First of all, on top of all of my wishful 2022 resolutions, there is the elephant in the room—resolve the collective bargaining agreement so the season can start on time. Without that, none of these resolutions will mean anything because at a blink of an eye, the season will be half over before it starts. We did that drill already with 2020 only hosting 60 games across the MLB. Between COVID and the Yankees just not playing to their potential, the 2020s have not been kind to the Bronx. But here are some resolutions that I hope our current Yankees make beginning before they step foot onto a ballfield.
1. Aaron Hicks: Commit to staying healthy. Whatever regiment you need to put in place, I hope you figure that out and make sure you listen to your body along the way. You simply cannot be effective from the bench. As NJ.com points out, injuries has defined Aaron Hicks' entire career instead of great numbers, which he is capable of making. Figure out a training and fitness plan that works for you and stick with it. The Yankees need centerfield to be covered with reliability and persistence. Get after it, Hicks!
2. Aaron Judge: Be the leader you were born to be. You did it. You tied the knot. You got your teeth fixed. Now step up, sign a long term extension and take your rightful post as captain of the modern day Yankees. The Yankees need a leader. Well, they need many leaders. But Aaron Judge seems to be the most practical choice for top dog. He needs to want it. And he needs to set an example and show what hard work, a humble disposition and determination can do for you.
3. Jonathan Loaisiga: Keep pushing forward. You have the potential to be a great closer. Loaisiga has the look and feel of a young Mariano Rivera and just needs consistent opportunities to hone his craft. The Yankees need to invest in him, support his growth and empower him to push forward. They need him. He is our future of the bullpen. Know it and own it.
4. Brian Cashman: Make the moves to give the Yankees their shot at a modern day dynasty. As soon as the lockout lifts, Cashman needs to get after players like first baseman Matt Olson and starting pitcher Luis Castillo. And let's not forget Cashman needs to fill that middle infielder hole with a shortstop who can anchor an infield. This guy has to make plays day in and day out equaling consistent defense in the middle infield. This could be multi faceted Texas Ranger Isiah Kiner-Falefa who plays shortstop, third base and catcher. This will give the Yankees some wiggle room and even some creative juices to work with down the stretch for the Bombers.
5. Giancarlo Stanton: To begin the year with the end in mind. Stay healthy. Stay focused. And fight for your slot in the outfield. You are not made of glass. So fight for your gametime in the field. You are right in admitting that it is more well-rounded and wholesome for you to play the game you were born to play instead of spending half the game in the batting cages beneath the stadium waiting for your time to shine in the lineup. Fight for your rightful place in the outfield and anchor this team to victory.
Will these resolutions come to fruition. I hope so. Even if the Yankees can make some traction and forward momentum they will be in a good position to take on their division rivals and even wreck some havoc among other tough contenders across both leagues. 2022 is always about new beginnings. Let's hope this team has a breakout season by planning for it now.
--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof
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