Aaron Judge, the towering superstar of the New York Yankees, has been hitting pitchers out of the park with astonishing numbers that resemble video game stats. His prowess at the plate has left opposing teams scratching their heads, leading to the emergence of a bold new strategy – intentional walks.
The Judge Treatment
In a recent game against the Toronto Blue Jays, Judge was intentionally walked three times after hitting a home run in the first inning. This approach, rarely seen in baseball, raises eyebrows and draws comparisons to legendary slugger Barry Bonds’ 2004 season, where he amassed a record-breaking number of walks, intentional and otherwise.
The intentional walks to Judge have sparked a debate among fans, players, and managers. While some see it as a valid strategy to neutralize a dangerous hitter, others view it as a reluctance to face the challenge head-on. The Yankees themselves have been contemplating lineup changes to counter this tactic and create more opportunities for Judge to swing the bat.
One key factor that could potentially thwart the intentional walks is the performance of rookie catcher Austin Wells. Since taking over as the team’s cleanup hitter, Wells has been on a tear, providing solid protection for Judge in the lineup. His recent surge in production has made him a force to be reckoned with, giving opponents a second thought before walking Judge.
Managers across the league, like Ron Washington of the Los Angeles Angels, have acknowledged Judge’s dominance and the dilemma it poses for opposing teams. While some opt to pitch to Judge, others, like Washington, have resorted to intentional walks to avoid letting him inflict damage.
The debate over intentional walks to Aaron Judge continues to divide opinions in the baseball world. While some see it as a legitimate strategy to win games, others view it as a hindrance to the excitement of the game. As the season progresses and the stakes get higher, it remains to be seen whether teams will continue to pitch around Judge or take the risk of facing him head-on. At the end of the day, the ultimate goal is to win, and teams will do whatever it takes to achieve that, even if it means intentionally walking one of the game’s most feared hitters.