Yankees at Midseason
There has been a lot of pessimism about the Yankees' prospects this year. At the all star break, we were stuck in third place in our division, behind Boston and Baltimore, and our record is not much better than .500. Several Yankee observers cite the team's age, defense, pitching, and farm system as causes for concern.
I am more sanguine. Though streaky, the Yankees' chances for a World Series title are better than they've been in a couple of years. Five things are coming together for us that few seem to appreciate:
1. Derek Jeter has turned into the legitimate leadoff hitter that we've been missing for a while.
2. The team's on-base percentage leads the majors, and we've drawn 146 more walks than we've given out. With Stottlemyre and Mattingly's help, the Yankees work the count better than any other team.
3. The Yankees have gotten significant contributions from rookies (Cano, Wang, and now Cabrera) for the first time in a number of years.
4. Though only three deep, the bullpen has stabilized. Rivera remains a top shelf closer.
5. With Womack, Jeter, and Rodriguez, the Yankees can now balance power with speed.
Yes, our outfield defense has been frightful at times, and our starting pitching brittle. But we have Al Leiter again - a decent bandaid - and we'll have seven starters by late August when everyone is healthy. Is there anyone else who wouldn't mind seeing eminently available Corey Patterson in a Yankees uniform come August?
I am more sanguine. Though streaky, the Yankees' chances for a World Series title are better than they've been in a couple of years. Five things are coming together for us that few seem to appreciate:
1. Derek Jeter has turned into the legitimate leadoff hitter that we've been missing for a while.
2. The team's on-base percentage leads the majors, and we've drawn 146 more walks than we've given out. With Stottlemyre and Mattingly's help, the Yankees work the count better than any other team.
3. The Yankees have gotten significant contributions from rookies (Cano, Wang, and now Cabrera) for the first time in a number of years.
4. Though only three deep, the bullpen has stabilized. Rivera remains a top shelf closer.
5. With Womack, Jeter, and Rodriguez, the Yankees can now balance power with speed.
Yes, our outfield defense has been frightful at times, and our starting pitching brittle. But we have Al Leiter again - a decent bandaid - and we'll have seven starters by late August when everyone is healthy. Is there anyone else who wouldn't mind seeing eminently available Corey Patterson in a Yankees uniform come August?
posted by Jason at 3:24 PM
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