Fansided

Why the Yankees can win without trading for a pitcher

By Rucker Haringey

DETROIT, MI - JUNE 4: Manager Aaron Boone #17 of the New York Yankees looks on before game two of a doubleheader against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on June 4, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. Players on both teams are wearing the number 42 to celebrate Jackie Robinson Day, as it is the makeup of the game rained out on April 15. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - JUNE 4: Manager Aaron Boone #17 of the New York Yankees looks on before game two of a doubleheader against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on June 4, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. Players on both teams are wearing the number 42 to celebrate Jackie Robinson Day, as it is the makeup of the game rained out on April 15. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 13: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees hits a sacrifice fly that drove in a run an interleague MLB baseball game against the Washington Nationals on June 13, 2018 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. Nationals won 5-4 . (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 13: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees hits a sacrifice fly that drove in a run an interleague MLB baseball game against the Washington Nationals on June 13, 2018 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. Nationals won 5-4 . (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images) /

1. Just outhit the opposition

The frightening reality for teams hoping the Yankees will flame out in October is that the New York offense isn’t clicking on all cylinders yet. Several players have enjoyed intense bursts of success, but no one is having an unthinkable year at the plate.

First off, just because the Yankees can’t trade for a pitcher under the rules of this piece, it doesn’t preclude Cashman from dealing for another bat. Adding a superstar like Manny Machado may be unlikely, but it’s not impossible. A seismic move like that would make the team’s offense virtually unstoppable.

Even if a deal isn’t made, there’s plenty of reason for optimism. Many people believe Gary Sanchez is the best pure hitter in the Yankees lineup and he’s hitting .192 at the moment. Giancarlo Stanton won the NL MVP Award last season and he’s scuffling at .243. It’s a common trend around the Yankees order to point out that the power numbers are good, but the average and on base percentages aren’t where they should be.

Next: Yankees are pitching Aroldis Chapman too much

The old saying that great pitching beats good hitting has never been proven without a shadow of a doubt. This postseason, the Yankees could amass a batting order that’s capable of handling any rotation in baseball. It’s possible that Boone and Cashman should just endeavor to build a team that can outscore the opposition every time out. That would be an unconventional way to win a title, but it’s not impossible.

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