The Yankees are the most successful sports franchise in America. They have won a best 27 World Series. This season though, there wasn’t the same sense of confidence swirling around the Yankees as there usually is. The Yankees had a number of their stars start the season on the disable list including Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixeira, and Curtis Granderson.
So expectations this season weren’t as high as usual. Usually for the Yankees, the expectations are to win the World Series or the season is a failure. This season, people were wondering if the Yankees would just get into the playoffs. Perhaps, with lower expectations being put on the Yankees this season, it will allow them to play better and with less scrutiny. The Yankees are off to a good start with a 14-9 record. The Yankees should never be counted out, even with all the injuries and aging players they have.
The Yankees have one of the best pitchers in the game in CC Sabathia. Sabathia is a horse, who gives the Yankees so many innings to save their bullpen. Even when Sabathia isn’t having his best game, he still gives his team a chance to win the game. They also have the best closer to ever pick up a baseball in Mariano Rivera, and guess what, at 43 years old, he is still getting it done. The Yankees also have one of the best hitters in the game in Robinson Cano. Andy Pettitte is still one of the best big game pitchers of all time.
Joe Girardi is a great manager that knows how to use his players and get the most out of them. New players like Vernon Wells and Travis Hafner have stepped up big this season. Eduardo Nunez has done a good job filling in for Derek Jeter. Nunez has played superb defense and that’s all you could ask for from him. The Yankees will get their injured stars back and it will make them that much better. I have no doubt the Yankees will make the playoffs this season. They have overcome plenty of adversity ever since 1996 when their latest dynasty began. The Yankees have an aura about them and Yankee Stadium is a tough place to go play for a road team. Winning is embedded in the pinstripes. So next time you think the Yankees are done, think twice.