We aren't even halfway through February, but the Yankees are already talking about late October.

Dellin Betances made it clear what the team's goal is on pitchers and catchers report day: World Series or bust.

"If we don't win, I think it's not a great year for us," Betances said. "And I think it's the first year (since I've been here) that I've come in with those expectations."

The four-time All-Star is part of a young New York team that made a surprising run to the American League Championship Series in 2017.

This season, the Betances and the Yankees expect to break through and win their 28th World Series championship.

"We were so close last year. We were one game away from the World Series, and we know what it feels like. We kind of have that sour taste in our mouths that we want to win."

When the relief pitcher's comments were relayed to first year manager Aaron Boone during his first press conference of the spring, the new Yankees skipper was delighted to hear about them.

"What stands out about that room right now: each guy I've spoken to, the hunger is there," Boone said. "And there's no satisfaction with what they were able to accomplish (last season). So we understand that it's a very tough road, and that will be one of our messages, especially for young players that have had success."

One way Boone hopes to take his team to the next level is by practicing with what he calls "a championship pace".

But Boone doesn't want his players to stray from what made them special in the first place.

"At the end of the day, it is a kid's game," Boone said. "And I think what leaps off the screen with this club is the fun that they're having playing baseball together. And that's something I want them to never lose- to continue to have that fun but understand we're going out there with an intensity and expectation of greatness."

Boone retired from his baseball career more than eight years ago and has no experience as a manager at any level.

But he says he feels very close to the game due to his previous job as an ESPN television analyst.

Boone described the process of going into the analytics of the game for his television prep as an important skill he'll continue to use throughout his new job, even though the application of that knowledge is a little bit different.

The 12-year MLB veteran and son of a former big leaguer from one of the most famous families in the game's history clearly believes he has the right mindset to succeed.

Time will tell if Boone is the perfect manager to guide this young team that was one win away from making it to the World Series last year.