The latest from Team USA: Judge and Harper's Bond, Plus More World Baseball Classic Notes
A Star-Studded Reunion: Judge and Harper's Unlikely Friendship
In a captivating development at the World Baseball Classic, Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper, two of the sport's brightest stars, reconnected during their private jet ride from Tampa to Phoenix. This wasn't their first encounter, as they first met at the 2017 All-Star Game, and their friendship has blossomed since. Judge, known for his efforts to recruit Harper to the Yankees, shared a heartwarming story about their bond. He recalled a text message Harper sent him before the 2025 postseason, filled with inspiring words: 'Own the moment, don't let the moment own you.'
But here's where it gets intriguing. Harper, a pro at his craft, acknowledged Judge's remarkable career, saying, 'Obviously, I respect everything he's done, the career he's had. He's such a pro.' However, their relationship transcends the baseball field. When they chat, they cover a wide range of topics, from family life to off-field interests, and even delve into baseball-related matters like swings and drills. Judge humorously asked Harper about his secrets to greatness, to which Harper replied by sharing his own drills.
Team USA's Unity and Preparation
Mark DeRosa, the manager of Team USA, set the tone for the team's unity and purpose. He emphasized the importance of the right players being in the room, creating a cohesive unit. DeRosa's approach to team selection was strategic, ensuring everyone understood their role and value. This time around, he wanted to foster a deeper understanding of character, chemistry, and individual contributions.
The Team Captain's Speech
Aaron Judge, the team captain, took center stage after DeRosa's speech. He was initially hesitant but felt a powerful presence in the room. Judge highlighted the exceptional talent in the team, including All-Stars, Silver Sluggers, and World Series champions. He expressed his honor to address such a remarkable group of players and to wear the same uniform as them.
Uniforme and National Pride
Judge's reflection on the uniform was profound. He initially found it strange seeing his name on the back, as the Yankees only display numbers. But when he turned it around, he saw 'USA,' and it hit him. He thought of the sacrifices made by individuals who served the country, allowing him to enjoy the simple joy of playing baseball. This moment underscored the team's national pride and the significance of their participation.
Pitching Strategy and Player Versatility
Team USA's pitching strategy has evolved. In the previous WBC, DeRosa struggled with pitching availability due to major-league team restrictions and a demanding schedule. This time, the schedule is more manageable, with consecutive days of play followed by rest days. Logan Webb, Skubal, and Skenes will start the first three games, with other starters like Michael Wacha and Clay Holmes in 'piggyback' roles. DeRosa sought pitchers with neutral splits and versatility, and Clayton Kershaw will be the 'emergency' option.
Goldschmidt's Rare Achievement
Paul Goldschmidt, a key addition to Team USA, will become the first player to represent the U.S. in three WBCs. Despite not being an amateur player, he was only an eighth-round pick in 2009. Goldschmidt's journey to becoming a perennial All-Star and part of the 2017 and 2023 teams is remarkable. His versatility and willingness to contribute, even if it means Harper gets more playing time, showcase his dedication to the team.
The Growing Appeal of the WBC
Goldschmidt has witnessed the changing attitudes of U.S. players towards the WBC. In 2017, some top players declined to participate, but the team's success convinced more stars to join. The thrilling 2023 tournament, with Shohei Ohtani striking out Mike Trout, further inspired players. Additionally, shorter training periods before the 2020 Covid season and after the 2021-2022 lockout season demonstrated that players could perform well with less spring training time.
Versatility and Player Rotation
Gunnar Henderson, a versatile player, moved to third base in the fifth inning of a Grapefruit League game to prepare for the WBC. Bobby Witt Jr. is expected to get most of the reps at shortstop. DeRosa hinted at potential rotations, with Henderson possibly starting at third base and Alex Bregman moving to second base. Ernie Clement and Brice Turang are also options at second base, providing the versatility DeRosa sought in 2023.
The Impact of Witt
Michael Young, the bench coach, recalled how Witt impressed everyone during Team USA workouts in 2023. Trout and Mookie Betts felt guilty about having Witt on the bench. Witt's versatility and talent will be crucial for Team USA in this tournament, and his impact is already being felt.
