Yankees: Three things they must do to win the World Series

Now that the season has concluded it is time to turn our attention to the MLB postseason. In order to win in the playoffs and their 28^th World Series, the Yankees must improve in three important facets of the game.

The Yankees had a terrific year. Multiple players stepped up and contributed significantly to the club’s success. However, if the team is going to get through the first three rounds and win the World Series, they must improve its play in three vital areas.

Cut down on the strikeouts

Four major league players can dramatically improve the chances of the Yanks making it to the World Series by striking out fewer times. Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Gary Sanchez, and Gleyber Torres struck out too many times over the course of the season. Judge struck out every 3.28 plate appearances, Stanton every 3.34 plate appearances, Sanchez every 3.99 plate appearances, and Torres every 4.03 plate appearances.

These players need to be more patient at the plate and avoid chasing pitches outside the strike zone. They’ve also been easily fooled by breaking balls off the plate at the time, especially Sanchez, Stanton, and Torres.

While the team was able to absorb a lot of strikeouts over the long haul in 2018 due to its record-setting home run and run production totals, the negative effects of strikeouts during a short playoff series are magnified and undermine a team’s ability to win games and advance. Fewer games played during a playoff series substantially increase the importance of each plate appearance during a playoff series.

Minimize errors and play solid, fundamental defense

The Yanks were a slightly below average fielding team this season. Houston made the least number of errors this year, 63, among the 30 teams in MLB. The Yanks, in contrast, made 94 errors. The American League average for total errors was about 87.

A particular problem for the Yanks, as I have noted before, is passed balls. The Yanks as a whole allowed 25 passed balls in 2018, 18 of which were allowed by Gary Sanchez (in only 77 games). Clearly, Sanchez will have to play much better behind the plate during the playoffs if the Yanks are going to make it to the World Series.

Errors and passed balls are killers during the playoffs and World Series. Teams have won and lost, despite hitting well and pitching well, because they had poor defense and made errors during crucial times in October. Errors and passed balls can have a lasting negative effect on the psychology and level of confidence for players.

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For example, Boston Red Sox fans will never forget Bill Buckner’s ground ball fielding error in the tenth inning that ended Game 6 of the 1986 World Series against the New York Mets. The ball went through Buckner’s legs, epitomizing the “Curse of the Bambino” for Red Sox fans. The Mets went on to win an exciting Game 7 and their second World Series as a consequence.

Consistent, quality starting pitching

Arguably the weakest part of the Yanks is their starting pitching. It has been solid for the most part, but also very inconsistent at times throughout the season. Luis Severino’s up and down performance is a prime example.

The starting pitchers for the Yanks must reach deep down and bring their A-game each time they take the mound. They need to be well prepared and focused on executing every pitch. If they can consistently pitch deep into games, this will help the Yankees keep their excellent bullpen core fresh and ready to go at all times.

The Yanks have enough quality starting pitchers to go deep into the playoffs, reach the World Series, and become Champions again. If they can perform consistently throughout the postseason, there’s a good chance they will triumph again.

Because the Yanks are such a young team fans don’t know what to expect. On the one hand, the team is so good that few fans will be surprised if they end up winning it all. On the other hand, the starting pitching has been shaky, and it could prove to be the club’s Achilles heel.

If the latter is true, then it might be “one and done” on Wednesday when the Yanks play the Oakland Athletics. However, if everything comes together for the team, the Yanks have as good a chance as anyone to go all the way and earn their 28^th World Series Championship.