New York Yankees 2018 Season Thread

[Déjà Bru]

Issues like this are much more important when they involve your own teams, of course.

The headline was:

PLAYOFF SYSTEM NEEDS SOME MILD TINKERING
Either Bosox or Yankees will be in wild-card game and could be eliminated despite more than 100 wins

https://www.newsday.com/sports/colum...sox-1.19692672

In this case, though, there is major money involved due to this reasoning:



But aside from that, sure it's tough to think that after a season and a pennant race like this, one of these teams could be unceremoniously dropped from the playoffs by losing just one game to a little more than decent wildcard. Still, there must be an incentive to win the division which is what this exciting pennant race is all about.

So I thought it over and the heck with what this guy says and the heck with the damned money aspect for a change. If the Yankees want their best chance to win the World Series, then start by winning the AL East.

[knightdreamer2k]

Originally Posted by Déjà Bru

Issues like this are much more important when they involve your own teams, of course.

The headline was:

PLAYOFF SYSTEM NEEDS SOME MILD TINKERING
Either Bosox or Yankees will be in wild-card game and could be eliminated despite more than 100 wins

https://www.newsday.com/sports/colum...sox-1.19692672

In this case, though, there is major money involved due to this reasoning:

Attachment 567385

But aside from that, sure it's tough to think that after a season and a pennant race like this, one of these teams could be unceremoniously dropped from the playoffs by losing just one game to a little more than decent wildcard. Still, there must be an incentive to win the division which is what this exciting pennant race is all about.

So I thought it over and the heck with what this guy says and the heck with the damned money aspect for a change. If the Yankees want their best chance to win the World Series, then start by winning the AL East.

I agree with you about winning the division. I like the 1 game playoff, but I would like a tweek. I would love to go with a two game aggregate score. That way both games are exciting to the end.

[Antonin]

It's going to be a fun weekend down at the old ballpark here in Cleveland! Today I think it's Clevenger vs Sabathia.

[Déjà Bru]

Originally Posted by Antonin

It's going to be a fun weekend down at the old ballpark here in Cleveland! Today I think it's Clevenger vs Sabathia.

Yes, we managed to pull out a win today but it was our bullpen that beat Clevinger. Last game of the regular season between these two teams tomorrow. Say, would you mind if we made it 6 wins and 1 loss against you guys for the year? You have a comfortable lead in the AL Central but over here, we are battling these horrible Red Sox (and losing ground ).

[Antonin]

If you guys are going to get another win I would prefer it to be in YOUR ballpark.

I wonder where the Yankees players are hanging out when they are here, or if they do any hanging out. Cleveland is a very convenient city for visiting athletes. I suppose the Yankees are staying in the hotel down on Public Square (I forget the name). The casino is just a few steps away--I think there is actually a connecting walkway between the hotel and casino.

And then Fourth Street, with a bunch of new and very good restaurants, is only a block away. A very short walk from the hotel, and really close to the stadium. The Warehouse District and The Flats, with a bunch of new nightclubs and restaurants, are also easy walking distance from the hotel.

[Déjà Bru]

Originally Posted by Antonin

If you guys are going to get another win I would prefer it to be in YOUR ballpark.

You just couldn't see your way clear to letting us have that game, could you? You have so many games in hand while we are scrambling for every win against the BoSox (who won again today and are now 4.5 games up). Thanks, pal. I'll pass on Fourth Street and The Flats, thank you very much. ()

[Déjà Bru]

I'm glad Machado went to the Dodgers. I like the Yankees infield the way that it is and, even though Gregorius seems to be at his peak now, Andujar and especially Torres have a chance to be superstars in their own right. I'd like to see that happen in Yankee pinstripes if it is going to happen.

[knightdreamer2k]

Now that the first half is over, I am looking for forward to the second half.

Overall the Yankees have done well this season especially considering with the exception of the two rookies and Severino, nobody is having a spectacular season.

Bird, Walker, , Sanchez: all need to raise their batting avg. Walker is a career .260+ hitter so there is no excuse for him. Bird is kinda an enigma because seems like everyone is waiting for him to A. stay healthy, B. bust out and show what he is capable. I have the most hope for Sanchez getting hot.

Didi: needs to get back where he was last year and raise that average. He started hot and has cooled off.

Judge and Stanton: they are having the type of seasons you expect them to have so no real complaints here. Neither one is having a season as good as last year but their numbers are still decent.

Gray: he may be the key to us either winning the division or being a wildcard team. He has alot of upside. Even if he turns it around I still would not trust him in a big game.

Tanaka: I think at this point he is what he is now. Probably be a stud in the post season but inconsistant in the regular season.

The bullpen: has been great not really any complaints here.

You want championship? Get Degrom without gutting your ML roster. If the Yanks could get him that would have the balance they need. Imagine of rotation of Severino, Degrom, Tanaka, and CC in the playoffs! Save Gray for mop up work.

I feel like if walker was having a better season he would be great to flip for some prospects to help reload after getting the Mets starter.

Oh yeah and what is Ellsbury doing?

[Déjà Bru]

Yes, the Yankees have done very well so far without really superstar performances. Any other year, they would be blowing away the division but those darned BoSox . . .

Bird and Sanchez are disappointments at this point, season and careers. Who knows if they will put it together someday and live up to potential.

Gregorius was never that great, really. Now, don't get me wrong; he's a very good shortstop but there was no way that he was the powerhouse at the plate that he seemed to be earlier in the season. Now he has reverted back to norm and I think that's where he will stay.

Judge and Stanton, though, I think their norm is even higher than what we have seen so far. Much higher, especially Stanton. Look for explosiveness to come from him.

I tend to give up too early - good thing I'm not in charge - but Gray, Tanaka, and German are the weakness, the vulnerability that sooner or later is going to drag the team down. The bullpen has been great but those guys are going to get worn down the further we get into the season with starting pitchers like Gray, Tanaka, and German. And Sabathia is 37 and fat.

Look for a trade soon for at least one SP but please, please, not Andujar or Torres (I assume Judge is untouchable) in exchange. I see those guys as the foundation of the team's future.

So, who would I trade for a good SP? Here is the list [cover your eyes if you need to and skip to the next paragraph ]: Bird, Sanchez, Gardner, Hicks, Walker, Austin, Wade, Drury, and yes, even Frazier. The guys in italics I would offer as a two-fer if necessary.

The problem with De Grom? He would cost a two-fer plus one of the other guys and that may be too much to give away. What I would prefer instead is the team cutting bait on Tanaka and Gray and developing Montgomery and Loaisiga as their replacements. The problem with that is, the BoSox have applied so much pressure (the Yankees win percentage this morning is .653 and they are 4.5 games behind!) that the team cannot wait for them.

[knightdreamer2k]

Originally Posted by DéjÃ* Bru

Yes, the Yankees have done very well so far without really superstar performances. Any other year, they would be blowing away the division but those darned BoSox . . .

Bird and Sanchez are disappointments at this point, season and careers. Who knows if they will put it together someday and live up to potential.

Gregorius was never that great, really. Now, don't get me wrong; he's a very good shortstop but there was no way that he was the powerhouse at the plate that he seemed to be earlier in the season. Now he has reverted back to norm and I think that's where he will stay.

Judge and Stanton, though, I think their norm is even higher than what we have seen so far. Much higher, especially Stanton. Look for explosiveness to come from him.

I tend to give up too early - good thing I'm not in charge - but Gray, Tanaka, and German are the weakness, the vulnerability that sooner or later is going to drag the team down. The bullpen has been great but those guys are going to get worn down the further we get into the season with starting pitchers like Gray, Tanaka, and German. And Sabathia is 37 and fat.

Look for a trade soon for at least one SP but please, please, not Andujar or Torres (I assume Judge is untouchable) in exchange. I see those guys as the foundation of the team's future.

So, who would I trade for a good SP? Here is the list [cover your eyes if you need to and skip to the next paragraph ]: Bird, Sanchez, Gardner, Hicks, Walker, Austin, Wade, Drury, and yes, even Frazier. The guys in italics I would offer as a two-fer if necessary.

The problem with De Grom? He would cost a two-fer plus one of the other guys and that may be too much to give away. What I would prefer instead is the team cutting bait on Tanaka and Gray and developing Montgomery and Loaisiga as their replacements. The problem with that is, the BoSox have applied so much pressure (the Yankees win percentage this morning is .653 and they are 4.5 games behind!) that the team cannot wait for them.

Whoa why all the Sanchez hate! Sanchez, outside his batting avg, this year, has been a force at the plate. I don't see sanchez being traded yet. If I did a trade and you could trade Bird, Gray, German, and one of those italics guys you mentioned above I would send them to the Mets. I would not be excited to get JA Happ. Degrom I would be willing to give up a large haul just not any regular starters for Degrom.

Hicks worries me because seems he is homer happy and going to start swinging for the fences everytime he is at the plate. We don't need that from Hicks. We need guys to get on base.
Gardner is still consistent enough to be important for this team. You can count on a .250 avg and a clutch hit here and there for instance.

I agree their bullpen is going to be worn out shortly with some of these short outings. Tanaka is still important if by mostly the post-season, because he can have excellent games. German is young and if the Yanks get another starter he should be back in the minors or part of the trade itself to acquire said starter. Gray could also be traded although his value might be at the lowest. Gray though could move to the number 5 slot if the Yankees obtain a new starter.

The two rookies, especially Torres are here to stay.

[Déjà Bru]

I'm in agreement, including on Sanchez albeit begrudgingly.

Originally Posted by knightdreamer2k

The two rookies, especially Torres are here to stay.

From your lips (actually, your typing fingertips) to Cashman's ears! Notice that I leave Hal Steinbrenner and God out of that statement. Let's get it across to the true authority in this matter!

[I doth blaspheme, for which I humbly apologize to the Almighty. God, that is, not Steinbrenner. ]

[Westheim]

If we just tie den Dekker's leash to the foul pole once we'll drag our beaten bodies out the door after this massacre, will you promise that you will tend to him well, and throw a stick for him, that he will obviously never catch?

Okay, here's the thing - I don't care whether you play with him or feed him. I'm tying that leash to the foul pole after the game!!

[Déjà Bru]

Originally Posted by Westheim

If we just tie den Dekker's leash to the foul pole once we'll drag our beaten bodies out the door after this massacre, will you promise that you will tend to him well, and throw a stick for him, that he will obviously never catch?

Okay, here's the thing - I don't care whether you play with him or feed him. I'm tying that leash to the foul pole after the game!!

Never mind him. You guys were supposed to lose all three games to us. What happened? ()

[Déjà Bru]

Originally Posted by knightdreamer2k

Whoa why all the Sanchez hate!

Originally Posted by Déjà Bru

I'm in agreement, including on Sanchez albeit begrudgingly.

I recalled this conversation while reading about yesterday's game in which Sanchez cost the Yankees twice with a lack of hustle. The second time, it was because he did not run out a ground ball which apparently he would have been safe but assumed he would be out. Or maybe he was afraid of hurting his groin again. Or maybe he's just given up on himself this season.

Whatever the reason, a player does not have this option when he is batting .188 in late July. He's not a good catcher defensively even though he has a great arm. Whatever is wrong with him offensively is getting tiresome enough but if he adds laziness and lack of motivation to it, well, to me it would be the kiss of death.

If I were the GM, I'd be telling Sanchez to get it in gear with his effort at least if he doesn't want to see Triple-A. And if he is batting under .200 next May, gone.

At this point, I want to see Romine catching.

[knightdreamer2k]

Originally Posted by Déjà Bru

I recalled this conversation while reading about yesterday's game in which Sanchez cost the Yankees twice with a lack of hustle. The second time, it was because he did not run out a ground ball which apparently he would have been safe but assumed he would be out. Or maybe he was afraid of hurting his groin again. Or maybe he's just given up on himself this season.

Whatever the reason, a player does not have this option when he is batting .188 in late July. He's not a good catcher defensively even though he has a great arm. Whatever is wrong with him offensively is getting tiresome enough but if he adds laziness and lack of motivation to it, well, to me it would be the kiss of death.

If I were the GM, I'd be telling Sanchez to get it in gear with his effort at least if he doesn't want to see Triple-A. And if he is batting under .200 next May, gone.

At this point, I want to see Romine catching.

Outside this year though Sanchez was putting up excellent numbers. I saw that last play, and thought maybe he is just slow. Romine is just a stop-gap at this point. I am not sure Romine is an everyday player, maybe platoon.

[Déjà Bru]

I did a double-take this morning: They let Tanaka pitch a complete game yesterday?!?

Not that I object. Not at all. I am one of the dwindling number of people who think all this sabercrap should be thrown out the window, that pitchers ought to be in shape and not babied because they will end up injured anyway, and that a manager should have the b***s to manage the game with his eyes and brains rather than by some statistician's stupid cheat sheet.

Ah, that felt good.

[Déjà Bru]

Regarding Sanchez, I feel better about him as a player after reading this. The situation with him at the plate remains, however. There are slumps and there are career arcs and reversions to true norm. Which is it? The longer it goes, the more the question no longer even requires an answer.

[Déjà Bru]

Completing my trifecta of Yankees posts for today:

kd2k, can you explain why the Yankees would trade for a bullpen guy at this point? I thought we were looking for starting pitching.

Yankees seal deal with Orioles for lefthander Zach Britton

[Déjà Bru]

Years ago in a forum like this, I would hear all sorts of guff about how the Yankees would buy their pennants. Many of them were Red Sox fans, IIRC. Funny, I don't hear from them anymore.

[Orcin]

I have to laugh when I see the AI load up on closers... like that would actually happen in real life.