Post by Commissioner Erick on May 12, 2020 18:27:05 GMT -5
New York Yankees (90-65) @ Tampa Bay Rays (74-81)
NYY: Jesse Biddle (15-6, 2.93)
TB: Lucas Sims: (6-9, 4.64)
The New York Yankees sit in a comfortable position, 3.5 games ahead of the Chicago White Sox and Kansas City Royals in the Wild Card race, 3.5 games behind the Toronto Blue Jays for the AL East crown. With a strong week and some luck, the Yankees could be AL East Champions. With a bad week and some misfortune, the Yankees could be on the road for the Wild Card Game, or worse, out of the playoffs entirely.
That makes the direction they take with several nicked up players interesting when they face the Tampa Bay Rays in the Game of the Week.
Manuel Margot is dealing with strained ribs that may take a couple of weeks to heal. He's been a defensive stalwart for the Yankees, but has struggled with the bat, with his one excellent game with the team coming in a Game of the Week victory over the White Sox in early August. He could play in New York's quest for the AL East crown, or could be rested due to the injury and poor performance.
Esteban Robles is dealing with the flu, though it appears its mostly behind him. The illness is partially responsible why he went 0-17 since September 16th with seven strikeouts. Robles has really slugged the ball well this year and has been an asset when he's played, but with a bug like the flu and his poor performance, Greg Masceri may want to him to rest up.
They'll take on a Tampa team that has been a huge disappointment. They sit at 74-81, and far removed from their goals of winning the AL East. It will only be the second time Tampa has missed the playoffs since 2018, and will be their first year without a winning record. There are a number of reasons for that, with the biggest one being the simple fact that the team's best hitters haven't hit as well. Particularly concerning is Willy Adames. The middle infielder spent much of his season as a 27-year old Second Baseman and saw his average drop from .253 to .218. His slugging mark has seen a dip from .378 to .332, and his OBP is an even .300. His second base defense has also been disappointing and subpar. With such a poor performance from someone Tampa Bay was counting on to be a defensive stalwart and offensive key, the rest of the team has followed suit.
Questions for the GMs:
For Greg Masceri, with Manuel Margot banged up, will he start in Center Field today?
Esteban Robles has the flu. Will he play today?
You have the ability to win the AL East, the ability to miss the playoffs, and are pretty likely to merely host the Wild Card Game. Will that affect any decisions to perhaps bench players?
For Ryan Morneau, with your team out of it, will you play mostly youngsters today?
What has been the main reason for your team's struggles this year in your opinion?
Rookie Michael Perez has been a bright spot with a .300 average. How does he factor in to your long term plans?
TRIVIA: Who has the most career WAR among Second Basemen?
NYY: Jesse Biddle (15-6, 2.93)
TB: Lucas Sims: (6-9, 4.64)
The New York Yankees sit in a comfortable position, 3.5 games ahead of the Chicago White Sox and Kansas City Royals in the Wild Card race, 3.5 games behind the Toronto Blue Jays for the AL East crown. With a strong week and some luck, the Yankees could be AL East Champions. With a bad week and some misfortune, the Yankees could be on the road for the Wild Card Game, or worse, out of the playoffs entirely.
That makes the direction they take with several nicked up players interesting when they face the Tampa Bay Rays in the Game of the Week.
Manuel Margot is dealing with strained ribs that may take a couple of weeks to heal. He's been a defensive stalwart for the Yankees, but has struggled with the bat, with his one excellent game with the team coming in a Game of the Week victory over the White Sox in early August. He could play in New York's quest for the AL East crown, or could be rested due to the injury and poor performance.
Esteban Robles is dealing with the flu, though it appears its mostly behind him. The illness is partially responsible why he went 0-17 since September 16th with seven strikeouts. Robles has really slugged the ball well this year and has been an asset when he's played, but with a bug like the flu and his poor performance, Greg Masceri may want to him to rest up.
They'll take on a Tampa team that has been a huge disappointment. They sit at 74-81, and far removed from their goals of winning the AL East. It will only be the second time Tampa has missed the playoffs since 2018, and will be their first year without a winning record. There are a number of reasons for that, with the biggest one being the simple fact that the team's best hitters haven't hit as well. Particularly concerning is Willy Adames. The middle infielder spent much of his season as a 27-year old Second Baseman and saw his average drop from .253 to .218. His slugging mark has seen a dip from .378 to .332, and his OBP is an even .300. His second base defense has also been disappointing and subpar. With such a poor performance from someone Tampa Bay was counting on to be a defensive stalwart and offensive key, the rest of the team has followed suit.
Questions for the GMs:
For Greg Masceri, with Manuel Margot banged up, will he start in Center Field today?
Esteban Robles has the flu. Will he play today?
You have the ability to win the AL East, the ability to miss the playoffs, and are pretty likely to merely host the Wild Card Game. Will that affect any decisions to perhaps bench players?
For Ryan Morneau, with your team out of it, will you play mostly youngsters today?
What has been the main reason for your team's struggles this year in your opinion?
Rookie Michael Perez has been a bright spot with a .300 average. How does he factor in to your long term plans?
TRIVIA: Who has the most career WAR among Second Basemen?
