Two games into the season, do we have a sense of the Yankees? (And other ponderings)

Two games, two BIG wins over CROOKED JOE ALDUVE AND THE SOROS-BACKED BREGMAN CRIME FAMILY, which disappointenizes and misappointmentizes all the time under Deranged Joe Espada, a known communist thug and the worst manager in the HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, whose wife and daughter both hates me. YANKEE2024!

Okay, fun time's over. Now, the hard part: Winning an actual series in Houston. 

Mind you, dearest juju gods, I'm not asking for a sweep. A mere three out of four would do. And I say this respectfully, because if the Yankees lose their next two, settling for a split against the cheats, it will feel as if we lost the series.

Thoughts on last night...

1. Anthony Volpe and Oswaldo Cabrera seem to have improved markedly over last year. But is it real, or is it Memorex? It's been years since the Death Barge showed a wisp of firepower at the bottom of the batting order. Last night, the final three (and Soto) crushed Houston. 

Of course, one of Oswaldo's hits - a fly to the LF wall - should have been caught. Still, as a fulltime lefty, he looks much more comfortable than last year. And bolstered by the Golden Glove, Volpe suddenly looks like the rock of the infield, a long term SS. He's shifting roles - from Slugger to Pest. 

So... two guys, two games... it's a long season. Let's hope.

2. Alas, Gleyber took a fastball to the thumb and disappeared. Since then, radio silence. This is sooooo typical Yankee injury juju that we should have expected it. Losing Torres for a few months would not be catastrophic - compared to, say, Cole or Judge - but it would really, really suck. The only remedy: Mr. Altuve should receive a free shave and haircut. 

3. Giancarlo belted one, a blast that almost left the park, which is not easy in domed stadiums. It didn't affect the outcome, but Stanton HRs are like rats: If you see one, there are others lurking. 

Maybe, just maybe, he can carry us through the weekend, especially if Judge is slow out of the gates?

3. The Scranton Railriders opened yesterday with dollops of hope and despair, beating Buffalo 12-9. 

Frankly, there aren't many reasons to watch Scranton, as most of the roster are AAAA waiver pickups, a new crop of Franchy Corderos. Some exceptions:

Caleb Durbin, the 5'6" termite, played 2B and went 2-5 with 3 RBIs and a SB. He's 24. He wouldn't replace an injured Gleyber, but damn, wherever the guy goes, he wreaks havoc. He's fun to monitor.  

Everson Pereira, the lost prospect, went 2-6 with a HR. (And three Ks.) Right now, with The Martian and Spencer Jones soaking up space on prospect lists, there seems to be no long term path for him as a Yankee OF. (Unless a bridge collapses under the team bus. Sorry. Too soon?) Still, it would be nice if Pereria hits at Triple A and forces the matter.

Danger Will Warren. The final cut in the spring training battle for Yankee 5th starter, Warren suffered a disastrous outing: One batter retired, five earned runs, three hits, three walks. Yikes. Is he hurt? Please, tell me he's not hurt. 

The way these teams are burning bullpens, we'll have the Scranton shuttle running by tomorrow night. That's not going to feel good, unless we've won a series.