Long time readers probably know about my 50-Game Rule. For anyone else, the rule says not to evaluate your favorite team until they’ve played 50 games. And it even has decent scientific support.

But we’re 50 games in already, so it’s time to say a word about the Yankees. And how are they doing?

In short, they look great so far! They’re playing without their staff ace, 2023 Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole. And they made fewer roster improvements over the off season than many of us would’ve liked to see.

But the players stepped up. The starting rotation has coalesced around a few Cole alternatives and guys having rebound years (Clarke Schmidt, Carlos Rodón). Juan Soto has brought a big bat to the lineup, especially with Aaron Judge hitting behind him. And, more than anything, the bullpen has consistently met and exceeded expectations.

Could things go wrong? Sure. To my eye, the team still pitches better than it hits. A hitting power outage down the stretch remains a risk. But so far, it’s hard not to really like this 33-17 team.

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