JUDGE GETS FIRST SHOT AT LEADING OFF

Aaron Boone has been messing with the idea of hitting Aaron Judge in the leadoff spot for awhile now, but today we finally saw it. Judge led off today against the Red Sox in Tampa with Stanton in the two spot. Boone said that this could be an option against a tough lefty when Gardner might see some rest. The idea of having to face Judge and Stanton at the very beginning of a game is definitely going to be a mental obstacle for opposing pitchers. Starters often talking about settling into the game when they pitch and there is nothing settling about seeing those two monsters one-two. And don’t forget that the lineup doesn’t get much easier after those two. You’ll still have to face Greg Bird, Sanchez, Didi and others. That’s a scary sight. As for Judge, leading off doesn’t seem to phase him. “This morning I wake up and I’m hitting leadoff,” Judge said. “It’s just another day. No big deal.” Today he struck out twice but hit the ball hard twice as well, finishing with a 1 for 4. Today’s start was much more about getting comfortable to the idea of leading off then actual results. I hope we see this during the regular season. I agree that it’s a great idea against lefties with Hicks hitting ninth to turn over the lineup. The other plus to this approach is simply more at bats for the two sluggers. Having them higher in the lineup will get them more at bats over the season and of course you want your best hitters getting the most at bats. Balancing this lineup will be one of many good problems Aaron Boone will have to juggle in his rookie year managing. But if he can keep everything straight and this team can stay healthy, the sky’s the limit.