The New York Yankees had Aaron Judge, soon to be named AL MVP, batting leadoff for the first two games of the ALDS.
Former Yankees, Alex Rodriguez, is disgusted with this idea.
🗣🗣🗣 pic.twitter.com/a5xLtikqcx
— , ™ (@0fficialStacey) October 15, 2022
It is unique with the power of Judge to see him bat leadoff.
In the past, most teams would want their best power hitter to bat third or fourth to optimize their ability to drive in runs.
Everything Rodriguez said in that clip, made sense.
Throughout the history of the game, it is rare for a team’s best player to bat leadoff.
But, Judge has thrived in that spot this season.
Hitting first during the regular season, Judge hit .366.
Plus, the Yankees used him in that spot to get him as many at-bats as possible.
In game three of the ALDS, the Yankees moved Judge back to the second spot in the lineup.
That is a spot in the lineup where the slugger has hit 47 home runs this year.
Batting second in game three, Judge had his first hit of the postseason, which was a two-run home run.
Brand new ballgame 👨⚖️ pic.twitter.com/Kd3NoEjVqp
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) October 16, 2022
With the Yankees now trailing 2-1 in the ALDS, they need Judge to break his slump.
The theme of the 2022 playoffs has been huge upsets.
We have already seen the Dodgers, Braves, Mets, and Cardinals get knocked out.
The Yankees could easily be the next team added to that list with the way they are playing.
It will be up to Gerrit Cole to keep their season alive when he takes the mound on Sunday.
