Bronx Bomber Ball

Flashback to early 2018, and Yankees’ infielder Thairo Estrada endured a tragedy much bigger than the game of baseball. He sustained a gunshot wound in an attempted robbery back in his home country of Venezuela. His injury was not life-threatening, but still created consequences that the average baseball player does not have to go through. His initial surgery to remove the bullet was carried out poorly, arguably causing more damage than the initial wound, however he was cleared to play and felt ready to go. Photo Credit: Elsa | Getty Images

The Yankee youth movement was officially kickstarted with the Yankees fire-sale at the 2016 trade deadline. Most notably, the Yankees acquired their top prospect Gleyber Torres is a deal that sent Aroldis Chapman to the eventual World Champion Cubs. Come the 2017 season, the youth movement was in full force, with Aaron Judge’s historic rookie season leading the way to the club being one win away from a World Series birth. Last season changed baseball’s perspective of the Yankees, and the future is now, with Gleyber Torres and Miguel Andujar leading the charge.

There ’s so much excitement surrounding the 2018 regular season with it being right around the corner. Because of the potential of the 2018 squad, fans are a little bit more giddy than usual this time of year. The reason being, this team could be one of the best Yankees teams we have seen in a very long time, which raises the question, which one is the best ever?    Photo Credit: SI.com

So, the inevitable happened. The Red Sox agreed to a five-year deal with slugger JD Martinez. There is no surprise here, it was only a matter of time before the two were united. Photo Credit: Christian Petersen | Getty Images

Entering 2017, the Yankees were thought of by many to be in rebuilding mode. Still, Yankees’ general manager Brian Cashman insisted that the team would rebuild and compete simultaneously. The team did just that, going 91-71, taking the first Wild Card spot winning the one-game playoff over a clearly inferior Minnesota Twins team. The reward for winning that game was a five game series with the mighty Cleveland Indians. The Yankees have held their own against a team many have claimed is the team to beat in the 2017 playoffs. Deadlocked at two games apiece, the Yankees have a decisive game five in Cleveland against likely 2017 Cy Young Corey Kluber. While the odds may not be in their favor to advance, the Yankees have had plenty of chances, most notably the game two blowup that would have the Bombers in the ALCS already. If the Yankees are to fall tonight, there will be plenty of questions to address this offseason. Photo Credit: AP

Photo Credit: Mike Stobe | Getty Images A few days ago on MLB Network, Brian Kenny discussed the idea of starting Chad Green in next week’s Wild Card Game, and thus, saving Luis Severino. It’s a fine idea that nearly has the support of Hall of Famer John Smoltz. But there are many reasons the Yankees should avoid this plan of attack when they play the Twins next Tuesday in the Bronx. Let’s break it down. I say the #Yankees should start Chad Green & Bullpen the Wild Card game. And I have John Smoltz' blessing (almost): pic.twitter.com/tdI2LmpYUB — Brian Kenny (@MrBrianKenny) September 26, 2017

It’s almost hard to imagine how dominant this Yankees team would be if there was production out of the first base and third base positions. When Greg Bird went on the 10-day DL on May 2, nobody expected that he would be out this long. Since then, with Chris Carter as the everyday first baseman and Chase Headley as the everyday third baseman, the production hasn’t been very good. After Chase Headley cooled off from his mostly red-hot April (which we all saw coming, let's be honest) the two have combined for a .230 average with just 10 home runs and 47 runs batted in. Those are certainly not stats that you want out of your corner infielders, who traditionally are the players in the middle of a big league line up. Photo Credit: Seth Wanig | AP