The 2016 Yankees

[RickD]

My take on the 2016 Yankees and if you need first names you are in the wrong thread!

Good pickups in Chapman and Castro. Castro firms up a big hole in 2015. Chapman brings his flame thrower to Yankee stadium and though I hate to see Miller bumped from his closer role, the Yank's now have a projected solid 7-8-9.

Tanaka. A ticking time bomb. Maybe. I think he made needed adjustments to stay healthy last year and away from the knife. Will those adjustments see improvement in his pitching? Probably not. While trying to stay healthy is a bonus, without that operation, he may never be the pitcher the Yankees thought they were getting.

A-Rod and Teixeira. A-Rod had a great return to the Yankees, better than I imagined. A-Rod is now 40....last year's numbers will not be repeated. I love Mark T but have no hope of him staying healthy throughout the year.

Gardner. One of m favorite current Yankees, yeah he dipped near the end of the season but like Bernie Williams of old, I think the Yankees don't appreciate what they have!

Severino. He had a great flirtation with the bigs last year but now he has to keep the romance going. I can see a sophmore slump....though the run support may help him win more than he would if they were just relying on his arm! (I see him getting hit around a time or two!)

The Rotation. I don't see Sabathia performing as poorly as he did last year with the knee brace in place but this guy should be the first one bumped from the rotation if the opportunity arrives! Eovaldi will be alright as will Pineda but the strength of this unit will be if they can hold things down for 6 innings before handing off to the Triple Threat Bullpen.

Judge will be the first one up if anyone in the OF goes down though they have Hicks at #4. I am happy to see Sanchez finally get to the bigs and expect him to be the C of the future.

 

[catman]

The Yankees still have a problem in their rotation and less than stellar 3B. Not sure about 1B, either. Bird looked good spelling Tex, but I'm not completely sold on either of them.

 

[RickD]

I am more concerned about 3B than 1B!

 

[Giantmetfan07]

Rick, what're your thoughts on Bird? I didn't watch enough of the Yankee games to get a good look at him, but I've heard good things on the radio.

 

[RickD]

I like Bird. He filled in admirably for Teixeira. Sure his overall sample size was small but he impressed enought that I can see him taking over in 2017.

 

[catman]

Bird will have to wait for another season to show what he can do. He's going to miss the year following shoulder surgery for a torn labrum.

 

[RickD]

I just saw this. Man this sucks!

 

[catman]

Its going to be tough to determine which direction for the Yankees to go at 1B after Tex' contract expires this season. They were hoping to see what Bird could do in an extended time, but that will have to wait now.

 

[Panic!]

Who should be the closer??

I hope they keep Miller there.

Betances in 8th. And 9th if it's back to back.

 

[JZsportswhiz]

The Yankees will be a really good team because of their pen. Their SP leaves a lot to be desired, but in that park, that lineup will score some runs, and with that pen, they will be set up to be successful. They are trying to mimic the Royals. However, the Royals have a much more well rounded lineup, with vastly superior defense, and a better rotation. I think the Yankees make the playoffs, as a Wild Card if the injury bug doesn't bite them too hard.

 

[RickD]

I would love to see 7-8-9 go Betance, Chapman, Miller but I think Miller will be the setup.

If they can get their rotation through 6 it should be a lock once it hits the 'pen.