After a 25-22 start to the 2015 season, the New York Yankees find themselves in first place of the American League East Division, and hold a 1.5 game lead over the Tampa Bay Rays.
Even though the Bronx Bombers are where they want to be at the top of the division as of right now, it has been a very interesting path to get there. Early on this season, the Yankees have proven themselves as one of (if not the most) streakiest teams in baseball.
Yankees season has unfolded like this: 3-6, 18-6, 1-10, 3-0. Streaky path to 25-22.
— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) May 27, 2015
YES Network analyst Jack Curry’s tweet shows the tale of the Yankees’ early season. At times, this team looks like they could compete with the very best the game has to offer, but they have had very bad bumps in the road that make you question if this team can really compete or not.
Consistency is going to be a huge factor as to whether the Yankees continue to win or lose ball games. The team can’t expect to go from hot to cold in an instant, and it could hurt them if this trend continues.
Like most teams, the Yankees do have some question marks moving forward. Here are some things the Yankees need to happen in order to continue to compete for a postseason berth.
Get Healthy and Stay Healthy:
The Yankees early on have dealt with some injuries that have definitely made an impact on the club. Masahiro Tanaka has missed an extended period of time due to forearm issues, while Chase Whitley was lost for the season as he underwent Tommy John surgery. Ivan Nova is also coming off Tommy John surgery, and he is expected back at some point near mid-season.
It is vital that the Yankees get Tanaka and Nova healthy for the stretch run. As of today, the Yankees pitching staff in general has held its own, thanks in large part to the bullpen, but the starting rotation must do a little bit more to make sure the bullpen guys don’t get overtaxed before the end of the season.
With regards to the everyday lineup, the injury to Jacoby Ellsbury is one that could hurt the club for a longer time period than originally expected. Ellsbury could be out almost an extra month more than anticipated, and as the table setter of the Yankees lineup, his subtraction from the lineup could be costly. Bronx Pinstripes’ own Andrew Rotondi wrote more about the severity to Ellsbury injury. You can read about it here:
If this team could get healthy and remain healthy, they can definitely do some damage. If the injury bug continues to bite them, it could become a very difficult situation for them.
Stay on the Mark, Teixeira:
As the injury bug has hurt Mark Teixeira in the past, Yankees fans have hoped that he would be able to stay healthy. Early on in 2015, Teixeira has definitely bounced back nicely.
With his team leading 14 home runs, Teixeira has provided much needed power in the middle of the Yankees lineup. Having only hit 22 homers in 2014, it appears as if Teix is well on his way of topping that in 2015, and if he does, that’s definitely going to be a good sign.
A-Rod: Just Keep Hitting
Before the season, if someone told me that Alex Rodriguez would be hitting .276 with 11 homers (second on the team) through 44 games, I probably (along with many other Yankees fans) would have probably laughed at the thought. But the 40-year-old, who’s playing after two hip surgeries and also after missing a year and a half of games due to his suspension, keeps proving all the doubters wrong.
A-Rod’s 11 HR in 44 games would project to 40 HR in 162 games. He is currently in a 4-way tie for 2nd-most 40 HR seasons (8, Ruth with 11). — High Heat Stats MLB (@HighHeatStats) May 28, 2015
Of course, expecting A-Rod to hit 40 homers might be a little bit of a stretch at this point, but seeing him bounce back and being a productive bat in the Yankees lineup definitely is beneficial to the team.
Let’s take a look back to 2013. Here’s how his numbers offensively compare to two years ago (the last time he played)
2013: 44 games, 7 homers, 19 RBI, .244/.348/.423
2015: 44 games, 11 homers, 26 RBI, .276/.374/.566
It’s amazing how A-Rod continues to produce offensively at a high rate, especially the fact that his numbers compared to two years ago are actually better. No one really expected A-Rod to even be productive, but through the first 44 games, he’s been one of the Yankees most consistent bats.
If the Yankees can find ways to utilize him so his bat can make an impact, we could possibly see A-Rod post more impressive numbers throughout the rest of the season.
Make the Play!
Defense is a major part of winning ball games. When you make 35 errors as a team through 44 games, that definitely is a cause of concern.
The Yankees defense must shape up in order to continue winning games. Chase Headley (10 errors) is a major part of the problem right now, and the team must hope that it turns its defensive woes around, and quickly.
Middle Infield Issue:
Of course, it’s always widely debated about the state of the Yankees middle infield moving forward.
Batting averages such as .211 (Didi Gregorius) and .167 (Stephen Drew) are just not going to cut it forever in the Bronx.
It might be time for the Yankees to explore other options because of the lack of production that they are getting from these two positions. Whether its internally or through trade, this could be a huge make or break point for the team, as they can’t expect to keep competing when the bottom of their order doesn’t produce.
Keep the Main Bullpen Guys Fresh
Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller have been dominant.
There’s not many 1-2 combinations that can even compete with these two arms, and the way they are pitching now must really scare opposing teams, as games can easily be turned into 6 or 7 inning games because of the Yankees bullpen depth.
But, like every pitcher, these guys need some nights off too, so it will be crucial for the starting rotation and other guys in the bullpen to help carry the load a little more. Ranked 27th in baseball in quality starts (18), the Bronx Bombers would love to get more from their starters, as saving the bullpen a few nights a week definitely never hurt anyone.
In general,this team has most of the pieces in place to keep fighting for the top spot in the American League East. There is still a lot of baseball to be played, and you have to like where the Yankees sit right now in the division, but things have to change in order for this battle for first place to continue on strong.
