The Yankees must put in more effort to persuade The Captain of their abilities.
The New York Yankees finished the first half with a 58-40 record. Yes, they struggled to the finish line, despite their recent series victory against the Baltimore Orioles, but they finished the half only a full game behind Baltimore for first place in the AL East.
A lot has gone wrong for the Yankees in the last month or so, but there is no disputing their potential. When healthy, they boast probably the strongest offensive tandem, with Juan Soto and Aaron Judge batting second and third every night. On paper, they have an excellent rotation, including Gerrit Cole, who, when healthy, is probably the best pitcher in the game. Even Clay Holmes, when he is correct, is extremely difficult to hit late in games.
Brian Cashman has work to do before the trade deadline, mostly to acquire a leadoff hitter and upgrade the bullpen, but with the correct moves, there’s no reason to believe this Yankees team won’t make a long postseason run.
Former Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez believes they can win the World Series over the Los Angeles Dodgers. Derek Jeter, the other former Yankee doing the FOX postgame, was less confident. His World Series pick will not please Yankees fans.
Yankees fans won’t like Derek Jeter’s World Series pick
Jeter predicts a World Series battle between the Philadelphia Phillies, whom New York upset in 2009, and the Orioles, New York’s current biggest threat in the AL East. A division rival facing a Philadelphia team. Yikes!
His logic makes a lot of sense to both teams. The Phillies’ decision came down to how well they’d played.
“As it sits now, the Philadelphia Phillies are the best team in baseball in my opinion.”
This isn’t simply Jeter’s opinion. The Phillies have the best record in baseball. They’ve maintained their high level of play despite injuries to some of their key attacking players. They’ll only get scarier when they add near the deadline.
The Orioles’ pick is more about the future.
“The Orioles minor league system is stacked, and they’re the team that’s in the best position at the trade deadline.”
The Orioles finished the first half as the AL East’s leaders, and Jeter predicts that dealing some of their best prospects will significantly improve the team. If the Orioles be bold and make trades from their loaded farm system, it will be difficult to disagree with him.
If we’re being honest, the Orioles will be favored until the Yankees improve their performance. It is on to not only the players to step up, but also Brian Cashman to make significant changes to get this team to where the fans expect it to be. If he does, Jeter is likely to change his tune. Until then, it’s up to the group he supports to show itself.
