Determined Dominance
Today officially kicks off the season, with the Yankees taking on the Brewers in the Bronx. Carlos Rodón will be the Yankees starting pitcher, taking on Peralta and the Brew Crew. Everyone is expecting a great game, but what should we be looking for out of each of the players? I think there are a lot of them that are looking to make a statement right here at the season opener. Bellinger is looking to come out of the gate hot, and show that New York is no challenge for him. His dad played there, and now he has the potential to come out and show everyone that this is the place for him as well. I’m taking Belli for 2+ bases in today’s game. Goldschmidt has been looking in top form through spring training, and I expect that to continue as we get into the regular season. It’s not contested that he’s a great player, but it also seems apparent that he’s approaching the end of his career, likely by choice not by ability degradation. I predict he wants to come out and absolutely rake all year, and make sure that when he retires he does it on a high note. There’s no better way to end a career than to smash home runs for the Yankees and get them back into the World Series for a chance at redemption. I think it’s a real possibility, and I’ll be first in line for the blu-ray box set when it comes out next year. Judge is an absolute beast and there isn’t a person out there that can argue that fact. I would venture to say that his spring training “slump” could even be intentional. He’s lulled opposing pitchers into a sleep, and the crack of his bat is going to remind them that he’s one of the best to ever do it. I’m taking Judge for 4+ bases on today’s SGP, shoutout fanatics for the odds on that one. Moving down, we’ve got Dominguez and Cabrera looking to make a splash as they’ve been named opening day starters for the first time in their careers. Cabrera had a respectable line through spring training, as did Dominguez. If Jasson can keep the errors in outfield under control, and continue to smash like he did in his debut, they’re going to be a great move by Boone and team. Jazz showed last year that New York is where he’s meant to be, and I stand behind that 100%. He brings an unrivaled amount of swag and confidence to a place that’s earned the right to have it. I expect to see more homeruns, and more stolen bases than he’s put up yet, and a career high WAR as we get into the postseason. Beyond his top tier athleticism, Jazz is someone that brings confidence to everyone around him, and you’re going to see that through the season. I’m taking Jazz for 2+ bases today, and possibly a home run. Volpe and Wells should be a great defensive team this year, holding runners back and also smashing respectable lines. Wells is expected to be the lead off man, as he’s been crushing balls all spring training. Volpe finished last season with a magnificent postseason performance, and I hope he’s still riding that high into this year. Overall this team is looking very good, and much better than they would’ve been had they spent 760 million on Soto. The division is ripe for the taking, and I have confidence that they’ll do just that. This year they’re turning a corner, starting a new dynasty, and going on a run to be reckoned with. 2025- The Empire Strikes Back.
