Yankees Breakdown: Coming Down to the Wire

The final week of August was a wild turn of events for the New York Yankees, as a cold streak of games against the Cleveland Indians and Houston Astros concluded a 10-game homestand with only 5 wins. In response to a lack of offensive production against Houston, New York swiftly found a resurgence at the plate in Atlanta, pouring on a whopping 38 runs in 3 games against the Braves. 

At a record of 72-57, the Yankees sit one and a half games behind the surging Toronto Blue Jays (74-56). For New York, they begin a 3-game set at Fenway Park against the Red Sox on Monday before returning home for another 10-game homestand against Tampa Bay (64-66, -10), Baltimore (63-67, -11), and Toronto. While a favorable home schedule remains for the Yankees, the opposite belongs to Toronto, as the Blue Jays will take on two more road trips of seven or more games in the month of September and October. While the Rays and Orioles continue their lingering struggle to stay afloat, the American League East appears to be a two-team race, and for the Yankees and Blue Jays, seven games remain between both teams. 

The dog days of summer have officially passed, and the Yankees will wrap up August entering Monday night with a record of 15-13 this month. 33 games remain on the regular season schedule for New York, 26 of which are against divisional opponents. 

The final month of play will be integral to the Yankees' playoff hopes. Here's a breakdown of last week's games. 

Teixeira Goes Down, Who Steps Up?

It was ignorant to believe that a 35-year-old Mark Teixeira would manage to stay healthy for an entire season, but for the majority of the year, Teixeira's success and resurgence left many fans thankful for his clutch contributions. Mark's season has certainly been a year to remember, but unfortunately, the veteran first baseman suffered a severe bone bruise on his right leg on Aug. 17, after fouling a ball off his leg in the sixth inning against Minnesota. For an injury that was assumed to be a minor day-to-day stint, Teixeira's appearances have been significantly limited, as he has recorded only 3 at-bats since the injury occurred. Teixeira and the Yankees' medical staff has approached the injury with serious precautions, and his absence in the lineup has placed a burden on the top half of the batting order. Teixeira remains out of the lineup Monday night, and has yet to receive a timetable to return to action. In 111 games this season, Teixeira has driven in 79 runs and has belted 31 home runs, the most he has recorded of both stats since 2012. While his future this September remains in question, Manager Joe Girardi has filled the void temporarily, platooning rookie Greg Bird at first base since Aug. 13. Bird excelled in his first week in the League, hitting .333 with two homers and four RBI, but has slowly dipped his batting average into the .250's, contributing very little to the Yankee offense. During Spring Training, the front office tested Alex Rodriguez' talents at first base, but since the exhibition games in March, the Yankees's staff has refrained from placing Rodriguez in the field, and recent struggles from A-Rod in the batter's box show enough proof of wear and tear on a 40-year-old body. For now, Teixeira's health is of highest concern, and if he fails to be back on the lineup card soon, New York's playoff aspirations are arguably in jeopardy. 

Pitching Rotation Mood Swings



As if fans' prayers were answered, CC Sabathia was pulled during the third inning of last week's contest against Cleveland, as MRI tests later revealed inflammation in Sabathia's right knee, placing the once Yankees' ace on the 15-day disabled list. 2015 has been nothing short of a nightmare for Sabathia, as his inflated ERA of 5.27 is the highest of his career, while his win total of a measly 4 games is the second lowest mark in his 15 total seasons. It remains unclear as to whether or not Sabathia will return to his rotation slot if medically cleared to play next week, but with minimal contributions this season, it seems more likely that Sabathia will serve out of the bullpen if activated, considering the positive production rookie Luis Severino has given the staff since his promotion earlier this month. Since returning from the disabled list last week with a forearm strain, Michael Pineda is still searching for his lost groove, and New York is heavily reliant on his longevity and consistency. Masahiro Tanaka earned double digit wins for his second consecutive season on Friday, and fortunately for the Yankees' pampered asset, there have been no signs of injury to his right elbow or forearm that has forced past stints on the disabled list. New York's staff has placed 15th in the League in ERA (3.94), but continues to get opponents out through the art of the strikeout (1,082 SO- 6th in MLB). Since Nathan Eovaldi's implosion against his former team in Miami during mid-June, the young flame thrower has not lost a game in 13 straight decisions, showing significant improvement in his command, control, and confidence. Eovaldi is currently tied 3rd in the American League for most wins (14), but with those 14 wins comes incredible run support, as the Yankees' offense has scored six runs on average when Eovaldi takes the hill. Eovaldi's overall record of 14-2 is still impressive, but definitely misleading in determining his performance this season; however, there is no doubt that Eovaldi is gradually learning how to become an effective pitcher, and in the season's final month, the Yankees' coaching staff will have to either trust the 25-year-old in pressured situations, or limit his pitch count if things get ugly. Still, this dysfunctional pitching staff has remarkably been able to hold their own ground, and that alone deserves an applause. 

Brian Cashman's Smartest Claim 

It's no secret that the Yankees' front office was not heavily in favor of searching the market for an extra arm during July's trade deadline, but General Manager Brian Cashman still made headlines Monday afternoon after placing a waiver claim on ex-reliever David Robertson. Robertson, who has performed above the curve in his first season as the White Sox' closer, was part of Chicago's list of players on revocable waivers, which allows that respected team to take a player off waivers, regardless of a claim made or won from another team. In the sake of this claim, the Yankees surprisingly won the Robertson bid, but in all likelihood, the move was not made in hopes of him rejoining New York, but to make sure Toronto could not bring in Robertson as well. This sly move from Cashman was simply strategy, as New York was not interested in trading for the reliever, nor eating $38 million remaining on Robertson's contract, considering that the free agent declined the Yankees' qualifying offer of nearly $16 million this past winter. Cashman's only intentions were to make sure Toronto had no chance at snatching Robertson, and with the claim period now expired, the White Sox will have to stand pat with their closer, taking away any advantage the Blue Jays may or may not have wanted to have. 


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Yankees Breakdown: The Divisional Race Begins

After being swept at home to the red-hot Toronto Blue Jays last weekend, the once large divisional lead for the Yankees dwindled, and while the Indians stole two of three games from New York this past week in Cleveland, the Yankees entered Toronto in second place for the first time since July 1, trailing the Blue Jays by half a game in the AL East standings. Fortunately for the Yankees, Toronto's 11-game win streak was snapped Friday evening with the help of Carlos Beltran, as Saturday was a similar case with New York claiming a crucial weekend series at Rogers Centre through a complete game victory from Masahiro Tanaka. 

The Yankees return to the Bronx this Monday to begin a 10-game home stand, hosting the slumping Minnesota Twins, the sly Cleveland Indians, and the AL West leading Houston Astros. Luckily for New York, 20 of their next 27 games occur at Yankee Stadium, as the longest road trip remaining is to Tampa for a three game set in mid-September. New York's previous losing streak left the city in panic, but with sole possession of first place returned, a tight divisional race between the Blue Jays and Baltimore Orioles will determine the AL East champion in the final two months of play. 

Here's a breakdown of last week's games. 


Beltran's Weekend

The star of the Toronto series was undoubtedly Carlos Beltran, as a pinch-hit 3-run homer in the 8th inning of Friday's game helped capture a 4-3 Yankees victory in dramatic fashion. The next day, Beltran continued his success with a solo shot in the 1st inning, along with a double in the 8th to help claim the series north of the border. Unfortunately in Sunday's contest, Beltran's previous success was not reciprocated, as a controversial mishap on a fly ball kept Toronto's 3rd inning alive, which ultimately concluded with a 3-run rally for the Blue Jays. Beltran's miscue cost New York the chance of a sweep, but his late dominance in the batters box is a positive sign for the Yankees' offense. When eliminating Beltran's offensive numbers from April, he is an overall .296 hitter this season, including 12 home runs and 33 RBI. With Beltran's health as a vital concern, manager Joe Girardi has successfully limited Beltran's appearances, which has increased his longevity and eliminated any recent mental or physical health distractions. Although Carlos is no longer a Gold Glove outfielder, the 38-year-old veteran's approach at the plate has made an impact, and if his numbers stay consistent, the wonders of Beltran's retirement may be dismissed until his contract is up after the 2016 campaign. 

Severino Looks Comfy 

In his first three Major League starts, rookie starter Luis Severino has embraced his role in the Yankees' rotation, as the 21-year-old phenom has already posted 18 strikeouts in 17 total innings. His outing on Sunday resulted in a loss due to Beltran's costly error, boosting his ERA to 3.18, but Severino has limited hitters to a .222 batting average, proving that his high velocity fastball and commanding slider is no contest to opposing hitters. Along with a changeup that falls off the table, Severino has shown to be a reliable asset thus far, and with another start against Cleveland upcoming, the rookie will look to earn his first win in the Show. 

The Health of A-Rod and Tex

During New York's five-game losing skid, both Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira combined for a measly 5 hits in 42 at bats (.119 BA), a disconcerting performance by the Yankees' most productive hitters. Both A-Rod and Tex have driven in 142 runs with 55 homers, contributing 27% of the Yankees' total runs batted in (529) and 35% of total home runs (156). The health of these stars are an integral part to New York's success this year, and while both players have been on a season-long surge, there have been small signs of wear and tear this August. For Alex Rodriguez, the 2015 season has been nothing short of spectacular, as the 40-year-old was a .282 hitter by the end of July. Unfortunately, the month of August has not been one and the same, as Rodriguez has hit .143 with only 2 RBI in his last 13 games. His slugging percentage has also dipped drastically, as Rodriguez' last home run came in Arlington against the Rangers on July 27. It is to no one's surprise that A-Rod's production has declined, considering that the last time he played over 100 games was during the 2012 campaign, but with 46 games remaining in the regular season, Joe Girardi must find a sensible solution to fix Rodriguez' struggle, whether that may be reducing his starts by a game or two per week, or by limiting his number of at-bats per game. In regard to Teixeira, the late promotion of infielder Greg Bird was made in order to lift weight off Teixeira's shoulders, as the rookie Bird has already appeared in three games this past week. It was unclear whether New York would call up the touted prospect this season, as Bird only recently earned a promotion to Triple-A Scranton, but it looks as if Bird is here to stay, and with September call ups on the horizon, New York will eventually go to a 40-man roster, which will allow Teixeira to get days off when needed. Teixeira has been the Yankees' most valuable player, and his overall health is of the highest concern during this home stretch of games. 





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Yankees Breakdown: A Red Hot July

After a hectic week of blockbuster trades scattered around the league, the Yankees chose to hold their ground, and managed to secure six wins during a ten-game road trip that concluded in Chicago on Sunday. Behind those six victories were not only strong outings from starting pitchers, but offensive explosions from the Yankee bats. While in Minnesota, the Yankees collected 16 runs in three games with a little help from Alex Rodriguez, who hit three home runs that Saturday night. The second destination was Arlington for a four-game set with the Rangers, and in the second game of the series, New York's offense brought home 21 runs, the most runs scored in a game this year, and the most for the Yankees since reaching 22 against Oakland during the 2011 season. New York concluded a ten-day trip on the southside of Chicago, and claimed two of three from the White Sox behind exceptional pitching performances from Nathan Eovaldi and Ivan Nova. In ten games, the Bronx Bombers tallied 64 total runs, keeping a steady lead in the American League East standings with a 59-45 record. New York opens a brief six-game homestand with Boston on Tuesday and Toronto on Friday, and come Monday, only 24 road games remain on the Yankees' schedule, including three games at Citi Field against the Mets next month. To the Yankees' advantage, all 58 remaining games take place on the Eastern time zone, as the longest flight left will be en route to Tampa's Tropicana Field in mid-September. While the concerns of the team are focused around an ailing pitching staff, the offense has yet to show signs of regression, and a feast or famine style of play has grown to become the norm for the Yankees. 

Here's a breakdown of last week's games. 

Tex vs. Didi: Players of the Week

Mark Teixeira's renaissance season continued throughout the road trip, as the All-Star slugger earned a .389 batting average, including five homers and nine runs batted in. The numbers Teixeira has posted have been nothing short of spectacular, and in the month of July, he tallied an extra four long balls, making himself a sure candidate for the American League MVP. Teixeira has been in the spotlight all season, but even he was not the hottest Yankee last week. The Player of the Week award rightfully belongs to shortstop Didi Gregorious, who hit .520 in his last seven games, along with seven runs and 11 RBI.  Didi's recent hot streak has been a relief to the coaching staff, as Gregorious finished July with a .317 average, compared to a measly .258 in June. Steady progress on both offense and defense has been evident from the 25-year-old, as Gregorious has only committed a single error in his last 34 games. Time would only tell if Gregorious was up to the challenge at baseball's most difficult position, but it appears that he has finally grown comfortable, which is a positive sign for the Yankee brass, as they do not necessarily need to negotiate with any free agent infielders this upcoming winter. 

Pitching Woes Can Be Fixed

The loss of Michael Pineda due to elbow inflammation has left the Yankees' executives scurrying for temporary starting pitching, and a move made on Friday was successfully completed internally, as phenom Luis Severino was promoted to pitch Wednesday evening against Boston. General Manager Brian Cashman revealed that Severino will not have any pitching restrictions, and is expected to be on the 25-man active roster for the remainder of the season, contingent on a postseason berth. Severino will fill the void of Pineda's absence, but an extra arm is still a necessity, and the solution may be found on baseball's bear market. The San Diego Padres refused to fold their cards this past Friday during the non-waiver trade deadline, but with San Diego clearly on the outside looking in for a postseason invitation, changes to the roster could be made within the month in regard to their All-Stars. One name that stands out among the rest is starter James Shields, who has earned an 8-4 record with a 3.74 ERA in his fist year in the National League. Shields remains under contract for three more seasons, and is due nearly $56 million before becoming a free agent in 2019. If San Diego is looking to dump salary, and if Shields is a potential candidate that clears waivers, he may be a realistic solution for the Yankees, as Shields would remain in pinstripes for an extended period of time. Picking up Shields' contract would not be an issue for New York, as this winter's free agents David Price and Johnny Cueto will be requesting a deal worth two or three times the amount of money that Shields is making. With a lower salary next season, Shields' contract would be flexible around the roster, allowing the Yankees to add an ace, while also releasing any overpriced burdens. 

The Divisional Race 

While Baltimore and Toronto traded for power and depth on the offensive ends, both division rivals sit six games behind the Yankees, tied for second place in the AL East. The Yankees coasted through their final long road trip of the year, but both Baltimore and Toronto's remaining schedules are by no means a cakewalk. The Orioles begin a ten-game trip of their own Monday night in Oakland, which also includes visits to Anaheim and Seattle. Baltimore will also travel for ten straight days in mid-September, as they square off against Tampa Bay, Washington, and Boston.  For the Blue Jays, they take on an eight-game trip starting on Aug, 17 between Philadelphia, Anaheim, and Texas, while also facing 17 road games on the September calendar, the most in the division. Of the Yankees' final 18 series, only nine are against teams with a record over .500, leaving New York in the driver's seat in terms of a potential division crown. 

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The Trade Deadline Strikes, Yankees Stand Pat

For the New York Yankees, a franchise that has notoriously been involved in serious negotiations during past trade deadlines, opted to flip the script for this season's deadline, and stood pat as the clock struck 4 p.m. on Friday afternoon. While it was presumed that New York was in the market for a back-end starter to help a currently ailing rotation, GM Brian Cashman abstained from pulling the trigger on a blockbuster deal. 

A key component to Cashman's reluctance was due to teams' overwhelming requests for New York's top prospects, specifically pitcher Luis Severino, and fielders Aaron Judge and Jorge Mateo. For the first time in recent memory, a brand name player was not shipped to the Bronx; however, Cashman did make a minor move on Thursday, as he sent minor league players Ramon Flores and Jose Ramirez to the Mariners in exchange for utility man Dustin Ackley. The intent of Ackley's acquisition is to increase the production from the Yankees' bench, as the names of Garrett Jones and Stephen Drew have failed to excel. 

In correspondence to the move, the Yankees chose to designate Jones for assignment Friday morning, while also sending spot-starter Chris Capuano to Triple-A Scranton. Due to these two demotions and the recent arm injury to pitcher Michael Pineda, the Yankees are currently left with two open slots on the active roster, and a corresponding move will soon be made. 

With 101 games already in the books, along with a six-game lead in the American League East, the Yankees have proven to be comfortable and confident with their respected roster. Although the year may be New York's to lose, Brian Cashman and Yankees' executives have shown commitment to a long-term investment: the team's future. 

Here's a quick recap of what happened this week in baseball, and what to expect from the Yankees within the final two months of season play. 

The Blue Jays Are All-In

Baseball's two biggest blockbuster trades were constructed prior to Friday afternoon, as Rockies' slugger and shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and pitcher David Price were added to the Blue Jays' roster. While Toronto's lineup already possessed potent forces in the names of Jose Bautista and Josh Donaldson, Jays' GM Alex Anthopoulos looked to create a monster on the lineup card. With a healthy Tulowitzki on the field at Rogers Centre, Toronto is looking to double their production on the offensive end. As Tulowitzki was dealt Tuesday, Tigers' ace David Price was shipped Thursday in a move that shocked the baseball world. With a third place record of 52-51, the Blue Jays have under-preformed on the pitching end, and with an All-Star southpaw like Price at the helm, the Blue Jays have made up for a lack of talented and consistent starting pitching. With both studs placed aside, Toronto also gained smaller pieces, as they added depth to their bullpen and outfield with the acquisitions of veteran LaTroy Hawkins from Colorado, and outfielder Ben Revere from Philadelphia. Toronto has placed all of their chips into the middle of the table, hoping for a quick turnaround and push to the postseason, a daunting task that has not been accomplished for nearly 22 seasons. 

Yanks Swap For Ackley

Thursday's deal for Dustin Ackley was in response to an evident lack of production from the Yankees' bench players. Ackley was the 2nd overall pick in the 2009 draft, who made his Major League debut with Seattle in 2011. In his 5th season, Ackley's numbers have been relatively sub-par (.215, 6 HR, 19 RBI), but he has already shown pop in his bat, as he belted 16 home runs and drove in 65 RBI last year in 143 games. The 23-year-old appears to be a replacement for the struggling Stephen Drew, but due to Ackley's versatility in the field, he has only played a single game at second base this entire season, forcing manager Joe Girardi to be patient in maneuvering Ackley on the defensive end. With Ackley eligible for arbitration this winter, the Yankees may look at Ackley as only a mere rental. 

Severino Called Up

As Brian Cashman refused to deal away his rising stars, New York's biggest move this week was done internally, as highly-touted pitching prospect Luis Severino was called up from Triple-A Scranton once Friday's deadline passed. This decision was made after it was revealed that starting pitcher Michael Pineda was placed on the 15-day disabled list with forearm inflammation, a similar injury that sidelined ace Masahiro Tanaka and closer Andrew Miller for nearly four weeks. Severino attracted the Yankees' eyes with strong performances in Spring Training, and since mid-March, the 21-year-old flame-thrower has been nothing short of spectacular in the minors. In Severino's 11 games in Triple-A, he has earned a record of 7-0, posting an ERA of 1.91 in 61.1 innings pitched. With 50 strikeouts added to his name, Severino will immediately fill a rotation slot, and hopefully excel in a competitive division race. As arguably the highest regarded prospect in the Yankees' system, youngster Severino will serve as an integral part to New York's postseason aspirations while Pineda is sidelined. 

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What Troy Tulowitzki Means to the Yankees

Late Monday night, baseball's first blockbuster trade reached the media, as Colorado Rockies' 
shortstop Troy Tulowtizki was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays. The deal sent Jays' shortstop Jose Reyes packing for Colorado, while also shipping out highly touted pitching prospect Miguel Castro and two other minor league players in exchange for the All-Star shortstop. 

With Tulowitzki now in the American League East, Toronto's potent lineup has grown even stronger, as Tulowtizki brings power and average to a lineup with the most collected runs in all of baseball (528). 

Tulowitzki requested a trade to a contending ball club, and although Toronto was a surprising candidate, the 30-year old shortstop's wish was granted, as the Blue Jays now prove to be solely committed on reaching the postseason for the first time since their title run in 1993. 

Here is what the Tulowitzki deal means to the New York Yankees.


Toronto Has Drawn First Blood

Whether it was decided last week or only yesterday evening that Toronto would make a run for Tulowitzki, Jays' General Manager Alex Anthopoulos has forced the Yankees' hand, despite Toronto being seven games out of first place in the division standings. Toronto has suffered the longest postseason drought in all of baseball, as 1993 was the last time that the Rogers Centre hosted October baseball. Toronto has failed to contend for a division crown for nearly twenty-two consecutive seasons, but with this blockbuster deal, the pressure now lies on the shoulders of Yankees' General Manager Brian Cashman. It has never been in the Yankees nature to abstain from making a deal at the trade deadline, but with a new superstar competing in the divisional race, Cashman will have to up the ante with trade proposals. New York is in dire need of a starting pitcher, and while analysts have suggested that a low-tier pitcher such as Mike Leake or Mat Latos could be the solution, the Yankees are now in attack position, and the All-Star arms of Cole Hamels and David Price may not be a fantasy in the Bronx after all. This move would strictly be in retaliation to Toronto's, and Cashman is fully aware that the team north of the border currently has a slight edge in the final two months of season play. New York's strategy needs a few alterations in order to keep their somewhat 'comfortable' division lead in tact. 

Toronto Isn't Finished Yet

As of now, the Blue Jays arguably have the most dangerous lineup in the American League, and although Toronto's offense has been lethal, their pitching has been a polar opposite. Blue Jays starters have a combined ERA of 4.38, which ties with Cleveland for 7th-highest in the League. Veterans Mark Buehrle and R.A. Dickey have managed to stay healthy, but Toronto has been deprived of an ace on the staff. Since the middle of May, it was evident that in order for the Blue Jays to contend, a starting pitcher was a necessity. An arm has not been added yet, but do not believe Toronto has made their last call. Prior to yesterday's trade, the Blue Jays' team salary was nearly $116 million, but with the acquisition of Tulowitzki, nearly $85 million has been added on, leaving Toronto currently with the 3rd highest salary in baseball. This could possibly force the Jays to trade away one of their top caliber bats, such as Edwin Encarnacion, who is due $10 million at the end of the season. The catch with Encarnacion is that his contract is up after this year, but with a $10 million club option, Toronto may look to trade him away now, in order to find an affordable pitcher who could also create some cap room. Expect at least one more deal to include Toronto's name by Friday afternoon.

Tulo Can't Be Content

Unfortunately for Tulowitzki, his contract does not include a no-trade clause, which ultimately could have decided whether he would have accepted a deal to Toronto in the first place. Rockies General Manager Jeff Bridich admitted to the media that he was not going to negotiate with a team that Tulowitzki did not initially approve, but with a handful of contending teams in need or a shortstop and bat, Tulowitzki was beyond shocked by his new destination. Colorado's Coors Field was home to Tulowitzki for ten seasons, and with Denver's high altitude and thin air, Tulowitzki's offensive statistics have been inflated at home. Tulowitzki is a .321 lifetime hitter in Colorado, but with a career road average of .276, the shortstop's production dips drastically. With Toronto's Rogers Centre as Tulowitzki's new home, there lies a portion of good news, and also bad news. Tulowitzki is a .327 lifetime hitter in dome ballparks, but with a measly three career games played on artificial turf, Tulowitzki may struggle to stay healthy on the defensive end. His long history of injures precedes him, as Tulowitzki's last three seasons have included season-ending left hip and groin surgeries. The elements of Rogers Centre could become his kryptonite, but only time will tell if Tulowitzki is fully capable of taking on the role as the Blue Jays' every day shortstop.




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Yankees Breakdown: Creating Separation

While the Bronx Bombers concluded the first half of the season on a high note, the second half began in similar style, as the Yankees have won three straight series since the All-Star break, winning eight of their last ten games. New York has not lost a series since traveling to Anaheim in late-June, and after sweeping the crafty Orioles last week, the Yankees made greater separation in the American League East standings, creating a comfortable amount of space among their division rivals. In the midst of a ten-game road trip, New York starts a four-game set in Texas tonight, concluding travel on the south side of Chicago this weekend. 

Here's a breakdown of last week's games. 

It's A-Rod's World- We're Just Living In It

There's no need to reiterate the fact that Alex Rodriguez has been an integral part to the Yankees' success, but when looking closer at the numbers, his contributions are confounding. Of New York's 96 games played so far, Rodriguez has been on the lineup card 90 times, the most appearances he has had since the 2012 season. Currently, A-Rod leads the team in on-base percentage (.375), which also places 14th amongst the League leaders. Rodriguez undoubtedly made his presence felt Saturday night in Minnesota, as the veteran belted three home runs in the Yankees' 8-run comeback win. It was the third time Rodriguez had reached the plateau in pinstripes, and the first since tallying three homers and five RBI against Kansas City in 2010. Aside from his efforts at the plate, A-Rod has adapted to a more humble approach to the game, making him a favorite in the clubhouse. When placed in front of the microphone, Rodriguez has deflected personal questions, and does not hesitate to mention the game's key contributors. With 23 home runs posted this year, he is on pace to finish with 35 home runs, the most he's hit since 2008. And one more thing: Rodriguez celebrates his 40th birthday today, defying all odds. 

Pitching Is Needed, But Via The Trade?

It depends on what is pragmatic to General Manager Brian Cashman. Yankee starters this season have a combined 4.26 ERA, the 10th-highest in baseball, while opponents have hit .272, the 5th-highest batting average against.  Starting arms have been hit hard, and the strikeout numbers have been sub-par, as New York is tied for 15th with Milwaukee at 464 total K's.  The Yankees are in need of a solid starter to assist the back end of the rotation, but at what cost? According to CBS' Jon Heyman, Yankee executives have placed four prospects on the 'untouchable list': outfielder Aaron Judge, infielders Greg Bird and Jorge Mateo, and pitcher Luis Severino. Of the four, Severino has received the most attention, as the 21-year old flame-thrower has posted a stellar 6-0 record with a 2.11 ERA in Triple-A Scranton. Although manager Joe Girardi has insisted that Severino will not see the Bronx until September call ups, Severino's talents may be needed come this weekend, for if the Yankees do shop for a lower-tier starter such as Mike Leake or Mat Latos, a potential trade candidate could be a reliever such as Adam Warren.  If that is the case, then the Yankees will have to add depth to their bullpen, and Severino may be the solution to that circumstance.  As of now, it appears that New York will stand pat with the roster they have. But don't be fooled- even when it does not seem possible, the Yankees are always in talks for big brand names, and not one star or top-prospect is really "untouchable" this week.  



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Trade Buzz: Who the Yankees DON'T Need

As Major League Baseball's trade market has already heated up with July's trade deadline approaching next Friday, a number of teams have publicly confessed to be sellers, leaving an astounding number of valuable players on the chopping block for the remaining contending teams to grapple over. Yankees' General Manager Brian Cashman has admitted to reporters that he intends to stand pat with his active roster, and that no major trades are on the horizon. But could Cashman's word of mouth be a smokescreen to something larger? Are prospects such as Rob Refsnyder, Luis Severino, and Aaron Judge untouchable? With a comfortable cushion in the American League East, will the Yankees stick to their guns, or look to enhance their roster for a legitimate championship run? 

Here are a few players that New York will consider, but should ignore this summer. 

P- David Price (DET): 9-3, 2.32 ERA, 127 K

With the loss of Max Scherzer to the Nationals last winter, Detroit was left with a gaping hole in their pitching rotation. Holding on to both Scherzer and lefty David Price was not a realistic or affordable solution, so management decided to hold on to one arm for the 2015 campaign. Once former ace Justin Verlander landed on the disabled list with a tricep injury, the Tigers were forced to put all of their eggs into the David Price basket, and thus far, Price has done the job in Detroit. The lefty has handled his division rivals, as his ERA against the AL Central is at 1.71, while opponents have collectively hit .242 in Price's 19 starts. In 132 innings pitched, Price's strikeout to walk ratio is 127:26, the seventh highest in the American League. The perks to Price is his longevity and health, but his performance has been so dominant, that Detroit will most likely fail to keep their southpaw come this winter, as Price becomes a free agent. With significant injuries to the Tigers' bullpen and first base slugger, Miguel Cabrera, Detroit has lacked competitiveness in a surging AL Central race, forcing management to dump Price, who is due nearly $20 million at the end of the year.

P- Johnny Cueto (CIN): 6-6, 2,79 ERA, 115 K

Cueto has transformed into one of baseball's best right handed arms, but his overall lack of consistency has left critics skeptical about Cueto's reliability. First off, dealing with a low run scoring National League club like Cincinnati can explain Cueto's wins and losses, but when examining his numbers this year, his potential somewhere else is slightly disconcerting. Surprisingly, Cueto's run support has been exceptional, as the Reds average 2.7 runs with their ace on the hill, but Cueto has only 11 quality starts in 18 total appearances. Less than a month ago, Cueto was scratched from his scheduled start due to arm fatigue, leaving many wondering if Cueto's health was at jeopardy. There has yet to be any reason to believe that a season-ending injury looms, but there have been red flags with his health and mental approach, which could explain his fluctuating numbers and ultimately affect his value on the market. 

2B- Brandon Phillips (CIN): .281 BA, 5 HR, 32 RBI

For a few seasons now, Phillips has been on the Yankees' radar during late July and early January. As one of the best second baseman in the league for the last decade, the issues around Phillips have been his latest injuries and contract disputes. Prior to this season, Phillips' offensive attributes dipped, as his batting average hung around .260 for the majority of 2013 and 2014. Luckily this season, he found his old swing, and boosted his average back into the low-.280's. However, his watermark of 103 runs driven in in 2013 appear to be video game numbers compared to his hitting with runners in scoring position this season (.260, 24 RBI). The reasoning? It could be the Reds' lack of offensive production and that Phillips is generally the table setter, but at the age of 34, Phillips' state of health sparked concern last season when the veteran missed nearly two months with a thumb injury. Phillips is under contact until the end of the 2017 season, and is due roughly $25 million by the time he is eligible for free agency. Despite some minor red flags, Phillips' defense is spectacular, as he competes for his fifth Gold Glove. The Yankees have grown content with consistent defense from Stephen Drew, though there is no doubt that Phillips in pinstripes would be an upgrade on both ends. 

P- Mike Leake (CIN): 7-5. 3.95 ERA, 81 K

As a teammate to Cueto, Mike Leake has gained a great amount of popularity this summer as a potential back end starter to a contending ballclub. Leake's statistics are not as impressive as Price's or Cueto's, but Leake has earned seven wins with the Reds, limiting his opponents to a .252 batting average in 19 games. Although the average is down, the total runs and hits surrendered is not, as Leake has given up 115 hits in 120.2 innings, averaging 8.6 hits per outing. Leake's velocity sits in the low to mid-90s, and the upside to his game has yet to be found.  The 27-year old is still waiting for his breakout season, but with a little help from the trade market, Leake may be a cheap solution to a team in need of an arm. 

 2B- Chase Utley (PHI): .179 BA, 4 HR, 25 RBI

Much like Philadelphia's offense, Utley's season has been anemic; in his contract year with the Phillies, the 36-year old veteran has collectively hit a measly .179 in 65 games, and has failed to stay on the field with multiple setbacks to an injured ankle. Utley's All-Star status is now behind him, and for a man who played in 155 games last year, the odds of Utley returning to old form are slim. Philadelphia will evidently part ways with the second baseman in October, and the lingering ankle injury may force Utley to hang up the cleats for good. Although Utley's offensive numbers are a smaller sample size in comparison to Stephen Drew's, it is reasonable to argue that Utley has been the worst second baseman in the league, and if any team is even slightly interested in the vet, Philadelphia should not hesitate to ship him out for a low cost. 


P- Matt Latos (MIA): 4-6, 4.48 ERA, 74 K

Latos left Cincinnati for a brief one-year stint with Miami, and while analysts projected the right hander as a valuable asset come mid-July, Latos' numbers say otherwise. Despite his performance not being reciprocated by Miami's offense, Latos has surrendered 79 hits in 82.1 innings pitched, and when facing the top-5 hitters in a lineup, opponents have earned a batting average of .282.  Injuries to his knee and foot have limited his outings, and while also renowned as an unfriendly face in the clubhouse, there are affordable solutions elsewhere for the back end of the rotation. 



PHOTOS BY
DAVID KOHL/ ASSOCIATED PRESS
ANTHONY GRUPPUSO/ USA TODAY
MIKE EHRMANN/ GETTY IMAGES

All-Star Break Report Cards: Pitchers, Bullpen, and Management

Two weeks removed from the trading deadline, the Yankees have shown vulnerability in regard to their pitching rotation. The concerns lie within the overall health of ace Masahiro Tanaka, the consistency of phenom Michael Pineda, and the mediocrity of veteran CC Sabathia. After 88 games, New York's staff has earned 48 wins. tied for 7th in the league with the Angels, but of those 88 contests, only 37 have been credited as quality starts. Outs by the strikeout have also been a bonus, with the Yankees placing in 5th with 743 total strikeouts, averaging 8.45 strikeouts per nine innings. While critics suggest that New York is in dire need of a high-end arm via the trading block, Brian Cashman and the front office appear reluctant to surrender the franchise's top prospects in a deal. As of now, the Yankees give the feeling of contentedness with their current pitching staff, but will the names of Johnny Cueto, Cole Hamels, and David Price shroud New York's vision? 

Here is the first half report card of the Yankees' pitchers and management. 

Masahiro Tanaka: (5-3, 3.63 ERA, 67 SO)
Just like how Jacoby Ellsbury is the Yankees' most valuable asset on the offensive end, to the pitching staff, it's Tanaka. The Japanese ace has been under heavy surveillance since his partially torn UCL injury last July, and while Tanaka and the front office shied away from season-ending Tommy John surgery, the ace's state of health is disconcerting. Already this year, Tanaka earned a stint on the disabled list with a minor forearm strain, leaving the highest executives and fans holding their breath. Unlike last season, Tanaka has experienced minor hiccups in consistency, as he suffered four straight starts with two losses and two no-decisions in June. His last dominant outing fortunately came last Thursday against Oakland, but his strikeout numbers are down, leaving many scratching their heads. There does not appear to be a trust issue between Tanaka and the coaching staff, but it is fair to wonder if Tanaka's interpreters are not revealing the whole story. Whether Tanaka's setbacks are due to a lack of confidence or mental and physical health, the Yankees' success is contingent on Tanaka's performance, and as of late, the team is left wondering if there are secrets not being told by the Japanese star. 
B

Michael Pineda: (9-5, 3.64 ERA, 111 SO)
Pineda has arguably been more valuable to the front end of the pitching staff than Tanaka, as Pineda has managed to stay healthy for the first time in his young career. Setbacks to his pitching shoulder left Pineda sidelined for the entire 2012 and 2013 seasons, and New York was given a glimpse of hope last year with 13 quality starts from Pineda prior to another lingering injury. Health is the liability, but Pineda's stuff this season has been dominant, as he has recorded nine wins  in seventeen starts. New York has lacked longevity from their starters, but Pineda is credited with the only shutout of the season, while also going eleven straights starts with seven or more innings pitched. Pineda has been scouted as a ground ball pitcher with above average control, but his velocity has increased through the months, as has his strikeout rate (9.4 SO/9).  Opponents are hitting .275 with an on-base percentage of .272, proving that Pineda has limited mistakes, and that his command makes him an integral part to New York's late success. 
A-

CC Sabathia: (4-8, 5.47 ERA, 84 SO)
Sabathia's lack of consistency has grown into a paramount issue, as New York is left in a pickle to determine whether the former ace is even worthy of a spot in the rotation. The 34 year-old's failure has bore the brunt of the Yankees' losses, as Sabathia has earned a meager two wins in his last nine starts, while opponents are hitting a round .300 with him on the bump. CC's 5.47 ERA is the highest in his fifteen-year career, and American League East rivals are collectively hitting .295 in five total meetings. With a year and a half remaining on an eight-year contract, Sabathia is due to make roughly $23 million next season, forcing the Yankees to keep the veteran solely in hopes of a turnaround. Realistically, Sabathia will not leave the rotation unless he volunteers to, placing a burden on the coaches and the rest of the pitching staff. It was believed that his return to a heavy body weight would bring back successful numbers, but the lack of care to his health has failed him, and with regular complications to his surgically repaired knee, Sabathia's dominant years are in the rear view mirror. 
D+

Nathan Eovaldi: (9-2, 4.57 ERA, 71 SO)
New York traded pitcher David Phelps to Miami in exchange for Eovaldi last winter, and after making the swap, the Yankees knew this young gun would be a work in progress. It was evident from the get go that Eovaldi was in need of instructional development from the coaches, as his ERA settled in the sub-four range last season with the Marlins. Considering that his tempo and control have yet to become fundamentally sound, these mechanical issues are a reason why critics have questioned the Yankees' acquisition. But the hidden gem of Eovaldi's arsenal is lethal: his velocity. The 25-year old holds the highest average fastball velocity in the league at 96.2 mph, but has managed to strike out only 71 hitters in 98 innings. His wins and losses tally also remains deceiving, as last season's 4-16 record has changed course to a exceptional 9-2 mark this year. Of course, Miami did not have the talent or resources to boost Eovaldi's run support, but this season, New York's offense has managed to bail out their starter seven times from an earned loss, averaging 5.6 runs per game with Eovaldi on the mound. Eovaldi has yet to discover his true identity as a pitcher, and although he offers youth and upside to a veteran Yankees team, the winner of this trade has yet to be determined. 
C+

Ivan Nova: (1-3, 3.42 ERA, 12 SO)
Nova's return from Tommy John surgery in late June was a cheerful sight for the Yankees, as New York was in dire need of an arm for the back end of the rotation. Nova's debut against Philadelphia showed optimism, but after three straight losses, it is clear that he has yet to feel entirely comfortable in his approach. His eagerness and confidence should not be of concern, nor should his low strikeout tallies, considering that he is regarded as a ground ball pitcher. Nova's sample size thus far is too small, and expect him to return to a consistent and normal state within the next few outings. His stuff is not dominant, but he should eat up necessary innings with limited mistakes. 
B

The Bullpen 
Despite the pessimism lingering around the team last winter, the only strength visible to analysts was a dominat bullpen, regarded as the best shaped relief staff in the American League when Spring Training began. These projections were made after former closer David Robertson left for Chicago, and was replaced by lefty specialist and free agent Andrew Miller. Miller made his presence felt early in the Bronx, as he managed to go his first 17 appearances without surrendering a run. Miller unexpectedly found himself on the disabled list with a forearm strain in June, and luckily for the Yankees, phenom Dellin Betances was available to fill the void as closer. Combined, the two relievers' ERA sits at 1.53, the 6th lowest number among league relievers. As a whole, New York's bullpen has a 3.45 ERA, ranked 12th lowest in the majors. The bad news is that the bullpen has been burned out due to the lack of quality outings from starters, as they have pitched 281.2 innings in 86 games, ranked 8th-highest in the league. The good news is that the pen has 316 strikeouts, the most in the league, along with the 3rd-lowest batting average against at .214. The 2015 additions of lefties Chasen Shreve, Justin Wilson, and Jacob Lindgren have created favorable match ups against hitters, and have shaped a balance to a bullpen that last season was right-handed dominant. When Ivan Nova returned to the rotation, Adam Warren was demoted to the bullpen, and his longevity in the late innings will place less of a ware and tear to the late-inning specialists. The bullpen has done its job; it is now up to the starters to give those guys a rest once in a while. 
A-

Management
In Joe Girardi's eighth season as the Yankees' manager, he has proven once again to effectively impact the mental health of his players, as New York has ignored the critics, excelling in the standings beyond the majority's expectations. General personnel changes were also made last winter, as bench coach Tony Pena swapped roles with base coach Rob Thompson, while former Marlins infield coach Joe Espada was hired after the departure of base coach Mick Kelleher. The addition of Matthew Krause as strength and conditioning coordinator has also shown success, as the Yankees have only 14 injuries to players in 2015, compared to the two previous seasons beset by injuries under the helm of former trainer Dana Cavalea. With the use of instant replay challenges in full effect, the Yankees' executives upstairs have also shown a sharp eye, as the instant replay officials have overturned 10 of the Yankees' 16 challenges, a success rating of 62-percent. General Manager Brian Cashman should be praised for signing reliever Andrew Miller, but Cashman's inquiry and signing of third baseman Chase Headley has not yet lived up to expectations. Cashman will of course search for needed production on offense and defense by the trading deadline, but it seems like the front office will not attack the market, until free agents such as Johnny Cueto, David Price, and Jordan Zimmerman are available this offseason. Sometimes, it's right to dance with the date you brought. 
B+



Photo By: Associated Press

All-Star Break Report Cards: Position Players

Heading in to Spring Training, the conception among baseball's top analysts was that the New York Yankees were finally going to slip through the cracks, and stare up to their rivals while sitting in the basement of the American League East. To those analysts, the flaws of the Yankees were more distinct than their strengths, and despite the incessant amount of cash in the wallet, New York's odds of contendership appeared bleak. The expectations were fair due to the Yankees' late departures this past winter, but only a handful predicted New York to recuperate at a record pace. As the calendar turned to March, the world's eyes were set on Alex Rodriguez, while wondering how a near 40 year-old would be able to regularly contribute to a pedestrian lineup after serving a year-long suspension for steroid use. As Derek Jeter hanged up his cleats last October, New York welcomed in youngster Didi Gregorious as the successor at shortstop. Questions concerning the Yankees'  overall talent and health emerged, but inside the clubhouse, New York had other plans, and turned their backs to the critics' speculations. With 88 games already in the books, the Yankees find themselves among the American League's best, with an overall record of 48-40. After two decades of dominant competition in the American League East division, mediocrity finally synced in this season, and the road to the postseason has become easier with the ample amount of holes in the five division rosters. Because of the lackluster performances in the East, the Yankees hold a comfortable position thus far, and if New York is capable of holding ground, a ticket to the postseason is by no means a shot in the dark.

Here is the first half report card of the Yankees' starting lineup.

INFIELDERS

C  Brian McCann: (.259 BA, 14 HR, 55 RBI)
It appears that McCann has finally grown comfortable in the New York environment, as his offensive numbers this season have increased drastically compared to last year's. There is always a great amount of weight on a catcher's shoulders, but after taking the time to learn a new pitching rotation and bullpen, McCann has molded into one of the veteran leaders on the field, and presumably, one of the vocal leaders in the clubhouse. Although McCann has shown progress, his offensive splits are slightly disconcerting. In his 31 games at home, McCann has collectively hit .313 with 10 home runs and 31 RBI. Over half of his production takes place in the Bronx, while his road stats are anemic, posting a .217 batting average with only four homers. The good news is that McCann is a .360 hitter with runners in scoring position, but the bad news is that he's hitting .223 against the division.  
B

1B  Mark Teixeira: (.240 BA, 22 HR, 62 RBI)
Teixeira has had a renaissance season, as he leads the team with 62 RBI, tied for the total amount he tallied all of last season. Fortunately, there have been no setbacks to his surgically repaired wrist, and with his gluten-free diet in full affect, Teixeira's production as a power switch hitter has returned, as he has 17 home runs from the left side of the plate, while also boosting his on-base percentage to .335 with 16 extra-base hits. His numbers on the defensive side have also been exceptional, and alongside McCann, Tex plays an integral part in the infield leadership. He's found himself in 82 of the 88 games this season, and his overall health has surprised most critics, making Teixeira a candidate for Silver Slugger at first base. 
B+

2B  Stephen Drew: (.182 BA, 12 HR, 25 RBI) 
It's no shock that Stephen Drew deserves the lowest passing grade, considering that his batting average is the second-lowest in all of baseball with a minimum of 200 at-bats (.182). Drew's offensive numbers are simple yet surprising, as he has posted 12 home runs so far, but has struck out 45 times. He has transformed into a 'hit or miss' player, and the only perk to his game is his effort in the infield. With only six errors in two seasons, it is difficult to release a defender with that success rate, but as if it's not evident already, his bat simply stinks, and his production is stagnant. As if General Manager Brian Cashman heeded the fans' requests, Cashman and the coaching staff decided to promote highly touted prospect Rob Refsnyder, in hopes that his production at the plate and in the field will outmatch Drew's, and that Cashman can avoid making a trade at the deadline for second base production. Refsnyder already made a surge in his Major League debut at Fenway Park this past weekend, so assume that Drew is on thin ice for the remainder of the season. He is still worth keeping on the bench, considering that he is under a one-year contract, but unless a potential suitor is in need of an infielder, Drew's playing time will definitely be reduced to a minimum.  
C-

SS  Didi Gregorious: (.238 BA, 4 HR, 19 RBI)
In all fairness, Gregorious has taken on the hardest position in baseball: filling the shoes of Derek Jeter in New York. The shortstop position is arguably the most important slot on the field, and for the last 20 seasons, the Yankees were blessed with the homegrown talent of Jeter. Of course, Jeter's retirement was inevitable, and this meant that the front office was in dire need of a replacement candidate who could fill the void. Ex-Diamondback Gregorious became that successor, and in the first two years of his young career, he has shown more promise with the glove than with the bat. In early April, it was evident that nerves kicked in to Gregorious' system, but gradually, he has grown more comfortable with the role. There are no concerns with his maturity level or work ethic, and with little talent available in the free agent market this winter, expect Gregorious to last in New York for a few more seasons.  C+

3B  Chase Headley: (.255 BA, 8 HR, 30 RBI) 
After impressing the front office last season in a brief two months with the club, Headley forced the Yankees' hand last winter with a hefty four-year contract worth $52 million. At the time of the trade and signing last year, New York was without an every day third baseman, which proved that sometimes overspending for a necessity is the only viable option. So far, Headley's production has been disappointing, as he is currently hitting .255 with 8 homers and 30 RBI. Aside from his pedestrian offense, Headley was purposely signed for his Gold Glove defense, an upgrade in the minds of the Yanks' front office. Unfortunately, Headley has recorded the worst defensive season in his nine year career, committing 16 errors in 83 games. The numbers are in black and white: the Yankees overspent on an average ballplayer.  
C

OUTFIELDERS

LF  Brett Gardner: (.302, 10 HR, 42 RBI)
Without question, Gardner has been the Yankees' most valuable player this season. After showing a late power surge with his bat last year, Gardner is on pace to eclipse his home run total from 2014 (17), as he already owns 10 homers thus far, along with 42 RBI as the leadoff man. Once teammate Jacoby Ellsbury went down with a knee injury back in May, Gardner took on the centerfield duties, while also flourishing in the leadoff slot, a position that Gardner had not previously been fond of. Both Gardner and Headley were signed to equivalent contracts, and so far this year, it looks as if the Yankees made a wise decision on bringing Gardner back. Power, speed, and defense has made Gardner one of baseball's top 5-tool players, demonstrating why he has rightfully found himself in his first All-Star Game this season. 
A

CF  Jacoby Ellsbury: (.318 BA, 2 HR, 10 RBI)
Due to Ellsbury's knee injury that lasted nearly two months, it's a challenge to truly evaluate his overall performance in the first half of the season. However, from what he has accomplished when healthy, both Ellsbury and Gardner play part to baseball's most dangerous leadoff combo. Prior to his injury, Ellsbury was hitting .324 with 20 walks that also added to his .412 on-base percentage. Ellsbury is New York's most valuable asset, and if he stays healthy for the remainder of the season, his stellar combination of power and speed will play a large factor in the postseason fate of the ballclub. Despite his natural talent, Ellsbury historically struggles to stay healthy, and only time will tell if his production will remain a constant. 
A-

RF  Carlos Beltran: (.260 BA, 7 HR, 30 RBI)
For a man that couldn't hit his way out of a paper bag in April, Beltran has shown steady progress in the latter months. Prior to his most recent oblique injury, Beltran was finding success at the plate, posting a .269 average against right-handed arms. Obviously, the Beltran signing was a luxury, not a necessity in 2013, but with the final year of the contract coming up in 2016, this three year deal feels like an eternity to the front office, as they have yet to see the production that Beltran gave St. Louis in 2013 as a National League All-Star (.296, 24, 84). His defense of late has been lethargic, and the only sensible solution is to place him as the designated hitter (but someone else on the roster has proven worthy of that role). Beltran is due $15 million next season, which is almost too much money to eat, even for the Yankees.
C-

DH  Alex Rodriguez: (.278 BA, 18 HR. 51 RBI)
Let's stop beating a dead horse. A-Rod has been killing it, beyond everyone's wildest imagination. Rodriguez has thrived off of the media's attention, and has proven to baseball's head officials that he has not only changed his professional persona, but also his role to the chemistry of the Yankees' clubhouse. A-Rod's comradery and mentoring have been positive experiences for the younger players, and along with Brett Gardner, Rodriguez shares the unspoken role of captain in the locker room. Now, back to his numbers- they're off the charts impressive. With a batting average that was as high as .292 this year, along with almost 20 long balls, Rodriguez is currently the undisputed Comeback Player of the Year in 2015.  If these were his predicted season numbers, the entire planet would have laughed. He's proving the doubters wrong, one day at a time. 
A-


Photo By: Matthew Healey/NY Daily News

Yankees Breakdown: Stars and Snubs

As baseball inches another day closer to its Midsummer Classic in Cincinnati, the New York Yankees stand in a comfortable limbo among their American League East rivals. In the month of June, New York finished with a record of 15-12, splitting first place rights between Tampa Bay and Baltimore in a thirty day span. With a swift start to July, the Yankees finished their final west coast trip of the season in Los Angeles, while also claiming two walk-off victories over the Rays this past 4th of July weekend. With six games remaining in the first half of the year, New York will square off with the last place Oakland A's in the Bronx, and conclude with a trip to Fenway Park against the struggling Boston Red Sox. At the midway point, the Yankees hold an overall 44-38 record, tied for third among the American League's best. As star outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury returns to action this Wednesday, the Yankees will finally be able to exhale after performing damage control for nearly two months.

Here's my breakdown of last week's games.


Stephen Drew's Time Is Up

This isn't even a recommendation; the numbers tell the story and show the reality. Drew miraculously posted four home runs in the month of April, but his hitting splits did not entirely show the mediocrity of his performance at the plate. In all fairness, 11 home runs is a respectable tally, but when the numbers show either a home run or a strikeout, the law of averages is never on your side. Drew currently holds a batting average of .178, the single-worst average in baseball with a minimum of 200 at-bats. For on-base percentage, he places second at .251, only ahead of Omar Infante, although Infante's batting average is above .230. There are no doubts that Drew is baseball's worst hitter, so why does manager Joe Girardi insist on penciling him on the daily lineup card? Girardi generally gives his players the benefit of the doubt, and believes that there is always room for progression, but with nearly 375 at-bats in pinstripes, Drew has hit a measly .168 with 80 strikeouts, and by no means does that shout progress. Even in 2013 as a member of the World Series champion Red Sox, Drew collectively hit .158 in postseason play with seven strikeouts in only 21 plate appearances. Perhaps Girardi's optimism comes from reviewing Drew's All-Star season in 2008 with Arizona, when the middle infielder hit .291 with 21 homers and 67 RBI. But even those statistics are eight seasons separated, and the Stephen Drew of old no longer compares to the Stephen Drew of today. Let's place his offense aside, and examine his defensive efforts. Surprisingly, Drew has only committed three errors this season, and only six in the last two years. Essentially, Drew's overall existence on this team has been solely based on his defensive prowess, which explains why Girardi has yet to bench him and why general manager Brian Cashman has yet to ship him out. To even further back up that statement, the Yankees' front office has been reluctant to call up revered Triple-A infielder Rob Refsnyder exclusively because of his mediocrity in the field. Evidently, New York has grown content with Stephen Drew's contributions, considering that their farm system has lacked talent and the trade market has been bear. Of course Brian Cashman will search for alternative solutions for the insufficient production at second base, but does that necessarily mean Stephen Drew will be packing his bags?

The All-Stars 

Rightfully so, both Mark Teixeira and Dellin Betances were selected as the Yankees' representatives at the All-Star Game next Tuesday in Cincinnati. For Teixeira, the 2015 campaign has been nothing but a dream to him and the front office, as Tex's overall health has displayed stellar efforts at the plate and in the field. Teixeira has played in 76 games this season without a single stint on the disabled list, and is on pace to play in 155 games, a plateau that he hasn't reached since 2011. Coincidentally, the numbers he recorded in 2011 resemble 2015, as Teixeira has drilled 20 homers and leads the American League in RBI with 59. Although the strikeouts remain a regular occurrence, Teixeira has boosted his on-base percentage with 44 walks, and is on pace to record over 30 doubles, the most extra-base hits in his last five seasons. Teixeira's renaissance year has been largely in credit to his new and effective gluten-free diet, and with no signs of previous discomfort in his surgically repaired wrist, Tex has returned to All-Star caliber, and will compete among the league's best first baseman in the Silver Slugger campaign.

The second All-Star slot belongs to rising phenom Dellin Betances, who has been lights out on the mound during the first half of the year. In his 37 appearances as a closer and set-up man to Andrew Miller, Betances has posted a 1.50 ERA, including 68 strikeouts in 42 total innings. Betances has made the opposing hitters appear anemic, as the opposing batting average sits at .125 with only 18 hits and walks. In Betances' 42 innings of work, his first earned run was surrendered June 5 against Anaheim, a streak of 29.1 scoreless innings of, well, All-Star pitching. Prior to this spring, it was assumed that Betances would take over the role as closer with the end of David Robetson's tenure in New York, but once Andrew Miller was signed to take on that role instead, Betances was expected to complement Miller's dominance in the bullpen, and before Miller's forearm injury, the combination of "DnA" was the best in baseball. Betances has yet to miss a beat in the bright lights, and his All-Star candidacy is rightfully deserved. 

The All-Snubs

Since Jacoby Ellsbury was sidelined with a knee injury in mid-May, Brett Gardner was forced to carry the load of leadoff man in the lineup, and captain of the outfield in centerfield. Over the years, Gardner has publicly admitted that he has never been comfortable in the leadoff spot, but since Ellsbury's absence, it seems that Gardner has thrown his worries out the window. In 179 at-bats in the leadoff slot, Gardner has tallied a .302 average, along with 15 doubles and seven home runs. When batting second in the lineup, he has hit .292 with an on-base percentage of .375, which is slightly higher than his percentage in the leadoff spot. In the entire American League, Gardner is the only hitter batting over .295 with nine home runs and fifteen stolen bases, and even with his offensive numbers aside, Gardner has played gold glove defense with a perfect fielding percentage and 82 total putouts. In a year where the majority of votes were awarded to Kansas City Royals, Brett Gardner belongs as a reserve on the American League roster, and can be voted in as the "AL Final Vote" this week.  


It's an anomaly that Alex Rodriguez is in the discussion of All-Star worthy players, simply because the numbers he has recorded were not projected by anyone on the planet. It is also fair to argue that Rodriguez is the Yankees' most valuable player, and without his production, New York's competitive season is merely a fantasy. In the beginning of the year, the pot was stirred with endless debate on whether or not Rodriguez would produce after a year-long suspension. Although many analysts expected A-Rod to blend in without a hitch, surely a small sample size expected the overall consistency and reliability that Alex has contributed thus far. As the oldest and also longest tenured Yankee on the active roster, Rodriguez' revamped confidence has positively influenced the ball club, and his experience earned on the field has further enhanced a comradery and chemistry in the clubhouse. With his veteran leadership put aside, Rodriguez' production on the field has also been impactful, as he currently is hitting .284 with 16 homers and 47 RBI, while holding the sixth highest on-base percentage in the American League at .390. Clearly the overall perception of A-Rod has not been looked at positively, and it is also not surprising that Rodriguez' support is as low as it appears by the fan votes. The players do not seem to like or respect him, but in the eyes of the Yankees, Rodriguez has been the glue to keeping this team in contention, and it is not out of the question to label him as baseball's Comeback Player of the Year. 


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