Yankees Reset for Second Half Run
Nothing says "run and hide" for a Major League manager like a nice bullpen meltdown on the last day before the All Star break, when your star studded team, projected to win the American League East, sits 8 games behind your arch rival. Ouch. Many managers have been dismissed "during the break" for similar credentials. Aaron Boone is lucky to have the steady hand of Brian Cashman behind him, for now.
However, I think the Yankees are in for a nice surprise in the second half of the season. Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Gerrit Cole have given Boone what he expected out of his big 3. If each replicates their first halves, the Bombers will be very happy. DJ LeMahieu will hit better in the second half. He always does. Luke Voit is finally off of the Injured List. He'll get hot and carry the team for a week or two.
Then there is Gary Sanchez, the Kraken. Sanchez possesses the athletic ability and baseball skill set to be an American League MVP. He's on pace to hit almost 30 home runs and knock in 70. He could probably hit 45 and knock in 95, if he can put together the consistency that Brian Cashman has been desperately waiting for. Look for Sanchez to have an incredibly hot stretch during the playoff run.
The Yankee pitching staff has suffered major losses and yet has still kept the team's head above water. Gerrit Cole has done his job at the number one spot and then everyone else has treaded water. However, the bullpen has been solid, sans two weeks of Aroldis Chapman drama and Chad Green throwing away a sweep in Houston. Corey Kluber is expected back within a few weeks and Luis Severino may not be far behind. All good news for the Pinstripes.
The second half starts Thursday as New York hosts Boston at the Stadium. Tune into The Drive with Charlie & Dan from 3pm to 7p as we preview the rest of the season. The Yankees are a better team than they played like in the first half. I see a deep playoff run for this team. Get ready!