I have enjoyed watching the last few games with the kids from the Bronx. That said, the playoffs are a long shot (and should be so that hopefully there will be a house cleaning with management. So, let the fun begin for 2024
Just my opinion, but this is what I would like to see as the starting line-up for 2024. Stop thinking about velo and focus on baseball basics, getting on base, sound defense, and deep pitching. Obviously, I have a big splash or two here as these are the Yankees, but I want to see the Yankees keep this energy.
Starting Pitchers: 1) Cole (R), 3) Rodon (L), Montgomery (L), 4) Cortes (L), 5/6) Schmidt (R)/King (R)/German (R)
Relief: Closer) Hader, Set-up) Loaisiga, Left) Perala, Right) Brito, Long Relief) Loser of 6th Starter
Catcher: Trevino, Wells
First: Rizzo, LeMahieu
Second: Torres, Peraza
Third: LeMahieu, Peraza
SS: Volpe, Peraza
LF: Bellinger, Pereira
CF: Dominguez, Pereira
RF: Judge, Kiner-Falefa
DF: Pederson/Brantley, Judge
Utility/Bench: Peraza, Pereira, Kiner-Falefa, Cabera
Basically, I am looking to focus and splash money at 3B or LF, a new closer, and a #2/#3 starter. The first two will cost money; but it’s the Yankees and Judge’s window is going to close in the next 5 years or so, so go for it. Maybe they can trade Stanton (I’ve asked my Red Sox loving son if he would accept Standon and LeMahieu for Casas and he gives me the finger)? Bellinger looks to be worth the cash as he has the proven the ability to play in higher-pressure environments (Dodgers, Cubs), now hits for average (over velo) and is a left. I want a nasty, young closer and Hader fist the bill here and won’t have excessive pressure on his as the bullpen behind him still looks strong. As for a #3 starter, yes, I am still mad the Yanks traded away Montgomery and I think bringing him back as a NYC proven, consistent LHP would work well for both. Can take a waiver on an older player to fill-in on part-time DH role with Judge.
Batting Order
1) Dominguez (S)
2) Bellinger (L)
3) Judge (R)
4) Rizzo (L)
5) Torres (R)
6) Pederson/Brantley - DH
7) Trevino (R)
8) LeMahieu (R)
9) Vople (R)
This feels like a lot of power and speed-up front, which gives defenses stuff to think about should they try to pitch around them and put them on base. Judge has a lot of protection sandwiched between Bellinger and Rizzo, both of whom are Lefties. In general, there are three lefties and a switch-hitter in the line-up while on the bench there, Wells, who will see a opportunities as a Catcher, PH, and maybe even DH, is a lefty, while Cabera can hit both sides.
Thoughts?
