by Tim Kabel
May 14, 2022
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The Yankees entered last night’s game riding a four-game winning streak and sporting the best record in the Major Leagues. They were looking to continue their dominance last night. They had their ace, Gerrit Cole, on the mound. As I wrote recently, the Yankees need to make as much hay as they can early in the season. And they did. They racked up another lopsided win against the White Sox.
Once again, the game was not available on television, Apparently, Lent has been extended for the rest of the season and now applies to all religions. Instead of giving up meat on Fridays, we will all be giving up watching the games. On Fridays, I have to listen to the games on the radio. It’s as if I am being transported back to the halcyon days of yore. Perhaps after the game, I will listen to The Mercury Theater production of War of the Worlds or Gunsmoke with William Conrad as Marshal Matt Dillon. At least, I get to hear John Sterling sing tunes from Mame and make puns regarding John Philip Sousa. As they say, “When God closes a door, He opens a window.” (I don’t know about you but, I can’t get enough 1890’s humor.) Of course, John also lost track of the innings in the bottom of the fifth. As we all know, the bottom of the fifth has caused confusion to lots of folks over the years.
Quick Stats -
Giancarlo Stanton hit his third two-run home run and drove in eight runs over the last two games. Aaron Hicks has one home run and six RBI-for the season.
Stanton, Aaron Judge, Josh Donaldson, and Joey Gallo all hit home runs in the game.
On yesterday’s date in baseball history, in 1896, Ice Box Chamberlain pitched his last game in the Major Leagues. He won 32 games for the St. Louis Browns in 1889. He deserves to be mentioned by virtue of his nickname. I wonder if he was related to William “the Refrigerator” Perry?
On yesterday's date in Yankees' history, in 1967, Mickey Mantle hit his 500th career home run off Stu Miller, as the Yankees beat the Baltimore Orioles 6-5.
Before the game, the Yankees sent Louis Gil down, and called up Clarke Schmidt. Yes, Roger, that's a Louis and Clarke extradition.
The Yankees have gone 17-2 in their last 19, and their record is 24-8.
Big Story -
The Yankees are pushing through their schedule like a warm spoon through soft-serve ice cream. They have two more games against the White Sox and then four games against the Orioles on this trip. The Yankees need to keep their foot on the gas pedal and rack up as many wins as possible.
Player of the Games -
Josh Donaldson was 2-5 with 3 RBI.
Notable Performances -
Gerrit Cole was solid and is now 3-0 on the season. As noted, Judge, Gallo and Stanton hit home runs.
Better to Forget-
There was nothing to complain about.
My Take -
The Yankees are firing on all cylinders right now. They have won 11 in a row and 17 out of 19. This team is different than last year's team. Last year after an 11-game winning streak, they would have promptly lost 10. Last year's team did not pitch as well, play defense as well, or manufacture runs as well as this team. They are 24- 8. John Sterling calculated that if they kept up that pace, they would win 120 games, with two to play. It is highly unlikely that will happen.
This team will run into rough patches. All teams do. A key to a successful season is to ensure that the rough patches don't last too long and do not occur too frequently. Another key is to build up as much of a buffer as possible. In other words, accumulate as many wins as you possibly can, when you can. Don't take anything for granted. Don't leave anything on the table. They have won two games against the White Sox. As Giancarlo Stanton stated after the game, that's in the past. They need to focus on the future. They have to try to win the next two games against the White Sox. Will it be devastating if they split and wind up 3-1 against the White Sox? No, it will not. However, if a game is there to be won, they should do everything possible to win it. When there are wins for the taking, you need to scoop them up because you may run into a time where they are not as plentiful.
Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton are having tremendous seasons. If they remain healthy and continue to perform at this level, this could be close to a career year for both of them. It is encouraging that of late, Josh Donaldson, Gleyber Torres, and even Joey Gallo seem to be getting hot. Anthony Rizzo has been solid but, his average has slipped a bit. I would not worry about him over the long haul, The offensive weakness of the catching tandem could prove to be a concern, and I would love to see them upgrade in centerfield. However, at this point, that is nitpicking. Those are areas that can be potentially addressed later on but, they are not at a crisis point now. When you are 24-8, nothing is at a crisis point. They just need to keep pushing forward, so that when they do hit a rough patch, it will be a lot easier to get through. Right now, the Yankees are the kings of baseball. As Mel Brooks said, “It's good to be the king.”
Next Up -
Today, the Yankees continue the four-game series in Chicago against the White Sox at 7:10 PM. Chicago's Dallas Keuchel (2-3 6.68 ERA) will face Jordan Montgomery (0-1 2.90 ERA). Dallas and Montgomery? I have a sudden hankering for Southern barbecue and cornbread.
