The New York Yankees get their man by signing Aaron Judge, but he was someone they really had all along. Is the team really better?

The 2022 New York Yankees' season is ended in the ALCS at the hands of the Houston Astros. Swept out of their fifth straight losing AL pennant series, the Yankees have their months-long weaknesses to stare at and second guess. In this game, the hindsight won't help them hoist the hardware and hang another championship banner.

Through the highest of highs and lowest of lows, the New York Yankees are the AL East champions, putting all doubts aside and rolling into the first true series of the postseason in the Bronx. Aaron Judge is able to achieve a historic feat, but is it THE most historic feat? Also, can Aaron Boone lead this team deep in the playoffs, and were the Blue Jays pitchers merely cowards?

The Yankees are starting to change their luck by beating up on the Red Sox and the Rays, but will not have such easy opponents in the playoffs. Without a chance to address their roster outside of the organization, and a mixed bag of opportunity and results from the minor leagues, can the Yankees protect their weaknesses to prevent being ousted early from the playoffs yet again, and ending a once-promising season with a whimper?

The New York Yankees continue to play uninspired baseball since before Independence Day. The same players that propelled the team to a double-digit division lead are mostly the ones contributing to them challenging the Tigers, Diamondbacks, and Pirates for the lead of offensive ineptitude. Fans look longingly-- not for Joe DiMaggio-- but for Joey Gallo? And the coaching staff doesn't believe their own lies.

The New York Yankees are limping out of an underwhelming trade deadline, staying flat after the All Star break. It seems that Aaron Judge is the only "All Star" that made his way back from the game, and injuries continue to nag or nail some key contributors. Are the Yankees turning into a pumpkin at midnight?

The New York Yankees lose Michael King to injury for the rest of the season. The team has barely played better than .500 ball in July. As they lose ground to the Astros for the best record in the American League, the Yankees have to weigh panic against urgency to make the right moves at the 2022 MLB trade deadline.

The Yankees are sitting pretty at the All-Star break. Is Juan Soto a realistic trade option for them, or just crumbs the fans are picking up from the Nationals' negotiation tactics? Also, first half grades for the team so far.

The New York Yankees continue to score the most runs, but perhaps most importantly and consistently, allow the least runs. The starting rotation of Cole, Severino, Taillon, Montgomery, and Cortes Jr. are healthy, and racking up innings. It feels like the Yankees have been playing with house money. Can their luck continue?

The Yankees are in the toughest part of their schedule to date and so far, have weathered the storm. No-hitters aside, they trade haymakers with the Astros, extend their AL East lead, and still are the best team in baseball. How long can they stay atop the pack with under-performing players weighing them down? Is this their last crusade with Aaron Judge available? And how does an interpreter get suspended for a brawl on the field?

Aaron Hicks and Josh Donaldson getting timely hits? What universe are we in? Winning big, winning small, or capitalizing on opponents' mistakes, the Yankees just keep piling up Ws in the column. The contention window is wide open, right now, and the Yankees are a team that are answering all questions right now.

The Yankees are the first team to 36 wins, while the Mets lead the NL with 35 wins. The Yankees weather injuries by leaning on their leading starting rotation, and Aaron Judge takes issue with the world during his walk season. Josh Donaldson says some boneheaded things, while a minor leaguer loses his job for stealing something besides bases.

The Yankees are the first team in Major League Baseball to 25 wins, while the Red Sox pay rent in the AL East's basement. Aroldis Chapman is one spot that the Yankees have to work out to have a reliable end to games in crunch time. Meanwhile, one listener asks for the host's do-or-die lineup, while the rest of us try to figure out what the hell channel the Yankees are on this week.

The Yankees still sit atop the AL East, but are still not without their flaws. Episode 2 of the Evil Empire Sports Podcast looks at what challenges the team and manager are facing down at the end of a long season, hopeful for the playoffs. Meanwhile, Buck Showalter is imprinting his character and persona on the Mets team that leads the NL East. Which approach will work best for the respective ball clubs? Also, should the Yankees sign Aaron Judge to a mega-deal?

Evil Empire Sports launches with its first podcast of the 2022 MLB season. The Yankees are off to a good start, but are not without their flaws. Listen as host Rob Maccariello breaks down the Yanks' first month of the season.