For the second month in a row,
Aaron Judge has been named the American League Rookie of the Month. The 25-year
old phenom had a tremendous May, slashing .347/.441/.642 with seven home runs, 17 RBI, and
17 runs scored. The Yankees haven't had a Rookie of the Year since Derek Jeter
in 1996, but early on, 2017 looks like the year to change that.
Photo Credit: Kathy Willens/Associated Press
For Aaron Judge, he has
accomplished something that's never been done in Yankees history. With his May
award, he becomes the only Bomber to win the Rookie of the Month award twice in
a season. He also becomes the first Yankee to win a monthly award consecutively
since Don Mattingly was named AL Player of the Month late in the 1985 season.
Judge has become must-watch TV
every time he steps to the plate. While he continues to demolish baseballs this
season, he has also shown a propensity for taking pitches and earning walks.
Judge looks nothing like the strikeout machine of last year who seemed lost at
times.
This vast improvement has not
been overlooked by the fans. In Wednesday’s first All-Star Game ballot update,
Judge found himself sitting in a starting outfield spot. He was also the second
highest vote-getter in the American League, behind only Mike Trout, who is
currently on the disabled list. Given the injury, the Yankees’ right fielder
could very well end up getting the most votes in the AL.
Trout’s injury is significant
for another reason as well. With Judge continuing to impress, he has been seen
as a dark horse to win the Most Valuable Player Award. If Mike Trout misses extended
time, Aaron Judge could very well vault himself into the front runner. He would
be the first Yankee to win the MVP since Alex Rodriguez in 2007.
Coming into this season, many
questioned whether Aaron Judge would even make the 25-man roster for the
Yankees. Two months in, the rookie has proven that he belongs, looking like one
of the best players in the game.
Article by: Dan DeGregorio
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