Outfielder Aaron Judge arrived in Tampa, Florida with a big smile and ready to go.

He was very excited about another season and a run at the first world championship since 2009. As usual he had a great winter staying in shape.

Permit me to add to his smile. He is a father for the first time.

I’m not surprised at the fact that Judge wishes Juan Soto well and stated that Soto basically had to do what he felt was best for him and his family in taking the N.Y. Mets deal.

I do like the fact that Judge disagreed with Soto when Soto declared in Port St. Lucie, Florida (home of the Mets spring camp ) that the Mets gave him the best chance at winning.

Naturally, Soto has to say that and with the makeup of the Mets may truly believe it however Judge does truly believe that the Yankees are that team.

Either way looking at both rosters if I were a betting man I would bet on both teams getting to the playoffs.

As many know, in the playoff format anything can happen.

What would be better for baseball, especially New York baseball, than the Yankees and Mets squaring off in the World Series with their two juggernaut superstars leading the way.

Speaking of superstars on the West Coast you will see the great Mike Trout moving to right field for the Angels.

I believe this will help keep him on the field and off the disabled list.

Meanwhile in Dunedin, Florida the Bluejays and Vladimir Guerrero announced that they couldn’t reach a deal. This will make for an interesting season in Canada with their biggest star playing for another record setting contract. Russ Atkins ( the Bluejay's general manager) did say that the Jays did make a very generous offer.

Stay tuned.

Ray Negron is a sports executive with over 40 years of experience in baseball. His first job came from a chance encounter with George Steinbrenner as a youth. Mr. Negron is also an American film producer, a best-selling author, and philanthropist. His memoir is, "Yankee Miracles: Life with the Boss and the Bronx Bombers." Read Ray Negron's Reports — More Here.