Palladino: Small Samples From 2016 Haven’t Defined Bruce, Judge

Jay Bruce and Aaron Judge may sit at two ends of the baseball spectrum, but they’re teaching the same lesson.

Whether they’re longtime veterans or promising prospects, don’t define players by small samples.

Both the Yankees and Mets nearly made that mistake in the offseason and spring training. And now, they’re wiping their collective foreheads that Judge, in his first full year with the pinstripes, and Bruce, a failure last year, are both in their lineups.

Bruce, especially. Rightfully vilified last season by Mets faithful for the miserable 50 games he put together after he came over from the Reds, the 10-year vet has gotten off to a great start. Those two homers he hit in Philadelphia on…