Yankees: 2020 midterm report card for NYY’s wild season

As the NY Yankees literally limp into the second half of this bizarre, abbreviated season, here is a first half report card with some thoughts on the home stretch as well.

Offense

Since Aaron Judge landed on the IL on August 12, the team’s BA and OBP have dropped precipitously, plummeting more than 40 and 30 points, respectively. Sprinkle in the missed time from DJ LeMahieu, Gleyber Torres and of course, Giancarlo Stanton and that’s some heavy artillery on the shelf. Guys like Gary Sanchez and Aaron Hicks have been taking this whole contact-less thing way too seriously, although both struck big blows during last weekend’s doubleheader palooza vs. the Mets. Sanchez has become an all or nothing hitter, his weaknesses more glaring with less lineup protection.

On the bright side, Luke Voit has been a beast, slugging .709 (second in MLB) with a 1.072 OPS (fifth in MLB). LeMahieu, who can roll out of bed and go 3-for-3, continues to be a hit machine.  And guys like Gio Urshela and Mike Tauchman always seem to come through when needed, proving 2019 was no fluke. And let’s not forget Red Thunder, Clint Frazier, and his 1.006 OPS. GRADE: C+

Down the Stretch

As guys return from the IL, the team needs to become less “all or nothing” at the plate. While moving runners over and driving up pitch counts may be a lost art in today’s world of launch angles and exit velos, with less than 30 games remaining, doing the little things to win games should be a focus.

Starting Pitching

Collectively, the Yankee starters are 12th in ERA and third in hits allowed — not so bad. The bad is 29th in innings pitched, which speaks to Aaron Boone’s quick hooks. Although Gerrit Cole has looked more like the Pirates version of late, surrendering nine ER and five HRs in his last 10 innings pitched, it’s not time to press the panic button. Like most power pitchers, he gets into his groove as the season progresses. But is there enough season this year? James Paxton continues to look like damaged goods and a return seems iffy at best. Masahiro Tanaka has been good, as has Jordan Montgomery and, recently, JA Happ.  GRADE: B

Down the Stretch

The likes of Deivi Garcia, Jonathan Loaisiga, Mike King and perhaps Clarke Schmidt should help when needed. Starting pitching should not be a weakness but can it be a strength, especially in October?

Defense

The Yankees currently are middle of the pack at 14th in fielding percentage and ninth in errors. Gio Urshela and DJ LeMahieu solidify an otherwise pedestrian (at best) infield.  While Luke Voit and Mike Ford have been pretty good, Gleyber Torres and Gary Sanchez have not been. Gleyber’s had some throwing issues since he was hit on his right elbow, and his range is not Gregorius-esque.  Sanchez continues to struggle with balls in the dirt even though his arm is plus-plus.

The outfield could be one of the best…when healthy.  Judge, Hicks, Gardner and Tauchman are all excellent defenders and Clint Frazier has been much improved this season.  Again, the running theme here is injuries with the likes of Judge and Hicks (and Stanton) proving again to be as fragile as fine china.  GRADE: B+

Down the Stretch

Defense should not be an issue for this team…other than passed balls at the worst times. While there are some soft spots, overall this is an above average defensive team.

Bullpen

One of the supposed major strengths of this team is its relief corps, which, like the offense, has been hot and cold. The pen has blown six saves (fourth-most). Losing Tommy Kahnle, who was very good in 2019, hurt, as did Aroldis Chapman being relegated to just a few appearances due to being quarantined. Zack Britton looked like the old Zack Britton until he uncorked some lawn darts vs TB on Aug. 19, then went on the IL. Now that he’s returned, hopefully we’re back to normal. Chad Green and Adam Ottavino have been inconsistent in recent weeks, while guys like Luis Cessa and Jonathan Loaisiga have been good in the middle.  GRADE: B

Down the Stretch

Yes, this season has been absurd with postponements and seven-inning doubleheaders, certainly enough to stress any bullpen. But Aaron Boone needs to think outside the metrics in terms of getting stale guys innings so they’re ready for those high leverage situations he loves to talk about. Aroldis Chapman throwing only four times since his return on Aug 17 is…absurd.

Manager

Make no mistake, Aaron Boone is a by-the-book skipper. The book in today’s baseball says that the third time through the lineup for a starting pitcher is the danger zone. However, Boone has made some questionable decisions in pulling guys like Tanaka, shutting out the Braves on Aug. 26 with only 66 pitches thrown, and Montgomery vs the Mets in the very next game (two ERs and 68 pitches).  In both instances, Chad Green came in and surrendered long balls (three to the Mets!) to blow leads.

His lineups have been all over the map, but without Judge, LeMahieu, Torres and Stanton, juggling lineup spots is excusable. GRADE: C-

Down the Stretch

Sometimes the “eye test” and common sense needs to factor into Boone’s pitching decisions. Fining or at least shaming Gary Sanchez for waving at sliders with RISP might help. Hopefully, Boone’s blind allegiance to the metrics doesn’t rear its ugly head in October and cost the team any big games.

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