Many of us already knew the great potential that the New York Yankees had when they surprised us all not only making the postseason but pushing the Astros to seven games in the ALCS last year in 2017. With the addition of Giancarlo Stanton, mixed with Aaron Judge and some key younger role players who’ve been outstanding, the Yankees are riding on their momentum from the 2017 postseason. They currently are rocking one of the best records in MLB, and are having fun doing it. The most intriguing thing about their recent play is that many of them haven ‘t even reached their full potential despite their outstanding record.
Giancarlo has been inconsistent all year, striking out often and failing to produce in close game situations with men on base to where the Yankees can either tie the game or take the lead. He’s been vulnerable to fast balls and breaking balls from right handers. Stanton has a .608 OPS and despite his up and down play, he’s hit 19 HR’s and batted in 51 RBI’s. Gary Sanchez has also been struggling at the plate, hitting below .200. So what does all this really mean in New York? The answer is absolutely nothing, particularly if the Yankees keep winning.
The youngsters consisting of Gleyber Torres (14 HR/ 35 RBI) and Miguel Andujar (11 HR/ 35 RBI) have performed and stepped up showing signs of leadership that you don’t always see in players this young. Andujar is only 23 years old while Torres is a mere 21 year old. Both have been playing well and they’re not afraid to produce in big game situations and moments.
Jacoby Ellsbury is making progress and despite his back and hip injury, he plans on being back in the lineup before the end of 2018. He recently visited with a back specialist and is making progress, but still not there yet. If Ellsbury does return, it will be interesting to see what role he will play in the lineup, particularly when you have Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Brett Gardner, and Aaron Hicks sharing duties in the outfield.
When it comes to the pitching for the Yanks, Sonny Gray has been struggling on the mound, and they’ve been bitten by the injury bug recently with Masahiro Tanaka on the DL and Jordan Montgomery out for the year with Tommy John surgery. Luis Severino and C.C. Sabathia both have pitched well, and closer Adroldis Chapman has over 20 saves this year. The Yankees have adapted the next man up mentality and seem to get it done no matter who’s on the field. They haven’t even reached their full potential and aren’t even playing their best baseball, but still have the best record in the league and they lead the AL East,.
I believe this will be a two team faceoff once again for the ALCS, with the Yankees facing the Astros later on this fall. Keep in mind that they Bronx Bombers have dominated the Astros during the regular season, winning five out of the seven games they’ve played against Houston. We all know nothing is guaranteed, but it will be fun to watch what happens down the stretch leading into October.