The New York Yankees just completed a successful three-game sweep of the Toronto Blue Jays at a time where questions far outweighed answers regarding inconsistencies and frustrations that have plagued the ball club. The Yankees’ high energy and enthusiasm was palpable in Buffalo as a return to their well-earned reputation as an offensive juggernaut appears to be on the horizon. They demonstrated both resiliency and tenacity through come-from-behind victories, a proficiency for extra-base hits, scoring five or more runs in a ball game, and defensive wizardry that led to a triple play.
Over the eight-game road trip in which the Yankees had posted a 5-3 record, the ball club had produced 33 extra-base hits while scoring 46 runs. In six of the eight ball games, the Yankees had scored at least five runs and achieved four victories. The Yankees averaged a healthy 5.75 runs scored per game. In the previous four road trips for the Yankees, their best runs scored per game had occurred between April 22nd – April 29th in which the Yankees had posted a 5-3 record against the Cleveland Indians and Baltimore Orioles. 4.13 runs scored per game was highlighted by 25 extra-base hits while scoring 33 runs.
A major league clubhouse is a fragile ecosystem and when adversity seeps into the environment, ball players are affected in a variety of ways. Injuries and losing amid lofty expectations can quickly tear into the fibers that bind a ball club together. The Yankees are operating as a cohesive unit thanks to a strong clubhouse culture. Accountability begins with everyone taking personal responsibility while challenging each other to perform at a higher level. Right fielder Aaron Judge has become a vocal and supportive leader regarding the Yankees’ immediate need to act like the “Bronx Bombers” and raise their expectations.
The Yankees are fully aware of the multitude of reasons why they are a third-place ball club in the American League East at the outset of Father’s Day weekend. The path towards a postseason berth does not begin with a 17-21 record against division opponents with a -15 run-differential. Presently, the Yankees have 38 ball games left on their schedule against American League East competition.
In an interview with Meredith Marakovits, Senior Vice President and General Manager Brian Cashman discussed the importance of revitalizing the Yankees by tapping into the roster’s talent while also actively exploring trade possibilities. Cashman provided four general observations regarding the Yankees’ offensive woes: grounding into double plays, running into outs on the basepaths, high ground ball percentage (45.7%), and surprisingly low fly ball percentage (34.4%) for a ball club synonymous with power. These undesirable ingredients have led to a recipe for disaster which has produced a paltry 3.96 runs scored per game.
Since the beginning of June, the Yankees are seeing an improvement in offensive production from a multitude of ball players. Brett Gardner and Miguel Andujar have become everyday outfielders. Along with Gardner’s steady presence in center field, there has been a noticeable difference in his on-base plus slugging (OPS). Over 14 ball games since June 1st, Gardner has posted a 1.078 OPS and has more base on balls (9) than strikeouts (7). Andujar has started 13 ball games in left field this month while producing an .842 OPS supported by 10 runs.
Catcher Gary Sanchez has once again announced his presence with authority as an offensive weapon. He is off to an impressive start in June with a .978 OPS and eight extra-base hits over 12 ball games. In the months of April and May combined, Sanchez had accumulated nine extra-base hits over 38 ball games. His pinch-hit, two-run home run against the Blue Jays led to a Yankees’ 3-2 victory but also rekindled an interesting debate. If the Yankees’ offense is struggling and Sanchez is one of the ball club’s hottest hitters, why is he still being passed over for Kyle Higashioka when Gerrit Cole is pitching?
Do the Yankees want to tamper with the successful chemistry created between Cole and Higashioka? What is of greater significance to them going forward: Cole’s comfort or Sanchez’s offense? Manager Aaron Boone is content with the current arrangement because it provides Sanchez with a well-deserved off day. Higashioka is a top-level defensive catcher when it comes to Statcast framing statistics such as runs extra strikes (2) and strike rate (51.4%).
The Yankees need to establish reasonable short-term goals over the next 22 ball games before the All-Star break. Two key areas of interest will be runs scored per game and winning series matchups. The Yankees are 23-5 when they score five or more runs in a ball game with a +74 run-differential. They have also won 11 out of 22 series on the season but only swept three of them. In the month of May, the Yankees had won seven consecutive series matchups averaging 4.41 runs scored per game.
Success for the New York Yankees over the next three weeks begins with capitalizing on the positive momentum created by sweeping the Toronto Blue Jays. They will be playing seven ball clubs with four of them currently posting winning records. It is of this writer’s opinion the Yankees should establish three short-term goals: win at least five of the seven series heading into the All-Star break, average five runs scored per game, and get within three ball games of first place in the American League East.
