By DAN EVANS
With a little over a month to go, the New York Yankees are preparing for the 2017 season. After finishing their 2016 campaign 4th in the American League East with an 84-78 mark, many questions remain unanswered heading into the season.
The factors that remain unknown for the Yankees are whether Aaron Judge will be more consistent at the plate, whether Gary Sanchez can continue his tremendous play from last season, and whether players like Dellin Betances can provide solid pitching all throughout the year.
“Last year was a bit of a disappointment,” said college junior, Andrew Zamora. “I’m always happy with a finish above 500, but in a division as stacked as ours, you really have to separate yourself early.”
Photo: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
Young Talent
The Yankees will feature a lot of young talent this season, according to Fox Sports. Players who burst onto the scene last year with flashes of brilliance, such as Aaron Judge and slugger Gary Sanchez will be looked to to provide a spark every so often, and could potentially be three key components of the team’s success.
Sanchez made an impact almost immediately after being called up late last season. After playing in just 53 games, the catcher batted .299, touted a .657 slugging percentage, and exploded for 20 home runs. The then-rookie from the Dominican Republic also drove in 42 runs. The big question lingering in the air is whether or not Sanchez can produce the line of statistics that he did last season.
“While I expect great things out of Gary this season, I definitely don’t think he’ll be producing at the rapid rate that he was last year.” said college sophomore, John Fiorino. “It would be great if he could step right back into it without skipping a beat, but to expect a kid as young as him to put up those types of numbers all season is just unfair.”
The consistency of right fielder Aaron Judge will be a major factor in whether the Yankees will be effective offensively throughout the lineup. After a disappointing chunk of the season, cut short by injury, Judge posted just 15 hits in 84 at bats. Judge has been working on lengthening his at bats and becoming more selective, as half of his at bats (42) last season resulted in a strikeout. This stat in itself leaves fans a bit skeptical about Judge’s ability to contribute.
New Faces
The Yankees have given spring training invites to two impressive young players. Outfielder Clint Frazier, and shortstop Gleyber Torres. The two of them have had a great deal of success in the minor leagues and along the development circuit. It would be no surprise if either of them secured a roster spot by the time April rolls around.
Frazier compiled a very impressive stat line for the 2016 season, collecting 122 hits, 55 runs batted in, and 16 home runs. Torres was equally as impressive offensively in the minors during the 2016 season, as he collected 129 hits, 29 of which were doubles, and 66 runs batted in.
“I am really excited to see what the young guys can bring to the table.” said lifelong Yankee fan, Nick Cockcroft. “The major leagues is a lot faster than the minor leagues, and these guys are going to have to be on their toes at all times if they expect to get an opportunity with the big club.”
Season Outlook
If the Yankees execute well offensively and defensively this season, the majority of their games should have a positive outcome. With a refurbished bullpen and improvements to the starting rotation, there is no reason why the team should not be contenders to finish at the top of the AL East. A combination of veterans and experienced young players may prove to be the recipe of success. The Yankees will start their season on the road vs. Tampa Bay on April 2nd. The first pitch is to be thrown around 1:00.
[AUDIO: Listen to John Fiorino discuss his outlook for the 2017 Yankees ]
a good story which gives readers an outlook as to what to look forward to this upcoming season. having not followed baseball closely for a while, i feel that i now have a better understanding of the foundation the Yankees are trying to build on. also a good use of sub-heads to break up the text