Video summary
Aaron Boone reflected on the Yankees' decisive 6-1 victory over the Rockies, highlighting George Lombard Jr.'s crucial two-out hit in the third inning as a pivotal moment that capitalized on strong preceding at-bats from Judge and Luis Garcia. He praised Lombard for maintaining composure and executing well despite being behind in counts, noting that the young player plays with a maturity beyond his years. Boone also discussed Will Volpe's role for the upcoming game, indicating that while Volpe is expected to be available, the decision on whether he will serve as the regular second baseman or rotate will be determined on a day-by-day basis.
The manager expressed significant optimism regarding Lombard's power potential and overall development, emphasizing that the 21-year-old has shown remarkable resilience against slumps and understands the importance of staying even-keeled. Boone pointed out that while Lombard is still physically filling out, his ability to control the strike zone and hit for extra-base hits suggests a bright future with real power capabilities. This sentiment was echoed by the observation that Lombard's minor league performance showed a clear upward trajectory, which has translated effectively to his major league debut where he has held his own against professional pitching.
Luis Garcia was also lauded for his immediate impact both offensively and defensively, particularly his athletic play at first base and strong throwing arm which facilitated key double plays. Boone described Garcia as a dangerous threat from the left side who swings at a high volume of pitches and delivers loud hits when he makes contact, distinguishing him from teammates who might walk more frequently. Additionally, Boone addressed the team's lack of grand slams earlier in the season, admitting he was unaware they had gone an entire season without one until the recent game, and expressed hope that such big hits will come in bunches moving forward.
Finally, the conversation touched on the pitching rotation for October, with Boone noting that Will Warren has shown improved velocity and crispness in his stuff recently, allowing him to serve multiple roles due to his durability. He explained that as Warren's primary pitches like the four-seam fastball improve, his secondary offerings naturally follow suit, making him a valuable asset for the postseason. The interview concluded with a brief mention of discussing specific game plans for Aaron Judge and other players for the next day, underscoring the team's continued focus on preparation and strategy.
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And what do you think of that swing by
George Lombard Jr. in the third?
>> Yeah, it was big.
Um
you know, a lot of really good at bats
to set up that inning, you know, all
with two outs. Judge he gets the hit.
Uh Luis gets a hit. Jones, yeah, I
thought had a really good at bat where
you know, I
gets behind, fouled off some pitches,
laid off some pitches. And then you
know, we get the four ball from George.
So,
uh really good to see that with all
there with with two outs.
>> Will Volpe be here tomorrow?
>> Yes.
>> And what are your plans? Will he be the
second baseman
regular or rotator?
>> see, you know, day by day.
>> I was going to ask you a similar
question about Lombard, but just what
stood out about his approach in his at
bats at the plate over the last month or
so?
>> Yeah, I mean, I feel like
you know, obviously got some results
right away, a couple homers early. Um
I feel like doesn't it doesn't get
overwhelmed by, you know, an 0 for 4 or
or a 2 for 4 or a grand slam tonight or
you know, whatever. He understands
you know, the game and and the
importance of
of staying even keeled and
um
you know, neutral a lot. He does a good
job of that, you know, he's he plays a
lot older than than than his age,
certainly.
>> Right.
That was his third major league home
run. What do you think of the power
potential? Obviously, he's 21 years old.
He's still kind of filling out.
>> Yeah, I think it's real. I think that's
what we felt like has always been in
there. Um you know, a couple balls he's
hit the other way for homers, too.
Um
you know, he's a strong physical kid
that I think you know, over time is
going to hit for some power.
Um you know, I think he understands the
strike zone. So, I feel like he's got a
chance to really control the zone, too.
And then as I've talked about a lot this
year, I feel like the hit the the hit
part, the hit ability part um has has
taken big strides this year. Um
you know, first by
you you
kind of tearing up the minor leagues,
especially you know, the last month to
two months of at bats and
um in his minor league season,
you saw that arrow pointing up and feel
like he's come up here and more than
held his own.
>> Mark,
this version of Will Warren with, you
know, crisper stuff and more velocity,
what what can he mean for you guys in
October?
>> Yeah, I mean,
it you know, he can serve a lot of lot
of roles potentially. Um you know, when
he's been incredibly durable.
Um
but he's got weapons, you know, and and
and I
I really, you know, I do like the the
tick up in it's in his stuff, which
seems to be there the last three, four
times out. Um you know, the four-seam
seems in a better place. Um
and when you're throwing a little bit
harder and things are a little bit
crisper, usually the secondary follow
suit and that's certainly been the case
here these last few.
>> Susan and Greg.
>> How much has Luis Garcia brought to this
team both hitting and defensively?
>> Yeah, he's I mean, he's such a threat at
the plate.
Um
he's and and I've been really really
impressed with his how he's played
first, you know, he's played it really
athletically, a couple in between hops
that he handles tonight easy, the 3-6-3
or the 3-6-1 double plays,
you know, it starts with him being being
quick and efficient and strong accurate
throw.
That's the only chance you got if you're
going to get a fast runner like that and
and credit Will for getting over there,
too, but
um
yeah, he's been he's been really good.
And it's real thunder from the left
side. I mean, he
he hits it, you know it. And um
and he's got that bat to ball, you know,
he's he's a little different than some
of our guys in that, you know, he's
you know, he's he's swinging a lot more
stuff, he's covering a lot more stuff.
Um he's not necessarily a guy that's
going to walk a ton, but he knows where
the barrel is and when he hits that
thing it's it's it's loud.
>> Uh, great.
>> Are you guys Are you aware that you guys
hadn't hit a home grand slam all season?
>> Uh,
someone said in the dugout, I think that
might be our first grand slam. I said,
"Really?" So, I was not aware of that.
I guess you just And someone said it to
me and then I guess you're confirming
it.
>> I didn't know [snorts] if it was like a
thing.
>> Hopefully they come in bunches.
>> Last one, Roger.
>> I was just going to ask if you have a
game plan for how you want to play Judge
tomorrow or if you want to play Judge.
>> Yeah, we'll go talk about it right now.