The Yankees just completed their most critical stretch of the season; ten games against the Orioles and Rays. They emerged one game up on the O's in the AL East race with 22 games to play. Here's what we've learned:
1. This race will be decided the final week of the season.
At this time, no one will be surprised if the Rays win the division, the Orioles win, or the Yankees win. Neither team really distinguished themselves in these last ten games, and the Yankees certainly did not impress. However, they showed resiliency when they needed to against Baltimore, and if not for getting hosed by Jerry Meals on Saturday night, may very well have a two game lead. It's going to be an exciting final three weeks. Stay tuned.
2. CC Sabathia MUST step up.
Since emerging from his second stint on the disabled list, CC Sabathia has not pitched like an ace. His team staked him out to leads in both Tampa and Baltimore, and he couldn't hold either of them, leading to Yankee losses. Now there are concerns about his health and velocity, as his fastball is down to 92-93 MPH. CC insists it isn't a big deal, but try reassuring the fans and the media. CC Sabathia needs to be the Yankee ACE, not #3 starter.
3. Phil Hughes is the key to the Yankees' success or failure.
You can take Hiroki Kuroda as a given in the Yankee rotation, and even CC despite his recent mediocrity. But whom else do you trust outside of those two? Andy Pettitte will come back soon, but will he be Andy Pettitte? Ivan Nova is back, but will he be the Nova of the first half or his awful second half? Forget Freddy Garcia, and David Phelps is not ready for the limelight. Therefore, Phil Hughes is the X factor. He leads the team with 14 wins, but has allowed the most home runs in baseball. He will need to pitch like the ace he was hyped to be down the stretch if the Yankees want to play in October. Is he capable? Absolutely. He just needs to keep the ball in the ballpark.
4. Some of the bats are starting to come around, especially A-Rod. But they need everyone to get going, not half the lineup.
You look up, Curtis Granderson strikes out. Nick Swisher just struck out again. Andruw Jones just struck out for the millionth time this season. Robbie Cano just rolled over on a ground ball. The team just stranded another runner in scoring position. But some bats showed signs of life the last few games. A-Rod has looked good since coming back from his broken hand. Russell Martin, yes, Martin has produced some big hits recently. Even Granderson looks like he is coming around. But it will take the effort of all nine guys in the lineup every day, not just two or three. Can anyone remember a season in which every single Yankee bat struggled for a long period of time? Overall, in the month of September, the Yankees' team batting average is below .150.
5. They will miss Mark Teixeira's bat, but they cannot afford another injury.
The Yankees can still make the playoffs despite the loss of their first baseman again due to a calf injury. However, with their luck with injuries this year, it's possible that another key member of the Yankees lineup falls victim to the injury bug. If that happens, forget October baseball. With enough hitters struggling as it is, losing a top power hitter puts more pressure on the remainder of the lineup. Right now, it seems as if A-Rod, Cano, Jeter, and Swisher MUST hit .400 for this team to have a chance. Given the state of the pitching, it may be absolutely necessary. We'll see.
The Yankees are in their first real pennant race since 2005. Enjoy the last three weeks.
And now, the five things we learned from Week 1 of the NFL Season:
1. The 49ers may be the new team to beat in the NFC.
The Niners went into Lambeau Field and proved that last year was no fluke. Alex Smith and the offense looked more like his counterpart, Aaron Rodgers and his offense. They exposed every flaw in the Packers secondary, the same flaws that cost them a Super Bowl last season. San Francisco has the best defense in the NFL, and if they can beat the elite teams in the league on the road like that, we may see them in New Orleans in February.
2. RGIII is for real.
In my NFL preview post last week, I all but guaranteed Andrew Luck would lead the Colts to the playoffs and be the best rookie quarterback maybe ever. Well, Luck looked like a rookie in Chicago Sunday, and the man picked after him, Robert Griffin III, marched his Redskins into the Superdome and took it to Drew Brees and the bountygate-stung Saints. He looked like the future superstar quarterback, posting 320 yards passing with two TD passes. More importantly, he was efficient and poised. It seems the Redskins have finally found their franchise QB.
3. Peyton is still Peyton.
Watching Peyton Manning shred apart the vaunted Pittsburgh Steelers defense Sunday night, you would never have known he missed last season with four neck surgeries. At 35, he is still one of the top four QBs in the league, and he emerged from this game healthy. Manning threw for 253 yards and two TDs, and did not turn the ball over. The Broncos better hope he stays that way, though.
4. Mark Sanchez is a man on a mission.
Once again, I've been had. I said last week that the Jets only scoring one TD in the preseason was a big deal. Point taken, crow eaten. Mark Sanchez may have had his best game as pro Sunday, considering the divine backup is breathing down his neck. Along with the media, fans, and even God himself. Sanchez played angry Sunday against Buffalo, and I mean angry. 266, 3 TDs, only one INT. But more importantly, the fickle fans were cheering go him and not chanting Tebow's name. It's only one game, but if Sanchez keeps this up, the Jets may be better than we all think.
5. The second most important position after quarterback in the NFL is the long snapper.
Just ask the Oakland Raiders. Have you ever heard of a game being blown by a backup long snapper? You have now. Travis Goethal is the goat of week one, botching three punts filling in for injured long snapper Jon Condo. To be fair, one snap was good, but a blocked punt resulted as punter Shane Lechler pinched in a few yards closer. The moral of the story is, have your backup long snappers practice long snaps!
The weekly overreaction Super Bowl pick: Dallas Cowboys vs New York Jets. If you follow social media, fans of both teams are already planning the parade routes after one impressive win on opening week.
Top 5
1. New England
2. San Francisco
3. Baltimore
4. Houston
5. Green Bay
Bottom 5
28. Minnesota
29. Miami
30. St. Louis
31. Jacksonville
32. Cleveland
No comments:
Post a Comment