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NY Daily News | Kristie Ackert: Jonathan Loaisiga flashed some impressive raw stuff in his debut last year. Acknowledging both Loaisiga’s potential and the current Yankee rotation’s need for depth, Ackert sees his continued development as vital for the Yankees’ success in 2019. Personally, I agree with the Yankees’ decision to keep developing Loaisiga as a starter - the talent is undeniable, and I think it’s safe to say that the rotation needs more warm bodies than the bullpen at this point. Yankee fans would be wise to keep a close eye on Johnny Lasagna’s sophomore campaign.
MLB.com | Bryan Hoch: Speaking of Yankees who I’m excited to watch in 2019, Aaron Judge’s wrist injury seems to be all healed up. Aaron Boone opined that Judge’s physical conditioning as of this point is much better than last year, when he spent much of the offseason recovering from shoulder surgery and spent the first few weeks of spring training on a slower schedule. This year, though, he’s swinging the bat and making balls sorry they were ever made. Here’s hoping that Judge can avoid spending time on the injured list and put up a monster season.
New York Post | Dan Martin: Speaking of big baseball boys, Giancarlo Stanton is seeking to redeem himself after a humdrum debut season in pinstripes and a poor postseason. His hitting coach, Marcus Thames, was cryptic but confident when asked about Stanton, saying that “he’s been working on some things” and that he expects him to be more comfortable this year now that he’s gotten used to the Bronx somewhat. Stanton isn’t getting any younger, but the ridiculous power is still there, which gives me hope that he still has a MVP year left in him. Now, is there anyone I can commission to make a Smash Bros. graphic with Judge and Stanton photoshopped onto it? Asking for a friend.