Bleeding Yankee Blue: REMAINING HEALTHY—PIVOTING FOR YOUR TEAM COULD MAKE ALL OF THE DIFFERENCE

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

REMAINING HEALTHY—PIVOTING FOR YOUR TEAM COULD MAKE ALL OF THE DIFFERENCE

Source: Associated Press

On Tuesday night I had the opportunity to have dinner with three incredible leaders. All three men have served as coaches, principals and parents. Interestingly enough, when it came to baseball, we represented Yankees, Red Sox and Mets in our teams of choice. We had many a kibitzing over dinner about our roots, our journey to our current life and opportunities we have had to learn and grow. We all agreed that we that sometimes you have give up your favorite things in order to support your families, your teams and your health. And if I could connect this mantra to the Yankees, sometimes you need to consider the health of your teammates and your ability to pivot to ensure that as a team you have the best opportunity to win.

"One of the biggest challenges Aaron Boone has faced in recent years is figuring out the right combination of days off, days at DH and days in the outfield to keep Giancarlo Stanton healthy and productive," reported the New York Post. "This season could present another tweak to the equation, with the Yankees at least considering playing Stanton in right field at Yankee Stadium on occasion, which would bump Aaron Judge to left field with Harrison Bader in center, as The Post’s Joel Sherman first reported on Monday."

Source: USA Sports

This makes perfect sense. Pivoting your outfield in such a way that you place the best team on the field each day is key to enduring a very long season. When reporters discuss the left field situation, it is always about what Aaron Hicks is capable of doing or should the Yankees go out and spend money on a bigger, better outfielder that holds a bigger, better bat. But what about Stanton? Can't he be a regular outfielder?

“I am of the belief that him playing in the outfield is good for his game, but I also think it’s good for his health,” Boone said. “I think it’s good that he’s, when healthy, not just a DH. There’s times in the course of the year when that’s what we have to do. He’s not able to necessarily get out there, so we do what we have to do. … [But] playing in the field, when healthy, gives him a better shot at staying healthy,” reported The Post.

Judge was all about pivoting to left field, stating he will get his reps in there and ensure he is ready to play left when called to do so. This kind of attitude will put the Yankees in the position to win more games and quite frankly, be more versatile. It is this kind of innovation that is required not only to win but to remain ready to win.

The journey to the World Series is not an easy one—it takes experience, willpower and yes the ability to pivot when necessary. When we see leaders do this, like the three men I met on a random Tuesday night for dinner, we see success in all facets of life. Imagine how the Yankees will fair if this formula for a pivoting outfield yields more games played by Stanton, Judge and Bader. The Yankees could be unstoppable.