The Yankees in first place! Who would have thought?!.
They are getting good pitching, and have a line up that can score from 1-9. I am loving seeing the rookies. I grew tired of the team and the high figure free agents. I loved the core though. Jeter, Posada, Williams and Pettite. I couldn't get behind A-Rod, and Clemens after hating them for so long. The A-Rod controversy near the end was a real drag. This is the most excited I have been since 96'.
The team is mostly youngsters from the farm and players from trades. I hated the Ellsbury signing a few years ago. It was stupid from the instant it was made. But Gardner, Sanchez, Judge, Bird, Severino, Montgomery and Warren were all minor league guys I followed through the minors andwatched in triple AAA. They made some great trades and the farm is loaded so more homegrown talent is on the way. Plus they have enough prospects to land some pitching in the future....I hope.
The Yankees don't have an ace like Kershaw or Baumgartner. Tanaka is having a down year, CC is adapting to age with soft stuff, Pineda has looked good but he is inconsistent, Severino has been great and Montgomery looks like a solid back end starter. They will need 2-3 starters for next year. CC and Pinexa are free agents and Tanaka has an opt out.
The best part of course is watching Judge hit. He is so strong that he flips his wrist and it is a hard line drive to the wall. He makes it fun to watch every night. He is my son's new favorite. I can't wait for Gary Sanchez to get rolling too. He was on the dl for a month to start the season.
Another year and Torres will replace Bradley. Chase has been awful. A-Rod will be off the books. C.C.'s contract will be gone. Panama may or may not opt out. All and all baseball is looking up for Yankee fans. Baseball doesn't feel right when they aren't competitive.