In Good Times and Bad
Even when they have failed to win the ultimate prize, the Yankees have hit home runs deep into the psyche of the sport itself; Aaron Boone and Mr. November stand as a testament to that.
But this year, the fans want it all.
They want the wins and the high-fives, and to see the Series back where it belongs; to see it where it shines the brightest, on Bronck’s old farm. And they might get it. It was no less than Dellin Betances who said as much to Pete Caldera of NJ.com on the first day of Spring Training.
"“If we don’t win (in 2018), I think it’s not a great year for us. It’s probably the first season I’ve ever come in with those expectations.’’"
Likewise, Brian Cashman made for him a very bold statement when he spoke to one of the Deans of Yankees sports writing, Bryan Hoch at MLB.com.
"Out of respect for what the Astros, Indians and Red Sox accomplished last season, Brian Cashman refuses to classify his Yankees as World Series favorites, but the general manager is making his objective clear for the upcoming season. “I need another ring,” Cashman said. “I’ve got rings, but there’s other guys in there that don’t have rings. Some have rings somewhere else. They want a Yankee ring. I think having a ring with the ‘NY’ on it means more than any of the other ones out there, in my opinion.”"
Amen to That, Brother
That attitude, as well as the team’s success both on and off the field last year, has put a bull’s eye on the Yankees back. And the players are all buying in.
David Schoenfield over at ESPN made that clear.
"The Stanton trade — remember, he blocked deals to the Giants and Cardinals — helped reaffirm the whole “Evil Empire” status of the Yankees. The Yankees are ready to embrace that role again. “We have to,” CC Sabathia said. “Last year was last year. I don’t think we’re going to get any free passes like we did last year. This is our reality. We have to embrace who we and what we are, and that’s the Yankees and whatever comes with that.”"
That same outlook and attitude is shared by the fans.
And while they all have the same number one goal—to be the last team standing—their delicious expectations are sweetened by the prospect of the Yankees put an absolute beat down on the rest of the American League. That’s how Ruth and Gehrig would have done it.
Making it to the seventh game of the ALCS in what was supposed to be a rebuilding year was a body blow to the baseball world; adding the National League MVP and home run king was a punch to its face.
Immediately and throughout the offseason, the pairing of the two most prominent men and biggest hitters in baseball began to spread fear to the other teams.
From Baltimore and Boston to Tampa Bay and Toronto, AL East opponents seem fully aware of what kind of offense might explode in their parks.
And now they’re scared…and they should be.