SU says despite all of the Yankees’ flaws as a team this year, going into the post-season as AL East Division winners, they have to be one of the oddsmakers’ favorites to win it all. They will potentially have the best record in the AL, feature the dynamic duo of Soto and Judge, and be reasonably healthy going into October.

So, why is SU not so optimistic? Aside from being down on this team for much of the year (although they did exceed my 90 wins prediction), there are some real concerns:

1. Back end of the bullpen. Weaver has been a revelation and it seems very possible that Boone will use him like Torre did Mariano for 2 innings in close games. Clay Holmes is the X-factor and he is basically terrifying. He certainly cannot be relied on to close games but can he even be trusted in the 7th or 8th inning? No doubt he will be on a tight leash.
2. Pitching around Soto and Judge. There is just no way that teams will pitch to them in the post-season – even if it means putting men in scoring position. Wells was terrific for a long stretch but he has slumped badly in September. The reality is that he may just be tired starting so many games at catcher which is a demanding position. There is no way you pitch to Soto and Judge. SU can see Boone moving Stanton to cleanup and while he has been good in the playoffs in his career, his role will be even more important this year. Can he come through consistently?
3. The injury to Nestor Cortes is big. The Yankees have a lot of confidence in Gil and he was lights out in the first half of the season. He now throws a lot of pitches to just get through 4 innings and that puts more strain on the bullpen. Nestor would eat some innings. Maybe Clarke Schmidt will step up big. No way you pitch Stroman. Will Rodon justify the big contract now? Cole is a lock but some concerns beyond that.
4. Verdugo or Dominguez in left field? Unfortunately, Dominguez did not take full advantage of his opportunities in September and he is a liability in left field (apparently). Boone will go with Verdugo as a veteran but you can’t expect much from him. Volpe has struggled but Rizzo is showing signs of life.
5. Don’t underestimate the importance of the trade for Jazz Chisholm. They have played so much better with him on the roster as it allowed the Yankees to not play DJ LeMahieu. No way DJ is on the roster for the post-season. Good guy but it’s been a long 2-3 years now.
6. The Guardians have a lockdown bullpen. They are a scary match-up in the ALCS if they get that far. Houston is always a threat for the Yankees but they have handled them well this year – not as worried. SU is more concerned about the winner of the Tigers-Orioles matchup. Detroit is red hot and the Orioles have some experience under their belts now. from last season in the playoffs.

Bottom line: the Yankees need to at least make it to the World Series for this season to be considered a success. SU is not feeling it. Just too many flaws in a flawed American League.

Meanwhile, the Mets have been red hot but now the weather is causing them to potentially have to play a doubleheader vs. the Braves on Monday and then fly West for the Wild Card game. That is not right or fair. No way Milwaukee will be motivated to play them this weekend and they will no doubt rest some of their starters. That benefits them while Atlanta faces a Kansas City team that is about to clinch the Wild Card. They may also rest some of their players although they are playing for home field for the Wild Card series which is important. Exciting weekend on tap here and the Monday scenario is very interesting.