It has felt like an eternity since we last saw the New York Yankees playing meaningful baseball games. But the long winter is now over, and it is finally here Yankees Opening Day. Games that ultimately mean something after a month of meaningless games in Tampa, Florida. We have covered all the different aspects of this team all offseason long. But with Opening Day upon us, we want to look at three last-minute thoughts for and about the 2019 season.
Health is of Paramount Importance
We will see the depth of the New York Yankees tested right out of the gate. Luis Severino, CC Sabathia, Dellin Betances, Didi Gregorius, and Aaron Hicks will all begin the year on the Injured List. Each year health is a big factor for every team and not just the Yankees. But for the 2019 Yankees, the long-term health of the entire team is vital for what the end game is for this team. If the Yanks can remain healthy for the majority (or just about all, hopefully) of the season, this team has the ability to win the World Series. Just looking at last season the Yanks lost almost all their “plethora” of outfielders in the first week of the season. And after that their Potential All-Star catcher was never right. We also lost the best player on the team, Aaron Judge, for six weeks due to a hit by pitch. So health is key.
This Lineup is Strong
So as of this writing, the starting lineup has not been announced. But the players, playing have been. Gary Sanchez, Greg Bird, Gleyber Torres, Miguel Andújar, and Troy Tulowitzki round out the infield. While Giancarlo Stanton, Brett Gardner, Aaron Judge man the outfield and Luke Voit DH’s. And no matter what order you decide to place them in, this lineup can do damage. The lowly Baltimore Orioles pitching staff is in for a difficult afternoon and weekend.
Baltimore Better Score Early
The Baltimore Orioles are expected to fight all season long with the Miami Marlins for the worst team in Major League Baseball in 2019. And with such a terrible outlook on the season, there isn’t much to hope for, especially in the AL East. The Yankees are going to slug this season and will arguably (minimal argument if we’re being honest) demonish the team home run record they set last season. And if the Yankees get a lead, they will turn to arguably (again minimal argument here too) the best bullpen in baseball. The Orioles will have a tough time trying to score runs on the “Closer Contingent” the “Bronx Blazers” will be featuring on this Opening Day.
