ESPN Analyst Calls Yankees 'Team To Beat' Over Red Sox In AL East
An ESPN writer said a rising young star has established the New York Yankees as early favorites to win the division.
ESPN Analyst Calls Yankees 'Team To Beat' Over Red Sox In AL East originally appeared on NESN . Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The Boston Red Sox are expected to face stout competition in a stacked American League East this season.
An analyst identified the New York Yankees as early favorites because of one player. ESPN's David Schoenfield labeled the Yankees the "team to beat" in the division following Cam Schlittler's superb season debut. The starting pitcher overpowered the San Francisco Giants in a 3-0 win on Friday.
"Heading into the season, it felt like an important key for the New York Yankees in a dominant-looking American League East was to stay close in April until they got Carlos Rodon and Gerrit Cole back in the rotation," Schoenfield wrote. "But the rotation might be just fine in the meantime, thank you very much. " Even with two aces sidelined, the Yankees held the Giants to one run throughout a three-game sweep.
Schlittler helped by blanking San Francisco over 5 1/3 frames, allowing one hit and tallying eight strikeouts in just 68 pitches. The Yankees also received a Max Fried gem on Opening Night, and Will Warren delivered a solid showing on Sunday. Yet the Evil Empire will be particularly dangerous if Schlittler morphs into a front-line starter.