Befroe the ALCS Begins - Season Take Aways

Maybe I've mellowed in mu old age or it's just a reaction to going from 154 -162, having to win 4 games in WS to 11 in 3 rounds, 4 if you have to jplay the WC. After the Astros finally beat the Rays, I've listened to comments that the Yankees didn't play hard enough to win HFA; and last week even Aaron Judge making the same type sstatement as Big Stein that if we didn't win the WS if was a lost season.

A little review of what we accompolished might be in order to appreciate just how good that 103 win season was. The first thing to remember is the AS IL that began in St. 30 players many of them starters & AS quality; a few of them more than once. Betances went down early possibly dur to not doing his normal off season conditioning after welcoming his first child; when he finally got in a game, he was so excited to K his two batters an awkward hop on the mound & he wound up with season-ending foot surgery. Luis Severino - expected to be our ace . We knew CC would be on the Il at least once with his knees - wound twice & then his last appearance his shoulder became an issue. On the bright side his final season saw his 3000th K & 250 Ws. Domingo Germain wa supposed to be in AAA became the ace with the mosdt team Ws Then a domestic violence issue resulted in his suspension from MLB for remainder of the season including playoffs (still don't know the outcome) Maybe the lower seams on the ball effected our pitchers: trouble early on - Tanaka was sporadic until he was able to adjust with his split. Not sure what Happ's problem was; just wasn't effective during the earlier part of the season. Paxton was up & down then an injury but finally he & Larry Rotchild decided he should incorporate more of his FBs after the Sux hammered him- Paxton went on a 10-game win streak. Sevy returned just as the anoouncement of Germain's suspension was hitting the headlines.

To the positional players:: the MVP was not on the Opening Day lineup after being a FA signing. DJ was so consistent he led the league until a mild funk gave it a player with fewer ab & hits; a player who signed with the understanding that he would be used in a utility role then became such a cog to the IN. Our HR leader was a 22 year old kid who shows the maturity of a veteran. Gley had a split season on D - playing SS while Didi recovered from TJ surgery for the first couple of months; then switched back to 2nd for most of the second half. Gio Urshela emerged as a star at 3rd - stellar fielding & booming bat- following Miggy's season ending surgery. Stanton played less than 20 regular season games due to injuries; Judge spent time on the IL; Hicks has been it since August but could be reinstated for the ALCS. Gardy rose to the occasion- going from the 4th OFer to starting CFer. Cameron Maybin was signed to help & did so nicely. Mike Taucman took advantage of his call up and made a mark on the team before an injury sidelined him.
Greg Bird was nonexistent and probably played his last game at a Yankee. Luke Voit struggled going down the stretch so DJ would up as the starting 1st sacker. For insurance Cash went out & traded for Edwin Encarnacion and the parrot flew in the Bronx as the DH. Even with 6 weeks for a broken wrist, EE made a solid DH & occasional 1B.
Gary Sanchez used his power for another 30+ HR season but injuries shortened his season & average - Austin Romine is a proven quantity behind the plate & can be a clutch hitter when called upon; Higgy filled in adequately as the third string catcher when needed. (FYI for those who like to look ahead Ro will be a FA - does he test his wings for a full time postion or is he content to be a Yankee backup? Does he go for the $$$ or stay with a contender? )

Just some thoughts & ideas on our NEXT MAN UP 2019 SEASON. They won the ALE title; ALDS sweep of the Twinkies - but there's still unfinished business ahead - 3 down 8 to go We still have about 35 hours to savor the accomplishments of the first 106 wins