I know a championship team when I see one. Sorry, Yankees fans, this ain’t it.
The Yankees are fortunate that Aaron Judge is on the 10-day injured list with a flexor strain in his right elbow. He did not suffer UCL damage that could have caused him to miss some time. Judge was out of the lineup in the Yankees’ 9-4 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday afternoon because of an elbow issue. He was undergoing a test on his right elbow.
With that said, does it matter if Judge comes back or not? The Yankees stink with him, and they can stink without him.
If you want to celebrate a 58-49 record with the idea that the team can get better and get hot at the right time in October, knock yourself out. Realistic people know better. The Yankees are not a championship team. Monday’s game completed the Yankees’ 106th game of the season, and I saw enough to feel that way.
They lost eight of 13 after a 4-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays Monday night at Yankee Stadium. Once again, the hitting was lifeless in that game. This is who the Yankees are. The Yankees are, at best, a mediocre team.
For some reason, there are media bootlickers and Yankees fans who think the Bronx Bombers are a championship team. Either it’s blind faith or stupidity. It’s hard to take the Yankees seriously as a championship team when their flaws get exposed daily.
This is a team that struggles to field, mainly due to their 57 errors. Struggling Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe leads the team with 15, which explains why they acquired Amed Rosario, who likely will be the shortstop soon if the current shortstop continues his problems at the plate and in the field.
The Dodgers exploited the Yankees’ weaknesses last year in the World Series by capitalizing on their errors. The Dodgers’ scouting report mentioned that the Bronx Bombers are prone to making errors, and it was proven to be prophetic.
Under Yankees manager Aaron Boone, this team doesn’t often work on its fielding or baserunning fundamentals. Is it any wonder they look like bumbling fools in live games?
One would think the team would work on defense after what happened in the World Series. Apparently, it’s optional.
This is where it’s an indictment of Boone and Yankees general manager Brian Cashman that this part of the game gets involved too often. The team relies too much on home runs. Yes, I understand it’s part of today’s baseball, but there’s something to be said about playing small ball. This is where the team is so incompetent on that, too.
The starting rotation leaves a lot to be desired. Outside of Max Fried, who is exactly great? The bullpen does nothing, either. Who is trustworthy in that pen? Maybe Devin Williams, but then again, he needs to show he can do it in October.
Let’s be real. No one is scared to play the Yankees anymore. How else can one explain that the team is 12-19 in divisional play this year? The Dodgers treated the Bronx Bombers like a junior varsity team in the World Series.
The team culture is a problem. Too many guys seem content with losing.
Since George Steinbrenner passed away and Hal Steinbrenner took control of the franchise, the organization has created a country club atmosphere to the team’s detriment. There’s no accountability after losses—no leader who hates losing. Most importantly, there are way too many nice guys on the team.
The Yankees only made it to the World Series last year since they played two cupcake teams that were overmatched in the Kansas City Royals and the Cleveland Guardians. It had nothing to do with what they did. They shouldn’t count on getting another easy pass this season. The Toronto Blue Jays, Detroit Tigers, and Houston Astros match up better against last year’s defending American League champions.
The Yankees are 5 1/2 games out of first place. They have a comfortable lead in the wild-card race, but with the way they are going, that lead can slip away soon.
At this point, it would be impressive if the Yankees made the playoffs. That’s not a lock anymore.
If they continue to struggle in divisional play, they are not making the playoffs. The Blue Jays seem to have their way against the Yankees when they play each other. So do the Boston Red Sox and Rays.
Cashman can make all the deals he wants, but it won’t change anything. The Yankees are who they are after watching them all season.
