The month of August was extremely kind to the New York Yankees, who resurrected their season over the 31-day span.
Common literary logic is being put to the test here.
August 1 proved to be the turning in point in the 2016 New York Yankees season. Now, they are about to reach the climax of their season.
Soon thereafter, the falling action will display what they can truly make of the campaign. Finally, the resolution will provide closure.
SEE ALSO: Trading Ben Gamel Was A Great Move
When the Yanks traded away multiple key assets at the trade deadline, the general misconception was that they had thrown the towel in; they were, “Waving the white flag.”
All those moves did, though, was provide the Bombers with flexibility, energy, a nothing-to-lose mentality, and ultimately a brilliant month of August. A month which saw the Yankees go from so-called “sellers” to the most optimistic franchise in baseball. A month which paid witness to a transformation from mediocre pretenders to legitimate contenders.
17-11 was the formidable record over the span, helping them leap over two imperative teams in the wild card chase and move to within 2.5 games of a playoff spot. Simply put, the feat is not looking so unfathomable anymore.
Joe Girardi’s team lost one series the entire month, thriving in an aspect that needs to be executed from this point forward — series wins. They took three-game sets from the likes of the Indians, Red Sox, Mariners, Orioles, and Royals, all potent playoff caliber teams.
August was a thing of beauty.
So, without further adieu, let’s take a look at the team grades and award winners from a 31-day time period that begs for these prizes.
Next: Pitching Grade
Pitching
Grade: B
Overall, the team collectively pitched to a 4.27 ERA for the month. Stacking that up against the rest of the league, it places New York right smack in the middle of the pack (15th).
However, what defined the Yanks was their revitalized starting pitching, which took some of the burden away from the offense. In the second half of the month, Yankee starters pitched to 3.31 ERA over 12 starts, good enough for third-best earned run average in major league baseball.
Over that same time frame, their bullpen pitched to a 2.95 ERA. The production took some time to come around, but once the team found an identity, the staff found a groove and began to thrive.
A starting rotation consisting of so many question marks will continue to be the determining factor of the Yankees’ postseason hopes. It will be essential for September to see similar output.
Next: Lineup Grade
Lineup
Grade: A
There is not much you can possibly complain about with the offense right now. For a team that struggled to scratch across a few runs for the majority of the season, the notable subtractions of Carlos Beltran and Alex Rodriguez provided lineup flexibility.
Additionally, the heroics of Gary Sanchez lifted the lineup to an astounding month.
The Yankees ranked fourth in the league in runs (148), seventh in batting average (.274), and fifth in home runs (42). Let’s just say the good old-fashioned “Bronx Bombers” were restored.
New York’s team BABIP was .312, meaning that the majority of contact was made with authority, resulting in an excellent chance of reaching base.
The lineup has been circular, with numerous contributors taking on greater loads. If anything close to this clip persists, there is a great chance that the Yanks will be postseason bound.
Next: August MVP
August MVP
Gary Sanchez
There is not much else to say about this guy other than spitting out his August numbers once and for all.
Called up on August 3, the backstop proceeded to slash .389/.458/.832 with 11 homers and 21 RBIs in merely 24 games. Downright unbelievable.
The 23-year-old rookie sensation has been incredible to watch.
The Yankees hoped for some sort of a boost when they called him up. Nowhere did they see a guy who would bat third on a daily basis and lead the team to greener pastures.
Runner-up: Starlin Castro (28 G, .313/.333/.571, 8 HR, 24 RBI)
Next: August Cy Young
August Cy Young
Masahiro Tanaka
The 27-year-old was a true ace, a horse, a stopper … you name it. Most importantly, he thrived when the team needed him most.
In six August starts, the right-hander went 4-1 with a 3.00 ERA, striking out 38 and walking only one over 39 stellar frames. His work also yielded an exceptional 0.90 WHIP and an opponent’s batting average of .228.
Since July 1, Tanaka is 6-2 with a 2.77 ERA over 11 starts.
He has stepped up in tremendous ways here in 2016.
Next: Game of the Month
Game of the Month
8/31/16 — NYY: 5 KC: 4 (10 innings)
The game, and win, of the month took place on Tuesday night/Wednesday morning. The Yankees were in danger of falling 4.5 games off the pace in the wild card hunt and 1.5 games behind the Royals, a team they desperately needed to leap in the standings.
Heading into the 10th inning in KC, with the game knotted at four, the Yanks had already used Dellin Betances for six outs and were extremely empty-handed.
However, they were able to eke out a win. Jacoby Ellsbury collected a RBI single in the top half of the 10th and Chasen Shreve somehow wiggled out of bases loaded, one-out trouble in the home half.
The Yankees came away with a huge win at Kauffman Stadium and maintained their position in the standings.
Yesterday’s substantial win, which helped them leap over the Royals, placing them 2.5 games back of a playoff spot, would not have been possible without the efforts of the previous night.
Next: Team Grade
Team Evaluation
Grade: A
August gets an ‘A’ not only for its brilliance but for its representation.
If the Yankees replicate that output for the remainder of the season (30 games), they will finish the season with 87 wins, a total which will almost definitely earn them a playoff spot.
Of course, the starting pitching is vital. Furthermore, continued offensive success is essential. But there is no reason to believe it cannot continue. The Yanks look hungry and, more importantly, they look as poised and determined as ever.
Now, the real fun begins. 27 of their final 30 games are against AL East opponents. Destiny is in their hands, and it starts this weekend with a crucial series in Baltimore.
Emmanuel Berbari covers the New York Yankees & Major League Baseball for ESNY. Interact with him and view his daily work by “liking” his facebook page. He invites you to email any questions, comments, or concerns as well.