I thought we were getting a starting pitcher. We ended up with a home run leader, who has clobbered the Yankees in the past. I’m not unhappy – why not get a DH who can clobber – but the acquisition of Encarcion does complicate things.
Brett Gardner will be the odd man out in the outfield with Stanton and then Judge back and healthy. Fine with me to use Gardy as a late-innings defensive replacement in left field and as a pinch runner, but it may not be fine with him. Poor Clint Frazier was sent down to Scranton because he really was deemed unnecessary. But I’m for anything and anybody who makes the team stronger.
I’m just not sure that acquiring sluggers makes us stronger.
Well, of course it does in the offensive department. But what good is bashing 10 runs (as we did in Chicago during a split of the 4-game series) if the pitching staff will give those 10 runs right back to the opponent?
I keep reading that Cashman is out there searching for a starter or two. Is it really detective work? How long does it take to zero in on somebody and just PAY HIM? The Yankees can afford to shell out some money for a couple of starters. They need to do it soon. Paxton bounced back yesterday with a decent game against the White Sox, but I still think he’s wobbly, as is CC, as is Tanaka, as is Happ, and Chad Green as our “opener” just doesn’t thrill me.
Now is the time to act. We have a big series at the Stadium with the Rays starting tonight. It’s been a seesaw battle for first place in the division, but right now we’re a half a game ahead. I’d love to put them in the rearview mirror and end the series with more daylight between us. Fingers crossed.
Hey Jane. I’m all for the Encarnación signing. We only gave back the Mariners a prospect that we are fine without as he was originally theirs anyway. And we just improved our offense even more with another slugger? Does it help the starting pitching issues? No but having EE as our primary DH does open the door for Clint Frazier to be traded for a starter. Speaking of starting pitching, wasn’t Tanaka absolutely brilliant last night shutting out the Rays and completing the game? We needed that and it allowed the entire bullpen to rest for a day. We can get as many reinforcements as we can but our starters have to do their jobs and give us length. Tanaka did just that. Paxton did decently as he gets back to full strength from his IL stint and Green continues to show that he can be a formidable opener. But starting pitching, starting pitching, starting pitching. Oh did I mention that we needed starting pitching? Let’s go Cashman and especially Hal. Don’t fail us after the far better than expected start we had after all of our injuries.
Tanaka was absolutely stellar, Leo. And just when we needed him to be. I hope Haap follows suit tonight. It’ll be good to have Stanton back too.
Hi Jane and Leo – I’ve been lurking out here in the northern quadrant of the Yankee Universe, definitely paying attention but spread very thin with limited time at my computer (a one-year-old grandson who is at my home several days a week and a nine-week-old puppy really cut into grown-up activities). It was very difficult suffering through that slump that started right after the Red Sox game the Yankees should have won (all the tripe spewing forth on ESPN about how the Sox were about to turn things around did not help!) but I think they have righted the ship and look to be back on the winning course. Unlike the rest of the world, I am not excited that Stanton is back. He continues to disappoint at the plate, though I give him kudos for that crazy catch he made in the stands last night (and for not punching the stupid fan who was in the way – I wanted to!) I’d rather have consistency than occasional brilliance and that is D.J. LeMahieu. Luke Voit has been pretty clutch as well and how about Cameron Maybin? I really hope they keep that guy around even if it means giving up a bullpen guy.
All in all, pretty happy with our direction though I agree that a starting pitcher would be nice. I Sure do miss Severino but if Jordan Montgomery rejoins the team this summer that would help.
Excited about today’s afternoon game. I am at work and alone but it is not busy here on weekdays so I plan to stream the game and should be able to see most of it. It’s nice to get paid to watch the Yankees:)
Audrey! So good to hear from you. I figured you were lurking I am so with you about Stanton. I’m glad he’s back, on one hand, because I know opposing pitchers fear him and that alone makes the rest of the lineup better. But I haven’t warmed to him, can’t stand his swing – not majestic like Judge’s, more of a muscling of the ball. I’m also with you on LeMahieu – what a clutch hitter! – and Maybin. Four homers in four games plus speed? What’s not to like, even though I think he’s probably on the hot streak right now and will cool down shortly. I’d like to find a way to keep them both, but we do need a pitcher. Will be watching this afternoon. Since I live in Rays territory now, I’ve got the local TV feed.