The Yankees had two opportunities on the road. The prize — a dream World Series against the Dodgers. They fell short. Close but no cigar.
What can they do to make sure it doesn’t happen to them again next season?
Almost nothing.
Thee first order of business is the re-sign Cashman and Girardi. There have been rumblings that Joe might call it a day to spend more time with the family. I’d be surprised if he left this unfinished business on the table.
Next, deal with the unresolved starting pitching issues. Does Tanaka opt out? Can they get Sabathia back at a more team friendly deal? This might also be the time to do what they eschewed last year — obtain a mid level starter who isn’t great but can gobble up innings and give them depth. Maybe try Chad Green in the rotation.
Holliday could be toast. Todd Frazier should be one and done, despite his leadership qualities. Gardner is fading, but Clint Frazier awaits. Gleyber Torres might be your third baseman. Chance Adams could make the rotation at some point.
So other than some tinkering around the edges, you bring back the same squad. Judge and Sanchez should mature further, mainly with plate discipline and in Gary’s case, defense.
There is no guarantee of winning it all, even if you break the bank and sign Moustakas and Darvish or Cueto, the prize free agents. The Japanese star Ohtani? The Yanks should make the playoffs easily barring Mets-type injuries, but as the Indians will tell you, it’s a crapshoot after that.
