Harrison Bader is the real deal. The Yankees have missed him and his ability to get things done, offensively and defensively. With so many Yankees in the IL ward, having Harrison Bader healthy and in the lineup every day will make a huge difference. Harrison Bader ignites energy into this team. And just at the right time.
"Harrison Bader returned to start in center field against the Rays and crushed a three-run homer in the 5-4 loss at Tropicana Field, after taking a knee to the head/neck area in a scary collision with left fielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa on Wednesday," reported the New York Post. And on Saturday he came up with runners in scoring position and belted a hit knocking in two runs to beat the red hot Tampa Bay Rays 3-2 and even the series. Bader has charisma, he hustles, he puts his heart into the game and he brings a much needed punch into this lifeless team.
“I’d rather have zero impact on the game whatsoever and come out with a win,” Bader said. “But working back, you really just focus on your rhythm and try to keep things very simple. I’m just happy to be on the field with my teammates and go out there and compete,” reported the New York Post.
Yet unlike his other outfield teammates filling in for him, Aaron Hicks and Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Bader's performance, in just a short time both this season and last, has surpassed their contributions to the team collectively. "In just 11 plate appearances (this season), he has more extra-base hits than Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Aaron Hicks combined," reported MSN Cold Wire. And with Saturday's big hit, he continues to blow his teammates away.
You see Hicks get up and you know the rally the Yankees have gotten started with DJ LeMahieu or Bader is about to be killed. With Kiner-Falefa, it is unpredictable. But Bader, even in pinch hit or late inning entry into games, gets things going and you feel like maybe the Yankees, who have had very little run production (averaging around 3 runs per game over the last 10 games) could pull out a victory.
Sure Bader hasn't had a full season to show what his value is for this team. And yes, I realize it is a long season. But right now, Bader needs to be in the lineup everyday. He doesn't need a day off, as Aaron Boone suggests. He should have been in the starting lineup on Saturday and he certainly needs to be there tomorrow and the next day and the next day. Harrison Bader is firing up this limping Yankee team. He came through for the Yankees in the postseason just at the right time and he could be the tipping point for this team as they push through their injuries into full strength. And what an incredible feat it would be to see the Yankees take the series against the Rays behind Gerrit Cole this afternoon. Let's go!
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--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof
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