Yankees are doing amazing things to avoid a Wild Card

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman did an outstanding job with the team these last two seasons. However, this time around, the Yanks should avoid having to play in the Wild Card Game.

For the first time in a while, the Yankees may avoid the one round that defines all 162 games and immediately advance to the ALDS. Fans wanted general manager Brian Cashman to sign Manny Machado, and that would have come with lots of money going to just one player.

I’m glad that Cashman and Co. ended up not signing him, specifically with his poor character and negative attitude that would have most likely harmed the team’s chemistry.

Cashman ended up signing D.J. LeMahieu on a two-year, $24 million contract. At the time, many fans were not pleased with this.

The funny thing is that for $276 million less, LeMahieu is raking — much more so than Machado has in 2019. Thus far, Machado is hitting .265 with 26 home runs, 71 RBIs, and a .335 OBP — while D.J. has a .330 batting average, 21 homers, 86 RBIs and a .377 OBP.

LeMahieu has ended up being the key that the Yankees needed, with his run production and ability to play multiple positions. The team was traditionally horrible with RISP last season. This year that has changed with the additions of D.J., Gio Urshela and Mike Tauchman (who’s still considered a rookie).

The combination of these three players has driven in a total of 197 RBIs this season. The Yankees have typically relied on home runs, and while that is fun, nothing is more entertaining than watching the team drive in runs by playing small ball.

The passion of these players is apparent. They want to win at all costs. And if they keep up their current pace, will avoid the dreaded Wild Card Game and win the AL East. What a relief that would be. This season may finally be the one where the Yanks bring home their 28th Championship.

And remember, Aaron Judge is just now beginning to heat up, as in 74 games Judge is sporting a .270 average, 15 homers and 37 RBIs. His lack of clutch performances could be due to the oblique strain that still needs to improve. Once he returns to his glorious self, this Yankees team will be extremely dangerous, and a potential lock to go to the World Series.