Aaron Boone's Strategically Innovative Lineup Choices for Aaron Judge

When your team scores more runs than any other in the league, it's hard to argue with the lineup choices made. The New York Yankees, led by Aaron Judge as a power hitter, have demonstrated just how effective their strategy can be. In 2022, Judge batted second behind D.J. LeMahieu, a move that significantly contributed to his impressive 697 plate appearances, topping the team and exceeding the league lead by 28.

The Impact of Bating Second

LeMahieu's .357 on-base percentage (OBP) was exceeded by only Judge's .425 in the lineup. Being second in the batting order provided Judge with a strategic advantage: a high OBP both in front and behind him could increase his chances of getting on base. Additionally, giving a league MVP several hundred plate appearances can be highly beneficial, especially when considered alongside a high on-base percentage.

Solidifying the Top Three

In Judge's lineup, the top three hitters are essential to drawing the opposing pitcher from the stretch. Anthony Rizzo, third on the team in OBP, complements the high OBP of LeMahieu and Judge, making it a solid top-three combination. This strategy also ensures that the same pitcher who faces Judge must throw to Rizzo, increasing the pressure on the opponent.

Bill James' Perspective on Batting Order

At one time, baseball stats guru Bill James maintained that batting order doesn't matter. However, James has revisited this stance over the years, suggesting that while it might seem negligible, there are indeed strategic considerations to be made. The Yankees' success in 2022, leading the American League in runs scored (70 more than the Houston Astros, who made it to the World Series), underscores the value of a well-thought-out lineup.

Left-Handed Hitters and Pitcher Matchups

Aaron Judge, a power hitter, and Anthony Rizzo, a left-handed hitter with a low strikeout rate, create an effective right versus left matchup. When opponents bring in a right-handed pitcher to face Judge, they must also face Rizzo. This strategic move ensures that the opponent cannot switch out the pitcher due to the presence of Rizzo in the lineup, adding another layer of pressure to their decision-making process.

Traditional Lineup Wisdom vs. Modern Strategies

The traditional wisdom of having a fast lead-off hitter in the 4-slot is no longer as applicable. Instead, teams now prioritize the best lead-off hitter, typically defined as the one with the highest chance of getting on base. Similarly, maximizing a player like Judge's at-bats should be a priority. The higher he hits in the lineup, the more plate appearances he will accumulate across the season. The best players should have the most plate appearances since they contribute the most value to the team based on their performance.

In summary, Aaron Boone's strategic choices for Aaron Judge have paid off this season. By placing Judge in the second spot, and flanking him with Rizzo and LeMahieu, the Yankees have maximized his at-bats and overall performance. This innovative approach to lineup construction is a testament to the evolving nature of baseball strategy, where on-base percentage and strategic matchups take precedence over traditional batting order strategies.