MAYBE AARON JUDGE SHOULD ALSO MANAGE THE 2024 YANKEES

Aaron Judge stepped into a key leadership role for the Yankees when he accepted the position as captain last year. He has been genuine as one can be, and he has not held back when he felt his opinion was valuable. Now Aaron Boone, who I think is just a weak link on this team, asks his captain where he wants to bat? So ridiculous, unless we are moving toward a player-manager role for Judge and that would just be fine by me.

"Where does Aaron Judge want to bat in the New York Yankees lineup in 2024? Well, Boone asked Judge that very question in a lighthearted moment during the Yankees star's ALL RISE Foundation Gala on Thursday night. Judge, laughing good-naturedly, said that as long as Boone "keeps the top three" of the batting order as DJ LeMahieu, Soto and himself, that the club will be just fine," reported SI.com. 

It is no secret that Casey, Jenna and I have all had our moments of disbelief with Yankee brass over the last several months. Heck, if I am honest with myself, I have been losing faith in the leadership or lack thereof on this team for years. But whether in jest or not, it is just embarrassing to even have Boone hint at asking his player where he wants to bat. Like where do you think he should bat? You're the manager, do your job.

"Judge has mostly hit second for New York, while Soto has indicated in the past that he prefers to hit third. However, Judge doesn't seem too worried about the order, and Soto indicated he would do whatever the Yankees need of him during his introductory press conference," reported SI.com. 

All this talk of lineups just annoys me. Of course, I want the Yankees to go for it, and start the season with 10-0 record. But I feel like they are worried about the wrong things. Judge will be fine. Soto will be fine. My concerns lie in the wake of injuries, pitching woes and just lack of hitting for average. So, the lineup nonsense is just that nonsense. And Boone should just shut his trap and do his job. Judge will do whatever he needs to lead this team from his role as captain and player. If each guy in does the same, the Yankees will be winners despite the lack of leadership. 

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof