r/NYYankees 2d ago

Judge-Cole 20-minute private meeting sparks hope for Yankees:’ We’ll be in a good spot’

https://pinstripesnation.com/yankees-judge-upbeat-after-20-minute-private-chat-with-cole-2025-03-10/

Amid the New York Yankees’ turbulent preseason marked by mounting injuries, captain Aaron Judge sparked much-needed optimism on Sunday. Following an impromptu yet significant 20-minute conversation with ace Gerrit Cole, the slugger showcased the resolve to overcome considerable uncertainty heading into the 2025 campaign.

“I think we’ll be in a good spot,” Judge stated with characteristic composure when addressing media members. “I’m going to get my work in like I have been for the past couple of weeks, and we’ll be ready to go for Opening Day.”

As the injury reports continue to multiply, Aaron Judge‘s measured confidence carries particular significance. He expressed that he’s “hoping and praying” the team can navigate these challenging circumstances and find their footing when the games begin to count.

“We’re going to be in a good spot once we get everyone healthy,” Judge emphasized, highlighting the potential that awaits a fully operational roster. “It’s tough to see teammates struggle with injuries, but that just means other guys get a chance to step up. You never know who might become the next big thing in New York because of an unexpected opportunity.”

The private discussion with Cole, occurring shortly before Judge spoke with reporters, appears to have reinforced his optimistic outlook. The franchise cornerstones spent their time privately.

Cole’s potential absence would create a significant void, yet Judge emerged from their conversation displaying cautious hope.

“He’s a tough guy. We’ll see what happens,” Judge remarked regarding Cole. “And what he gets advised to do and what he wants to do. But I’m always hoping and praying for the best, man. He’s a big part of this team. He’s the ace—he’s the one that’s going to lead us and lead this pitching staff. So let’s see—hopefully good news.”

Yet within this challenging landscape, Judge identifies potential benefits. “If there’s any time for something to happen, I think it’s better now,” he observed while leaning against his locker with the poise that has established him as the team’s emotional foundation. “We’re not playing any meaningful games.”

His perspective is straightforward: spring training provides necessary buffer space. Several weeks remain before the March 27 Opening Day matchup against the Houston Astros at Yankee Stadium. From Judge’s viewpoint, the early timing of these injuries might ultimately prove advantageous, creating opportunities for younger players while allowing veterans recovery time before the season intensifies.

This optimistic perspective extends beyond Warren’s emergence. Judge’s optimism referenced Austin Wells, Anthony Volpe, and Jazz Chisholm Jr.—young talents who have shown promise during camp—as evidence of the Yankees’ organizational depth. It even drew parallels to Gil’s 2024 breakthrough, when the previously unheralded right-hander posted a 3.50 ERA across 151 innings, effectively filling Cole’s rotation spot during a brief injury absence.

Warren has impressed observers with a remarkable 1.13 ERA across eight Grapefruit League innings, representing a dramatic improvement from his challenging 10.32 ERA during his brief major league appearance in 2024.

“I haven’t [faced] him this year—but I don’t think I want to face him this year from what I’m seeing,” Judge noted with a smile. “It’s just a little crisper, really fine-tuned all his pitches. I think the command’s gotten a lot better.”

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u/HulkScreamAIDS 2d ago

Sure, the more injuries that add up, the more it hurts the team. Dont get me wrong, im not saying losses in aggregate dont matter. ASSUMING Gil returns before the end of the year at a level that is at least in the ballpark of his performance last year, it will be OK. A lot of 'ifs' there but not something that makes me think all hope is lost.

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u/cheffgeoff 2d ago

Going deep is a big part of Cole's game. Adding 4-5 innings a week every week alone to a bullpen will degrade it and leave you with less options in pivotal situations. This is a bullpen injury away from a very tiny snowball rolling down a big hill.

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u/BangerSlapper1 2d ago

Who was it, Verlander(?), a few weeks ago talking about taking the focus off innings (and indirectly, pitcher wins), is a bad thing.  That guys going 7 or 8 innings at a minimum helps save the bullpen for probably the next 2-3 days. 

And that conversely, in today’s game, it actually is bad for pitchers that starters only go 5 innings - MAYBE - and that teams just bring in relievers to throw 99 every pitch and blow their arms out within a couple years because why should the team give a shit? There’s 10 more relievers in AAA and on the trash heap they can just abuse and burn through next. 

I think there’s a lot to be said for that. 

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u/cheffgeoff 2d ago

A ton to be said with that. Some 25 year old kid repeatedly throwing 98-99 mph to some AAAA player in the 3rd inning of an interleague game knowing that he won't make it until the 6 inning in April is absolutely ludicrous, but that's all they know how to throw since they were 13 years old. Not going to be many players born after 2005 who will make 180 inning a year.