Judge: ‘You never know’ if 62 homer runs are possible this year
TAMPA, Fla, (AP) — Aaron Judge flashed a giant smile when requested if he might repeat his accomplishments of final yr, when he hit an American League report 62 residence runs for the New York Yankees.
“You never know,” he mentioned after the Yankees’ first full-squad exercise on Monday. “I don’t really like putting a number on it. I just kind of like going out there and trying to contral what I can control, but you never know what could happen. So, we’ll see about 62.”
Judge was voted the American League after breaking Roger Maris’ AL report of 61 homers, set in 1961. Judge’s 131 RBIs tied the New York Mets’ Pete Alonso for many within the majors and Judge’s .311 batting common was second within the AL. After turning into a free agent, Judge agreed to a $360 million, nine-year contract with the Yankees.
“Last year was fun chasing history and having those moments,” Judge mentioned. “Every time we play in New York I feel like you’re chasing history. It’s never a cakewalk in the Bronx, that’s for sure. You have to enmbrace those challenges.”
Judge slumped offensively as New York was swept within the AL Championship Series by eventual World Series champion Houston. He went 1 for 16 (.063) with no homers or RBIs.
New York hasn’t received the World Series since 2009.
“It bothers me, and I think it bothers the group as well,” Judge mentioned, “Every year we don’t finish what we started, it wears on us in different ways. I think every failure pushes you towards that ultimate goal.”
After Judge agreed to the longterm take care of the Yankees, he turn into New York’s first captain since Derek Jeter from 2003-13.
“I’ll be doing what I’ve been doing the past six or seven years, try and lead by example,” Judge mentioned. “Be a voice for this team on and off the field. Keep pushing this team to the ultimate goal of bringing a championship back to New York.”
“That’s why I’m here,” Judge added. “It’s one of the main reasons why I wanted to come back and wear pinstripes. Have a lot of unfinished business here. I’m looking forward to the new role but stuff doesn’t change for me.”
Notes: Judge took batting observe for the primary time with the pitch clock that shall be used this season. “Oh man, I completely forgot about it until about three pitches in,” Judge mentioned. “I had to kind of check myself because I was getting into the box around eight or nine seconds. That would be strike one, strike two, strke three on me. Once we play a couple games, get a couple at-bats, guys will get used to it.” … Judge is seeking to enhance his contact charge this season and has talked with different large leaguers about two-strike approaches, together with mixing within the no-stride strategy.
