April 2, 2024
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This week we asked our writers to respond to the following:
What is the best indication that you have seen, so far, that makes you believe that this Yankees team is for real? (You can only list one thing.)
Here are their responses:
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James Vlietstra - A repeating sound bite from the commentators, specifically Paul O’Neill, who was there, is that, similar to when Wade Boggs arrived in 1993, the other younger players, especially Latin players, are watching Juan Soto and his approach at the plate. He is very patient with an excellent eye.
The mid 90s Yankees were known for taking pitches, drawing walks, and knocking the starter out of the game early and winning with their dominant bullpen.
Perhaps they are finally getting back to what worked. If you continue to see them taking pitches and drawing walks, the runs are going to keep scoring.
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Lincoln Mitchell - The thing that gave me the most confidence in the Yankees this weekend was that the lineup seems longer. I was concerned about this in the off-season, but Soto, Verdugo, Wells and a hot start from Cabrera and Volpe make a big difference. I don’t expect Cabrera and Soto to hit this way all season, but not having any easy outs in the lineup is very important.
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Derek McAdam - While we’re only a few games in, Juan Soto’s presence in the lineup is going to only continue to improve the rest of the team. Soto isn’t going to hit like he did in Houston for the rest of the season, but once players like Gleyber Torres and Aaron Judge get going, they should be able to take some of that weight off Soto’s shoulders.
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Mike Whiteman - The grit that the Yankees showed against Houston is something that looks and feels very different from 2023, and is something that I think we'll see throughout the season.
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Tim Kabel - So far, the best indicator of this Yankees’ team is for real is the fact that, unlike in past years, they are in every game. They come back and they don’t give up. The competitive spirit of the team in the individual players is stronger than in the past.
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Paul Semendinger - The Yankees are playing smart, heads-up, fundamental baseball. It has been so fun to see them taking pitches, hitting singles and doubles as their focus, playing solid defense, and running the bases well. This is fun!!!
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Ethan Semendinger - Working long counts. Last night was a supreme example of this, as they had the Diamondbacks starter throw 76 pitches in just 2 and 2/3rds innings. By battling with every single hitter, they were able to quickly get to the bullpen and have the D-Backs use 4 relievers. That carries over to more tired arms today and a greater need for their starter to be great. It adds stress. It makes things just a bit harder and a bit more to think about for the other team.
