A Walk Might be as Good as a Hit
Hicks has a lot to prove with his bat. But if he can repeat anywhere close to his career high on-base from last year (.372), he might soon settle into the lead-off spot permanently.
In fact, if he hits like he did last season (.266/.372/.475), batting him first in the order might be the default best way to use his talents. He’s not a base stealer but at least the team continues to get speed in front of Judge and Stanton.
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Again, the position is a bit of a mess. And for that reason, Aaron Judge might actually get a few games there.
This makes sense in some ways as Judge tied for the 2017 AL lead in OBP (.422).
But, as David Cone pointed out on a recent YES broadcast, statistics show that the lead-off hitter comes up with bases empty for approximately 20% of his AB. He felt it might not be in the best interest of the club to let a man so likely to hit home runs be up often with no one one; I agree.
It might even be this stat that has manager Aaron Boone still ambivalent about the move. That doesn’t mean it will not happen, just that it is a tradeoff the team should not have to make.
There is one more player, at least, likely to get some time later this season: Gleyber Torres. And while he will probably start at the bottom of the order, his bat will most likely necessitate a move up; but where?
No matter how good he is, he is not going to take any right-handed AB away from Judge, Stanton or Sanchez. And considering the need to interchange lefties and righties, Torres’ potential impact bat might be left in the seven spot.
Advance to the Front
That’s why eventually advancing him to lead-off makes some sense. The problem it creates is that Judge looks like he is going to bat no lower than second no matter what. And as Torres is also a righty, the line up could get too one-sided very quickly.
The Yanks can make it work by hitting Didi third, Stanton fourth and Hicks fifth, however, especially on days off for the Sanchino.
But no matter what the Yankees do, and they will most assuredly do all of these, the lead-off spot will be the most interesting in the line up. I doubt it will be a weakness for the team, as even the flawed players are still highly talented, but it looks to see the most turnover.
Next: Yankees Universe is Seeing Visions of a Championship Contender
Rookies, Stanton, Judge and Wade; it looks to be a fun and interesting start to the season. One that I guarantee will result in a World Series appearance, if not championship. And you can bet on that!
No, no, no! Let me be perfectly clear in this point: These are strictly opinions by Mr. Claus. We in no way guarantee he is correct in anything he has said, and you should absolutely not bet on it. Anyone who has read his previous assertions will understand.
Those of you who have not, well, aren’t you the lucky ones?