New York Yankees: Three realistic goals for Giancarlo Stanton in 2019
Be reliable DH and Outfielder
This goal is a little more generic, but that is kind of the point.
There are not a lot things Stanton can begin to do without completely being thrown off his game like hit for a higher average or something because it could throw off his power numbers.
So, with this, let’s make one of his goals for 2019, some carry over from 2018, things he low-key did well.
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Last season, Giancarlo was a designate hitter in 86 games. So essentially, that is about half of the season.
The rest of the games he played in, and he played in a total of 158 games, he split time playing right field and left filed.
I really enjoyed the balance that Aaron Boone gave him there. He is not the best glove, and Aaron Judge has an amazing glove, but Stanton is not a liability in the field either.
That is a balance he should succeed again in 2019. Stanton for sure belongs in the American League because of the ability to DH.
He is a big bat in the lineup and that is what the DH fills.
However, he cannot hog the DH position, not on the Yankees. Aaron Boone knows this too.
The Yankees are coming off an injury filled 2018 season.
And while Aaron Judge was the biggest injury and it happened at the plate, anything the Yankees can do to minimize injures is a benefit.
That grind of playing the field is one thing that can wear and tear a body, more importantly, it ups the chances of a fluke injury.
That is why Stanton needs to be productive at both being the DH and a solid outfielder on defense.
Other players might need off days too. Sometimes during long trips players can be banged up, but too valuable to lose at the plate.
That is the case with Stanton. He is going to have hamstring problems, aches, whatever. So will a guy like Aaron Jude, Aaron Hicks, Brett Gardner, whoever.
So, say what you want about Stanton’s production at the plate, he was a great chip for Aaron Boone in 2018.
Brought great balance and depth in 2018. It should be his goal to do the same in 2019. Bring that balance again.