Before the Yanks can return to the “Boogie Down Bronx”, they get to sweat it out in Fort Lauderdale for spring training. After making the playoffs but missing the World Series for a second straight season, losing to the eventual champions each time (Houston Astros and Boston Red Sox), GM Brian Cashman made sure to address the team’s most glaring weaknesses during free agency. Trading for James Paxton was the first move, and certainly a step in the right direction. While Yankees ace Luis Severino was dominant for most of 2018, late-season fatigue eventually kicked in and once again held him back during the divisional series. Recent news that Severino will miss the start of the regular season makes the Paxton deal even more significant now. While not known for his health either, Paxton has the tools to compliment a pieced together rotation that is vastly improved. Cashman then added infielders Troy Tulowitzki and DJ LeMahieu with the hopes that Boone’s lineup configurations can get the Bombers to July without stud Didi Gregorius. And finally, why not build the scariest bullpen of all time? After bringing back lefty Zach Britton and locking down righty Adam Ottavino for three years, starters won’t ever have to go past five innings. Batters beware.

So there’s your season recap, and I bet you’re wondering what you should look out for during this painful month of “fake baseball”. I’d be happy to tell you… on the next episode of Shane’s Sports of New York! Who should we expect to see starting at first base? What does the ideal opening day lineup look like? What can we expect out of Clint Frazier and Estevan Florial? Click the link to find out!

Shane’s Sports of New York: Episode Six