Over the course of the last seven games, the New York Yankees have looked more like the team it was expected to be. A team that would dominate over weaker competition and run roughshod over the weakened American League. However, when digging into the numbers it is very clear that the Yankees are not a bad team. Nor is this a second place team in any other year. It must be acknowledged that the Boston Red Sox are having a season of historic proportions and that is overshadowing the tremendous year that the Yankees are having. But with so much being made of Boston let’s take a look at a few keys for the Yankees to improve over the stretch run into the playoffs.
Get Length Out Of Starting Rotation
Last week we covered the need for the Yankees starting rotation to give the team more length in order to not weaken the pen. The inability to get deep into games has caused pitchers to be overused. In the story, we spoke of the ineffective outings of Aroldis Chapman and Zach Britton. However, it goes much further than just those two relievers. As guys like Chad Green and Jonathan Holder are being pushed beyond any limits that have previously reached. Getting more length by starters in games will allow the pen to rest up for the most crucial time of the season the playoffs.
Get Healthy
Right now the Bronx Bombers are wounded and weakened. As they are missing two key powerhouse components in their lineup. The loss of Aaron Judge and Gary Sanchez are impactful losses. Both Judge and Sanchez provide the Yankees with a presence and make pitchers have to respect them. However, the lineup isn’t the only aspect that is hurt. As their closer, Aroldis Chapman has been struggling all season with tendinitis in his knee. The Yankees will need a healthy team in order to make a long run in October
Regain Depth
Over the last couple of seasons, the Yanks General Manager Brian Cashman has made a bevy of trades. All of which have benefitted the Yankees at the Major League level. Although the trades the Yankees have thinned out the depth at the upper levels somewhat. The deals did not deplete the Yankees farm system. The Yanks Farm System is one of the best in all of MLB. So as those players develop more and more the Bombers can rely on them in more important spots. For an example of this just look at the Major League Debut of Chance Adams. Adams was thrust into a spot due to the ineffective of Sonny Gray and injuries to Jonathan Loaisiga, Domingo German, and Jordan Montgomery.
If the Yankees can get these key aspects under control over the next month they stand to be a dominant force come October.
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