The New York Yankees are carrying another disappointing postseason defeat into the 2021 off-season, where wholesale changes should be made at specific positions. The starting pitching rotation has been lackluster at times, especially with the loss of Luis Severino and James Paxton for all if not some of the 2020 campaign.
The bullpen also suffered injuries, with Tommy Kahnle going down due to Tommy John surgery. They were forced to utilize Jonathan Holder and a bevy of inexperienced arms. Their more reliable options, like Adam Ottavino and Chad Green, struggled to a degree. Yankee management understands that changes need to be made, but they were noncommittal to any major ones during Wednesday’s interviews.
[wpdiscuz-feedback id=”mq6a3jfa7v” question=”Do you think the Yankees are close to a championship? ” opened=”0″]“As much as we constantly are going to try to improve here, and there’s going to be tweaks to the roster as a result of that, I think it’s also important to note just how still close we are to being the last team standing,†Boone said Wednesday. “I understand the frustrations of the fan base, but I think if you really look at it, it’s razor thin, the difference between us and say the team that’s going to win the World Series this year.â€[/wpdiscuz-feedback]
Boone mentions slight tweaks, insisting that the current roster is more than capable of reaching the World Series and walking away victorious. While some agree, the consistent injuries to their sluggers have created a lack of confidence within the fan base.
However, it doesn’t start and end with the injuries, it comes down to inconsistent play across the board. Great teams have consistent pitching in all phases and reliable batters. The Yankees fluctuated from double-digit run games to barely making a dent on offense. That is simply unacceptable in the postseason when teams like the Rays present a much more consistent threat.
“Ultimately, we ran up against a team that was better,†Cashman said. “They proved in a marathon of 60 games that they were better. And then they proved in the sprint of the Division Series that they were better.â€
The Rays put up an admirable fight against the Yankees, overcoming them in five games. The Yankees did their best, with a much higher payroll and more star talent. The Rays, who rely on analytics and small ball walked away victorious, showing the Yankees that their system is still flawed.
Significant moves are required this off-season, as the Yankees need another premier starting pitcher and a consistent option at catcher. Management was committed to giving Gary Sanchez more time to bounce back and find his rhythm, but their responses did not suggest any major moves were coming.
Hopefully, it’s simply a tactic and they will be active during the hot stove months.