Bleeding Yankee Blue: STANTONIAN HOME RUNS ARE NOT GETTING BOMBERS TO THE PLAYOFFS

Sunday, July 9, 2023

STANTONIAN HOME RUNS ARE NOT GETTING BOMBERS TO THE PLAYOFFS

Source: Gregory Fisher/USA Today Sports

So my friends and readers say I am too positive. When it comes to the Yankees, I have to stay positive. Otherwise, I might as well be a Met fan. Now when Giancarlo Stanton hits not only one but two mammoth home runs in one game with one still flying high, I have to believe the Yankees are on a roll about to break away. The reality is that two Stantonian home runs are not getting the Bombers to the playoffs. Positive or not, reality trumps hope.

“It starts with having good at-bats. Can’t be getting out of the zone, trying to do too much,’’ said Stanton, who also walked and lined out in four times up, driving in three runs. Entering the weekend, Stanton was batting .157 with a .542 OPS in 100 plate appearances since coming off the injured list due to strained hamstring," reported NJ.com.

Although contribution needs to come from the entire team, Stanton has a responsibility to step up and carry this team for his injured captain. And it can't only happen every 15 at bats. Consistency eats power for breakfast.

Source: Tampa Bay Times

"But it’s Stanton who should be the key figure in a Judge-less batting order, making his presence known and doing some of the heavy lifting for what has been a less-than-mediocre lineup. “I’ve got a job to do, period,’’ Stanton said, acknowledging his responsibly. “It’s never a lack of effort, or a lack of work. “Just have to put it together at (game time),’’reported NJ.com.

If anyone can put it together it will be Stanton. And he is close to some milestones which can make the games more interesting following the All-Star Break.

"Lifetime, Stanton is closing in on multiple milestones. He's 13 homers away from 400 and he's six RBI away from 1,000," reported FanNation. And if that is not a spark of optimism, the Yankees are currently tied with the Toronto Blue Jays for the final spot in the American League wild card race.

So yes, two Stantonian home runs won't get the Bombers to the playoffs but maybe, just maybe, if Giancarlo Stanton can stay consistent, the Yankees have a shot at post season baseball. Reality or hope? I just can't help it, I have to go with hope and positivity.

--Suzie Pinstripe