Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is hoping to rediscover his form as he returns to New York.
The last time he was in New York, he was celebrating the Blue Jays’ ALDS elimination of the Yankees. Champagne and beer covered the visiting clubhouse floors as Guerrero danced, having just secured nine hits and three home runs in four games.
“DAAA Yankees lose!” Guerrero shouted with David Ortiz, echoing Ortiz’s famous phrase. The Blue Jays even played Aaron Judge’s walkup song during their celebration.
‘King of New York’ Awaits
Guerrero said, “I’m the king of New York” in the song.
Guerrero seems to thrive in New York, and he needs that spark now. After a slump, he homered in Sunday’s 4-1 win against the Tigers. This trip to New York could be what he needs to return to his peak.
The Blue Jays need that version of Guerrero to help them improve on their 21-25 start.
- Guerrero Jr. at Yankee Stadium (regular season)
Bad Blood and Motivation
Guerrero versus the Yankees is the closest thing the Blue Jays have to a true rivalry. In a true rivalry, there needs to be a little bit of bad blood. Expect boos when Guerrero steps to the plate.
This history goes back years. Guerrero once said that he would never play for the Yankees, “not even dead.”
New York is a city used to being at the top. Guerrero played this masterfully throughout the ALDS.
The New York media questioned Guerrero about his motivation when playing the Yankees. Guerrero dodged every question, not wanting to feed the narrative. But his celebration in the clubhouse after Game 4 revealed the truth.
Hoping for a Launching Pad
Vladdy is still searching for that. He and the Blue Jays hope that Sunday’s home run, just his third of the season, can be a launching pad. His frustrations have shown on the field for the past few weeks, including a bat snapped over his knee this weekend in Detroit, but he’s still himself off it.
After Saturday’s win, Guerrero crept into the back of Spencer Miles’ media scrum to ask the rookie reliever, “What’s it like to play with Vladdy?” before scampering away laughing.
Expectations are sky high, and with the Blue Jays off to a poor start, the spotlight on Guerrero is scorching hot.
“The only difference is that, right now, everyone relies on him a little more,” Schneider said. “I think he understands that. He’s the same and he’s always been pretty even-keele.”