Runnin’ Aarons

Aaron Judge (NYY): 4-4, 3 2B, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI, BB.

It feels like no one is really talking too much about Aaron Judge so far this year, including myself. There are a few guys who have the “what else is there to talk about” moniker, and Judge is firmly in that category. The only time I was hearing his name was at the beginning of the year when he was off to a “slow start”. And I guess it was slow but come on, it’s Aaron Judge.

Judge had the toe issue last year and we heard about it lingering to start the year. I, like many, was a bit scared heading into the year; especially when there was word of it popping back up, but so far, so good.

Truly, is there much else to say? He looks healthy, the Yankees look great so far in the early goings, life is good in the Bronx. As the season goes on we will have to monitor any toe news, as I’m sure some of you sickos already do. But right now, enjoy the Judge blasts and the good times. Prayer circle for Judge’s toe and toes.

 

Let’s see how the other hitters did Wednesday

 

William Contreras (MIL): 3-5, 3B, HR, R, 4 RBI.

What a start for William Contreras in 2024. He looked like either the Catcher1 or Catcher2 for fantasy but he has firmly put his name as C1. Each game it feels like Contreras is right in the middle of all of the Brewers’ offense, and he kind of is. The Brewers look insanely Brewers this year and there are a few names below as to why they look this way. They have this scrappy quality to them and Contreras embodies that type of player. He’s young, plays every day, and he continues to get better. He’s an exciting player to watch.

Jordan Beck (COL): 3-4, 2B, HR, R, 5 RBI.

Hey whoa a Rockie, it must be my birthday. And a Rockie fantasy managers should care about? What year is it? Seriously, Beck has been off to a slow start but he has the makings of a stud. This was his breakout game and the best is yet to come for the young Tennessee Vol. This year he may only show signs here and there; he’s young and will need time to develop. But he’s a name to watch this year and especially next.

Bryce Harper (PHI): 3-5, 2B, HR, 2 R, 3 RBI.

One of the kings of what else is there to say, Bryce Harper is very good. He, like Judge, is talked about but it feels like isn’t talked about a ton because we expect such big things. Well, Harper is performing up to his name so far this year and there is no reason to see him slowing down.

Sal Frelick (MIL): 3-4, 2B, HR, 3 R, RBI.

Here starts a trio of Brewers. Frelick has been off to a slow start so seeing this from him was refreshing. I do think heading into this year he was being overhyped a bit, but that doesn’t mean he’s bad. It’s curious, I expected him to be much more of a contact hitter, almost like a Steven Kwan type, but he doesn’t make as much contact as expected. There are some injuries around the diamond for the Brewers so Frelick will continue to see at-bats, let’s see what he can do with them.

Joey Ortiz (MIL): 2-2, HR, 2 R, RBI, 2 BB.

Here’s the Brewer to add everywhere. This is a Brewer, and again by that I mean scrappy, mainly. I don’t know, for some reason I associate Brewers with scrappy, “never say die”, players. Oritz is this to a T. He hasn’t been getting the playing time he deserves, but when he’s in the lineup, case and point, he does good things. Add him wherever you need infield help, he could be a massive riser the rest of the year.

Jackson Chourio (MIL): 2-4, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI.

Well, this is nice to see. I’m a bit worried about Chourio, but that 400+ home run helped curb my worries. He’s so young, and with the contract he got this off season, expectations were a bit high. His exit velocity numbers haven’t been what many expected, but let’s be patient here. The Brewers clearly like him, so give the young man some time to figure it out. He’s 20 right? What were you doing at 20?

Andrew McCutchen (PIT): 3-4, HR, 2 R, RBI.

Funny that McCutchen is right after Chourio because when Chourio was moving up through the minors last year, McCutchen is who I saw as Chourio’s upside. And I mean peak Cutch, not now Cutch. Now Cutch is still a positive player but man peak Cutch was good. The Pirates are off to a solid start and man do I want to see Cutch in a playoff game in the Pirates yellow before he retires.

Adley Rutschman (BAL): 2-4, HR, R, 2 RBI, BB.

The C2 right now who was the Catcher1 to start the year, Rutschman walked it off for the Orioles Wednesday to prevent the sweep. It feels like Adley has been in the league forever. He’s such a solid contributor and has been since he came up, that you forget that this is his third year in the league. He’s not in the not much else to say category, but he’s getting there.

Seiya Suzuki (CHC): 2-5, 2B, HR, 2 R, RBI.

It’s been good to have Suzuki back. He was hitting the piss out of the ball to start the year and has been injured the last month, but baby, he’s back. The Cubs are going to need Suzuki and please for the love of god, stay healthy Seiya. We’ve already had one prayer circle but let’s have another. Prayer circle for Suzuki, take my hand.