For many years over the past 15 years or so, the New York Yankees have lived up to their other name "Bronx Bombers". They hit alot of home runs, as well as being league leaders in offense. Besides for an above average bullpen recent years the offense is really what has carried the Yankees, with at times, decent pitching. 2014 is surely different!!
During the offseason, the Yankees signed the likes of Carlos Beltran, Jacoby Ellsbury, and Brian McCann. In addition to that, we had returning players Brett Gardner, Derek Jeter, and Mark Teixeira. Everyone, including myself, thought "Wow what a great lineup!" The starting rotation, if healthy and the hype, was supposed to be average to slightly above average. It was supposed to another year of being in the top 3 of runs scored, home runs, and most other offensive categories. The only player with more 15 or more home runs is unexpectedly Brett Gardner. Even though 4/5 of their original starting rotation is out(C.C. and Ivan Nova out for season; Tanaka and Pineda working their way back), their rotation has been an unexpected, but very good, strength.
For years, people have blasted the Yankees that they were only one dimensional team with offense. Now their pitching is doing it for them, even from unknowns like Shane Greene or even Brandon McCarthy(wow!). The offense maybe 10th in the AL, but a lot of the time, including in 3 of 4 games against Detroit, its scored enough runs to win games. The pitching, mostly the bullpen, has been their strength. The starting pitching, in opinion has been underrated this season.
Shane Greene pitched 8 scoreless innings against a great Detroit offense today, Brandon McCarthy keeps winning for the Yankees, and Hiroki Kuroda has been pitching enough to keep them in games. Tanaka, until he got hurt last month, was on his way to not only winning to Rookie of the Year, but possibly winning the Cy Young award and maybe the MVP award. David Phelps, until he recently got injured, was pitching well. Some of these people maybe have been unknowns or past their primes, but they really are coming through for the Yankees.
To all those who are complaining about the offense being towards the bottom, look up at their pitching, as well as other aspects. Look at the fact that the offense is scoring just enough runs to help the win 59 games and beating 2 of 3 former Cy Young award winners and Rick Porcello. Remember that in baseball its all about pitching and the offense scoring enough runs to help win games. My predictions is that the Yankees make it to the playoffs and at least the ALDS, whether its through a 1 game playoff or as a division winner!
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