Whenever the topic of the Yankees season outlook comes up, too often I hear so much doubt and pessimism. Granted, I love the Yankees and would root for them regardless of who was playing, but I do not see why fans shouldn't go into a season with unbridled hope. Why should they restrain themselves from predicting World Series Championships? What is the point of being a fan if you cannot for one day say "My team is better than yours!". As we approach opening day on Monday, all teams (excluding the Dodgers and Diamondbacks), have the same record and same opportunity to win it all. Last year's Red Sox proved that preseason predictions mean nothing. As a Yankee fan, indulge yourself. Feel free to proclaim AL East winners and talk trash to other teams. Here are a few reasons why.
I have mentioned it before; two words: Brian McCann. No matter what people say about the infield or bullpen, simply remind them that the Yankees will be starting a major league caliber catcher who has some All-Star selections and can actually hit. Do we need him to be a superstar? No. All he has to do is play better than Chris (where is he now?) Stewart.
Ichiro Suzuki is our 5th outfielder, not our 3rd. The depth chart is set with Beltran and most likely Soriano in front of Suzuki. Every opponent likes to throw out the "old" word and drag Suzuki's name into the conversation. Politely remind them he is simply here due to contract and only responsible for spot starts, defense, and all things Japanese.
Bullpen issues? Do you remember Preston Claiborne? He was just sent to AAA. Someone who was an integral part of the bullpen last season regressed so much that he had to be sent down. Now, this is a negative, until you remember no one was really familiar with Claiborne last year before he put up good numbers. With Betances looking to make the big league club, Phelps in the long man, and Warren adding depth, I see no problems that Girardi "master of the bullpen" can't handle. Every year he constructs a working pen and tends to match them up correctly. Yes, it may take a month to work everything out, but come October, when bullpens matter most, the Yankees will be ready.
And the last talking point for Yankees fans to bolster unbridled hope: the starting rotation. When you pay $155 million for a 4th starter and a former top prospect is your 5th, you know management has got to feel confident in the rotation. Let that confidence trickle down to us lay people. Drink the Kool-Aid if you will, you won't regret it.
Once Girardi settles all the positions and bullpen, I will publish a season preview. Baseball is back!
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