New York Yankees: 10 Things That Need to Happen for 2011 World Series Return
Over a year ago, the New York Yankees were World Series champions, an honor every team in baseball strives for each year.
To become the best team in baseball, like the Yankees have been considered many times before, it takes hard work, dedication and composure on the field. All of these characteristics and more were seen by the Yankees in 2009, which resulted in their victory.
Unfortunately, the Yankees were missing all of those qualities last season, which deprived them of another World Series title.
With pitchers allowing multiple runs and batters reluctant to hit, the Yankees didn't have a bad season, just an unfortunate series, which led to their 2010 demise.
There are not many differences this year from the 2009 team (minus of course Matsui, Damon and Pettitte). Although the Yankees are not considered one of the favorites to win this year, the Yankees have proved multiple times in the past that the impossible is always possible.
Here are 10 things that need to happen for the Yankees to return to the World Series.
No. 10: Yankees Need to Improve Their Offense
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One of the most frustrating moments of the 2010 ALCS for the Yankees was their inability to score runs and actually hit the ball.
A fine example would be in Game 3. Brett Gardner hit a single, Derek Jeter struck out, Gardner stole second, Nick Swisher struck out, Gardner moved to third and Mark Teixeira struck out. These three players completely dismissed all of Gardner’s efforts to earn a run.
For the offense to fall apart and perform this poorly at this critical moment was inexcusable and if the Yankees continue this into the upcoming season, they can wave their playoff hopes goodbye.
Here are some specific players who need to step it up this season.
No. 9: Derek Jeter
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As an inspirational motivator and example to his fellow teammates, what can be more discouraging than when the captain can’t even hit the ball?
After demanding a ridiculous and overpriced contract, I was glad to see the Yankees refuse to adhere to Jeter's requests, especially since he played his worst season in 15 years last season with a .270 batting average and .231 for the ALCS.
Jeter performed brilliantly in 2009 and for him to perform this poorly when his team needed him the most is uncanny to me. He needs to step it up this season for his fans and for his team.
He has helped bring the Yankees to five World Series wins in the past and they cannot do it again without him.
No. 8: Mark Teixeira
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Mark Teixeira recorded a .256 batting average for the 2010 season and went 0-for-14 in the ALCS before getting injured. Do these sound like the stats of a power hitter?
Not at all.
Teixeira holds one of the most important positions in the rotation. When he does not perform up to par, it is difficult for the Yankees to fill his void.
For the Yankees to make it to the World Series three things are needed in this case:
- Teixeira must remain healthy and can hopefully avoid a relapse of his injury from last year.
- He needs to step it up and not produce ridiculous numbers such as going 0-for-14 in the playoffs.
- If he is unable to do both of these things needed of him, then the Yankees need to switch his position of third in the lineup with Robinson Cano. Cano posted a .319 batting average and deserves more recognition for his talents and contributions than he receives.
No: 7. Alex Rodriguez
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A-Rod has had his share of slumps in the past. However, when he plays like the power hitter he is known to be, he is unstoppable and the runs just keep on coming.
Unfortunately, this has not been the case lately and for the Yankees to make it to the World Series this season A-Rod needs to pull it together, just like Teixeira.
In the ALCS A-Rod hit .190, had two RBI, walked three times, had four strikeouts and had no home runs. That does not sound like the A-Rod I know and if he performs this poorly when needed, their chances of making it to the World Series this year are slim.
No. 6: Bullpen
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With Mariano Rivera pitching with the same dominance as he did when he was 27, Rafael Soriano expected to take over the legendary Rivera's closer position due to his noteworthy pitching and Pedro Feliciano overcoming his recent dead arm; the Yankee bullpen is the most reliable part of the team this season.
Unfortunately, nothing is perfect and with pitchers such as Joba Chamberlain, David Robertson and Boone Logan the Yankees bullpen has its share of flaws.
An excellent example of the inconsistency of these three pitchers would be in the 2010 ALCS when the Yankees lost to the Rangers 10-3. Logan and Chamberlain practically let the Rangers hit every ball they threw.
I find it almost impossible for the Yankees to possibly come back when they are that many runs behind, even with a top-notch lineup.
Despite rumors claiming Chamberlain may not be a part of the 2011 roster, these pitchers need to pitch up to par and not hold the more dominant part of the bullpen back.
No. 5: Take Players out of the Minors If Needed
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Although the Yankees aren't considered for having an ideal rotation, no one knows what the outcome of this rotation will be. There is a great chance they can either work consistently or completely fall apart.
With a dominating bullpen (Rivera, Soriano, etc.) the Yankees need pitchers in their rotation so relievers and closers can contribute to Yankee wins and, most importantly, save games.
Insert Manny Banuelos and Dellin Betances
The amount of pressure pitchers face on the mound is clearly understandable, which is why giving them relief from the game and exposing these two promising minor league pitchers can not only ensure the Yankees a ticket to the World Series, but can also be helpful for the future.
Banuelos posted a 2.95 ERA in three seasons and 37 starts. Betances has remarkable numbers as well, recording a 3.39 ERA in 65 starts in five years.
At the ages of 19 and 22, it is understandable for Cashman to want to keep these pitchers in the minors until they are ready, however, if the Yankees are in need they should give these pitchers a chance to pitch and deliver.
Allowing them to pitch if needed or even to just get them exposed to major league pitching, is something the Yankees need to do to advance to the World Series.
No. 4: Fill in the Final Two Spots of the Rotation with Garcia and Nova
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With four pitchers competing for the final two spots of the rotation, the Yankees need to fill their last two spots with Freddy Garcia and Ivan Nova.
Adding experience to the rotation, Garcia knows how to control his pitches, work his way out of trouble and pitch consistently. In 12 years, Garcia has maintained a 4.13 ERA. Pitching in three seasons and seven series in the postseason, Garcia has posted a remarkable 3.11 ERA and would be a great addition to the rotation, especially in regards to his postseason experience and success.
Twenty-four-year-old Ivan Nova would also be a worthy contribution to the team filling in the fifth spot of the rotation. Posting a 4.50 ERA in his only season on the mound, Nova was called up from the minors and has proved he deserves to be where he is today. Adding a young, fresh starter to the lineup can result in a rewarding outcome for the Yankees.
No. 3: Phil Hughes
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Phil Hughes needs to pitch well this season and postseason in order to attempt to fill the void of Andy Pettitte.
With an ERA of 4.19, Hughes’ chances of ending the 2010 season victorious seemed likely, especially after pitching seven scoreless innings in Game 3 of the ALDS against the Twins.
As his pitching proved to be promising, many believed the Yankees would advance to World Series. These thoughts came to an end when Phil Hughes started Game 2 of the ALCS against the Rangers. Hughes pitched four innings and allowed seven earned runs.
How are the Yankees supposed to win a game with pitching this poor? It is almost impossible and if I had to blame someone for the Yankees ALCS loss, Hughes would definitely be in my top five.
So what needs to happen for the Yankees to advance to the World Series?
Phil Hughes needs to pitch like he did against the Twins and not fall apart at crucial moments.
With Hughes hopefully pitching up to par, the Yankees should advance to the World Series in no time.
No. 2: A.J. Burnett
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Aside from Andy Pettitte and CC Sabathia, there were no dependable pitchers last year to come through for the Yankees, ultimately leading to these two carrying the pitching on their own (look at how well that turned out).
With Pettitte gone this season and Sabathia dreaming of leaving the Yankees, we need the pitchers we are stuck with to pitch up to par.
With a 5.26 ERA for the 2010 season and a 7.50 postseason ERA, I would say A.J. Burnett is not the man to turn to for help. However, after a stunning spring training debut, one thing that NEEDS to happen for the New York Yankees to make it to the World Series is for A.J. Burnett to pitch just as he is pitching right now, astonishing.
In Burnett’s debut against the Houston Astros, he started off with two scoreless innings, allowed only two hits, one strike and recorded a total of five groundouts. Burnett was able to work his way out of a jam without becoming flustered as he had many times in the past. This proves Burnett has finally made some improvement from last season.
This success continued against the Philadelphia Phillies, where he pitched three perfect innings and against the Washington Nationals where he retired 12 out of 14 hitters and pitched four strikeouts.
If this does not give me hope for the 2011 season, I don’t know what else well.
This success is something that needs to continue for Burnett, especially now that Girardi has announced him as the No. 2 starter behind ace CC Sabathia. The pressure is on his shoulders and for once in a long time, he needs to come through.
No. 1: Joe Girardi
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Players stepping up is not the only contribution needed to ensure advancement into the World Series; it also calls for decisions made by Joe Girardi.
Girardi needs to be more sensible when deciding which pitchers to put in (especially when pitching against pitchers such as Lee) and how long pitchers should be kept on the field, especially when struggling on the mound. At times throughout the 2010 season I would have benched Burnett and Hughes earlier than Girardi had.
In regards to the lineup, Girardi needs to look at the 2010 stats and the performances during spring training, as opposed to choosing the lineup based upon past success or player ranks (A-Rod has always been forth, etc).
As I have stated previously, I would like to see Cano in Teixeira's spot in the lineup and also have hitters such as Swisher and Gardner in the first or second positions. A change in the lineup to test which players should be placed where would be crucial to the Yankees' ability to make it to the World Series.
I believe Girardi has done a great job as a manager; however improvements from everyone on this team are needed for the Yankees to make the World Series.
