The second half has already started, as the Yankees just wrapped up against their crosstown rivals - the New York Mets. The series was shortened due to weather last night and they ended up splitting the series.
It was my intent to get this posted before the All-Star Break ended, but that unfortunately was not the case, my apologies.
Anyways, let's review the team and how they performed over the first half of the season.
Please note, these stats and comments reflect what has happened prior to the All-Star Break, and I have not taken into consideration anything that has happened since.
Team Statistics:
Record: 62-33 (2nd AL East) Home: 33-13 Road: 29-20
vs. AL East: 24-17 vs. AL Central: 13-4 vs. AL West: 16-6 Inter-league: 9-6
vs. >.500: 36-18 vs. <.500: 26-15 1-Run Games: 15-9 Extra Innings: 5-4 Day: 21-8 Night: 41-25
Runs Scored: 493 (3rd AL) Runs Allowed: 362 (2nd Fewest AL) Run Differential: +131(3rd AL)
Team AVG.: .252 (6th AL) Extra Base-hits: 353 (2nd AL) Home Runs: 161 (1st AL, 1st MLB) RBI: 476 (3rd AL) Stolen Bases: 41 (11th AL) Caught Stealing: 14 (Tied 11th AL) Stolen Base Percentage: .757 (3rd AL) Walks: 364 (1st AL) Strikeouts (Batting): 866 (3rd AL) AVG w/ Runners in Scoring Position: .251 (7th AL)
Team ERA: 3.48 (2nd AL) Strikeouts (Pitching): 945 (3rd AL) Saves: 29 (3rd AL) Save Opportunities: 37 (8th AL) Hits Allowed: 714 (2nd Fewest AL) Runs Allowed: 362 (2nd Fewest AL) Earned Runs Allowed: 332 (2nd Fewest AL) Home Runs Allowed: 103 (4th Fewest AL) Walks Allowed: 290 (6th Fewest AL) Batting AVG. Against: .223 (2nd Lowest AL) Team WHIP: 1.17 (2nd Lowest AL) Complete Games: 1 (Tied 6th AL) Team Shut-Outs: 7 (Tied 5th AL)
Stolen Bases Against: 51 (6th AL) Caught Stealing: 16 (10th AL) Stolen Base Percentage Against: .761 (3rd Highest AL) Team Fielding Percentage: .985 (8th AL)
OVERALL FIRST HALF TEAM GRADE: A-
(All Team Statistics per MLB.com, Yahoo Sports, ESPN, and Baseball-Reference.com)
Team Breakdown/Player Grades: Note: Players included on this list have played more than 10 games (batters) for the Yankees this season
CATCHER:
Gary Sanchez: C+ .190AVG/14HR/41RBI
Sanchez's grade would be much higher if it weren't for his batting average, how lost he looked at the plate for most of the year, and his poor pitch blocking skills. His power and production numbers are above average (not only for a catcher) which are his saving grace. Sanchez went down with a hamstring injury shortly before the All-Star Break, and should be ready to go once play resumes - let's hope he can get his average up and close those gaps defensively.
Austin Romine: A- .270AVG/6HR/24RBI
For a backup catcher, Romine has performed quite admirably in Sanchez's absence. He always had worked well with the pitching staff and has been a good/solid defensive catcher. He was red-hot to start the season, cooled off a little bit - but has picked it back up as late. His 6 home runs (career high) nearly doubled his career total, and his numbers are well above his career totals. You almost forgot Sanchez was injured.
Kyle Higashioka: C .167AVG/3HR/4RBI
"Higgy" was called up to serve as a back-up to Romine after Sanchez went on the DL. His numbers completely reflect that. He was struggling in AAA prior to being called up. He will certainly be sent back down once Sanchez returns. Almost set a record for most MLB At-Bats before recording his first hit. His first 3 hits were home runs.
FIRST BASE:
Greg Bird: C .214AVG/8HR/21RBI
Greg Bird cannot seem to stay healthy. Bird was handed the starting First Base job during Spring Training 2017, after hitting .451/8HR/15RBI - but could not stay on the field. He needed ankle surgery on March 29th, and missed the first two months of the season. Since his return, he has struggled to get back on track. Many were calling for him to be sent back down to AAA to get acclimated. The problem was, the Yankees didn't have a better MLB option for First Base. Bird has hit MUCH better as of late - hopefully he has a major surge in the second half - the offense needs him.
Tyler Austin: B- .223AVG/8HR/23RBI
When Bird went down with an injury the Yankees platooned Tyler Austin and Neil Walker at first. Austin started out hot, and was playing quite well until he was involved in a brawl with Joe Kelley of the Red Sox. After he served his suspension he wasn't quite the same and was sent down to AAA. Barring an injury, I don't think we see him on the MLB roster until September call-ups.
SECOND BASE:
Gleyber Torres: A .294AVG/15HR/42RBI
On April 22nd the Yankees called-up Gleyber Torres (21 years old) to play second base, and he has been one of the most exciting players to watch this season. He is a favorite to win the Rookie of the Year Award, and has quickly cemented his place in the Yankees Starting Lineup. Torres made his first All-Star Game - he also was put on the DL with a right hip strain just before the break. He should be back and ready to go once play resumes. Torres has been more than the Yankees could have ever hoped for.
SHORTSTOP:
Didi Gregorius: B .263AVG/17HR/52RBI
Didi has been a fantastic replacement shortstop since the retirement of Derek Jeter. This year, he had one of the best April's you will ever see batting .330/10HR/30RBI - winning AL Player of the Month. If you remove the month of May, his grade would be an A. He went from scorching hot to sub-zero cold in May (.149/1HR/5RBI) - and has leveled out since then. During the month of May, his batting average had dropped as low as .229, but he has played well enough to bring it back up to .263. Outside of that one month, Didi has been one of the most consistent players on the roster, and as always plays an exceptional shortstop.
THIRD BASE:
Miguel Andujar: B .279AVG/12HR/39RBI
On April 1st, the Yankees called-up Miguel - once Brandon Drury went on the DL for intense migraine headaches, Andujar slid into the starting third base role and has not let it go since. He gets knocked for his defense, but has otherwise played a consistent third. It is clear why the Yankees wanted to hang on to him, as his bat has been very productive. There are a couple ways they can go with him - hang on to him as the future third baseman or dangle him as trade bait to land a starting pitcher. Look for his name to pop up in a lot of rumors.
OUTFIELD:
Aaron Judge: A- .276AVG/25HR/60RBI
Judge's first half may not be as red-hot as last years, but he has appeared to avoid the dreaded sophomore slump. He leads the team in home runs, RBI's, and strikeouts - but he remains one of the most consistent hitters in the lineup. I don't know if he will ever be as good as Mike Trout is - all around - but he certainly has become one of the faces of the game. Judge played in his second consecutive All-Star game, starting in Left Field. He CRUSHED a solo home run off Max Scherzer in the second inning. Man, he is fun to watch.
Giancarlo Stanton: B+ .278AVG/23HR/55RBI
Stanton's grade would be much higher if not for the first month and a half of his Yankee career. It took him a while to get adjusted to playing for his new team, DH-ing, and playing both right and left field. Now it seems he is in full stride, after hitting .218 the first month of the season, Stanton has improved to .278. Though, he still struggles at home - hitting .225AVG/.297OBP/.445SLG vs on the road where he is hitting .323AVG/.389OBP/.581SLG - whoa, what a big difference. I would look to see his numbers continue to improve - he is the reigning NL MVP for a reason.
Brett Gardner: C+ .254AVG/9HR/33RBI
Brett Gardner is the longest tenured Yankee, having reached his TENTH season with the club. Between he and C.C. Sabathia, they are the unquestioned leaders of this team. This season (offensively speaking) has been a mixed bag for Gardner, he typically is a very streaky hitter and I think even more-so this season. He had a very good May, but has otherwise underperformed with the bat. He also has only stolen 9 bases... However, his on-base percentage is right in line with his career totals (.345 - 2018 vs. .347 - career). Gardner has ALWAYS been great at getting on base, but what's the point of having a speedster if he NEVER steals? Sure, hitting in front of Judge and Stanton means he may not need to steal, but why do Judge and Stanton only have to hit home runs? Stealing and having a speedy runner on first base can lead a pitcher into making more mistakes, rush his pitches - additional mind games. If Gardner never steals, then what happens when Judge and Stanton strike out? (Judge and Stanton have combined for 262 strikeouts this season). There's no threat right now. Anyways, because his power numbers, batting average, and stolen base numbers are down, I give him a C+.
Aaron Hicks: B- .249AVG/16HR/44RBI
I came into this season with very little faith in Aaron Hicks. I always knew he is a defensive stud, but I haven't really been able to say the same about his offensive numbers. Through the first two months of the season I seemed to be right, as he was only hitting .230 with 5 home runs and 21 RBI's. I just never saw why everyone was so high on him. I love being proved wrong - and he finished the first half of the season very strong in comparison. Now, there's a reason he's not an everyday player - and I do believe he is not the long term solution in CF for this Yankee team, but alas - he has started to impress me.
UTILITY/BENCH:
Neil Walker: F .197AVG/3HR/19RBI
During Spring Training Brian Cashman signed reputable veteran infield Neil Walker to a cheap 1-year deal as Gleyber Insurance. Before this season, Neil Walker has never had a batting average below .251, never hit less than 12 home runs, and never driven in less than 49 RBI. This season he is looking to shatter all of those numbers with his horrendous offensive output. One would have to think that the only reason he hasn't been released yet is because of his reputation. I applauded this signing when it happened, but he has certainly become a bust. Unless he drastically turns things around in the second half - I would not expect him to finish the season with the team.
Tyler Wade: C .192AVG/1HR/5RBI
Tyler Wade outperformed Gleyber Torres in Spring Training, and made the team. He completely deserved it too. Torres had a bad spring, and Wade showed up with something to prove. Well, once the season began it looked like Wade was not quite ready for the MLB, and was quite overmatched. Wade was sent back to AAA only to be recalled once Torres was placed on the DL. In the 9 games he has played in his second stint, Wade has been on a tear (.412AVG/.412OBP/.706SLG) - unfortunately for him, he will likely be optioned back to AAA once Gleyber returns. Wade could become part of a trade package this deadline season if he keeps playing this well. They could also keep him around if they decide to release Neil Walker.
Brandon Drury: C+ .178AVG/1HR/7RBI
Poor Brandon Drury... Cashman acquired him during the offseason from the Diamondbacks with the intent on him being the starting third basemen. But, an early injury (intense migraine headaches) landed Drury on the DL and gave rookie Miguel Andujar a window for some playing time. Once Drury recovered from his headaches, it was too late... Andujar was surging and the Yankees had no place for Drury... so they optioned him to AAA. Drury thrived in AAA - making the All-Star team and Cashman needed to find a way to get him in the MLB lineup. With Bird and Neil Walker struggling, they tried Drury at first base, and even recalled him to the big league team. Drury struggled and was sent back to AAA. Drury is an MLB player, and could potentially be used as a part of a trade package at the deadline.
Clint Frazier: C+ .265AVG/0HR/1RBI
Frazier was raking in AAA, but like Drury - the Yankees had no place to put him in the MLB lineup. I actually have lost count as to how many times they called him up and sent him back down. Clint is a solid player that just hasn't been given his chance yet. He has hit when called up, but the Yankees crowded outfield will keep him from getting his shot in pinstripes. Frazier's name has popped up in many trade rumors, and could be dealt at the trade deadline. Frazier also fell victim to the dumpster that is Tropicana Field, as he crushed a ball of a speaker hanging in fair territory that potentially cost the Yankees the game... (I'm not bitter, I swear).
Ronald Torreyes: B+ .323AVG/0HR/6RBI
Ronald Torreyes became yet another victim of the Yankees depth, as he barely got any playing time. He started the season with the Yankees and remained with the team until May 26th, when they optioned him to AAA upon the return of Greg Bird. This was actually a surprise to many as Torreyes hits well on the big league level and plays solid defense. Who knows, we could see him pop up if some moves are made at the trade deadline.
Jacoby Ellsbury: F .000AVG/0HR/0RBI
Oh did you forget Jacoby Ellsbury was a Yankee? Well, here is your friendly reminder that he is still a Bronx Bomber... Ellsbury has yet to play a single inning this season, and is battling... plantar fasciitus and continues to face setback after setback - I have a feeling you won't see him on the field this season. Sorry Jake.
STARTING ROTATION:
Luis Severino: A 14-2/2.31ERA
Luis Severino was one of the most dominant pitchers of the first half of the season and has cemented himself as the Yankees most reliable pitchers, a true Ace. Severino has come a long way since 2016, where he could hardly get an out. Should he keep up his first half trend, his name will be in the Cy Young conversation for the second straight season. It will be competition though, between Justin Verlander and Chris Sale...
Sonny Gray: D+ 6-7/5.46ERA
For every bit as good as Severino has been this season, Gray has not. Acquired by the Yankees last season at the trade deadline, Gray pitched okay down the stretch. Coming into this season, the Yankees were going to need to rely on him in a rotation full of question marks. It's been quite the mixed bag of results - a different pitcher shows up each time he takes the mound. He did finish the first half with a strong performance against Baltimore. I have always been a Sonny Gray fan, and hope that his last start was a step towards turning the page. But thus far, he has been a disappointment for Yankee fans.
CC Sabathia: B+ 6-4/3.51ERA
For the most part this season, Sabathia has been great. Definitely the second most consistent pitcher in the rotation. His record doesn't quite reflect that, however his ERA does. CC has figured out how to pitch, and use his different pitches to get outs. He can locate, and definitely does not rely on his fastball. To me, he sort of has become more of an Andy Pettitte type pitcher and is a huge leader in the clubhouse.
Masahiro Tanaka: B- 7-2/4.54ERA
Masahiro Tanaka has pitched okay this season, hitters have begun to figure him out - however he still gives the Yankees innings and can work in and out of trouble, since he has multiple weapons. Tanaka's one big flaw this season is the home-run ball. He has given up 18 home runs this season - and he missed a month due to mild hamstring strains. He gave up 35 home runs last season and is in danger of passing that number. More times than not, he is dependable when he keeps the ball in the ball park.
Domingo German: C+ 2-5/5.49ERA
German slid into the rotation when Jordan Montgomery went on the DL for Tommy John Surgery. He has great stuff, and shows a lot of promise - but like a lot of the pitchers in this rotation, he gives up a lot of home runs (14 in only 12 starts). He also struggles with the command of his pitches and walks a lot of batters. The Yankees should be trying to add a more polished arm to the rotation to supplant German. What progress he has shown still isn't enough to see him start a playoff game.
Jordan Montgomery: C+ 2-0/3.62ERA
I was excited to see Montgomery in his second full season in the rotation, and he most definitely got off to a fantastic start as his numbers indicate. However, in only his 6th start he suffered a season ending injury and required the dreaded Tommy John Surgery. We will unfortunately not see "Gumby" until the middle of next season, hopefully he can come back from surgery strong and the Yankees will need him. If he were able to stay healthy and continue pitching to the numbers he had already put up this season, he would have earned a significantly higher grade. This was a big blow to the rotation and further the Yankees need to acquire a starter.
Jonathan Loaisiga: A- 2-0/3.00ERA
Jonny Lasagna started the season in AA Trenton, and when Masahiro Tanaka went down with his hamstring injury - he was called up to the big leagues (skipping AAA). I give this kid a ton of credit, as I can only imagine what making your MLB debut is like - but to skip a whole level of minor league ball and pitch as well as he did - man that deserves a good grade. He showed signs of his inexperience, but overall impressed. It's a shame he had to be sent down - but his future is bright.
Luis Cessa: B- 1-1/3.00ERA
Cessa has been hurt for a majority of this season, but when he has pitched - he has done an adequate job. He has made two starts this season - one great and one bad. I do not think he has a chance to stick in the rotation, and personally think he is better suited for long relief out of the bullpen. But, the bullpen is currently loaded and the Yankees are desperate for starting pitching. We will likely see a lot of Luis Cessa in the second half, unless the Yankees make a big trade.
BULLPEN:
David Robertson: B- 7-3/3.09ERA/2S/28H
Robertson has had a solid season thus far. He has pitched well, however when he has a bad game - he has a BAD game. He's had a few rough outings giving up a few key home runs/hits, but he does continue to be a strikeout machine. I would look for him to have a much stronger second half.
Aroldis Chapman: A 3-0/1.35ERA/26S/0HLD
Not much to say about Aroldis Chapman - he is consistent and throws so hard and has only blown ONE save this season. Chapman made the All-Star team, and has been one of the best closers this season. In 41 appearances (40IP) he has 68 strikeouts, and only has given up 17 hits, with opponents hitting only .126 against him. His K/9 is an outstanding 15.30 and a sparkling 0.83 WHIP. Let's hope he can maintain this success in the second half - the Yankees will need him come October.
Dellin Betances: A- 1-3/2.61ERA/0S/15HLD
Betances got off to a bit of a rough start this season - actually, the majority of the bullpen had gotten off to a shaky start this season. After posting a 3.75 ERA through the end of May, Betances flipped a switch in June and in 12 appearances he allowed 0 runs and only 1 hit while striking out 22. And his dominance has continued up to the All-Star break (only giving up 1-run and 4-hits). Many, including myself felt Betances was snubbed from the Mid-Summer Classic, alas he would get an A if not for his shaky start.
Chad Green: B+ 5-2/2.74ERA/0S/11HLD
Chad Green pretty much came out of nowhere last season, and helped anchor the Yankee bullpen. This season, he has continued his success in the bullpen - with the occasional hiccup. Like Betances, he did not give up a run during the entire month of June (0R 7H 16SO). Green somewhat stumbled into the All-Star Break, in his final two appearances against Baltimore and Cleveland he saw his ERA jump from 1.91 to 2.74 in 3.2 innings he gave up 5 runs on 5 hits and gave up two crushing home runs. I wouldn't expect Green to be down for long, as he should continue to have a solid season the rest of the way.
Chasen Shreve: D+ 2-2/4.54ERA/0S/3HLD
Chasen Shreve had a fantastic April, a terrible May, a bad June, and has started to pitch much better in July. I would have to assume that the only reason he is still on this roster is because he is left handed. His performance this season has had many calling for his DFA or to be sent down to AAA. But, who do the Yankees have to replace him as a lefty-specialist? No one. I would not expect Shreve to be a Yankee after this season, and for Cashman to look to upgrade. The problem with Shreve is that he is incredibly streaky and you don't know what you're going to get from him. For his sake, I hope he can continue his success from July through the remainder of the season.
Jonathan Holder: A 1-1/1.85ERA/0S/4HLD
One of the most pleasant surprises this season is Jonathan Holder. Holder made the team out of Spring Training and immediately struggled. In the month of April, he posted a 7.36 ERA - giving up 7 runs in 7.1 innings pitched. He was demoted to AAA after his first two appearances, made some adjustments and was called back up to the MLB on April 21st, when Adam Warren was sent to the DL. Since that date, Holder has only given up 4 runs and 19 hits. When he was demoted to AAA, his ERA was a staggering 20.25... now it sits at a sparkling 1.85 - he throws strikes, does not walk people, and gets outs. He is now a fixture out of the bullpen, and should continue to play an important role the rest of the season.
Adam Warren: A- 0-1/1.85ERA/0S/2HLD
Adam Warren clearly has found a home in the Yankees bullpen. He came up as a starter, and found little success, but has thrived out of the 'pen. Always consistent, Warren found himself on the DL towards the end of April with a Right back strain. Since his return he had been really good, and similar to several others out of the Yankee bullpen he had an excellent June (8G, 10.2IP, 0R, 5H, 11SO). Warren is a reliable reliever that can give Boone multiple innings if need be.
A.J. Cole: A- 2-0/0.48ERA/0S/0HLD (With Yankees)
Yankees acquired A.J. Cole on April 24th from the Washington Nationals for cash as he had been Designated For Assignment a few days earlier. He had a rough time with the Nationals, posting 13.06 ERA in 4 appearances (2 appearances were starts). In his first start of the season he gave up 10 runs in 3.2 IP to the Braves - yikes. After being dealt to the Yankees he was able to get back on track. He pitched very well in May, only giving up 1 run on 2 hits - but he found himself on the 10 day DL with a Neck Strain. He returned and continued to find success considering Boon has used him sporadically. He has been a nice pick-up by Cashman, however if the Yankees pad their bullpen at the trade deadline - I would imagine he might be sent down to AAA.
Tommy Kahnle: D+ 1-0/7.00ERA/0S/2HLD
Tommy Kahnle has been one big mystery this season. The Yankees acquired him from the White Sox last season in a blockbuster trade-deadline deal that also brought them David Robertson and Todd Frazier. Kahnle, many thought, was the actual centerpiece of that deal as he was in the midst of a breakout, dominant season. That dominance carried over through the remainder of the 2017 season, as he was one of the anchors to the Yankee bullpen. This season has been a much different story for Kahnle as his 2018 has been riddled with injury and inconsistency. After coming back from his injury, the Yankees sent him down to AAA to work on things, and get back to the pitcher he was when they acquired him last season. In 18 appearances (18.0IP) in Scranton, Kahnle has pitched to a 2.50ERA with only 8 walks and 27 strikeouts. It would be great to get him firing on all cylinders and rejoin the Yankee bullpen. However, it is also my thought that Kahnle is stuck in the minors because both A.J. Cole and Jonathan Holder have pitched so well. It will be interesting to see what they do with Tommy should the Yankees add to their bullpen. It has to be tough for him stuck in AAA - probably feels he can help the team now.
MANAGER:
Aaron Boone: A- 1st Season as Manager (62-33)
The Yankees hired Aaron Boone in the offseason as manager, even though Boone has never managed a game in his career. Seemed to be the trend this season, as a number of teams took chances on first year managers (Red Sox, Phillies, Mets). After last season, the Yankees chose not to bring back Joe Girardi even though he led them to within one game of the World Series. I wonder if Girardi is still Yankee manager should they have beaten Houston or even won the World Series? My guess is most likely - how do you not bring him back? But, you could say the same about making it as deep into the postseason as they did with such a young team. Needless to say, Girardi is out and Boone is in. Many first time managers would LOVE to be in the position Boone is in. Being handed the reins to such a good/talented young team. Upon being hired, Boone has said all the right things and his style of managing has led the Yankees to be 29 games over .500 - despite so many pieces of the offense struggling (Sanchez), and a thin starting rotation. He has done a great job so far, has handled the bullpen fairly well, and has mixed and matched lineups well too. I am not sure how much is solely Boone vs. the organization and coaching staff. But, he seems to always be cool under pressure and works well with all of the young players. I think the Yankees made the right decision hiring Boone, and I expect great things from him during his stint with the Yankees.