Aaron Judge sighting

[StlScott]

According to this tweet,

Ben Diamond ‏@_BenDiamond 4h4 hours ago
Cashman says he doesn't anticipate Judge getting to the big leagues this season; a full year in Triple-A.

it wont be this year.

My thought is that they were gonna mess with Bird's service time until, oops, he had to have surgery. My guess is they will do everything in their power to keep Judge down all year.

Ben Diamond writes for Baseball Prospectus Bronx edition. Could be wrong, but if you are holding Judge and looking to unload you may rethink your timing...

[LCM1223]

Son of a...

[thenwhatjk]

Womp womp

[joem1cha3l]

Pretty much expected to hear this.

However, part of me feels like that hinges on Gardy and Beltrans health. Gardner is still having wrist issues from what I've heard.

[enbambam6986]

He wasn't very good in AAA last year...

[joem1cha3l]

You also have to expect to hear this from Cashman. The kid struggled in comparison when he moved to AAA last year. Tell him he's got the year to adjust, dont put a lot of pressure on him.

If he's raking like he did at every other level and the Yankees need him come July, believe that he will get the call.

[Cardshack14]

Yeah, EXPECTED changes the context. Im sure Cash didn't expect birdie to get to the bigs at the start of last yr.

[StlScott]

I guess it hinges on why he estimates that... but you wouldn't imagine Beltran can play out there all year. Gardner's wrist is still hurting from last year in the playoffs. Ellsbury wasn't all that great either last year in the second half. Guestimating he had a .600 OPS since July 1.

I would think Cashman would say I hope he does really well at AAA in case we need Judge at some point.

[joem1cha3l]

Originally Posted by StlScott

I guess it hinges on why he estimates that... but you wouldn't imagine Beltran can play out there all year. Gardner's wrist is still hurting from last year in the playoffs. Ellsbury wasn't all that great either last year in the second half. Guestimating he had a .600 OPS since July 1.

I would think Cashman would say I hope he does really well at AAA in case we need Judge at some point.

Like I said above, you dont want to put too much pressure on a kid who's confidence is probably a little brittle right now

[fulltritty]

This is why I hope we do something this year, but 2017 is going to be really bright for the Yankees. Judge, Sanchez, Bird, and Severino playing every day. The possibility of late callus of Kaprielian and Mateo. Maybe picking up Strasburg in FA if Dusty Baker doesn't kill his arm this year.

[WillBBC]

I really want Judge to be good but when was the last time an offensive player over 6'6" really turned into anything?

Here's hoping he figures it out in AAA.

[Syndygaard]

I bet you dollars to donuts they trade him for a bat or an arm this year. They always deal their prospects.

[jbyanks1]

I went to the game today. He didn't do much with the bat but has a great arm.

[bubba300]

Originally Posted by WillBBC

I really want Judge to be good but when was the last time an offensive player over 6'6" really turned into anything?

Here's hoping he figures it out in AAA.

I agree with you...his swing is naturally long because of his size. I watched him live in 4 different Triple A games and he didn't look overmatched at all. I saw him hit 2 Hr's and and put the barrel on the ball quite a bit. It's amazing how loud the ball sounds off his bat. It sounds like a cannon going off.

The Yankees are hoping he ends up like Dave Winfield. I can see that happening. I don't believe they will trade him as they have repeatedly turned down any discussion involving Judge.

[Jaypers]

Well, this news sure didn't affect his prices.

Aaron Judge 2013 Bowman Chrome Draft RC Autograph Auto Yankees Prospect | eBay

[Hail2TheVictors]

Not sure that this is all that relevant. If he performs, he will force the Yankees to make a decision. The Yankees aren't going to keep him down to to keep him down. Judge holds the cards here (pun intended).

[houstonrules51]

I saw the interview and Cashman was basically challenging Judge to force his way up if he wants to be in the bigs this season. He said something to the effect of, "if Aaron forces our hand, which I hope he does then he could see some time but we are planning on him playing a full year in aaa."

[bubba300]

I think the problem for Judge going to Scranton or staying in NY is too many outfielders and Arod are in front of him. Injuries will help his cause but what about Gamel and or Heathcott?

Hicks is going to play against lefties as that was the main reason they brought him to NY. Ellsbury and Gardner and Beltran are locking it up in the OF. They don't want him languishing on the bench so I can see the full season at AAA unless the injuries pile up.

[edgeusaf1]

One Ellsbury injury away from a Cashman retweet saying "Welcome to the Big Lgs Aaron!" LOL

[fulltritty]

Originally Posted by bubba300

I think the problem for Judge going to Scranton or staying in NY is too many outfielders and Arod are in front of him. Injuries will help his cause but what about Gamel and or Heathcott?

Hicks is going to play against lefties as that was the main reason they brought him to NY. Ellsbury and Gardner and Beltran are locking it up in the OF. They don't want him languishing on the bench so I can see the full season at AAA unless the injuries pile up.

At anytime Ellsbury, Gardner, or Beltran could go down with a injury. Two of the three are fragile and one is still injured from last season. Heathcott is often injured and I didn't even think Gamel was still in the mix anymore as a viable OF option. I think if Judge wows in Spring Training again and gets off to a decent start in AAA, he is first callup when one of the Outfielders goes down.

[joem1cha3l]

Originally Posted by Syndygaard

I bet you dollars to donuts they trade him for a bat or an arm this year. They always deal their prospects.

Not the case recently. Cashman has actually been hanging onto guys. Its very different, but as a Yankee fan, I'm super excited.

[excel_b]

Is Heathcott going to play in the Majors this season? Or will he still always be AAAA?

[k13]

Already 23 and not very good....not sure why the excitement but keep on prospecting....

[bubba300]

Originally Posted by excel_b

Is Heathcott going to play in the Majors this season? Or will he still always be AAAA?

Heathcott played well in September last year producing some big hits as well as solid defense down the stretch to key some Yankee victories as they were battling for a playoff spot. His injury history is a strike against him but I think he can be better that AAAA player. Based on these factors it makes more sense to have him start the year up ahead of Judge vs Judge sitting on the bench.

[bubba300]

Originally Posted by k13

Already 23 and not very good....not sure why the excitement but keep on prospecting....

I wouldn't say he isn't very good. Baseball is a game of adjustments for the players who aren't as naturally talented as Trout, Harper etc.

23 is still relatively young and he excelled at Double A against some of the better talent and moved to AAA and saw more veteran pitchers who fed him the steady diet of breaking stuff.

I know current minor league players (A ball to AAA ball) some who are older than him and they are constantly adjusting...linear swing vs rotational swing to toe tap to full stride and load. It's a constant battle to get the hips to lead the bat vs swinging with the hands. Now throw is 99 mph fastballs to 90 cutter/sliders. Players evolve and adjust. It's way too early to act or say he isn't very good.

The big question w Judge is the length of his swing. Bigger hitters have a longer swing so pitch recognition and understanding situational counts and pitcher tendencies are going to help with offsetting his long swing.

Buxton has scuffled on and off in the majors. His adjustments are going to be key for him this year as well. Some people are writing Buxton off and some aren't. I just think it too early for guys like Buxton and Judge to be written off.