Perhaps this is a formula that stands up well when the competition is the AL Central, which is all that separates the Yankees from their first pennant since 2009. The team's most recent performances against AL Central teams have been nothing short of exceptional, and with their current trajectory, it's difficult to see anyone in their division stopping them.
While this may not seem like much to some fans, for the Yankees and their devoted supporters, this is a huge deal. The team hasn't seen the same level of success in over a decade, and the desire for another World Series win is palpable. If their current strategy continues to pay off, it's hard to argue against their chances of finally claiming that elusive pennant.
However, there's a catch. The formula that's currently serving the Yankees so well might not stand up to tougher competition. The AL Central, while not an easy division by any means, is arguably not as strong as some other divisions in the league. The AL East, in particular, is shaping up to be a real challenge for any team looking to make a deep postseason run.
If the Yankees want to make some noise in the playoffs this year, they'll have to prove that their current strategy can translate to more difficult opponents. It's not impossible by any means, but it's definitely a tall order. The team's current roster has shown flashes of brilliance, but there's still a lot that could go wrong if they face stiffer competition.
The Yankees have shown us that they can get by against the AL Central, but what happens when they face actual behemoths of the league? The team's management must be aware of this concern and is surely working on shoring up any weaknesses they see on their roster. One thing is for sure: if they can continue to adapt and grow as a team, they'll undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with come playoff time.