That was Fun! But…

We, as fans, all tend to overvalue the impact of a few games within the 162-game season, both when our favorite team plays awfully and when they do what the Yankees did this weekend. As much as I enjoyed watching the Yankees play some home run derby this weekend, I’m here to suggest we keep some perspective:

Yankees batters are not going to average 12 runs per game this season, and the starting pitching needs to be better.

Carlos Rodon was great on Opening Day, but Max Fried was bad in his start and Marcus Stroman was not much better in his. In addition to the 32 runs scored over the past two games, the Yanks also got some great bullpen work to help cover the starting pitching. (Yankees relievers have posted a 2.10 xFIP over the first three games, which is the second best in baseball.)

Sure, if you’re batters continue on a 810 home run season pace, and the bullpen is lights out, it doesn’t really matter what the starters do – it may as well be you or me out there on the mound.

But it is something to keep our eyes on. We knew coming into the season that the rotation was a bit tenuous, and it has been so far. Fried will be fine, but Will Warren and Carlos Carasco (both question marks) are starting two of the next three games, Marcus Stroman hasn’t been good for a very long time, and despite Rodon’s great start I’m not sure we’ve reached the “trust” level with him yet.

Again, just something to watch. For now, the Yankees are 3-0, are in first place, and have been a heck of a lot of fun to watch.

Next up, Arizona and Corbin Burnes will be in the Bronx Tuesday night – first pitch, 7pm.

Did I miss something? Let me know below or yell at me on BlueSky.

What I’m reading: “Satchel: The Life and Times of an American Legend”.

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