SU is perplexed. MLB Clubs have access to all of the latest analytics, stats, video, scouting reports, etc. If you watch Yankee games, the following are true:
- They hit a lot of home runs.
- 6 – 9 in the lineup has done nothing for weeks and weeks.
- You can also throw Wells in there at cleanup who has been in a terrible slump for a month now.
- They cannot hit with runners in scoring position. At all.
- Stanton is red hot.
Soooo, you have Stanton coming up in the 7th inning with no-one on base and 2 outs. Why would you pitch to him? Just walk him. Instead, he belts a 430-foot home run and you knew he was going to do it. He just missed in the 1st inning with 2 on and 2 outs. Again, later in the game, he flied out to the warning track in right field. Jazz has done nothing and after that, nothing. It seems crazy to me that managers are ever pitching to him right now.
Boone may be tempted to move Stanton up to clean-up in the lineup or perhaps you slot Rizzo in there? Wells is clearly struggling and he might be more relaxed hitting lower in the order. SU says the Yankees’ inability to hit with RISP is going to catch up with them.
SU does give a lot of credit to Boone for finding a way to get Gleyber untracked this year. Clearly moving him to lead-off was a brilliant move. Everything he hits now is solid and he is a different player – and will be a difference maker if anyone in the lower part of the lineup can get on base for him.
This will be an interesting series. Rodon was an ace last night – so many swings and misses – and hopefully he has figured out some things. The Guardians didn’t use their top relievers but had some chances late. I guess 5 wild pitches and a ton of walks is not a winning formula. Cole in game 2 is huge for the Yankees as you count on him to be the guy. They will need to continue to hit home runs.
SU loved the way the Mets bounced back. The next 3 games are in Citi Field and you wonder if the Dodgers might be a bit intimidated coming to New York and playing in the cold at night. The Mets are sooooo loose and relaxed. Sure, their relievers are a bit scary but they do hit with RISP and you believe that they will.
Sports Update Intergalactic 
Biggest difference maker might end up being the reliever shift for Yankees. They may finally have found a closer (and a two inning one) and a place for Holmes
Weaver has been really good for the Yankees. He’s a former starter so he’s used to pitching the 8th and then coming back for another inning. Right now, Boone trusts Holmes, Kahnle and Weaver. Hill got touched up last night and they could use a lefty out there. Too bad Nestor is hurt – he would have been handy. The Guardians top guys will be on display tonight. Need the lead after 5 innings for sure.