Opening Weekend was a Disaster, Here’s why it’s OK.
By Joe Aguiar
The Yankees dropped the opening series of the 2019 season to the lowly Baltimore Orioles, and Yankee fans have lost their collective minds. They don’t care that it’s only a couple of games into the year, because every game matters and you have to beat the worst teams.
Now, take a deep breath and relax. Yes, Aaron Judge has been striking out at a record pace, Giancarlo Stanton is joining Aaron Hicks on the IL and there is a serious lack of depth in the outfield, highlighted by the fact that Brett Gardner couldn’t hit water if he fell out of a boat. Gary Sanchez hasn’t been hitting and while his defense has been better, he’s made two very costly throwing errors. The wheels might seem like they are coming off the bus, but it’s still very early.
The starters have done a good job so far, and the bullpen has been solid. While everyone has been insistent that the Yankees need another starting pitcher, the rotation isn’t the problem. Not even close.
The problem is and has been the same with the Yankees over the past couple of seasons. Hitting with runners on base, and in scoring position. The Bombers were 5 for 21 in the second and third game of the series and 10 for 56 in the series hitting with men on base. They has plenty of opportunity, drawing 22 walks, but they were just 6 for 29 hitting with men in scoring position. The Yankees rallied and came up short in the losses. Too many missed opportunities. Against a terrible team. The good news is, Detroit is next and then its another series with the Orioles to sort things out.
DJ LeMahieu and Gleyber Torres are off to hot starts, and Luke Voit continues to prove last season wasn’t a fluke. Despite 6 strikeouts in 12 at bats, Aaron Judge is hitting .333 and Stanton has a .600 on base percentage. There is plenty of things to be excited about.
The opening weekend of a season hardly sets the tone. Ask the 1998 Yankees if you don’t believe it. This team is built for the 162 game grind, so don’t lose hope, this Bomber squad is going places in 2019. #CMGPodcasts
