‘Ugh, Yanks 2-2 in the 6th, Judge 3 Ks. Judge 4 Ks.’

Those were texts I was getting from a old high school friend as we worked in opposite ends of New York State, periodically checking the Yankees, clinging to a 1-0 series lead, game tied at 2.

Again, paraphrasing from my enlightened friend, ‘Hal’s gonna low ball him, he might even play in San Francisco, close to home. I hate this new regime, man. Complacent, cheap and entitled. And, as my shift ended, and the Yankees squandered a bases loaded rally, I thought about it, cursed a few times, and decided, I needed to walk on the treadmill to clear the old noggin and do some rational thinking.

Walking on the treadmill has become a thing. It relaxes me, and usually do it, after work, after the stress of the day. Ironically, it started randomly, I began walking on the morning of 7/26, of said friend’s birthday, (Love ya Diesel!), also the night of my seizure, but I stuck with it, just something in me has finally made walking dare I say, something to look forward to?

(And no, im fine).

Anyways, I began walking smiling at the Tom Grossi youtube channel. If you haven’t, highly recommend, he’s hysterical, he does NFL content videos, including, ‘The South Saga’ where he plays each character as a fan of each team of the division in the AFC & NFC, it’s fantastic.

So, there I am walking, watching Youtube, laughing, thinking about the Judge situation, a few things come to mind.

First, sorry Mets and Red Sox fans, he ain’t coming. He’s just not. Mets fans can say whatever they want, btw, how’s their division series going? Just no! And the Sox? Terrible roster and blah management, and Judge isnt a ‘Me’ guy, again no!

Second, going home to California. This, admittedly, has me a touch worried. Lots of money out there, good teams, could offer him the world.

Lastly, the Yankees. If these were the George Steinbrenner Yankees, this wouldnt even be a discussion. ‘Luxury Tax? Brian, hand me that blank check, I’m signing and handing it to Aaron? personally, since you will fuck this up!’ But this Yankee brass is different, dare I say cheaper, entitled, Hal and Hank have their legacy, Brian and Randy are comfortable in their jobs and probably going nowhere and won’t speak up, and Boone plays his role.

If Judge wants his money and wants to be in pinstripes, produce! Do what Gerrit did in Game 1, lead your team! Relax. Produce in Cleveland in big games. 62 won’t mean anything if it’s followed by 0-15 with 11 Ks amd 8 LOB.