DJ LeMahieu

The experts at Baseball Reference have published their 2024 season predictions, and New York Yankees' fans feel disrespected by them.

As one of the greatest Major League Baseball players faced the grim reality of premature death, Lou Gehrig considered himself "the luckiest man on the face of the earth." Though he eventually would die at the unthinkable age of 37, less than two years later, Gehrig never lost the appreciation of putting on a New York Yankees uniform. That treasured sentiment continues today in the Bronx Bombers locker-room.

It's tough to argue the fact: until somebody, like the New York Yankees, knock off the Houston Astros, the reigning champion still holds the crown. However, this looks to be the year that American League representative in the fall classic will come from New York for the first time since 2009.

Starting in early September last season, his name, rather his bat was noticeably absent from the New York Yankees lineup. The last two years have not been vintage seasons for DJ LeMahieu, however being a two-time batting champion creates some pretty high standards. Injuries to the 2022 Gold Glove- Utility Player's big toe and second toe, hampered LeMahieu for the better part of the '22 season.

It's no secret, New York Yankees senior VP and general manager, Brian Cashman is pressing to get his organization back to the World Series. Cashman has a brand new four-year contract, so he isn't worried about his personal job security. However, the Long Island native is considered one of the best executives in MLB and a 13-year late October draught probably doesn't sit well.

When you are in first place in the American League East and you just took another series from the team everyone predicted would win the AL, you can kick back a little on your off day. That is exactly what New York Yankees sluggers Anthony Rizzo, Aaron Judge and DJ LeMahieu did on Thursday night.

Baseball coaches will tell you that young players will often struggle offensively, if they are not comfortable at their defensive position. Even in the Major Leagues, strong offensive players that are bounced around to unfamiliar positions in the field can encounter simultaneous difficulties at the plate. Jeff McNeil of the New York Mets is a prime example. The Yankees have their own case in point and they hope to fix that in 2022.

New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has not gotten his bosses a World Series ring since 2009. This is the franchise that holds the Major League record for the trophy with 27 of them. So, the pressure may be building. This offseason Cashman overhauled his infield and got a few healthy players back. Now, some are questioning if Cashman is really finished tinkering.

The New York Yankees had answers on their roster to the question, 'who would play first base in 2022?' They just didn't THE answer that fans and probably manager Aaron Boone wanted to hear. Luke Voit did a great job anchoring first base and hitting home runs, when he was healthy. DJ LeMahieu can play over there but he will play a lot of places, according to Boone. But the Pinstripes needed something more. Maybe someone that they had before.

When Opening Day will take place, may be a bigger question than even the New York Yankees questionable Opening Day line-up. Let's have some fun and give general manager Brian Cashman a little help, while providing manager Aaron Boone with a winning line-up. Remember, we have to be realistic with our wish-list additions!