I mean yeah, the Yankees have been scuffling since the All-Star Break. I don't think anyone realistically expected them to keep winning at a .786 clip like they were in June.
They're still a damn good ballclub, though. It feels good to take 2 out of 3 against them - especially after our best pitcher came back after a month-long absence and absolutely dominated one of the league's most potent offenses. And yeah, ultimately it's just one series. What they do this week against the Pirates and the O's will reveal if a turnaround is legit. But with Wacha back at the front of the rotation and reinforcements on the way (I'd rather see Refsnyder getting ABs over Duran - who wouldn't?), a turnaround feels more possible than it did a week ago. Improbable, sure. But not impossible.
I appreciate the optimism fellas, in fact I had been one of the more vocal posters here when some were questioning whether or not the team should be sellers less than a month into the season and still hold a sliver of hope. We're now inside of 50 games left to play with four teams to climb over for the final WC spot. IMO, the reinforcements need to get here ASAP, need to be healthy and need to contribute. Wacha was a nice boost last night, but Eovaldi is still worrisome with the HRs allowed. Sale is done, Hill is a ? and at this point what can we reasonably expect from Paxton? Pivetta hit a tough 3 stretch from early to mid July and while he's pitched better since then is he along with Wacha Winckowski, Crawford, a struggling Eovaldi and Hill enough to get you where you need to go? On the plus side... while the deadline acquisitions were not earth shattering Hosmer > Dalbec on both sides of the ball at 1B and I think the combination of Pham and McGuire MAY be an over all plus compared to JBJ and Vazquez. JBJ had had obvious defensive value, but his bat was too much of a liability to the point where it limited his opportunities to help the team defensively. And while Vazquez was one of the more consistent bats in the lineup for much of the season, McGuire provides better defense and with a .250ish BA, he's not a liability with the bat. The addition of Pham has also solved the issue of lead off hitter, at least for the time being. RFsnyder returning helps the overall OF mix as should the return of Kike' if he can find his stroke and Story. With each game that passes before this team can become the best/healthiest version of itself it's going to be tough to muster enough wins to climb over those other 4 teams, but as Daniel_Son said this week against Pittsburgh and Baltimore are going to be telling. As Ecks says, "Baltimore aren't lambs anymore"., but they need to find a way to take at least two there and I think a sweep vs the Pirates is almost a must while hoping the Rays, Twins and Chi Sox fall on hard times.This is why they have a chance if they can get in. They seem to play up to that competition.