Not looking for guarantees. There are not any, as you point out. But my perception is that the NYY would beat us handily in a 7 game series if it were to begin today. I would like to see something change that perception.
It looks like Urquidy has pretty much shelved his old slider in favor of the new hard slider/cutter. It seems if anything the problem is too many uncompetitive pitches out in the waste area.
So you're taking the last 3 months over every other playoff matchup they've had... along with the inherent randomness of any playoff series (i.e.- the Yankees may not even make it to the ALCS?). The Indians were the best team in baseball in 2017. How'd that go for them? And certainly the "handidly" part comes from where, exactly? The Astros could easily beat any team handidly, or lose handidly, or win closely, or lose closely... and it wouldn't be all that surprising regardless of outcome.
If they want to win a WS Bregs/Yuli need to come around and they need an upgrade at catcher. Also it wouldn't hurt a thing if LMJ could get back to where he was last year. I would move Leon and Santos for Contreras.
Of course. Or they just need to play good baseball for 1 random week in October. Maldy went off this weekend... and they still lost 2 out of 3 'handidly'. They're not trading for a catcher. Maybe they'd take an upgrade in CF... which doesn't make much sense to trade Leon now.
Two ways this could help us: 1) They get the contracts they want and tie up a LOT of Yankee money for years to come. 2) They don't get their money, go sour on the owners, pollute the clubhouse and leave accordingly.