RED THUNDER COULD MAKE JUDGE-LIKE MOVE

Source: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images North America

A year ago we were thinking that Aaron Judge would get everyday playing time in Scranton as the RailRiders right fielder.  Fast forward to spring training 2017, and Judge, who worked incredibly hard during the offseason, learning how to see the ball better and shortening his swing, won the starting right field position in the Bronx.  Now according to the NY Daily News, "based on the roster as it's currently constituted with exactly two weeks until pitchers and catchers report to Tampa, Clint Frazier may find himself in that exact same situation in 2018."

Source: Elsa/Getty Images North America

"Frazier also K'd 43 times while hitting just .231, and will need to make his own adjustments - much like Judge did - as teams and pitchers have a book on how to get him out. Frazier has been working out hard in the offseason, and wants to remain in pinstripes, which he's said numerous times on his social media pages," reported the News.  

Source: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images North America

I like Red Thunder.  I think he adds passion and energy to this rising Yankee club.  I'm not sure the Yankees see him the same way as I do; they seem to focus on his immaturity and need for more experience.  A guy like Frazier, who is on the cut list, needs consistent at bats in order for him to develop and remain sharp.  He could get that in Triple A, as a consistent, everyday outfielder or he can out right win a position in the Bronx, even if that dethrones Aaron Hicks, sliding Brett Gardner back to center.  There's the Jacoby Ellsbury situation, but that's a saga within itself and irrelevant to this story or to this team for that matter.

Source: Al Bello/Getty Images North America

23-year-old Frazier isn't afraid of a challenge and quite frankly could make a Judge-like move and steal a starting position in an already stacked outfield.  Otherwise if the Yankees want to keep him and not trade him for a starting pitcher down the stretch, they would be wise to let him get his swings in on the farm.

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof