Yankees Brass Finally Showing Serious Side
The irony of the Yankee organization as currently assembled is that it takes hitting rock bottom to wake them from their lethargy. Yet the recent losing streak exposed all their flaws and moved them to action. Suddenly, the Yankees made decisions that were equally swift and surprising. The results have been equally invigorating.
The first moves were obvious to all and finally implemented. Jasson Dominguez was moved to the top of the lineup and, just as important, will play every day. Why was this a no-brainer? Dominguez is a top prospect who possesses track speed and leads the team in stolen bases. He is as patient at the plate as he is tough mentally and physically overcoming Yankee office perceptions.
Dominguez has proven to be a dynamic force at the top of the order, setting the table for the Yankees' big boppers. He is currently fourth on the team in average, walks, and hits, and fourth in runs scored. He has made the case to continue switch-hitting as he has now come on to hit .348 against lefty hurlers. The eye test tells you simply that Jasson gets on base and is running the bases as rapidly as a cheetah in the Serengeti. He ran from first to home in ten seconds. The Yankees are no longer a station-to-station baserunning team.
The release of DJ LeMahieu was a message that reverberated in the clubhouse. This was an Aaron Judge guy who should have been DFA'd last year, but the captain used his influence to block that move. However, the Yankees swerved the fanbase first, stating they were moving DJ from starting at second to being a bench player. One day later, he is released. It did not feel fair to a player who, for two years, was the best hitter in the club. Four years of injury washed that all away. This and the realization that they needed to shore up the position, as DJ’s range became limited. The result was positive. Jazz was back in his best position.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. was acquired last year, and he brought talent and a personality that was louder than the team collectively. He was a second baseman who was moved to third because Gleyber Torres did not want to move. This year, with Torres gone, he was placed back in his natural position. However, a DJ revival moved the Yankees to place him at second rather than third due to DJ saying he did not want to play third because it was too demanding. Jazz had had enough and opened his mouth. He was dealing with a shoulder issue, which explained the number of inaccurate throws that came from the hot corner. DJ’s range was observed as having regressed to danger levels. Finally, the Yankees removed the blockage for good, and since then, Jazz has made play after play, closing that hole in the infield.
The construction and consistency of the lineup have been lacking all season. During this five-game winning streak, the common themes of success were noticeable as a 360-degree turn in philosophy back to old school truisms was activated. The Yankees, since then, have presented a set lineup with Jasson batting first, Cody Bellinger or Trent Grisham in the second spot, with Aaron Judge third, and Giancarlo Stanton batting cleanup. The results speak for themselves.
The final phase of the shakeup takes us to the trade deadline. The Yankees need to shore up at third base, middle relief, and perhaps a quality starter. The trade rumors headed by Jeff Passan that have been posted revolve around Eugenio Suarez of Arizona for third. This would bring a professional slugger plus third base stability. In addition, targets like Zac Gallen or Seth Lugo would bring the Yankees that third starter, but it will be tough to pry. Spencer Jones is in several conversations and would need to be in any package. The Yankees will have to give up some prize minor leaguers, yet it would have to be for something of value that will impact the team and bring them back into the championship conversation, if they continue to be serious, that is.
