Hayward's season, baseball has a bit of a series in the American League Championship Series. At the time of this blog, the Houston Astros and New York Yankees are tied, each with two games a piece out of seven. The Yankees staged late inning heroics in the seventh and eighth to even the series as they finish their home stretch of the ALCS. What makes them tick?
With the last two games, there has been a surge in their offense. These are the two top home run teams and the Yankees have shown their biggest strength. It all starts with Aaron Judge, who has cracked a few long balls in these last two games. Other big contributors in the postseason include Aaron Hicks, Greg Bird, Didi Gregorius, and Todd Frazier in getting those runs in. They are capable of getting guys on base as well, which has lead to these home runs.
One of the bigger surprises is the starting group of pitchers. Masahiro Tanaka and CC Sabathia have shown up in October, especially Tanaka. Getting quality starts have been the key for these two in the Division Series against the Cleveland Indians and this series against the Astros. The starting rotation hasn't given up too many runs and have one of the lowest E.R.As in the playoffs this year despite some flops for Luis Severino. They need to step up their game if they want a shot at that World Series title.
The bullpen is the lifeblood of the Yankees. Considering some of the moves in the summer, it might be stronger than ever. Consistency will be the big factor as they continue with the series and possibly World Series. The team has to stop the big starters of Houston in Dallas Keuchel and Justin Verlander. They are about as deadly a duo, though I feel like Keuchel is doctoring his pitches. No one's pitches are that nasty when they hang low. Verlander has the playoff experience considering his time in Detroit and it has paid off. The Astros got a solid offense with guys like Jose Altuve, George Springer, and Carlos Correa.
Both these teams have the necessary tools. One of them is bound to face the Los Angeles Dodgers. Although it's too early to predict them as the ones winning the National League pennant, they look to be the easy favorite to get back into the World Series for the first time since 1988. It will certainly be tough dealing with Clayton Kershaw if it does come down to that unless the Chicago Cubs can stage a huge comeback. For now, the Yankees are making the 2017 playoffs a year to remember for Major League Baseball. No one expected them to get this far. With the veterans and young players gelling together, they have the makings of a contender/dynasty for a good five, six years.
With the last two games, there has been a surge in their offense. These are the two top home run teams and the Yankees have shown their biggest strength. It all starts with Aaron Judge, who has cracked a few long balls in these last two games. Other big contributors in the postseason include Aaron Hicks, Greg Bird, Didi Gregorius, and Todd Frazier in getting those runs in. They are capable of getting guys on base as well, which has lead to these home runs.
One of the bigger surprises is the starting group of pitchers. Masahiro Tanaka and CC Sabathia have shown up in October, especially Tanaka. Getting quality starts have been the key for these two in the Division Series against the Cleveland Indians and this series against the Astros. The starting rotation hasn't given up too many runs and have one of the lowest E.R.As in the playoffs this year despite some flops for Luis Severino. They need to step up their game if they want a shot at that World Series title.
The bullpen is the lifeblood of the Yankees. Considering some of the moves in the summer, it might be stronger than ever. Consistency will be the big factor as they continue with the series and possibly World Series. The team has to stop the big starters of Houston in Dallas Keuchel and Justin Verlander. They are about as deadly a duo, though I feel like Keuchel is doctoring his pitches. No one's pitches are that nasty when they hang low. Verlander has the playoff experience considering his time in Detroit and it has paid off. The Astros got a solid offense with guys like Jose Altuve, George Springer, and Carlos Correa.
Both these teams have the necessary tools. One of them is bound to face the Los Angeles Dodgers. Although it's too early to predict them as the ones winning the National League pennant, they look to be the easy favorite to get back into the World Series for the first time since 1988. It will certainly be tough dealing with Clayton Kershaw if it does come down to that unless the Chicago Cubs can stage a huge comeback. For now, the Yankees are making the 2017 playoffs a year to remember for Major League Baseball. No one expected them to get this far. With the veterans and young players gelling together, they have the makings of a contender/dynasty for a good five, six years.
Thursday, September 21, 2017
Kid Emotions/Protecting Fans
The New York Yankees have made a name for themselves in 2017. Relying on young players in Aaron Judge and Luis Severino along with veterans like Starlin Castro and Aroldis Chapman, they are within striking distance of getting a spot in the playoffs. In the midst of their latest win against the Minnesota Twins yesterday, the victory was the least of their concerns.
In the bottom of the fifth inning, Todd Frazier of the Yankees hit a foul ball that went into the stands. The reaction was utter shock as it hit someone. Both teams were in disbelief. Camera shots of Frazier and teammate Matt Holliday showed them visibly upset. Broadcaster Michael Kay said that it was possibly a young fan. He was accurate as it hit a little girl, who was taken to a local hospital. Both teams expressed concern about people getting hit and the netting to protect fans.
It definitely is an emotional thing to think about. A number of these ballplayers are married and have kids. That feeling they had hit close to home, especially for Frazier, who grew up near New York in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. Whenever something happens to a kid, the question is brought up: Is he/she okay? This is going to go through their heads for a while. While not kid related, I'm thinking back to 2007 when Kevin Everett was paralyzed on a kickoff for the Buffalo Bills. Denver Broncos return man Domenik Hixon was very shaken up about it when Everett tackled him.
There has been pressing matters into protecting the fans. Netting covers to at least the dugouts. After that it's fair game. Some teams have opted for more. The Yankees were in the process of looking into it. In July, Aaron Judge hit a foul ball that resulted in a fan with a serious injury, requiring stitches. There was another incident in May as well with a kid having a head injury from a broken bat from Chris Carter. Only 10 teams have extended their netting to the foul poles, which includes the city rival Mets. Threats have been made by a councilman to force this on the Yankees, with potential voting in October on a bill.
Baseball is also concerned about if fans can watch with the netting. I don't think these teams have much choice. If this forces the Yankees to do better with protection, others might follow suit. They have to treat it like a hockey game. Fans, however, do need to keep eye on the game itself. If they're not watching, they run a high risk of getting hurt. Also, some might get seats for a reasonable price and it is near the foul line on first or third base. You can't necessarily force them into a different seat because of concerns.
Whatever they do, the Yankees have to implement this very quickly. With playoffs coming in two weeks, they are the favorite to host the one game Wild Card in the American League. The last thing anyone wants to see is a fan getting killed.
In the bottom of the fifth inning, Todd Frazier of the Yankees hit a foul ball that went into the stands. The reaction was utter shock as it hit someone. Both teams were in disbelief. Camera shots of Frazier and teammate Matt Holliday showed them visibly upset. Broadcaster Michael Kay said that it was possibly a young fan. He was accurate as it hit a little girl, who was taken to a local hospital. Both teams expressed concern about people getting hit and the netting to protect fans.
It definitely is an emotional thing to think about. A number of these ballplayers are married and have kids. That feeling they had hit close to home, especially for Frazier, who grew up near New York in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. Whenever something happens to a kid, the question is brought up: Is he/she okay? This is going to go through their heads for a while. While not kid related, I'm thinking back to 2007 when Kevin Everett was paralyzed on a kickoff for the Buffalo Bills. Denver Broncos return man Domenik Hixon was very shaken up about it when Everett tackled him.
There has been pressing matters into protecting the fans. Netting covers to at least the dugouts. After that it's fair game. Some teams have opted for more. The Yankees were in the process of looking into it. In July, Aaron Judge hit a foul ball that resulted in a fan with a serious injury, requiring stitches. There was another incident in May as well with a kid having a head injury from a broken bat from Chris Carter. Only 10 teams have extended their netting to the foul poles, which includes the city rival Mets. Threats have been made by a councilman to force this on the Yankees, with potential voting in October on a bill.
Baseball is also concerned about if fans can watch with the netting. I don't think these teams have much choice. If this forces the Yankees to do better with protection, others might follow suit. They have to treat it like a hockey game. Fans, however, do need to keep eye on the game itself. If they're not watching, they run a high risk of getting hurt. Also, some might get seats for a reasonable price and it is near the foul line on first or third base. You can't necessarily force them into a different seat because of concerns.
Whatever they do, the Yankees have to implement this very quickly. With playoffs coming in two weeks, they are the favorite to host the one game Wild Card in the American League. The last thing anyone wants to see is a fan getting killed.
Thursday, May 11, 2017
Legacies: Derek Jeter
On Sunday night, the New York Yankees will retire the last single digit number in their uniform numbers. Even though this coincides with Mother's Day this year, it will also bring another thing. That is a new monument for its Monument Park in center field beyond the bleachers. This honor belongs to probably the best modern Yankee, Derek Jeter.
Jeter was a sixth overall pick in the 1992 Major League Baseball Draft out of high school in Kalamazoo, Michigan. At first, he struggled, but improved throughout the four years of working in the Yankees farm system. Though he would make his debut in the spring of 1995, he was only there for a couple handfuls of games. With an injury to Tony Fernandez before the 1996 season began, there wasn't much of a choice but for the first rounder to be the opening day starter. The worry was gone when Jeter hit a home run against the Cleveland Indians. Final numbers that year included a .314 average with 10 home runs and 78 runs batted in en route to a World Series championship.
Jeter's career is one of the great ones in a very controversial era. Although he and Yankee owner George Steinbrenner made fun of it years later in a Visa commercial, the biggest trouble he ever had was being one that wanted to enjoy the New York nightlife. With that anger from the owner himself, the focus on baseball was bigger and he built that on a number of all star appearances, 200 hit seasons, and making some of the biggest plays in baseball history. He followed the game the right way when others were using steroids, especially as his career took off when the 1998 home run race was becoming a heated one. A lot of people might forget the Yankees were one of the most dominant teams that year and got another World Series win.
There shouldn't be any doubt that Jeter will be in the Hall of Fame. The crowds will be very huge in Cooperstown come 2019 if he doesn't get snubbed. It will probably be big next year if his teammate, Mariano Rivera, gets in. These two, along with others like Andy Pettite, Jorge Posada, Bernie Williams, and a few others helped define a big era of baseball in the Bronx. Although Williams was the only one in the names mentioned that played when the Yankees got back to having winning seasons in 1993, they were part of the influx of young players and mixed with veterans like Wade Boggs, Jimmy Key, and Paul O'Neill, That's what started the late 90s dynasty, one that won't ever be replicated. Hell, I'm not sure if you can repeat now these days in baseball.
Years from now, a lot of people will be proud to see Jeter as the great model player who others should inspire to be today. A great baseball mind, he will stick to the sport he grew up playing in for over 30 years, especially as he looks to potentially own the Miami Marlins. A shining star that will still be bright, even after when he is gone from the world.
Jeter was a sixth overall pick in the 1992 Major League Baseball Draft out of high school in Kalamazoo, Michigan. At first, he struggled, but improved throughout the four years of working in the Yankees farm system. Though he would make his debut in the spring of 1995, he was only there for a couple handfuls of games. With an injury to Tony Fernandez before the 1996 season began, there wasn't much of a choice but for the first rounder to be the opening day starter. The worry was gone when Jeter hit a home run against the Cleveland Indians. Final numbers that year included a .314 average with 10 home runs and 78 runs batted in en route to a World Series championship.
Jeter's career is one of the great ones in a very controversial era. Although he and Yankee owner George Steinbrenner made fun of it years later in a Visa commercial, the biggest trouble he ever had was being one that wanted to enjoy the New York nightlife. With that anger from the owner himself, the focus on baseball was bigger and he built that on a number of all star appearances, 200 hit seasons, and making some of the biggest plays in baseball history. He followed the game the right way when others were using steroids, especially as his career took off when the 1998 home run race was becoming a heated one. A lot of people might forget the Yankees were one of the most dominant teams that year and got another World Series win.
There shouldn't be any doubt that Jeter will be in the Hall of Fame. The crowds will be very huge in Cooperstown come 2019 if he doesn't get snubbed. It will probably be big next year if his teammate, Mariano Rivera, gets in. These two, along with others like Andy Pettite, Jorge Posada, Bernie Williams, and a few others helped define a big era of baseball in the Bronx. Although Williams was the only one in the names mentioned that played when the Yankees got back to having winning seasons in 1993, they were part of the influx of young players and mixed with veterans like Wade Boggs, Jimmy Key, and Paul O'Neill, That's what started the late 90s dynasty, one that won't ever be replicated. Hell, I'm not sure if you can repeat now these days in baseball.
Years from now, a lot of people will be proud to see Jeter as the great model player who others should inspire to be today. A great baseball mind, he will stick to the sport he grew up playing in for over 30 years, especially as he looks to potentially own the Miami Marlins. A shining star that will still be bright, even after when he is gone from the world.
Saturday, May 6, 2017
Fair or Unfair: Kevin Gausman's Ejection
Before we get into this blog, I am announcing that I will go to one blog a day. I am working a job now, but I will try to promote that day's blog as much as I can. I will still promote previous blogs a day after and top blogs for the week. With that mind, let's get into what happened Wednesday night.
After another incident the night before. Kevin Gausman of the Baltimore Orioles looked ready to battle the Boston Red Sox. The first inning went fine, and then the next inning, he hits Xander Bogaerts with a 76 mile an hour pitch. Home plate umpire Sam Holbrook immediately threw out Gausman, who couldn't believe what happened. If it were a 90 mile an hour fastball, maybe I could understand, but there was no malicious intent. At the same time, you can't blame Holbrook for reacting that bad. Obviously, he didn't want to see the teams get into a melee or full scale riot where someone winds up going to the hospital.
This is not the first time, nor will it be the last, we something like this happening anywhere in the league. One that comes to my mind is the New York Yankees. Getting plunked six times in three games is pretty bad. The next two games also had batsmen hit, with the last one leading to an ejection. In June of 2011, Mitch Talbot of the Cleveland Indians hits the Yankees' Alex Rodriguez. Umpire Dan Iassogna threw Talbot out, who complained about the mound being wet (It did rain that afternoon), but Iassogna didn't care. The night before after a big home run, the Indians' Fausto Carmona (now under the name Roberto Hernandez) hit Mark Texiera, and the frustration blew up for the Bombers. Even with that, you can't really complain about the umpires doing their jobs. At some point, enough is enough, even if you're not the main reason for it happening. There's certain things in sports where the second person always finds themselves in trouble.
It will be until the start of June that the Red Sox and Orioles begin another series against each other. Maybe things will be calm. Let's hope that. Then again, grudges can last a long time, even if it's late in the year. May there be a chance for both to settle down and get back to trying to win a division.
After another incident the night before. Kevin Gausman of the Baltimore Orioles looked ready to battle the Boston Red Sox. The first inning went fine, and then the next inning, he hits Xander Bogaerts with a 76 mile an hour pitch. Home plate umpire Sam Holbrook immediately threw out Gausman, who couldn't believe what happened. If it were a 90 mile an hour fastball, maybe I could understand, but there was no malicious intent. At the same time, you can't blame Holbrook for reacting that bad. Obviously, he didn't want to see the teams get into a melee or full scale riot where someone winds up going to the hospital.
This is not the first time, nor will it be the last, we something like this happening anywhere in the league. One that comes to my mind is the New York Yankees. Getting plunked six times in three games is pretty bad. The next two games also had batsmen hit, with the last one leading to an ejection. In June of 2011, Mitch Talbot of the Cleveland Indians hits the Yankees' Alex Rodriguez. Umpire Dan Iassogna threw Talbot out, who complained about the mound being wet (It did rain that afternoon), but Iassogna didn't care. The night before after a big home run, the Indians' Fausto Carmona (now under the name Roberto Hernandez) hit Mark Texiera, and the frustration blew up for the Bombers. Even with that, you can't really complain about the umpires doing their jobs. At some point, enough is enough, even if you're not the main reason for it happening. There's certain things in sports where the second person always finds themselves in trouble.
It will be until the start of June that the Red Sox and Orioles begin another series against each other. Maybe things will be calm. Let's hope that. Then again, grudges can last a long time, even if it's late in the year. May there be a chance for both to settle down and get back to trying to win a division.
Sunday, April 30, 2017
Major League Baseball: April 2017
With the end of April, there have been some interesting storylines for Major League Baseball. Certain teams most expect to get a postseason spot are struggling. Some divisions are shaping up to be a tough one. Let's take a look.
The American League East is one where pretty much everybody has a fair chance at the division and potentially a wildcard spot. For the Baltimore Orioles, they have put up good numbers despite pitching problems. The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox are getting runs while having some strong pitching, especially with good bullpens. At Tampa Bay, the Rays are okay. It's a matter of how both the batting and pitching will sustain a 162 game season. Really, the Toronto Blue Jays are a shocker for struggling so much this month. While this isn't a panic mode compared to other sports, if things don't go to a winning side in May, changes are going to happen.
In the AL Central, it's close with similar stuff like the East. The Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Indians have picked up with some good pitching and decent power at the plate. Starting off strong was the Minnesota Twins, but they have fallen a little flat. Age is a factor for the Detroit Tigers, and the Kansas City Royals doesn't have much going for them. The death of Yordano Ventura doesn't help. I really can't say much on the West division. They are either hot or cold. The Houston Astros are at the top with some young players on the mound and at the plate. Power is not a problem for the Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Angels, and Seattle Mariners. Can they avoid slumps and can the pitching help carry them to a division title?
Getting into the National League, it's all a matter of what the Washington Nationals do. They look to be the East's top team and maybe of its league. They got power and great starters when healthy. The Philadelphia Phillies are a surprise, but I would wait until the end of May to see how this division looks. It is a surprise the New York Mets are in last place, but they could flick the switch to be a great team depending on the health of their pitchers. That can also be said for the Miami Marlins, but with their batting, specifically Giancarlo Stanton. Relying on a few 40 plus year old pitchers, I don't have much confidence in the Atlanta Braves.
It is tight in the NL Central with the Chicago Cubs leading the way, but barely. Can they avoid the championship hangover? Their batting and pitching is good, but it has to be better if they want to defend their title. As far as the other teams go, the Milwaukee Brewers is surprising with the run support. Like most of the AL West, can they avoid slumps? The pitching might be a problem if they can't get past other teams. Despite being in second place, pitching is also a concern if I'm the St. Louis Cardinals. If it can't carry them, it will be a long year. Not much can be said for the Cincinnati Reds. On any day, they can get the hits and runs while dominating fro the mound. Can it do that for the whole season?
San Francisco is the big storyline in the West. The Giants lost their main starter for a few months after a mediocre start to begin the season. With some good batters, someone has to step up for the starting pitching and the bullpen can't suffer another collapse. Fear is not a worry for the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies. Having hot bats and surprisingly exceptional pitching has propelled these two to the top of the division. The Los Angeles Dodgers are not far away with the same kind of stuff, and they could be a first place team at the end of May. Anything can happen in this division. And the San Diego Padres are the same old, same old. They got power, but can't hit for anything and their pitching is pretty mediocre. It's another year of disappointment for the city.
Keep your eyes on the AL East and NL West. The teams could flip flop in divisional races as the year goes on. I would say the NL Central and East will see certain teams improve from where they are right now. And the West could come down to two teams at the end of September. For 2017, it will pack some big surprises.
The American League East is one where pretty much everybody has a fair chance at the division and potentially a wildcard spot. For the Baltimore Orioles, they have put up good numbers despite pitching problems. The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox are getting runs while having some strong pitching, especially with good bullpens. At Tampa Bay, the Rays are okay. It's a matter of how both the batting and pitching will sustain a 162 game season. Really, the Toronto Blue Jays are a shocker for struggling so much this month. While this isn't a panic mode compared to other sports, if things don't go to a winning side in May, changes are going to happen.
In the AL Central, it's close with similar stuff like the East. The Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Indians have picked up with some good pitching and decent power at the plate. Starting off strong was the Minnesota Twins, but they have fallen a little flat. Age is a factor for the Detroit Tigers, and the Kansas City Royals doesn't have much going for them. The death of Yordano Ventura doesn't help. I really can't say much on the West division. They are either hot or cold. The Houston Astros are at the top with some young players on the mound and at the plate. Power is not a problem for the Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Angels, and Seattle Mariners. Can they avoid slumps and can the pitching help carry them to a division title?
Getting into the National League, it's all a matter of what the Washington Nationals do. They look to be the East's top team and maybe of its league. They got power and great starters when healthy. The Philadelphia Phillies are a surprise, but I would wait until the end of May to see how this division looks. It is a surprise the New York Mets are in last place, but they could flick the switch to be a great team depending on the health of their pitchers. That can also be said for the Miami Marlins, but with their batting, specifically Giancarlo Stanton. Relying on a few 40 plus year old pitchers, I don't have much confidence in the Atlanta Braves.
It is tight in the NL Central with the Chicago Cubs leading the way, but barely. Can they avoid the championship hangover? Their batting and pitching is good, but it has to be better if they want to defend their title. As far as the other teams go, the Milwaukee Brewers is surprising with the run support. Like most of the AL West, can they avoid slumps? The pitching might be a problem if they can't get past other teams. Despite being in second place, pitching is also a concern if I'm the St. Louis Cardinals. If it can't carry them, it will be a long year. Not much can be said for the Cincinnati Reds. On any day, they can get the hits and runs while dominating fro the mound. Can it do that for the whole season?
San Francisco is the big storyline in the West. The Giants lost their main starter for a few months after a mediocre start to begin the season. With some good batters, someone has to step up for the starting pitching and the bullpen can't suffer another collapse. Fear is not a worry for the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies. Having hot bats and surprisingly exceptional pitching has propelled these two to the top of the division. The Los Angeles Dodgers are not far away with the same kind of stuff, and they could be a first place team at the end of May. Anything can happen in this division. And the San Diego Padres are the same old, same old. They got power, but can't hit for anything and their pitching is pretty mediocre. It's another year of disappointment for the city.
Keep your eyes on the AL East and NL West. The teams could flip flop in divisional races as the year goes on. I would say the NL Central and East will see certain teams improve from where they are right now. And the West could come down to two teams at the end of September. For 2017, it will pack some big surprises.
Saturday, April 22, 2017
A Powerful Judge
People will always be in awe of certain baseball players. In the case of batters, there are some that are amazed at the hits, defense and clutch performances. Pitchers have to outsmart their opponents and find ways to get them out. For the 2017 season, they will have that ultimate question. How do you stop New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge? If he hits a ball, how do you react?
The Yankees are in a bit of a retooling right now and this season will be a test to see how some of the veterans play with a slew of up and comers. So far, it has paid off in this very young year and Judge is one of the catalysts that helps them on to victory. Coming up in mid-August last year, he belted his first hit, a home run into center field at Yankee Stadium. After that, he struggled. His average was below .200, had 42 strikeouts in 84 at-bats. There was some power, but you would hope he would improve as gets accustomed to the league, especially with other young "Baby Bombers" like Tyler Austin, Gary Sanchez, and Greg Bird.
Whatever he worked on, Judge has become the guy that could get Yankee Stadium to sell out in regular season games and the playoffs if they play strong baseball. The home runs he has put up so far, (five already) a few of them have been absolute blasts. Prior to this latest game against Pittsburgh, he launched a deep one against the Chicago White Sox that was near the top of the bleacher rows in left center field. His size might help with his strength. This is the kind of guy that should be playing football or basketball at six foot seven and at about 280 pounds.
His power should scare any pitcher (or fielder depending on where its hit in the infield) that has to face him. That was very evident from last week's game against the Tampa Bay Rays. With reliever Jumbo Diaz at the helm, Judge hit a pitch that almost hit Diaz in the head. The exit velocity was clocked in at 116 miles per hour for a single. There will be a lot of veteran aces that will figure things out and some of the youngsters who will study film on Judge. However, Judge could be an unstoppable force that could get Yankee Stadium rocking and be a face of the team since Derek Jeter and maybe Major League Baseball if puts up strong numbers for the next five years.
How he will fare in other stadiums for a full season will really determine his place for rookie of the year and his career. This could be the type of player who averages 30 to 40 home runs a year, but an issue being the strikeouts. It is his session that he can't adjourn. With other young players to lead the way, a World Series is not out of the question.
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