This Team Is Weird

Baseball is my favorite sport in part because it is the most individual of all the team sports. You do your job (hit, field, run) pretty much on your own. No one blocks for you, no one passes you the ball or puck or fails to pass it to you when you're open, or sets a screen. Your job is to execute.

As a result of this, the sport allows for personalities and even inter team rivalries that couldn't survive a different type of game. It allows for a Bronx Zoo, but ideally you have a team that meshes into a no drama unstoppable force. The late 90's Yankees are a great example of the latter.

The 2024 Yankees are neither of these. They are straight off the Island of Misfit Toys. The team is comprised of head cases, showboats, and far too many players with one foot out the door. 

The all seem to like each other, which is good,but you get the feeling that as soon as school is out they won't be seeing each other again. 

Look at the line up

1B Rizzo (Probably gone - team option) 

He's on the ACLS roster broken fingers and all. But don't worry we have two back ups who, despite not being 1st basemen, can get by. 

2B - Gleyber (Better be gone - Free Agent)

A total head case with attention span issues. Worst baseball IQ in recent memory plus a slow internal clock that makes it hard for him to make the turn on double plays.

He has been hitting well as a leadoff but disappears as the game goes on. Perhaps what ever he takes in the locker room before the game (Big Cup of Coffee!) wears off by his third at bat. 

SS Volpe 

Should be the second baseman but is playing shortstop. Has not yet delivered. Unsteady at best. Also, some really bad throws. Made a great catch the other day but overall...

3B Chazz 

Another second baseman playing out of position. Flamboyant. Is he a yutz? Is he Kevin Hart? He hasn't hit yet in the playoffs that's for sure.

RF Soto (Probably gone)

A 500 million dollar ballplayer who has everyone holding their breath when the ball is hit in his direction. The guy can hit though and has the "Clutch Gene" so there's that.

CF Judge  

The quiet man, and by quiet I mean he hasn't hit. Needs to deliver to cement his legacy.

LF Verdugo  (Gone)

Is HE a yutz?  Ground ball machine.

DJ and Stanton (They will never leave.)

No comment needed but between them they have one leg.  Stanton does come up big though... until he doesn't. DJ was an All- Star at second base so, of course he never got to play there. I know he's hurt but he's a misfit toy none the less.

Cole  (Could opt out.)

Head case

Rodon 

Bigger head case. 

Stroman 

Another head case.

Dominguez 

His nickname is THE MARTIAN for g-d's sake!

I'm not saying they can't win. I'm just saying that the team is weird.