Yankees: 4 Keys to Success in the ALCS

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Starting Pitching

The Yankees found some consistency in their starters in the division series from Sabathia, Severino, and Tanaka. With pitchers like Dallas Keuchel, Justin Verlander, and Lance McCullers opposing them, it will be imperative to get as many quality innings as possible if they want to come out victorious against the favored Astros.

Bullpen

The bullpen has been outstanding thus far and could be the difference maker in this best of seven series. If Girardi can push the right buttons at the right time, the Yankees stand a great chance to pull off another seemingly impossible feat. However, things could get potentially disastrous if certain arms are overused, so mixing it up should serve them well as they have five excellent arms at their disposal.

Didi Gregorious

Gregorious has been one of, if not the most important hitter in the Yankee lineup all season. His heroics helped lift the Yankees through both the Wild Card game and the Division Series and will be needed against Houston. If he can continue to deliver in the clutch, it will go a long way in determining what happens throughout the series. 

Aaron Judge

Things did not go well for Judge against Cleveland as he struck out sixteen times in five games due to poor plate discipline (and a rather unfair strike zone for a guy his height). That must change here as he the Astros will certainly look to expose him in key situations. If he can get back into form and contribute to the offense, he could be the catalyst that helps propel the Bronx Bombers to the World Series.

Assessing the Yankees - Week 7

  

Things have gone from bad to worse as the Yankees went 0-5 this week and have dropped 10 of their last 11 contests.  The team has done a complete 180 and don't seem to have any answers to the tumultuous display of baseball they are showcasing.

The Good - Slade Heathcott road to the majors was a bit unconventional, but nevertheless it is something to smile about.  After numerous injuries he found himself designated for assignment and without a job before being re-signed by the Yankees in late 2014. The former first round pick soldiered through spring training and earned an opportunity for a call up once Ellsbury went down. He also got a hit in his first at bat, not a bad comeback if you ask me.

- It was great to see the Yankees honor Bernie Williams with a plaque in historic Monument Park. He helped shape the core that drove the Yankees dynasty in the late 90's and did it with class and professionalism.  His graceful fielding and almost effortless swing will forever be remembered by those whom had the pleasure of watching him do it for 16 years. 

The Bad - Didi Gregorious put on another poor display in the field this weekend setting disastrous innings into motion with horribly "heady" plays.  There is no excuse for a young player of his caliber to be making so many miscues this often.  I, like many others was willing to give him a pass after the first week of defensive troubles, chalking it up to pinstripe jitters.  However, he's had enough time to get used to the position and find some level of comfort, but that clearly is not the case. To think, so many rated Derek Jeter as the worst shortstop in the game (I'm looking at you sabermetricians) yet there was never a time where he out thought himself in the field.  If things don't shape up soon for the 25 year old, he may find himself riding the bench or worse, looking for a new club.

- Jacoby Ellsbury's injury is a huge blow to the lineup as he sported the best average on the team (.324).  This is very bad news for Brett Gardner, whom combined with Jacoby electrified the top of the order and put loads of pressure on opposing defenses.

- Beltran is slowly becoming a liability in the outfield for the Yankees.  His bad knees and lost range is creating an unnecessary dilemma that is hurting team in more ways than one.  This was never more apparent than watching him pull up on a playable foul ball in Washington, a play which ended up costing the Yankees the lead and the game.  He hasn't exactly been the most contributing member of the team since signing and begs the question, what was the front office thinking giving $15 million a year to a 37 year old baseball player whose best days are certainly behind him.