Giancarlo Stanton launched three Stantonion shots last night and finally looking like the player the New York Yankees thought they were getting years ago from the Miami Marlins.
Stanton assaulted three baseballs a combined 1,334 feet over three home runs, or approximately a Par-5 with a makeable putt for a birdie if you speak golf.
How impressive is last night for Stanton? It is the first time in his MLB career to hitting 3 home runs in a game. Stanton also just missed a fourth home run, but it was still plenty deep for a sacrifice fly with an RBI. Stanton’s 3 home runs, 12 total bases and 8 RBI last night would be a good week for Stanton during the season. Yes, Spring Training numbers do not count, but it is still remarkable.
What stands out was the ease and effort of Stanton’s swings, with each home run swing not displaying the muscled-up swing and rigid form Stanton displayed the last few seasons. The fluidity of his swing looks easily repeatable and is a positive sign for Stanton and the Yankees.
Aaron Judge made his long-awaited return to the lineup last night with a double to right-center field, and a walk. It was also a good night for Judge defensively as he looked smooth in center field making a few difficult plays look easy. With the first game of the regular season coming up on March 28th it appears Judge will be looking additional ways to prepare other than Spring Training at-bats.
“A lot of tools we have here get us ready, Judge explained of machine-simulated batting practice. “We’ve been grinding in there off that. That’ll supplement quite a few at-bats,” said Judge.
The Yankees smoked the Pirates last night 12-0 led by Stanton, but Judge, Rizzo, and Volpe all had RBI as well. The projected core starters of Juan Soto, Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Gleyber Torres, Anthony Rizzo, Anthony Volpe, and Alex Verdugo went a combined 11-20 with 11 RBI. The Yankee pitchers may have been overshadowed by the Stanton Show, but 7 Yankee pitchers combined for 0 runs, scattering four base-hits, and 12 K’s.
Stanton missed his chance to do a John Wick quote post-game, but this quote from the movie John Wick sums up what the Yankees want to hear from Stanton.
“People keep asking if I’m back and I really haven’t had an answer. But now, yeah, I’m thinking I’m back.”
Random Notes-
Nick Burdi looked good last night striking out 3 in an IP.
Shohei Ohtani, his attorney’s, and support staff look like there is a lot of explaining to do to the Angels, Dodgers, fans, MLB, and an alphabet of governmental agencies. I am hoping this is not a scandal with career implications for Ohtani, or a black eye to baseball.
Pete Rose, the Hall of Fame, sport networks and MLB’s role in Online Sports Betting will be hot topics in the coming weeks and months.
