CHILL OUT! JUDGE JUST NEEDS SOME TIME

Nothing like waking up on a Monday morning to a flood of text messages and social media alerts about phenom Aaron Judge being "sent down."  The criticism ranged from the Yankees' organization doesn't know how to coach young talent to all that hype about Judge and all he knows how to do is send bombs to the outfield, but they always get caught.  I say, Chill Out!  Judge just needs some home brewing and he will be back, ready do some game time damage against the opposing defense. He is part of the bigger plan and that includes just giving him time to work out with the veterans and grow as a big leaguer.

According to MiLB.com, "Judge led all of Yankees Minor Leaguers with 20 homers and 72 RBIs last season across two levels, appearing in the All-Star Futures Game before earning an invite back to Major League Spring Training this year. His tools are evident, but the former Fresno State star is still learning and adjusting. He added a leg kick to his plate approach this winter and said he'll be on a mission to stay consistent this year."  Great kid and you know what, he is going to grow into his body and make his way up to the big leagues for good.  Check out the interview with Judge on MiLB.com and you will gain even further insight into his beliefs and mental toughness.  I know I did and I have even a better opinion of the young guy, who feels blessed even to be considered a prospect.

"He's an unbelievable talent," Beltran said of Judge. "He's working. He's a guy that asks questions. He wants to learn. He has a great attitude. It's great to see younger guys performing well," reported NJ.com earlier this month.  According to Bryan Hoch yesterday, "The Yankees had strongly indicated that Judge would be ticketed to open the year at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, though he benefited this spring from having an assigned locker next to veteran Carlos Beltran, who seemed to be grooming the slugger as a potential successor in right field." When Beltran bows out at the end of this season, we may see Judge make his way into the lineup.  Sources says he may be back up in September of this season.

So don't be one of those naysayers and judge Judge or the Yankees for their deliberate decisions to develop their young players.  The work of coaches is intentional and instructional.  Keep in mind that guys like Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera had to grow and develop too.  And look how they turned out.  Chill out is what I say.  Judge and the others just need some time to grow.  Let's give them their space to practice their craft and call them back up, when they are ready.

--Suzie Pinstripe, BYB Senior Staff Writer
BYB Hot Stove Columnist
Twitter: @suzieprof




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