BALTIMORE — Jim Palmer had something to say Saturday afternoon at Camden Yards following the Yankees rout the Orioles 6-1.
The Orioles Hall of Fame pitcher stood in an elevator surrounded by fans and media heading to watch the Yankees and Orioles. The conversation turned to baseball legends, specifically another Hall of Fame pitcher Palmer had seen recently.
After a while, the 79-year-old three-time Cy Young winner launched into a story about the late Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda. His tale brought laughs from everyone in the elevator, but Palmer wasn’t finished. It all went to the Yankees discussion and some lessons for those who are ariting off the New York team this season.
Palmer stands up Yankees defense
Minutes later, Palmer sat down for an interview. The discussion turned to the American League playoff race, still unsettled with six games left in the season.
That’s when Palmer brought up a comment from a Blue Jays broadcaster that clearly bothered him. The remark came from Buck Martinez, someone Palmer has known since their playing days.
Martinez dismissed one of Toronto’s rivals despite their strong record and playoff position. Palmer was quick to respond.
“Buck Martinez saying, ‘I don’t care what the Yankees’ record is, they’re not a good team,’ I disagree,” Palmer said.
The Orioles legend pointed to two strengths that made Martinez’s view hard to accept.
“The Yankees have Aaron Judge and they have really good starting pitching, which is important because they can match up with anybody in the playoffs, especially if they’re in that Wild Card Series,” Palmer explained.
Numbers tell a different story
The Yankees carry an 88-68 record into the final week. They hold the top AL Wild Card spot and sit just two games behind the Blue Jays in the East.
Their record is the second-best in the American League. Across Major League Baseball, only four teams have better marks.
Palmer believes Martinez overlooked what the Yankees have built. He even praised general manager Brian Cashman.
“I think Cashman should be GM of the year,” Palmer said. “He gave the Yankees everything they need. He got them position players, pitchers. They have the starters.”
Cashman reshaped the roster after last year’s World Series appearance. Fifteen players on this year’s team were not part of that group. Nine arrived through trades during the offseason and at the deadline. Five were free-agent signings. One rookie joined the rotation in July.
Soto’s departure pays dividends
The Yankees lost their biggest star last winter when Juan Soto signed with the Mets for $765 million over 15 years. New York had offered $760 million for 16 years.
Many saw Soto’s decision as a devastating loss. Palmer argued otherwise.
“That worked out for the Yankees,” Palmer said. “They wouldn’t have the same team paying Soto $50 million a year.”
The money saved let Cashman add depth. He signed Max Fried to an eight-year, $218 million contract. That move proved critical when Gerrit Cole needed Tommy John surgery and was lost for the year.
Cashman also added former MVPs Cody Bellinger, acquired by trade, and Paul Goldschmidt, signed on a one-year deal. At the deadline, he landed closer David Bednar and utility player Jose Caballero.
Rookie Cam Schlittler has since emerged as a surprise weapon and could slot into the No. 3 starter role for October.
The critical factor Palmer identifies
Palmer still stopped short of predicting the Yankees would win the pennant. He focused on one factor that could make the difference.
“We still need to see who gets home-field advantage,” Palmer said. “I think that’ll be huge because there’s only one team in baseball that plays really well on the road and that’s the Brewers, who obviously are in the other league.”
The Yankees finished their road schedule 44-37, the best in the AL. Their likely Wild Card seeding could give them an edge in a best-of-three opening round.
“That should get them through that round, but then they might have to play Toronto not having home field,” Palmer said.
The question was clear. Could the Yankees win in Toronto without home field advantage?
A baseball lifer calls it like he sees it
Palmer’s opinion carries weight. He won three World Series titles with Baltimore, collected three Cy Young Awards, and spent nearly two decades as one of the best pitchers in the game. His credibility as a broadcaster and analyst extends that influence.
When Palmer defends a team, people notice. When he challenges another broadcaster, it makes headlines.
Martinez, who played 17 seasons including with the Blue Jays, has been Toronto’s TV voice for years. His comment about the Yankees echoed doubts from others who question if New York is truly built for October.
Palmer sees it differently. Judge’s MVP-level season anchors the lineup. The rotation gives the Yankees options to match against anyone. Cashman’s roster overhaul has built flexibility few teams can match.
The Yankees host the White Sox for three games before finishing the regular season against the Orioles. Their playoff fate remains in their control.
Martinez may stand by his comment. But Palmer gave plenty of reasons why dismissing the Yankees could be a mistake. The October stage will show who is right.
One thing is clear. Palmer isn’t backing off his view. The Yankees have the record. They have the roster. And they have Aaron Judge.
What do you think?
