Stats that should make you optimistic about the 2017 New York Yankees
.552
Shockingly enough, the 2016 Yankees — a team that sold at the deadline — pulled within one game of a postseason spot.
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Yes, there are tons of “ifs” that surround them this season, but there was a distinctive vibe in Yankee-land after the Baby Bombers made last season seem like a dawn of a new era rather than an immense failure.
After trading its best hitter (Carlos Beltran) and the best relievers in baseball at the deadline, New York went 32-26 (.552 win percentage) including a near-perfect August that brought them from mediocrity into relevancy.[sc name=”Yankees Fanatics Right” ]
That was also a team that lacked consistency in its rotation, an effective first baseman and a slow start from their powerful young right fielder.
A lot of people, like myself, are figuring this team won’t compete, but if Gary Sanchez demonstrated anything from his historic surge, it’s that these Baby Bombers may be too inexperienced to know any better.
If the rotation holds its own and the endless potential of the offense is showcased, there’s no reason to believe this Yankees’ squad can’t do what others are saying they won’t: contend for a postseason spot in 2017.
[sc name=”Yankees Link Next” link=”elitesportsny.com/2017/01/24/new-york-yankees-tyler-austin-working-on-versatility-bombing-the-ball/” text=”Tyler Austin working on versatility, ‘bombing’ the ball” ]
Christian Kouroupakis covers the New York Yankees and is the Editorial Director for ESNY. Interact with him and view his daily work by “liking” his facebook page and follow him on Twitter. All statistics are courtesy of Baseball Reference.com unless otherwise noted. Don’t hesitate to shoot him an email with any questions, criticisms, or concerns.
