MLB- Yankees 2018

Wow, the Stanton trade has really made Yankee Baseball even more exciting this year!  After taking the World Series winning Astros to the final game last October, if the Yankees pitching can hold up, they have a legitimate shot at the crown.

A couple of injuries, the devastating one to Greg Bird (1st Base) and Aaron Hicks (OF) both out 6-8 weeks will be tough to overcome. Walker and Wade need to step up and Giancarlo will play more outfield than expected. That may be a good thing, it’ll keep his head in the game. Gardner is a great leadoff hitter, a true throwback, dirty uniform, always grinding and hustling, working the count, the guy is a gem and more valuable that people realize. Judge, yeah, tons of K’s but he’ll see better pitches and have a great OBP with Stanton protecting him. Stanton, already with 2 HRs in the first game may struggle with the NY media at his first mini slump, but he and Judge could hit 100 HRs combined. Didi is a terrific defensive and power hitting SS and Gary Sanchez will prove his defensive work behind the plate has paid off. Both DiDi and Sanchez are young and exciting and will be great stories this year. If they stay healthy the Bombers could break the Major League Season HR record.

Severino looks entrenched as the Ace and will be a reliable #1 all year. Tanaka is aging but still has the magic. CC, is questionable as a #3 but he’ll give new Manager Aaron Boone some innings as will #4 Sonny Gray and #5 Jordan Montgomery. The Bullpen is tremendous! The closer is 100 mph throwing wildman Aroldis Chapman. Set-up and late inning relievers Tommy Kahnle, David Robertson and Dellin Betances are shut down guys so they (Betances) may blow a few games here and there, all in all, not much to worry about. It’s the 3, 4 and 5 starters and the backup infielders that are the questions. Close to 100 wins and the AL East title is not unreasonable. The Red Sox have an inexperienced Manager in Alex Cora and have started the season with only one lefty in the bullpen and he has never pitched in a MLB game before. Don’t be surprised to see Boston struggle to top .500 for a couple of months this year. Baltimore could be tough but but over the long season they will fade and Toronto and Tampa Bay are a joke.

More to Come…

HB