Once A Year...

 ...I sing this song.

The name of the song is " You Win With Strength Up The Middle."

It is the oldest, and truest, baseball maxim there is.  And it is always correct.  Want a quick, empirical check? 

 Look at the Dodgers roster that won the world series last year.  

Here is how the maxim goes:

1.  You have to have a great catcher.  The kind of player we all once though Gary Sanchez was.  A reliable hitter, with power, and top defensive skills. A catcher who allows pitchers to throw their best breaking stuff in the most clutch moments (e.g. breaking balls in the dirt ), and guns runners out who dare to steal. 

2.  Terrific pitching.  Starters and bullpen. And a closer who is dependable all the time. 

3.  A gold glove shortstop who can hit ( usually for average, rather than power ). He puts the ball in play, and you want him at bat when you've got to advance or score a runner.  He is a smart, resourceful, unpredictable baseball player. On defense, this guy turns hits into outs due to his range and arm strength. He makes the catcher look good on throws to second with acrobatic catches, when needed. 

4.  A centerfielder with a gold glove and exceptional speed. Patrols 40-45% of the outfield and is known for spectacular catches.  His work is dis-spiriting to the other side.   And, this is a guy who hits for both average and power.  Anyone remember Micky Mantle?  Or Mookie Betts last year on the Dodgers?  It is not usually a guy whose best offensive asset is earning a walk.  You don't bat him third to do that. 

So, how do you rate the 2021 Yankee team on these measures?

And, having done that, can you realistically think anything other than getting into the wild card game, and then getting incredibly lucky to extend the season?