Things are looking bleak for the Yankees this morning after a lost weekend in Toronto. In game 1, Kevin Gausman, who was starting against the Yankees for the 41st time in his career (can you believe that?) was mostly unhittable as the Yankee hitters went into each at bat swinging at the first pitch. OK, I get it: you don’t want to be at the mercy of his split finger pitch with 2 strikes but it’s not like you never faced this dude before. Anyway, bad strategy – did not work – and per usual, the bullpen imploded.

In game 2, same kind of pitcher in this young guy, Yesavage. Totally dominant but at least they took a few pitches this time. Unhittable – literally. Fried was very hittable (his career stats say he is very good or very bad in postseason games) and that was another blowout. The good news for fans is that this was an NFL Sunday and there was always the Red Zone channel as an option but in the end, another non-competitive game.

In a 7-game series, you can rebound from this. In a 5-game series? Not so easy. SU is sure that Boone and the Yankee players will say that they need to take it one game at a time, protect home field and get ready for a game 5 with Max Fried on track to start again (of course, Toronto will have either Gausman ready to start for the 42nd time vs. the Yankees or Yesavage or perhaps both for a game 5). SU recalls the 2001 World Series vs. Arizona where the Yankees lost games 1 and 2 by the scores of 9-1 and 4-0. These two games felt very similar.

I have to say that I am very surprised at how meekly the Yankees are playing in this series. They were dominated in Toronto all year but usually the playoffs are a different animal. The Blue Jays put the ball in play (what a concept) and play good defense. SU expects that the Yankees will be more competitive in game 3 tomorrow night but with Weaver MIA, the bullpen will be extra scary in a close game. It is possible Toronto will not look like the same team with their 3rd starter, Shane Bieber, pitching who the Yankees, again, have faced many times before in his career. In game 4, it sounds like an opener for Toronto as they have injuries to their starting staff going into the playoffs.

It is certainly possible. Aaron Judge, while getting on base with walks and singles, has yet to come through in the clutch and we are all waiting on that. Stanton was 1 for 17 before a couple of late hits yesterday.

SU will say this: the embarrassment of this weekend will make Aaron Boone’s tenure very shaky if they exit in 3 games. You have to wonder if Hal will have seen enough. Note to viewers: you may want to use the mute button on John Smoltz on FOX. Way too much caffiene in his system. Please stop talking.

SU is not feeling it but is ready to be surprised. It would be nice to see at bats with deep counts. I will be satisfied getting to a game 5 for this series win or lose at this point but let’s start with a competitive game 3.