Report From July 1, Never Posted

JUNE REPORT: 12-16 (43-39 Overall)

After two months of optimism and exceeding expectations, the Yankees abruptly dropped down from their second place lead in the division to hanging by a thread in third and fourth. In the month of June, the Yanks were ranked dead last in the league in batting average, on-base percentage,  slugging, and total runs. Not only do the Yanks have no run support, but they also have not scored double digits in a game since May 10th against Kansas City. Of course it's difficult for Robinson Cano to maintain a high batting average when no one bats in front or behind him, but the team needs to at least boost their OBP, take more pitches, and hopefully that will result in runs.  The Yanks had their only west coast trip of the season, and were swept in Oakland and lost two of three in Anaheim. By the end of the month, the Yanks had an opportunity to gain some ground in Baltimore, but were silenced by the big orange birds in all three games. The All-Star break is around the corner, and this Yankee squad needs help. Hope Week starts on July 8th; I think that's a great time to start a winning streak. Keep the faith; they need all the advice they can get. 

TOP PERFORMER:  Brett Gardner

Brett started off the season on a tear, considering that we never see the guy hit more than five homers a year. Gardner hit .330 in June, along with two homers and ten RBIs. The kid doesn't put the ball in the stands, but he hits for average, gets on base, and scores runs. Strangely enough, the stolen base count for Brett has been down this year. I don't think there should ever be a time where he shouldn't have a chance at snatching a base. I would rather attempt and fail than never attempt at all. Anyway, forget the negatives. He's dynamite in center field with his speed and takes control of the outfield with his leadership. I always look upon Brett the Hit-Man as trade bait, but at this point, he's essential at the lead-off spot in the lineup. Keep up the good work.

WORST PERFORMER: Joba Chamberlain

I know, I know, Joba's a reliever and doesn't get enough innings to prove himself. Honestly,  I'm basically through with this guy. June was not friendly to him, as he ended with a 9.35 ERA with 14 hits and 9 earned runs in only 8.2 IP. His velocity has been consistently high but his bag of tricks aren't fooling batters anymore. Injuries have unfortunately shaped his career, and I'm also very skeptical about his health. I know he was out all of last year with TJ Surgery, but Joba gained a ton of weight. David Wells and CC Sabathia are the only big guys who have excelled in double extra-large pinstripe uniforms, and the only option of not trading Joba is to designate him for assignment and call up fresh, new blood. (By the way, Joba wears one hat size too small; all of the blood is rushing to his head!)

EVERYBODY BOARD THE ZOIIIILOOO TRAIN!!!

The 2013 Yankees squad has offered many rookies appearances in the big show, including 3B David Adams, C Austin Romine, and SS Alberto Gonzalez. But out of all the rookies being displayed in the Bronx, one stands out as the top player: Zoilo Almonte. The 24-year old was called up during the LA Dodgers series on the 19th, and in his twelve games in June, he hit .303 with an OBP of .351. Now, this kid isn't a slugger, but his outfield glove looks top-notch. His speed and strong arm provides Joe Girardi with an option to replace slumping Vernon Wells in the field and at the plate. Zoilo only has a dozen games under his belt in the pros, but I have high hopes for this kid. After all, he's named after the 1965 American League MVP Zoilo Versalles of the Minnesota Twins. Almonte's name brings royalty, so expect big things from this rook. 

W2W4

We stand only two weeks away from the Mid-Summer Classic at Citi Field, and there is a lot of ground to cover with fourteen straight days of baseball. Luckily, the Yanks end the first half of the season with a four game set against the Twins in the Twin City, and a ten game home stand between the Orioles, Royals, and Twins. With the Yanks back at home, I anticipate a great end to the first half. Once the ASG is complete, the Yanks travel to Fenway to renew a rivalry between the Sox. If the Yanks can win two of three in Boston, that could lead to a greater level of motivation in the clubhouse. The Sox pitching staff is shaky and the lineup isn't as strong. So isn't it time that they're due a slump? Traveling to Texas for a four game series against the Rags will be challenging, but will show the true grit and passion of the Bombers. July ends in Los Angeles for a two game set between the overrated Dodgers. Those two games I want simply for bragging rights. This month does not strike me as challenging, and with a greater number of home games against weaker competition, I expect a division race by the trade deadline. Prediction: 17-9 (60-48 2nd AL East)