The Yankees unexpected deep October run to the cusp of the World Series ended in Game 7 of the ALCS in Houston. It hurts when you are in the driver’s seat up 3-2 in the series but fall short.
However, the Yankees far exceeded expectations this year. I picked them as the second wildcard upsetting Toronto (who finished last) in the wildcard game before losing to the Cleveland Indians in the Division Series.
That was a generous prediction as most main stream publications had them finishing short of the postseason. The Yanks got out of the gate quickly. Well into June, they held a commanding lead in the AL East. They came back to earth squandering that lead with a mid-Summer slump but finished strong to take the first wildcard.
Going into October I felt they had to win the wildcard game against Minnesota Twins to stamp their season a success. They were a better team than the Twins and I don’t consider you a true playoff team if you lose that game (I don’t believe their should be a second wildcard in each league).
I felt the Bombers would be put in their place by Cleveland whom I picked to win the World Series. But sometimes the better team doesn’t win in October.
The Yanks came back from 0-2 to take down the defending AL champs. Then came another really good team in the 101-win Houston Astros.
After again going down 0-2, the Yankees battled back to go up 3-2 in the Bronx. Perhaps the best thing that came out of these playoffs was that the new version of Yankee Stadium finally found it’s balls.
The place sounded less like a museum where yuppies go to buy pink Jeter shirts and take selfies. There was actually an intimidating home-field advantage that got to Houston.
But then came another John Verlander masterpiece in Game 6. The team that forces Game 7 usually has an advantage in that game. The Yankee bats went to sleep on the way to Houston and the Astro bats came to life in the 8th inning of Game 6.
Series and season over. But good days are on the horizon. The Yankees have a wealth of young talent and a rejuvenated fan base.
However, there is still work to do. 2018 brings expectations. No more underdog Yankees for the foreseeable future.
The challenge is that the Yankees won’t be big free-agent spenders this offseason because they are committed to finally getting under the luxury tax before opening the wallets for a star-studded 2019 free agent class. This is the right move, and hopefully their untapped youth deters having pay too many members of that 2019 class.
So let’s take a look at what the Bombers have going forward. Of course this is all speculation as we are assuming good health in the age of extreme player fragility.
Starting Pitching
Luis Severino, Sonny Gray (whom the organization gave up too much talent for) and Jordan Montgomery look like givens. Masahiro Tanaka can opt out and if he does, they should judge him more by his inconsistent regular season than his ace-like postseason.
They may re-sign CC Sabathia but I wouldn’t. I don’t know how much he has left in the tank after this year and I’d rather say thanks and goodbye a year early than a year late.
Alex Cobb is a consistent AL East pitcher who may be had at a reasonable price. There is reported interest in Japanese prospect Shohei Ohtani (who reportedly can also DH) but I know noting about him and am always skeptical of how Japanese players will translate in the majors. Justice Sheffield and Chance Adams are prospects in the system that may be close to major league-ready.
Bullpen
The majority will be the same. They are likely to trade Dellin Betances off his late season struggles.
I’d rather look to unload Aroldis Chapman. He’s a bully pitcher who blows hitters away when things are going well but doesn’t want to compete when he doesn’t have his best stuff. But the organization views him as a bit of a box office draw with his 100mph-plus gas.
Catcher
Gary Sanchez is a youngster with a world of talent who can hit and throw with the best of them. Unfortunately he is a disgusting lazy bum. He runs when he feels like it and stares at home runs. Part of protecting your pitchers from being shown up is not showing up opposing pitchers.
The organization will do their best to improve his glove and make him a mainstay behind the plate, but I see him as a career DH. Austin Romine is an adequate backup who’s light hitting can be carried by a potent offense.
First Base
Greg Bird may be the most important piece to the Yankee puzzle. His solid defense, lefty stroke and complete approach make him a possible Don Mattingly-type. His inability to stay healthy or play less than 100% make him a possible Nick Johnson-type.
Second Base
Starlin Castro’s ability makes him a plus player. However, he is also a disgusting lazy bum who plays hard when it suits him. He could be trade bait with top prospect Gleyber Torres knocking on the door.
Shortstop
Didi Gregorious is the best all around player on the team. The organization should be sure he mans the position for the next five-plus years.
Third Base
Todd Frazier was a nice pick-up but his free-agency makes it unlikely he returns. You may see Chase Headley back at the hot corner as a stopgap until Miguel Andujar is ready or there is a better option that makes sense.
Outfield
The system is loaded here and the Bombers are overcrowded at the major league level with Aaron Judge, Aaron Hicks, Brett Gardner, Jacoby Ellsbury and Clint Frazier. Judge is a bonafide star who just needs to cut down on the strikeouts. Hicks is Jekyll and Hyde and at the top of his trade value but the organization loves him.
They would love to unload Ellsbury but he makes a ton of money. Maybe they can package him with Betances.
If not, Gardner is an aging gritty leader loved by the organization but has a more tradable contract. Frazier has the makings of a five-tool player and should make an impact baring a blockbuster trade for a big-time starter.
Designated Hitter
Sanchez will get some time here. Matt Holiday is gone. The outfielders will also get some games here. I’d bring in a veteran lefty bat.
Jay Bruce would be a perfect fit but is probably too costly. I’d take a look at Curtis Granderson who loves the short right field porch at the Stadium and may be had for one year.
*Ronald Torreyes is worth his weight in gold as a utility infielder. He always seems to contribute when he plays and the organization should make sure he is here for the next few years.
Manager
Joe Girardi’s accomplishments and record will probably bring him back unless he has had enough. If you watch the team regularly he can be maddening.
From the quick hook on starters to the resting of 23-year-olds he leaves you scratching your head. The fact that his major league hitters who are not middle of the order guys can’t get a bunt down in close, low-scoring games is unacceptable.
However, the days of the Billy Martin type are over ( http://thestraightshot.com/the-extinction-of-real-baseball-managers/). Front Offices want by-the-numbers guys who tow the company line and are not too colorful. So change would probably be just another Girardi but possibly less successful.
The goal next year is to win the AL East. Boston also has good young talent but I think the Yanks have better. It will come down to who does the best job of tweaking the supporting staff (along with fortunate health).
After that, the postseason is always a crapshoot that comes down to pitching and who is hot at the right time. Talk soon.
-Marksman