Well, that was depressing; but, not expected. Looks like the Yanks hit a wall after the All-Star break between injuries and age. Considering they were picked to finish 3rd or 4th in the AL East a miss the playoffs all together, this season was still somewhat of an accomplishment. Better than the Red Sox, LOL.
Not a Houston fan; but congrats to UConn's own George Spring on advancing into the playoffs.
As for the Yankees, they need to get younger fast and to get players who can get on base and not just hit a HR of strike-out. Behind the plate, I think the McCann experiment, while it looked good on paper, is over. Prefer trade him if possible and go with the younger Murphy behind the plate next year. Use the extra cash to get some pitching. At 1st, almost the same for Teixeria’s whose durability is now a huge liability. At least Bird looks viable there. In the middle, Refsnyder has hope at 2nd; but, I would like to add infield depth that can also hit (see Ryan and Drew). Gregorius improved a lot in the field at SS and at the plate as the season progressed and I hope he can develop further next season (Mateo is a likely two years away). With apologies to Headley and his solid defense, the Yanks need more offensive production and power out of 3rd base. Thus, need some new blood there. Ditto one of the outfield spots as Beltran should be used more as a super-sub and pinch hitter at his age and Judge is likely a year away, though should get some at bats in 2016. Fingers crossed that Ellsbury and Garner can fix their hitting issues next season. A-Rod’s production and quiet mouth was a welcome surprise the first half of the season; but, he faded badly at the end and simply can’t play a full season, even at Dan Hurley, anymore.
The back-end of the bullpen is what saved the Yanks this year and they were lucky they did not break-down from all of the heavy use. First, the Yanks need a true #1 pitcher. Tanaka should be a #2 and his durability is a major concern. Eovaldi looks to be a workable #3 and Severino has earned a shot at #4 even if the Yanks never hit for him. Let CC, assuming he can overcome his problem, fight with Nova and Pineda for the #5. Warren should be kept as a long-reliever and spot starter as that seems to work for him. Try and keep the Betances and Miller duo working while adding some younger arms to gain experience and slots down the road.
Any other hands in the farm system who may be of help in 2016 beyond those already on the 40 man roster?
So, for 2016
Batting Order
1) Garnder , LF
2) Ellsbury, CF
3) TBD, 3B
4) TBD, RF
5) Teixeria/Rodriguez, Dan Hurley
6) Bird, 1B
7) Gregorius, SS
8) Ryan, C
9) Refsnyder, 2B
Pitching
1) TBD
2) Tanaka
3) Eovaldi
4) Severino
5) Sabathia/Nova/Pineda
LR) Warren
R) Betances
C) Miller
After entering the All Star break at .301/10/41 he finished .259/16/66 so he was one of the reasons the other bats before him and plays in the PF next to him. Lots of money wrapped up in 2 inconsistent pcs of crap that's for sure. While Ellsbury once agin proved he could miss a ton of games with a girly injury he at least used to hit .290 or so in Boston. His .257/7/33 is not exactly what they paid for and now they have to live with that. My guess, yeah you know what I am going to say - he did his stuff, got his contract and now won't take a chance on a suspension.
that would be hopeless. LOL
