More than Cautious Optimism
Judge had a tremendous season (.284/.422/.627 and 52 home runs) but it was just one. He needs to prove it again this year as he wouldn’t be the first player to suffer a sophomore slump. Jordan Montgomery is in the same situation as baseball history is littered with pitchers who had great debuts, and then nothing.
Conversely, Tanaka must go out and prove that last year’s performance was an aberration, and go back to being the Ace his is supposed to be. And was in the playoffs.
However, the Yankees have two pluses that combine to give them an advantage over most of the clubs on this list: Top prospects coming up this year as well as others to trade, and money to spend at the deadline.
The Dodgers have both Urias and Buelher, but their wallets are empty and no other prospects to trade. Robles for the Nationals is just starting his time at Triple-A, as is ninth-ranked RHP Forrest Whitly for the Astros. But both clubs are likely to spend at the deadline.
Mejia looks like an impact bat for the Indians, but he seems like the only upgrade coming for the Tribe. And any shopping they do in July is likely to be in the bargain basement. The Red Sox, meanwhile, look like they are out of both money and prospects, at least for this year.
Finally, the Cubbies have no prospects anywhere in MLB’s top 100 but might spend some money if they have to.
That puts the Yankees in a much more advantageous position.
Still a Bumper Crop
They have number five prospect 2B Gleyber Torres one hot hitting streak away from the lineup, followed by the potent bat of 3B Miguel Andujar, undeservedly ranked 65th. Remember that Gary Sanchez went from the 69th rated prospect in 2014 to drop out of the top 100 in 2015.
Andujar might not have that kind of bat, but he is still being slighted in the same way.
And the team has made no secret that their plan has been and still is to save $10-15 million to spend at the deadline. That could bring one or even two impact arms.
The Yankees will start the season with what looks like the best offense in baseball and then make it better. They will begin with a pitching staff that might not be as good as Boston’s but still looks to be in the top five in the AL. That could very well mean wresting the AL East from the Sox and scheduling another championship parade.
That only leaves one question: Which of these super seven is the best?