Bronx, NY: I’m not feeling inspired to write today, to be honest. I thought about going Full Junoir and making something up. But you never go Full Junoir. So I’ll just fall back on a comfortable topic – Three Reasons for Yankees’ Optimism Going into the Playoffs.
Despite some legit bullpen concerns, I’m looking for reasons to hope for a deep run by the Yankees in October. I think there are reasons to hope, let’s see if we can find three.
A Weak-Ass Field
The biggest reason for optimism is the lack of anything close to a powerhouse in the AL. It looks all but set that the playoff teams will be the Yanks, Guardians, Astros, Orioles, Royals, and Twins. I’m not exactly shaking in my boots, at that list.
It would be nice if the Yanks could finally get by the Astros and exercise the garbage can demons.
Big G in the Middle
Although Big G Stanton is not the player he was, his presence in the lineup makes the whole thing work better. And he’s shown signs of getting hot. You need someone behind the JudgeSoto Monster who can make a pitcher think twice. Big G is that man.
Since he has come off the IL, reverberations have been felt down the lineup. Gleyber has gotten it rolling in the leadoff spot, and LeMahieu and Verdugo have started to come out of their slumps. Maybe Volpe too.
Top of the Rotation
Both Nestor and Rodon have been pitching well and suddenly the Yanks have the makings if a solid top 3 for the playoffs. Rodon has given up three or fewer runs and five or fewer hits in five of his last six starts. Nestor has had three straight wins and has only given up one run in 20.2 innings.
With a bullpen that isn’t reliable, the Yanks need depth from these guys.
There you have it. With the two headed monster of Judge and Soto, and a pretty weak field, the Yanks have a shot. At least when I put on my pinstripe-colored glasses, they do. Come back tomorrow for Angry Ward.
