The New York Yankees hit the all-star break (a week later than they should) with an impressive 62-33 record but trail the Boston Red Sox by 4 1/2 games in the American League East. They trail by 3 in the all important loss column.
The loss column is what really matters because you can’t get those games back; the team who leads in the loss column regardless of winning percentage always controls their own destiny.
The Yanks hold a 5-4 record against the Bosox but have not done as well beating on the rest of the division as the their arch-rivals have. But both are on pace to win 100+ games and are playoff-bound.
This year is an example of why I hate the second wildcard as one of these teams will face a one-game playoff against a likely inferior opponent. Anyone can win one game and losing to an ace starter on a team with 10 less wins just seems ridiculous.
I believe when the smoke clears if both teams stay pretty healthy, the Yanks will win the division by 3-5 games. The Bombers have the more explosive lineup, better bullpen and better chips to trade to fix their weakness.
Boston has a better starting rotation from top-to-bottom but I expect New York to close that gap by the trade deadline. The question is how much they are willing to give up to add a starter.
To land the type front-of-the-rotation arm to put theirs past the Saux would likely require parting with key players already contributing on the major league roster. Let’s take a look at the roster at this point.
1-Rotation:
Luis Severino is becoming the ace the organization has hoped for. C.C. Sabathia got on my bad side personally by claiming last year that he would not accept an invite to the Trump Whitehouse if they won it all but he has had a terrific Yankee career. After pitching them to the 2009 title he has reinvented himself into a crafty lefty who you can be confident in; basically Andy Pettitte 2.0.
Masahiro Tanaka is back from the DL after not being able to run 90 feet. Tanaka has not really lived up to his contract but he was lights-out last postseason an I trust him in October. You all know I hated the Sonny Gray trade because he never scared me with the A’s. I didn’t view him as a difference maker but I never thought he would become the next Ed Whitson or Kenny Rogers (established solid MLB starters who melted under the New York lights).
The Jordan Montgomery injury hurts more than anyone seems to say. Montgomery is a competitor whom I believe if the Yankees trusted more last year, Sonny Gray would not be here.
Domingo German and Jonathan Loaisiga (now injured) have had some growing pains but also contributed nicely at times. They could be part of the future and German could bolster the bullpen if they land a starter.
Unless Brian Cashman has something cooking that we don’t know about, the best bet for me would be to trade for Toronto’s J.A. Happ. Happ has tons of AL East experience, pitched well in the postseason and will not cost you your best prospects.
Yes, he got hit hard by the Yanks and Sox recently but he has 10 wins with the Jaybirds, and the lefty won’t be uncomfortable pitching in Yankee Stadium or to the Red Sox.
2-Bullpen:
Aroldis Chapman has been in a dominant groove despite a balky knee, though I do question his mental toughness when things are not going his way. Dellin Betances is showing that when he has it together he is one of the premier relievers in the game.
David Robertson can still get big outs but may have left a piece of himself in Houston after last year’s ALCS. Chad Green has not been quite as dominant as last year but I trust him most in October.
Jonathan Holder and A.J. Cole have contributed nicely. If Chasen Shreve cannot dominate lefties he may not be on the postseason roster.
1B:
Greg Bird got back in terrible form from yet another surgery. He has looked better lately and has all the makings of the quintessential lefty Yankee first baseman. If he doesn’t turn it around and stay healthy through this season I’d turn the page.
Neil Walker has never truly gotten going but provides flexibility. Tyler Austin and Brandon Drury (both possible trade bait) can contribute from the right side but the bombers need a reliable lefty here the way they are built.
2B:
Gleyber Torres is a star in the making (especially with his ability to speak English); huge talent, big clutch hits. Hopefully (never know with today’s athlete) he is back at second from the DL (mild hip strain) on Friday.
SS:
Didi Gregorius got out of the gate like a hall-of famer then hit a wall. The guy is a rock solid shortstop who gets big hits from the left side. Highly underrated.
3B:
You are hearing Miguel Andujar mentioned in trade rumors for a big starter or Manny Machado (ridiculous on the latter). This guy is an extra-base machine who is as clutch as they come. His supposed suspect defense looks fine to me (whatever the metrics say). Bottom line is this guy is dirt cheap and has become integral to the team’s makeup. That brings us to the guy I’d dump in a New York minute for an ace.
Catcher:
If you read this blog you have learned that Gary Sanchez is a disgusting lazy bum with a ton of talent. Because of that talent he has been able to sleepwalk to 14 homers and 41 RBI before hitting the DL with a groin pull a few weeks back. But he’s hitting .190 and is a passed ball machine behind the plate.
If you watch him everyday he just has a disinterested demeanor. That’s in addition to starring at homeruns and running to first only when he feels like it. Is his laziness a contributing factor to him not speaking English despite being in the organization since age 16? I don’t know, but you could swallow this from a DH or corner guy; not a catcher.
He is however a plus offensive catcher with a big arm. I would try to trade him for a front-line starter before he becomes known more for his attitude than his talent.
Austin Romine is a steady guy behind the plate that everyone loves throwing to. He will never be the offensive force Sanchez is but he has a propensity for clutch hits.
I think the Yanks can be just fine with him as the starter. In Sanchez’ absence, they have been fine with Romine and Kyle Higashioka.
OF/DH:
The Yankees are becoming more and more Arron Judge’s team. We knew this guy had power but there were questions whether he was more Dave Winfield or Dave Kingman. Aside from a high strikeout rate he has been far more the former; big arm and all.
In addition to becoming one of the best payers in the majors he seems to have that Jeter-like quality of intangible leadership and always saying/doing the right thing. The difference is it seems a bit more sincere from Judge.
Brett Gardner may be getting older but still fits the team perfectly. Aaron Hicks has been a steady hand in center with some big hits against Boston a couple weeks ago.
Giancarlo Stanton is another guy who can sleepwalk to big power numbers, but I just don’t see a guy I want here for 10 years at $27 mil. Having Judge, Clint Frazier’s (possible trade bait) game would compliment the team more than Stanton’s in my opinion.
Frazier will likely never put up Stanton’s numbers but the lineup could use more of Frazier’s potential 4-5 tool game and less of Stanton’s feast or famine style.
Manager:
Aaron Boone seems to be more relaxed and comfortable in his skin than his predecessor. With the death of the baseball manager today, he is the perfect guy to be manipulated by nerds in the front office.
He will do everything by the numbers even if that means refusing to play for one run when necessary and pulling relievers after dominant innings seemingly in search of the one guy who doesn’t have it that night.
I admit I am nitpicking this team right now. For now we should enjoy a fun Summer before the big exam in October. Talk soon.
-Marksman