Summary
The Black Yankees are one of the dominant teams in the league, although some cracks have appeared, especially on the mound.
What’s Gone Right
Quite Offensive. The Black Yankees are top 3 in most offensive categories, and are 1st in most of those. They hit for power, they take walks, and the lineup is deep, deep, deep.
The MVP(s). Look, this Babe Ruth kid can hit, but the real MVP of the Black Yankees has been Thurman Munson, who heads into the break having reached base in over 30 straight games.
The 900 Club. Five hitters have an OPS over .890 (I rounded up). Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Munson, Albert Belle, and Eric Davis are a fearsome … dare I say it … Murderer’s Row.
What’s Gone Wrong
The Middle Infield. Derek Jeter is doing alright, but 2B has been a real struggle. Willie Randolph has been much better of late, and still has an OPS around .650, and the less said about Craig Counsell‘s performance, the better.
Back of the Bullpen. Ralph Citarella has been quite good, but both Sparky Lyle and Goose Gossage have struggled.
Guidry’s Fall. Ron Guidry looked like one of the best pitchers in the league for the first few months; while he still leads the WBL in strikeouts, his overall performance has suffered, with only a 5-6 record and an ERA over 4.00.
Key Storylines
The Black Yankees look likely to sit pat: they have the talent to compete just as they are, although pitching is always welcome.
There are some things to watch for in the second half, from whether Ruth’s slight slump is anything to worry about to whether they can continue to carry both 2B as a position and, to a lesser degree, Don Mattingly at 1B.
The most likely thing here is that some of these things break well and some don’t, and overall the team remains a powerhouse.
Trading Outlook
BUYING.
But it’s not clear what they need. Bullpen help for sure, and a solve to 2B could be useful as well.
AAA Shuttle
They haven’t used it a lot. Cole Hamels and Sam Thompson have been fine.
Midseason Changes
Cole Hamels joins the rotation.
Awards
All Stars: Eric Davis (CF); Lou Gehrig (1B); Derek Jeter (SS); Mickey Mantle (RF); Thurman Munson (C); Red Ruffing (P); Babe Ruth (LF).
Player of the Month: Babe Ruth (April)
Offensive MVP: Babe Ruth (OF)
Pitching MVP: Red Ruffing (SP)
Down on the Farm
AAA: Newark Eagles
Next to the Show: SP AJ Burnett & Jake Peavy, RP Bryan Hickerson, OF Joe Harris.
Prospects: SP Jake Peavy (23), C Smoky Burgess (22), 3B Chris Brown (22).
Projects: SP Whitey Ford (24), OF Sam Thompson (26), OF Nick Swisher (29), RP Bryan Hickerson (27), 1B Hal Chase (27), SP Jim Clinton (25).
Suspects: 1B Moose Skowron (29), OF Hank Bauer (31), IF Aaron Hill (23), OF Charlie Keller (33), RP Fritz Coumbe (24).
AA: Hudson Valley Renegades
Prospects: 2B Dick Bartell (20).
Projects: P Joba Chamberlain (25), P LaTroy Hawkins (22), P Art Ditmar (26), OF Roger Maris (26), OF Héctor López (25), Kevin Pillar (27).
Suspects: None, really.