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ASPIRESPRING2016

METS and YANKEES PREVIEW 2016 YANKEES In 2015, the Yankees had one of the strangest season in recent times. They sort of flew below the radar to their crosstown rivals, the New York Mets, despite having a surprising solid season. They went into 2015 as underdogs, a strange prediction given their massive payroll. But give them credit. Despite age, injuries and a lack of big moves, the Bronx Bombers won 87 games and made the playoffs as a wild card team. The accomplishment was tainted when they were shut out in the crapshoot one-game playoff against the young Houston Astros at Yankee Stadium. Still, given the question marks regarding A-Rod and the lofty expectations that come with wearing pinstripes, it was a successful season. The franchise is clearly in a transitional period. They want bloated contracts to come off the books, so they can develop stars from within like they did during their last dynasty. When you make the playoffs during these types of years, it’s good. Can they do it again? They have improved in some areas but similar questions remain. STRENGTHS BULLPEN Despite signing a single player this off-season, the Yankees drastically improved their already great pen. Now thanks to the trade for the controversial but amazing Aroldis Chapman, they have three relievers that would be a closer on any other team. Chapman will start on this team. Andrew Miller who closed last year for the Yankees and did a great job, will likely serve as the set-up man. Then you have the young Dellin Betances who is also ready to be a closer. It remains to be seen if Miller and Betances will be all right pitching in the seventh and eighth innings, but if they put their egos aside, this will be something very special. Aroldis Chapman Andrew Miller Dellin Betances ááá


ASPIRESPRING2016
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