When checking in on where the New York Yankees rank via the major statistical categories, some of you may be surprised.
The New York Yankees have been having a terrific season to this point. They are in first place in their division and in first place in the American League.
The team’s relentless perseverance and tenacity have been fun to watch. They have been the consummate example of the “next-man-up” doctrine. With their heavy hitters going down, a couple of fringe MLB players stepped in and stepped up.
One of the most entertaining aspects of this team has been their clutch gene and their ability to perform under pressure. Their clutch play has been the reasons for many a win for the Bombers.
But where do they rank with the rest of the league in the classic statistical categories?
You may be surprised …
(All statistics are as of 7/16)
Hitting:
- Batting Average: .265 Rank: 6th
- Home Runs: 153 Rank: 5th
- Runs Batted In: 492 Rank: 6th
- Wins Above Replacement: 14.4 Rank: 10th
The Yankees modus operandi has traditionally been the home run ball, but relying on the long ball does not always work out.
Over the last 10 years, not one team that led the league in home runs won the World Series. This Yankee team learned how to play move-the-line ball with their big power hitters on the IL; and when they began to return, they transitioned nicely into this new style of Yankee baseball.
Even though the batting average is up, they have not needed to sacrifice too much power to get it, as they are still in the top five in home runs.
The WAR (Wins Above Replacement) ranking is the most surprising, as it has seemed like the Yankees have had a top-three offense this year. This brings out how clutch the Yankees have been. Even though their numbers shouldn’t equal elite production, it has, because they have been hitting with runners in scoring position, getting the extra base, etc.
Biggest Factor: DJ LeMahieu
Starting Pitching:
- Wins: 33 Rank: 6th
- Innings Pitched: 467 Rank: 25th
- Earned Runs Average: 4.12 Rank: 21st
- Wins Above Replacement: 7.8 Rank: 13th
If there was one weakness going into this season for the Yankees, it was their starting pitching. With Luis Severino and Jordan Montgomery out, there were some hole to be filled.
Fill it they did. Domingo German became the ace of their staff, the duo of Chad Green and Nestor Cortes Jr. was dynamic, and the rest of the rotation held their own.
Their starting pitching ERA hasn’t been great, but because of the strength of the Yankees offense, they did record a lot of wins.
Biggest Factor: Domingo German
Relief Pitching:
- Wins: 26 Rank: 2nd
- Innings Pitched: 354.2 Rank: 10th
- Earned Runs Average: 3.96 Rank: 8th
- Wins Above Replacement: 4.5 Rank: 2nd
The hype surrounding this bullpen was enormous. This bullpen was thought to be among the historic greatest, featuring flame throwers like Aroldis Chapman and Dellin Betances, along with nasty junkballers like Adam Ottavino and Zach Britton. Unfortunately, Betances suffered an obscure injury which would later be misdiagnosed and still has yet to pitch in the Bronx this season.
While it has not lived up to the ridiculously high expectations, they have still fared very well, and have been a big part of the Yankees success this season.
With the reemergence of Chad Green, this bullpen is incredibly deep, and the possibility of Betances returning is awesomely frightening for any opposing team.
