With the 2016 regular season in the books, New York Yankees fans can take a hard look at what their team accomplished.
What started at 9-17 (.346) ended at 84-78 (.519). What started as an aging, lifeless team finished as a revived, catalyzed club stemming from an organization with newfound life.Fans may have become greedy at the end, anticipating a playoff berth and postseason run from an unexpected second half surge. In keeping perspective, one can realize just how much of a pure success this 2016 season was for the Yankees’ franchise.
A 75-61 finish to a season that experienced so many twists and turns, ups and downs, and sheer uncertainties. In the process, a deep, highly-regarded, minor league system was built and an epic peek into the future was provided in the final two months.
So, yes, there is plenty to be excited about. But there is biased excitement and brutal honesty.
If these Yankees — first half and second half combined — were to run home to mom and dad, what would their final report card entail? Would they be praised, lectured, or grounded?
Without further adieu, let’s take a dive into the critical evaluation.