Published 03/24/2023, 11:58 AM EDT
The Bronx Bombers have always had a fair share of legendary players on their roster throughout their revered history. One of them is Alex Rodriguez. Currently, a Fox Sports analyst and former legend of the ballpark, A-Rod recently appeared on The Michael Kay Show and lavished praise on the incredible excellence of Aaron Judge, who he considers a real baseball star of the generation.
The kind of season Judge had last season, the Yankees slugger won almost every baseball fan with his remarkable performances. And now when the regular season is just less than a week away, the reigning AL MVP has earned some serious praise from A-Rod.
Alex Rodriguez, heaping praise on Aaron Judge
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Aaron Judge’s 2022 campaign can be dubbed the best offensive play since the Barry Bonds era. Bonds had a dominating presence on the field, which left the pitchers facing him, quivering in their cleats. The “Barry Bonds Treatment” became synonymous with the desperate tactics employed by pitchers attempting to take down powerhouse hitters from thereon.
And now Alex Rodriguez has dubbed the current Yankee captain’s historic home run number as a “once in a lifetime” phenomenon. When asked if Judge could approach the historic number yet again, here’s what A-Rod said, “I think it is once in a lifetime because now I feel that from day 1, he was getting the Barry Bonds treatment. I think his walks are gonna go up. I think his average will continue to go up.”
“You know the fascinating thing is, not only the home runs. But he drove in a 130, he also hit over a 300, he also played great defense, he’s also a model citizen, he’s a very dependable guy. I think he could shoot for 300, 40 plus over a year, and a 120 and I think that is the bar for Judge. And I think he’ll do that with ease,” A-Rod added.
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It’s clear that A-Rod has immense faith in Judge, and the question remains whether Judge will rise to the occasion and make history once again this season.
A-Rod believes the Pinstripes need a team that complements the captain’s skills!
When it comes to the Yankees and their success on the field. Aaron Judge is undoubtedly the cornerstone of their foundation. However, when questioned about the potential consequences if Judge’s stats were to drop off this season. Alex Rodriguez didn’t budge from his belief in the outfielder’s talent, “I think with Judge nothing’s changed. It might change 4-5 games here and there, but the key for the Yankees is, you have to surround Judge with great players. You’re looking at a guy like Trea Turner, and you wonder how is a guy like that not wearing pinstripes.”
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A-Rod went on to talk about Philadelphia Phillies Trea Turner, who recently changed the landscape of the World Baseball Classic with his soaring home runs. The captain certainly is a phenomenal player, and his stunning plays on the emerald greens of the ballpark are proof of that.
WATCH THIS STORY: Top 5 most electrifying home runs of the New York Yankees star Aaron Judge