Pittsburgh — The Yankees have the best major records, butHal Steinbrennerlooks at familiar enemies.
"We all need to worry about Houston," the Yankees managing general partner said in a zoom call Wednesday. "They are a very good team. The games I've played so far are almost always close. It's going to be a challenge, but it's going to be a challenge for them, no doubt."
The Astros have emerged as a rival to the Yankees, especially in the wake of a scandal in which Houston stole his signature during the 2017 World Series championship season. They defeated the Yankees in seven ALCS games that season.
Since then, Houston has also knocked off the Yankees in the 2019 playoffs, and the two teams appear to be on the collision course in October this year.
What Steinbrenner didn't cover Jim Crane, the Astros owner who fought with the Yankees general manager Brian Cashman, commented that this spring's scandal was "illegal and horrifying." … [From the 2017 World Series title] The only thing that derailed us was the situation of cheating that disappointed us.
Crane said he disapproved Cashman, who still criticized the Astros team for winning the World Series in May, because the Yankees were found to have committed violations in the last few years. ..
Steinbrenner said Wednesday he was avoiding the fight.
"I didn't respond," Steinbrenner said. "As far as I am concerned, this is history. I'm not going to relive history. I'm looking forward to it, not backwards. And I'm going to see the Astros. As pointed out, we're probably how many I'm going to play them in that pretty big game. "
Steinbrenner added that the discussion about the Yankees had not yet begun, before the closing date of August 2, and was ready to consider whatever Cashman brought in. Even if that means giving up on top prospects or increasing salaries.
Steinbrenner defended his participation in the free agent shortstop class and praised Isiah Kinerfarefa's performance.
"We knew that Isia would be a good defensive shortstop," Steinbrenner said. "He responded to the bill. To be a great team, Jean Michael said [you needed]" protect the middle. " That's definitely an improvement for us. I didn't spend $ 300 million to do that, but I think most people are pretty happy with Isia and his work.
