We’re finally all done with the folderol. Baseball season is long underway, but I’ve been resisting the urge to evaluate the Yankees. Never evaluate your team before they’ve played 50 games. That’s my 50-game rule.
So we’re 50 games in. Actually a few more than that, but that’s OK.
Why 50 games?
Look, the baseball season lasts a really long time. 162 games. 6 months or so. And so on.
On the whole, a baseball season looks really consistent. But underlying that consistency is a ton of noise. The Boston Red Sox were 7-13 after their first 20 games. You don’t really believe they’re that bad, do you? They’re 27-23 now after 50 games.
That’s much more representative.
Teams iron out difficulties, injuries, inconsistent play, etc.
How are the Yankees doing?
33-17, and first in the AL East.
Not bad. In fact, I’d say they’re doing really well. Toss in the fact that Didi Gregorius, Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Luis Severino, Dellin Betances, and about a half dozen other guys are on the injured list…and I’d say they’re doing great!
They’re not relying as much on the home run. And lots of young guys are getting needed playing time and contributing. Most of these guys are going to be sitting down after Judge, Stanton, et al. return, but the Yankees might need them again in September or October. And, of course, next season and beyond.
The AL East is still a logjam. The Rays are playing a bit better than expected, and the Red Sox are playing a bit worse than expected. But both teams look like they’ll be competing with the Yankees to win the division. And with both the Twins and Indians playing reasonably well in the Central, they might be fighting it out for only one Wild Card slot.
How’s your team doing?
