Yankees: Justin Verlander takes exception over AL favorites

In this, the digital age, even the most harmless tweet can spark debate. So when Astros pitcher Justin Verlander clapped back at the Yankees as AL favorites, the internet took notice.

On paper, the New York Yankees and Houston Astros return much of the same rosters that saw the two clubs lock horns in an epic seven-game American League Championship Series.

Clearly, things didn’t go the way the Yanks had hoped. And who knows, maybe if general manager Brian Cashman would have entertained the idea of trading for veteran shooter Justin Verlander instead of Sonny Gray, the Bombers would already have World Series trophy No. 28.

However, Cashman stuck to his guns, refusing to take on a soon-to-be 35-year-old starter, owed $56 million through 2019.

In the long run, Gray, 28, is the smarter move. I’m aware the argument can be made about Gray’s diminutive stature and lengthy injury report. But Verlander has tossed 2545 regular season innings over the past 13 years.

Add in another 135 frames over six postseasons, and it’s clear to see Verlander’s best days are understandably behind him.

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Kate Upton’s husband was fantastic upon his arrival from the Tigers to the ‘Stros in August of ’17. Going 5-0 with a 1.06 ERA down the stretch before a Postseason performance for the ages — 4-1, with a 2.21 ERA over 36.1 innings and two critical wins over the Yankees.

To a certain extent, Verlander and his ‘mates have earned the right of being called preseason American league favorites.

Not so fast, said Chris “Mad Dog” Russo on MLB Network’s Tuesday edition of “High Heat.”

After taking a quick look at the Yankees’ lineup, Russo exclaimed, “There’s no way you can’t think that the Yankees are the team to beat in the American League.”

Russo fully acknowledged his words probably wouldn’t sit well in Houston, before stating, “It’s World Series or bust in the Bronx.”

Enter Verlander, who jumped on Twitter with the quickness of The Flash to tweet this little diddy.

Playful sportsmanship or Alex Bregman bravado? You make the call. As I’ve acknowledged many times this long, drawn-out offseason, I’d be shocked if the Yanks and ‘Stros don’t meet up once again in October.

Sure, the Angels have made a bunch of moves for veteran-laden players, and the Red Sox and Indians are still in the mix; but no one but the Yankees traded for the reigning NL MVP, Giancarlo Stanton.

Even if Stanton doesn’t replicate his insane 2017 stat line — should he remain fully upright, and there’s no reason to believe he won’t, especially being rotated at DH — a minimum of 40 home runs from the former Marlin is expected.

The most significant acquisition the Astros made and perhaps done as a slight dig to the Yanks was acquiring right-handed starter, Gerrit Cole.

No one truly knows which Cole will show up in ’18, and I contend, he’s the same type of difference maker as Sonny Gray.

Pitching from the beginning of the season in the Bronx should pay off in spades for Gray. If I were a betting man, I’d say 15 wins is a realistic number for the former A’s ace.

Verlander and his pals in the Lonestar State can make all the funny internet quips they want. That’s the pass they get for winning their first-ever World Series title.

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However, an already potent Yankees’ lineup has gotten even more robust. And this time, there’s only so many sluggers they can pitch around.