Yankee Players Poised for a Breakout Season in 2018

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Greg Bird

After an injury plagued 2017, Bird will be looking to redeem himself this year by not only staying healthy but putting up the type of numbers the Yankees have expected from him since his call up in 2016. If no hinderances occur, The Birdman could be just the hitter the club needs to anchor its already potent lineup. 

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Gary Sanchez

No other catcher in baseball hit more homers (33) than Sanchez last season, and fact that he did that while missing the first month makes it even more impressive. He did however struggle mightily in the playoffs both offensively and defensively which should serve as a great motivator for Sanchez to spring himself into the upper echelon of backstops in the MLB.

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Miguel Andujar

Andujar is perhaps the biggest surprise in spring training thus far. The 23-year-old is hitting a scorching .429 in 5 spring games while belting 4 homers to boot. If he continues his red-hot play, He could land himself a spot on the 25-man roster come and possibly the starting third base job come Opening Day. 

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Gleyber Torres

The Yankees hold Torres in high regard due to his overall talent as a hitter and infield defender. Since acquiring him from the Chicago Cubs in 2016, the team has looked to ready him for a big role in the team’s future. He was unfortunately set back after a he tore his UCL sliding into home plate in a Triple-A game last June. Now healthy, Torres will seek to pick up where he left off and climb his way in to the pinstripes in 2018

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Aaron Judge

What couldn’t say about the season Aaron Judge put together last year (52 HR 114 RBI). He took home Rookie of the Year honors and finished second in the AL MVP voting. Still, many felt that he could have accomplished even more had he not struggled in the second half of the year. Alongside newly acquired slugger Giancarlo Stanton, Judge could be hovering over a monster 2018 campaign that will add to his status as the premiere power hitter in all of baseball

The Future is Now: 5 Potential Quarterbacks the Giants Could Take in the 2018 Draft

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Josh Rosen, UCLA - 3756 Yards 26 TD 10 INT

He's probably the best QB in draft having the skills set and intelligence scouts like to see in a young prospect. It also helps the Giants cause that he has stated that he doesn’t want to be picked by the Cleveland Browns (understandably so given their recent history). Some question his leadership and overall desire, but you cannot deny that he has put up big numbers in key games. If he's willing to learn behind Manning for a year or two, the Giants could potentially grab a franchise player that will be a mainstay for many years.

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Sam Darnold, USC - 4143 Yards 26 TD 13 INT

Now that he's declared for the draft, Darnold will need to prove that he is the real deal after struggling in the Cotton Bowl against Ohio State. However, he has enough talent to handle NFL offenses and could give the Giants a steady arm they could rely on. If he goes to the Scouting Combine (which he should) it will give new GM Dave Gettleman and the scouts a better chance to evaluate his abilities thoroughly before deciding to pull the trigger in on him in late April.

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Lamar Jackson, Louisville - 3660 Yards 27 TD 10 INT, 1601 Rush Yds 18 Rush TD

Jackson in the most prolific QB prospect of the bunch with his dual abilities as a passer and runner. His presence would be a major shakeup in the offensive schemes as the Giants would be able to utilize him in a variety of ways. Yet, he would require an overhaul of the offensive line which right now is not built for a QB like him. Also, his accuracy still needs work as some of the wild plays he made in college would be deem too reckless in the pro's. However, If the team wants to get a super dynamic player to take over for Manning...Jackson more than fits the bill.

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Josh Allen, Wyoming - 1812 yards 16 TD 6 INT

He has the size (6'5'' 240 lbs) and arm strength of an ideal NFL QB and some scouts have even compared him to a young Ben Roethlisberger. Nonetheless, Allen needs work on his throwing accuracy and arm durability as he threw the ball just 270 times this past season. It would be tough to take Allen at number 2 given the other names out there, but if he impresses the Giants enough to warrant a selection, don't be surprised if the decide to trade down to get him.

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Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma - 4627 Yards 43 TD 6 INT

Mayfield is the definition of "gamer",  stepping up his play in big games and key situations. 2017 The Heisman Trophy winner brings all the tools NFL teams salivate over, including the New York Giants. In contrast to Manning, Mayfield would fiery energy to the field that could rub the team the wrong way as he's gotten himself into a fair share of on field controversies while at Oklahoma. Despite that, he has shown everyone that he's capable of being a franchise player that the Giants could count on leading the team into the future. 

New York Knicks: 3 Areas of Note Thus Far

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The Garden is a Home Court Advantage Again

For the first time in what seems like forever, the Knicks are playing great basketball at Madison Square Garden. They currently sport a 15-7 record and are scoring 106.5 (12th in the league) point per game to go along with a 111.7 offensive efficiency (11th in the league). This is a nice change of pace for a unit that has struggled to claim any remote advantage over visitors for the better part of 15 years. 

Road Warriors...I Think Not

Unlike their stellar play at home the Knicks have been dismal on the road, averaging just 98.8 points per game and allowing 108.3 (a near 10-point differential), a stark contrast to everything they've accomplished in in the Garden, the team is allowing opponents to shoot 50.1% from the floor, which certainly isn't helping their cause. In contrast, the team is shooting just 44.8% leading to far too many games where the club falls behind big early and is forced to play catch up, which usually doesn't bode well for a road team in any sport. Unfortunately, the Knicks find themselves amid a stretch where they'll be playing 11 of their next 14 games away from home which could prove to be their undoing if this trend continues.

KP Rises, Then Flattens Out

Kristaps Porzingis started the season as the toast of the league, putting up gaudy numbers (25.8 ppg) in his first 19 games. However, teams have changed their game plan against him, using physical defense and double teams leading to a drop in his shooting numbers (40% since 12/3) while injuries have started to bog him down. It hasn't helped that he's been playing without the help of currently Tim Hardaway Jr. whom took a lot of the pressure off Porzingis before going down with a lower leg injury in mid-December. Hopefully, Kristaps can return to his early season form, or perhaps the Knicks could consider get more scoring help on the front lines to ease the pressure on the 22-year old big man. Either way, he is still essential to the team's success from here on out.

Giants: What Happens Now?

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On Tuesday, the New York Giants made the shocking decision to bench Eli Manning amidst the teams tumultuous 2-9 season, ending his streak of 210 consecutive games started. The move has signaled that the once proud franchise has fallen into a place of disfunction that was thought to be unprecedented just a few seasons ago. This unfortunate turn of events leaves one question to be asked. What happens now?

New Quarterback?

Geno Smith may be getting the nod in Oakland, everyone knows he's just a fill in as the Giants will want to get a look at 3rd round pick Davis Webb. Ultimately, the team will look for a top tier quarterback in the college ranks to eventually become the franchises signal caler of the future.

The End of Ben McAdoo?

It appears that after just two seasons, the team has lost all faith in McAdoo. Fans and players have criticized his coaching style and questioned his ability to lead. Knowing that he had a hand in sitting Manning won't help his cause as the organization will most likely make him one of the casualties come January.

Jerry Reese Finished in New York?

Jerry Reese has been a part of the Giants organization since 1994, which may make it hard for the team to let him go. However, his recent track record of poor draft picks and free agent signings simply cannot be ignored. He’s played a big part in most of the shortcomings (the offensive line most notably) that made Eli's job far more difficult than it had to be. He likely sealed his fate in an October weekly address when he took the blame for Big Blues poor record, a sentiment many have felt was long overdue.

Manning Retiring?

It is entirely possible that Eli Manning may decide to call it a career at season's end. He's accomplished quite a bit for a quarterback that was once looked at as mediocre by critics and scouts. He currently sits in the top 10 all time in passing yards, touchdowns, and completions. Not to mention he has two Super Bowl MVP awards. Yet, there are going to be murmuring that Manning should look to play at least one more year with perhaps another team. It would be a huge sting for Big Blue to see their franchise player don another uniform, but in the end that decision will be left to

4 Potential Candidates To Replace Girardi

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After 10 seasons, the Yankees have decided to end the Joe Girardi era in favor of finding a new voice in the changing clubhouse. It will be no easy task finding a good fit for a team that had surprising success in 2017. However, Yankees GM Brian Cashman has assured that he will do all that he can to nab the most qualified candidate. With that said, here are 4 potential contenders for the open slot that Yankees could consider.

Tony Pena

Pena has been with the Yankees since 2006 and is well liked and respected by nearly everyone on the team. Having already established a relationship with the roster, it wouldn't be nearly as hard of a transition for him or the players. If the Yankees want to keep the consistency in the clubhouse Tony Pena is the right guy for the job.

Rob Thomson

Like Pena, Thomson also has an extended tenure with the team, having been with them since 2008. His aggressive, button pushing coaching style might need to be reined in a bit should he be chosen, but the players have come to enjoy it over the years, and that does speak volumes in a baseball setting. The one big thing holding him back is his lack of experience in handling an entire team, which is a big step for a guy who spent six seasons as a third base coach (Although he did manage the team twice in 2008 and was the bench coach for the past two seasons)

Brad Ausmus

Don't be surprised if the Yankees decide to look in the outer market for a manager. With plenty of names to choose from the one name that comes to mind is Brad Ausmus. He's a former Yankees prospect that was lost to the Colorado Rockies in the 92-expansion draft. Ausmus spent three years as the Tigers manager before being let go this past season and like Girardi and Pena, was a former major league catcher from 1993-2010. Should the Yankees decide to look elsewhere for a skipper, Ausmus could be a top contender.

Al Pedrique

Pedrique has spent the past 3 seasons in the Yankees organization managing Class A Tampa and AAA Scranton Wilkes-Barre. He not only helped the RailRiders win the 2016 AAA championship, he has also named International League manager of the year the last two seasons. With so many young players coming up to the majors, Pedrique has also had the task of handling nearly all the Yankees top prospects, which means he has an already established relationship with players like Gary Sanchez, Aaron Judge and even Clint Frazier, something that certainly shouldn’t be ignored. If Brian Cashman does look in house for a candidate, his name just may be at the top of the list.

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.

5 Glaring Weaknesses the Giants Must Address

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Running Game

Gone are the days when the running game was the Giants greatest strength. Now there's just absolute uncertainty and angst every time the ball is handed off. It's a known fact that the league has become far more pass oriented over than in years past, but there still is a place for a strong running attack to thrive. If this team cannot find some way to ramp up the yards on the ground, things won't be looking up anytime soon.

Receiver Balance

After the drudgery that was Week 1 and 2, it's apparent that the offense faces quite a substantial dilemma. The receiving core is struggling to find harmony with Eli Manning as they can barely get a decent play off without problems (The offensive line is the biggest culprit of this, but we'll get to them later). There needs to be an emphasis on spreading the ball around to showcase the abilities of the pass catchers, but that will require some definition of just what the actual strategy is.

Defensive Fatigue

The one good thing that was taken from the first week is the success the defense could have at times. Unfortunately, when the offense can do nothing, the defense is at risk of wilting from being on the field too long game after game. There is far too much talent on that side of the ball and the Giants simply can't allow it to break down, especially when it was such an integral part of their success last season.

Coaching

Ben McAdoo has had a rough start to his coaching tenure. His billing as an offensive guru has looked like a farce thus far, especially given the ineptitude the team has shown on one too many possessions. In Addition, some of the bizarre play calling during games has left many wondering if he's in over his head. Even worse, he doesn’t place any blame on players nor himself for any shortcomings, even when it’s deserved. Should Coach McAdoo keep this up, the Giants may be forced to move on from him a lot earlier than expected

Offensive Line

This is by far the biggest weakness of the Giants due to a severe lack of capable talent. The likes of Bobby Hart, John Jerry, and especially Ereck Flowers have been heavily criticized for their poor technique and lack of football IQ in both pass protection and run blocking. Unfortunately, the team has chosen for whichever reason to ignore the weakness of the line in favor of other endeavors. This has put undue stress on and aging Eli Manning whom is struggling to remotely function in any play call. Drastic changes are needed, and it's up to Jerry Reese and McAdoo to make it happen, otherwise this season's offense look like last years...only much, much worse.

Yankees 2017: Who's Hot, Who's Not 2

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\Who's Hot

Gary Sanchez

August has been very nice to Sanchez thus far as he's hitting .333 through 15 games. If he is rounding into the form he had when he broke in last season, the rest of the American League should look out. 

Dellin Betances

After a few hiccups in July, Betances is once again pitching strong. He has yet to surrender a run this month and has successfully closed out two games. The Yankees are really going to need him to keep it up for the stretch run if they are going to make a push for the playoffs and the division.

Didi Gregorius

No Yankee bat is hotter than Didi's as he is swinging a scorching .359 with 23 hits in August. This season has been a revelation for the 27-year-old shortstop and should his good fortunes continue, he and the club will reap the benefits.

Luis Severino

Despite a rough outing against the Red Sox last week, Severino has proven the be the ace of the staff. He's has very impressive starts over the past two months and probably should have more wins to his record. Once a bit of an enigma, the Yankees look to have found something in the 23-year-old flamethrower.

Who's Not

Aroldis Chapman

It's been a frustrating month for the Yankee closer. His ERA is 10.38 and his command has abandoned him. Many fans are clamoring for Betances and Robertson to split the closer duties until Chapman is right, but Girardi is holding fast with position to keep him in the spot. How that will fare is anyone's guess.

Todd Frazier

Since being acquired in mid-July, Todd Frazier hasn't put together a strong showing at the plate hitting just .207 in 27 games. The Yankees have gotten by unscathed by his struggles, but you would like to see the veteran third baseman pick thigs up and make a healthy contribution through September.

Aaron Judge

Judge in a fall from grace period right now, posting a .189 average in August with league high 27 strikeouts. He also set a less than stellar mark as he has struck out in 34 consecutive games. Many had high hopes that he would be leading the MVP race at this point, but the league has adjusted to him and it will take an adjustment of his own if he wants to return to the form that took the league by storm before the All-Star break.