It’s Feb. 19. The Yankees’ first game of 2018 is just a few days away, and there’s something different buzzing around camp than there has in recent years.
Last year they were the underdogs, but then they overachieved and fell one game short of the World Series. As CC Sabathia said over the offseason, the Yankees have reclaimed their Evil Empire status with the acquisition of reigning MVP Giancarlo Stanton.
They’re back to being hated.
With that in mind, and given the excitement for the season ahead, I wanted to take a closer look at some of the most-anticipated matchups slated on their schedule.
With that in mind, and given the excitement for the season ahead, I wanted to take a closer look at some of the most-anticipated matchups slated on their schedule.
Opening Day
@ Blue Jays
Thursday 3/29, 3:37 p.m.
After Masahiro Tanaka’s up-and-down 2017 and Luis Severino’s re-emergence, I expect Sevy to get the call for his first career Opening Day start.
Home Opener
vs. Rays
Monday 4/2, 1:05 p.m.
It will likely be the most packed the stadium will be all season long (until October). And who’s lined up to make the big start? No. 5 starter Jordan Montgomery. He’s got an awful lot to live up to – Michael Pineda nearly tossed a no-no in last year’s opener.
Red Sox Rivalry Rekindles
@ Red Sox
Tuesday 4/10, 7:10 p.m.
With or without J.D. Martinez, the Red Sox figure to be the Yankees’ stiffest competition in the AL East. The greatest rivalry in sports figures to have a new spark to it this year with the Yankees being hated more than ever, and you know Stanton will be hearing the Fenway Faithful’s boos.
First Shot at Revenge
@ Astros
Monday 4/30, 8:10 p.m.
The Astros managed to get even better than they were in 2017 with the addition of SP Gerrit Cole, the Yankees’ first-round pick in 2008 who elected to attend UCLA instead of coming to the Bronx. Let’s hope they don’t have to face Cole in this series.
Red Sox Rivalry Rekindles (at Home)
vs. Red Sox
Tuesday 5/8, 7:05 p.m.
The first time the Red Sox visit the Bronx in 2018. Should be fun.
First Shot at Revenge (at Home)
vs. Astros
Monday 5/28, 1:05 p.m.
This is probably the most-anticipated regular season game for the Yankees and their fans, as Yankee Stadium will be rockin’. I already have my tickets for Tuesday’s game, which may be even crazier than Monday since it’s at night and a lot of fans have this crazy thing called work during the week.
Old Timers’ Day
vs. Rays
Sunday 6/17, 2:05 p.m.
A tradition that’s spanned over 70 years continues on this day, which also happens to be Fathers’ Day and my sister’s birthday. Goose Gossage wasn’t invited to spring training this year, but will he get the call for OTD? I think not!
Home Run Derby
@ Nationals Park
Monday 7/16
Many say the 2018 Yankees have as good a chance as any team to break the single-season home run record. Stanton, Aaron Judge & Gary Sanchez all competed in last year’s event with Judge prevailing in style. Will all three Yankees compete in 2018? I hope so.
Subway Series
vs. Mets
Friday 7/20, 7:05 p.m.
The Mets don’t have a ton of expectations after their entire pitching staff went down last season, which sets them up as underdogs in 2018. Don’t be surprised if they’re still in the hunt at this point. The Yankees will visit the Mets in Flushing in June, but this will be their one and only series with their cross-town rivals in the Bronx (unless they meet in the World Series, of course… ha!).
Giancarlo’s Return
@ Marlins
Tuesday 8/21, 7:10 p.m.
Who will receive louder boos in Miami this series: Stanton or Derek Jeter?
The Final Stretch
vs. AL East
Friday 9/14 - Sunday 9/30
Two series against the Red Sox, the rest against AL East teams. The final three games are in Boston. Wow. The second half of September should be a ton of fun.
