More Mediocrity and Underachievement

After taking two of three from the Tampa Bay Rays last weekend, the Yanks looked primed to start June off with some swagger. Sadly, the Bronx Bombers started this week by getting embarrassingly swept by the Toronto Blue Jays, while being outscored 15-3. Things looked a tad more promising when they used their Thursday off-day to beat the Detroit Tigers 5-4 in a make-up game from April. And they have split the last two games with the upstart Baltimore Orioles, with the offense scoring 14 runs in the two contests. The Yanks are searching for consistency the same way Sarah Palin is searching for relevance.

The Yankee offense is still sputtering towards the bottom of the league standings, currently ranking 26^th. And yet, there are positives to be found. A healthy Jacoby Ellsbury hit .320 in May and leads the team with 12 SBs, including his 2^nd steal of home this season in last night’s win at Camden Yards. Brett Gardner’s .225 average may not garner him a 2^nd consecutive All-Star selection but at least he’s still getting on base at a team-leading .351 clip. Starlin Castro continues to be hot and cold (.385 so far in June) but with a .254 average is eons beyond last year’s 2B manned by Stephen Drew, who seemed to be allergic to pinstripes. May has also been kind to Chase Headley and Didi Gregorius who hit .298 and .287 respectively. The team’s best hitter continues to be Carlos Beltran who is off to a .318 start in June and the less said about his defense the better. And even A-Roid is showing infinitesimal strides with a .300 start to June. I’m guessing Joe Girardi will continue to find excuses to bench A-Roid in favor of the more DH-suited Beltran if necessary.

Brian McCann has cooled off considerably after his surprising .262 April. Despite his recent struggles he still hit 4 HRs in May and is still on pace for another 20 HR season, which is all the Yanks need from their backstop. And the recent DL addition of Mark Teixeira may be a mercy killing. Tex was hoping to finagle his final contracted year in pinstripes into another 2-3 year stay in the Bronx but has just been hobbled by more of the same injuries that has made his stay in NY continually frustrating. At .180 and only 3 HRs maybe it’s time for a change right now. The Yanks called by Chris Parmelee as a stop-gap measure and yet the answer may be Rob Refsnyder. The highly-touted Yankee prospect has seen time at 2B, 3B, RF, and now 1B. It may be a small sample size but hitting .294 while slugging.529 in six games is a huge upgrade.

The Yankee starting pitching continues to be an effective patchwork job with Masahiro Tanaka leading the way with a 2.78 ERA and the rejuvenated C.C. Sabathia not far behind at 2.86. Nathan Eovaldi continues to have issues with lineups the 3^rd time around, as shown in Friday night’s loss. Ivan Nova has shown a little wear allowing 9 ERs in his last two six inning outings. But the bright spot may be Michael Pineda who finally showed a spark by holding a formidable Detroit Tiger lineup to only one run over 5 1/3 innings. Not exactly a quality start but baby steps.

The bullpen continues to be Joe Girardi’s most prized possession even if it’s showing signs of vulnerability. The Unholy Trinity (like it?) of Dellin Betances-Andrew Miller-Aroldis Chapman has yet to implode but hasn’t been as intimidating as it seems. Betances in particular has been the weak link in the chain allowing 4 ERs in his last three innings of work. And Chapman made Thurdsay’s win against the Tigers more interesting than it needed to be. Thankfully, he was rescued by a highlight-worthy double play courtesy of Sir Didi and Super Starlin.

Here in June the Yanks stand at 26-29 and 4^th place in the AL East. If the Yanks are going to make a move it’s now or not. At some point I do feel the Sawx and O’s will fall back to earth as teams cannot rely on offense alone. I do hope the addition and Refsnyder and potential revival of Pineda will be enough.

The State of the Yankees

Spring training officially starts this week and with it a full month to find out what kind of Yankee team we can expect for 2015. This offseason was more about the moves the Yankees didn’t make. Instead of a typical shopping spree to appease fans cranky about back to back October-less seasons, Brian Cashman and the Steinbrenners are looking more to get value out of what they already have, especially players like C.C. Sabathia and Mark Teixeira. Additionally, the sin of A-Roids $275 million contract casts a large cloud over the Bronx and the new Yankee regime is more about reason than giving into panic. The biggest move the Yankees made was locking up Chase Headley for 4 years at $52 million, and most agree it was a sensible baseball move.

What to make of the 2015 Yankees? Way too soon to tell. As with each of the previous two seasons the best you can say about the Yankees is that they have potential. I know potential is the same as a friend who describes a prospective blind date as having a great personality but potential is what the Yankees have. Just hoping the fans and media have the much needed patience to go with it.

On the offensive side no significant upgrades were made, which is a bit troubling considering the Yankees finished 20th in all of baseball in runs scored last season. It seems as if the Yankee brass are willing to take a mulligan on last year and see what healthy versions of Carlos Beltran, Mark Teixeira, and A-Roid can provide, if such versions exist. A full year in the Bronx should give Chase Headley an opportunity to improve on his solid 2nd half of 2014. Chase Headley can easily become the new Scott Brosius: a solid 3B defender who provides a steady presence in the lower third of the lineup. Brett Gardner and Jacoby Ellsbury can easily be the best 1-2 punch in all of baseball, depending on their durability. Chris Young will provide much needed power and defense as the 4th OF and Garrett Jones will provide the same at 1B, backing up Teixeira, and as the left-handed option at DH. And Brian McCann had a much better year in 2014 than the sabermasochists will ever give him credit for. The Yankee catcher can be just as good in 2015, if not better.

The starting pitching is in a precarious state of uncertainty. From Sabathia and Ivan Nova returning from injury to Masahiro Tanaka’s elbow tear being monitored like the latest ISIS threat to Michael Pineda’s injury history and newly acquired Nathan Eovaldi, we may see a repeat of 2014 where the Yankees led the league in both number of starting pitchers used and starts by rookies. And the recent notion of using a six man rotation needs to be shot down quicker than Ben Carson’s presidential aspirations. It is next to impossible to have a healthy five man rotation but that’s what you start with and then bring in the second wave when necessary. Both Chase Whitley and Chris Capuano will see plenty of action, both in relief and as designated backup starters.

The defense should be the one thing the Yankees can count on with an infield consisting of Headley, Didi Gregorious, Stephen Drew, and Teixeira. The outfield with Gardner, Ellsbury, and Beltran can be considered above average, especially with Chris Young in the wings. And the behind the plate Brian McCann has proven himself to be up to the task of nursing the unpredictable rotation and keeping prospective baserunners at bay with his league- leading throw-out percentage.

The bullpen is another prospective strength of the Yankees, even with the loss of David Robertson to free agency. As last year proved, the Yankees seem to have an unending supply of reliable arms ready to get the ball to the designated closer, who looks to be last year’s rookie phenom Dellin Betances. The addition of Andrew Miller also secures the team a 2^nd closer and prime 8th inning option.

As for A-Roid, I guess the Yankees will just take what they can get. After all, A-Roid is not walking away from $61 million over the next three years and the Yankees will not just pay him to go away. And by the way, A-Roid’s letter of apology couldn’t have been more cloying and melodramatic if it had been set to the tune of John Legend’s “All of Me.” On the one hand, A-Roid cannot be much worse than the DH options that the Yankees have employed over the past two seasons. On the other hand, A-Roid will milk the situation for all of the attention and play martyr for anyone willing to buy it. Just go away, A-Roid. Real Yankee fans are trying to root for actual players.

Overall, the AL East looks wide open. The Blue Jays made a big splash this offseason but they do that every offseason and the Sawx added much-needed offense but lack a number one starter. I would not be surprised if it only takes 85 wins this year to take the division.

One month to go and another exciting season of baseball ahead. Is there anything more promising for baseball fans, young and old alike?

My New Favorite Yankee

Last season saw the end of Derek Jeter’s baseball career and the end of an era in the Bronx. Hard to argue with a legacy that helped lead to 7 pennants and 5 World Series championships. Yankee fans like myself were blessed to be along for the ride and that ride has now come to an end. So with the 2015 baseball season just around the corner it’s time to look forward and see what’s in store for the Bronx Bombers. It’s also time to see who will lead the team and who we can root for as fans.

I have been very happy with the recent acquisitions of Brian McCann, Jacoby Ellsbury, and Chase Headley. I am also optimistic that a healthy Carlos Beltran still has some productive numbers left. But as far as a new favorite Yankee, to cheer on and identify with, my choice is easy: Brett Gardner.

First, he’s a homegrown prospect. The Yankees take a lot of heat for the money they spend on free agents, and more often than not are throwing good money after bad. But they also rarely get credit for the talent they have developed. The heart of the late 90’s championship run pulsed not only with the talent of Derek Jeter but Andy Pettitte, Bernie Williams, Mariano Rivera, and Jorge Posada. As a fan, I take a lot of pride in being able to root for a player who came up through the ranks and wasn’t a mere off-season acquisition.

Second, he’s got speed. Sure he also has power but the modern game has become inundated with an obsession with the long ball and tape measure shots. I like watching a player like Gardner, and the recently departed Ichiro, who can win games with his legs. Every infield grounder is a potential base hit. Every ball in the gap is a potential triple. Every wild pitch is a potential run scoring from third base. And every opponent’s line drive is a potential out to be caught. Speed is exciting and Gardner’s a refreshing throwback-type player. He even wears the high socks like players of old.

Third, he’s a pesky hitter. Every year Gardner is near the top of the list of pitches seen per at-bat. He has a way of working counts and fouling pitches off, which makes him an ideal leadoff hitter. He does strikeout a little too often but at least he makes opposing pitchers earn it. In today’s game, where the pitch count is monitored like vital signs in an emergency room, Brett Gardner is a high value asset needed to get to the opposing team’s bullpen.

Fourth, he doesn’t make waves. He’s been a staple in the Yankee lineup since 2010 and never have I heard a bad word or complaint from Brett Gardner. No bitching about being underutilized or not making enough money, and not a single incident of chest-thumping. Brett Gardner seems content to be a part of the team and a contributor. Now, I think he’s ready to take a step forward and lead this next generation Yankee team.

Brett Gardner has a lot riding this season as the Yankees attempt to end a two season playoff drought, which is the equivalent to the Royals 29 year drought to Yankee fans. He has shown skill, instinct, tenacity, and all around All-Star type talent. Now in 2015, the lights may seem a little brighter and the fans a little more ornery. Things may seem bleak at times but he can count on my fandom as well as a lot more like-minded Yankees fans. Go Gardy!

The Captain’s Last Game

Today I will pay tribute to Derek Jeter one more time as I attempt to live blog during his last game ever. So, please forgive me any spelling or grammar errors as I will be writing this threw many emotions and more than a few tears.

1st inning

Looks as if the Red Sox held a very respectful pre-game ceremony in honor of Derek Jeter. I would expect nothing less, though there was that 1% chance I thought they might just hand him a sack full of dog crap embroidered with the words “Suck It.”

Wow, loud chants of DE-REK JE-TER. Close your eyes and you think you’re in the Bronx. Nice job, Fenway.

Okay, how close do you need to get for a picture of Jeter? If those two lean over any closer they will get a proctological shot of The Captain.

Feel free to hang a few breaking balls, Bucholz. No one will think less of you, especially with your ERA this season.

Looked like a hit to LF but ends up an at’em ball to SS.

No one will replace The Captain soon, at SS or as a Yankee, but Brett Gardner is the Yankee I think has the best chance to fill some of the void. He’s gutsy, grinds it out everyday, and is very easy to root for.

Looking forward to a full season of Michael Pinhead next year, minus any pinetar.

I’m guessing that the only way the Sawx could draft and develop a player named Mookie is in a post-Babe Ruth curse world. The Mets may want to find a prospect named Buckner.

2nd inning

Is there an at-bat that Headley can’t work into a full count? Crappy result but still would love to see him re-signed in the offseason.

Red Sox and Yankee fans co-existing, who woulda thunk it? What’s next, dogs and cats living together, mass hysteria!

3rd inning

I wonder if Big Papi has any tips for the Yankee DH. I am sure Jeter is honored to play in front of the Fenway faithful but he’d rather be in the field playing a meaningful game.

Come on, let’s get some baserunners. I want to see five Jeter at-bats.

Feels like I am just watching any other Sawx/Yanks game. Guess it won’t sink in that this is it, until opening day 2015.

Nice job, Ichiro! Two run triple and Jeter to follow!

And another high chop for an infield hit! And that’s it! Jeter lifted for a pinchrunner. Let the applause begin and tears roll down.

I’m guessing that is the only time you will see Brian McCann called upon to pinch run. And to thunderous applause.

Great sendoff, Fenway!!!

That was also Derek Jeter’s 50th RBI of the season. He has had at least 50 RBIs in every full season he has played. Not bad for a hitter who has primarily hit 2nd and leadoff.

McCann showing wheels, and the Yanks take a 4-0 lead.

The Yanks score 4 in a very historic inning, and it had nothing to do with the 4 runs. The Captain’s career is over.

1-2-3 inning for Pineda. Looks sharp. Hope he finishes strong to make this day complete with a Yankee win.

4th inning

Yeah, this game has quickly lost its luster.

Pineda is dealing. A healthy Pineda may have made a difference this season.

5th inning

Jeter’s parents turned down an on-camera interview. No doubt about where his humility comes from.

Seriously, the life has been completely sucked out of this game. Okay, Pineda, bean someone next half inning.

The Red Sox seem to have a healthy crop of young players. Hope to see them get the Sawx back into the AL East race next season.

Nice play, Drew. But you still can’t hit a lick and no way you get to replace Jeter next year.

6th inning

What piece of Jeter memorabilia would I want from today? Jersey? Hat? Batting gloves? Cleats? Bat? Glove? Yeah, I’d want it all.

No, no begrudging respect from Red Sox Nation, just respect.

Jose Pirela continuing to flash the leather at 2B. Any chance he can be converted to SS? Just wondering….

7th inning

Take away the 3rd inning and Bucholz had quite the outing, almost matching Pineda.

And Pirela doubles, bolstering his case to stay with the big team next year. Yanks, 6-0.

And John Ryan Murphy makes it 7-0. Yanks trying to make sure that Jeter’s RBI hit stands up.

And Romine makes it 8-0. Mercy rule time?

Yeah, figures Teixeira would find a way to make the 1st out.

Nice opposite field hit by Headley to make it 9-0.

Bernie Williams just played “Take Me Out To The Ballgame” on his guitar! Fenway, I am falling in love with you! What a super classy move! This would be worthy of a Suzyn Waldman overreaction. And yes, I am crying.

9-0 lead, Rogers. Just throw some damn strikes.

Okay, I was joking about beaning someone. Come on, Rogers, get your head in the game.

A little excitement for Sawx fans as the bases are cleared. Yanks, 9-3.

Sox make it a game with a two-run double by Mookie Betts. Yanks, 9-5.

Finally, inning over. Now, can it please go back to being boring?

8th inning

Back to back impressive plays by Weeks at SS. Would the Red Sox be willing to deal him?

And Warren is dealing. He has blown a few saves this year but otherwise been a key contributor to the bullpen’s success this year. Too bad the offense didn’t give him more leads to protect.

9th inning

Yanks go in order and on to the last half inning of the season.

More painful: Denzel offing bad guys in The Equalizer or the punishment Francisco Cervelli has taken behind the plate today? Just brutal.

Just one out to go.

Guess this is the very last time we will hear the Derek Jeter chant in Fenway, unless he buys the team someday.

And that’s it. Game over. Yankees win 9-5.

Still very hard to process that this is it. The season is over and Derek Jeter is gone.

Thanks, Captain. What an amazing career. We were blessed to just watch.

Re2spect, forever…….

Why The Captain Matters

It’s been twenty long years that seem to have gone by in a wink. Derek Jeter’s career is coming to an end and as proved by Thursday night’s heroics he still has a little magic left. He is not going out at the top of his game or in the midst of another pennant run but 2014 does feel like the right time to walk away. This final season has been a mix of nostalgia, gratitude, harsh reality, speculation, evaluation, criticism, and old-fashioned baseball drama. And now is a good time to remember what we should we remember and what we have been honored to experience with #2 in pinstripes.

Derek Jeter is class. He has spent the last twenty seasons playing for the most storied baseball franchise in the biggest media market and has handled every moment with dignity and resolve. Just imagine how you would handle the pressure of such a task while dealing with the 24-7 news cycle and droves of reporters second guessing your every move. Now marvel at how Derek Jeter has not only played but carried himself. He realized very early that everyone is watching and has been a true ambassador for the Yankees and the game of baseball.

Derek Jeter is humble. In this exploding era of social media where most athletes crave attention like Gollum craves the precious ring, Derek Jeter has shined in the spotlight and done everything in his power to not bath in it. Derek is the anti-Reggie, always ready to laud his team’s accomplishments and avoid any urge to pat himself on the back. He has taken his share of curtain calls, and even turned a few down, but even when he does step of the dugout to the delight of thousands he acts as if to say, “Not a big deal, just doing my job.”

Derek Jeter is respectful. The past few months has been a never ending barrage of athletes behaving badly. With the retirement of Derek Jeter comes the absence of a special individual who treated the game and his profession as a privilege, not a right. You have never heard Derek Jeter’s name uttered in the same sentence as the following words: drugs, DUI, armed, battery, assault, arrest. There is that slight possibility that Mr. Jeter has Olivia Pope on his payroll but I and many others will always be willing to believe the best having never seen Jeter’s worst, if such a concept exists.

Derek Jeter is hustle. We know the plays and they have been replayed in a continuous loop the last few weeks. Derek Jeter has played his entire career not only with a first-rate skill set but with keen instincts and a burning desire to win. When I think of Derek Jeter I think of the player who is busting his ass to 1B on a routine grounder while down five runs in the eighth inning. That’s Derek Jeter.

Derek Jeter is a Yankee. From day one, Derek Jeter understood the pride, passion, and history that comes with wearing the pinstripes. He has been aware of the expectations and never backed down from a challenge. The Yankees may be seen as the Evil Empire but Derek Jeter has always been the bright beacon of hope and all that can be good about the Yankees and baseball. Tom Verducci said it best when he said, “If you don’t like Derek Jeter, you don’t like baseball.”

In the end, Derek Jeter is not the greatest Yankee of all-time. But he is the greatest Yankee of my lifetime, and that’s all that matters and he will be missed. Thanks, Captain.

A Week To Go

The Headley Plan

With the days of September quickly dwindling and the Yankees playoff hopes all but non-existent it’s time for this fan to look forward to next season. The Yankees did what they could with this year’s squad and even lucked into some fortuitous moves like the additions of Brandon McCarthy and Martin Prado, as well as the promotion of Shane Greene. But of all of the makeshift moves that were made my favorite was the trade for Chase Headley. Since joining the Yankees, Headley has not re-discovered his 2012 All-Star form but instead impressed me with this stellar defense and professional at bats. No, he has not taken advantage of homer-friendly New Yankee Stadium. But what he has done is be available everyday for Joe Girardi, play 1B when necessary, and work an impressive number of 0-2 counts into walks.

Next season sees the return of the freak show that is A-Roid and I think the Yankees would be smart to keep Chase Headley around. Ideally, I would love to see him as the Yankee starting 3B for the next few years but at the very least he should be kept on the bench to back up A-Roid as well as Mark Teixeira at 1B.

As far as A-Roid, I think that Yankees can agree that his remaining three years and $60 million plus salary are a drain and cannot be recouped. So, the Yankees have three viable options:

A) Cut A-Roid and just eat the money. The Yankees should have no illusions about getting out of this deal. More importantly, last year’s goal of coming in under $189 million was quickly quashed to sign Ellsbury, McCann, Beltran, and Tanaka. The Yankees can afford to be in the red for another three years, even if it means simply paying A-Roid to go away.

B) Trade A-Roid and offer to cover up to 75% of his salary. A-Roid may still have value to an AL team as a DH and would be very attractive at only $5-8 million a year. This is how the Yankees scored A-Roid from Texas back in 2004, they would just have accept being on the other side of the deal this time.

C) Keep A-Roid, but sign Chase Headley as backup. A-Roid will be coming off missing an entire year of baseball and will be 40 by the middle of the 2015 baseball season. He has had enough issues staying healthy since 2009 and it would be wise to have Headley waiting in the wings. Additionally, Headley would be solid backup for Mark Teixeira who continues to have health issues of his own.

Any of these options would make this Yankee fan very happy, especially option A. Regardless, Chase Headley is just the kind of hard-working, professional baseball player that the Yankees can use to slightly ease the loss of Derek Jeter and offset the ensuing circus caused by A-Roid’s return. Good luck, Yankees. Hope you choose wisely.

A Glimmer of Hope

Funny how quickly a game can change. There the Yankees were, three outs away from losing a series to the rival Sawx. Koji Uehara was on the mound with a 4-3 lead and poised to extinguish more Yankee playoff hopes. But with a single swing of the bat, Mark Teixeira made Uehara look human and brought Yankee fans back to life with a bomb to the RF seats. And two batters later, Chase Headley finished the comeback with a Titanic blast into the seats in Right-Center Field. How quickly a game and faint playoff hopes can change.

By no means does this put the Yankees back in the hunt for October, but at least it serves as a stay of execution for now. It is also a reminder that the difference between a winning Yankee team and a losing one is five runs of offense, as demonstrated in their 5-1 and 5-4 victories over the Boston Red Sox the last two nights. The only question is can the Yankees find a way to develop a modicum of momentum. That will be tough with the 1st place Royals this weekend followed by the always stingy Tampa Bay Rays.

Rookie Shane Greene continues to struggle against the Red Sox, and better learn quick if he wishes to remain in pinstripes. Hiroki Kuroda is pitching his best ball of the season and will be key in the upcoming September schedule. Chris Capuano has provided some nice innings but it may be time to move him to the bullpen and give David Huff a chance in the rotation. Offensively, Brian McCann is continuing his solid 2nd half, most recently hitting .368 in the last seven games. Gardner has picked it up while Ellsbury has started to cool off again. If these two sparkplugs can ever get going at the same time, the offense would coast this team to October. And despite many recent articles questioning Derek Jeter’s fading ability, the Captain still finds a way to provide key hits like last night’s two run double. If there is a better option at SS for the Yanks, please step forward….not so friggin’ fast Stephen Drew.

So the Yankees continue to play meaningful games. This season has been frustrating and underwhelming for the players, fans, and media alike. And despite what happens in these last games, even with Jeter retiring, my fandom has been re-invigorated by the likes of Ellsbury, Garnder, Dellin Betances, McCann, Brandon McCarthy and my new favorite Yankee, Chase Headley. If only there were a way to keep him and dump the rotting carcass that is A-Roid.

Fading into September

To stay realistically alive in the playoff hunt, the Yankees needed to sweep the Blue Jays this past weekend. They couldn’t even manage to win the series with yesterday’s 4-3 loss, which was indicative of their season long offensive struggles. With September beginning, the Yankees are nine games back of the Baltimore Orioles in the AL East meaning they would need to win 22 of their last 27 while the O’s play just .500 ball. But this scenario is about as likely as a Sarah Palin presidency. Even the 2nd Wild Card play-in slot is a long shot. I do not like to lose hope as a Yankee fan but I also do not like to avoid the truth.

The 2014 Yankees are done playoff-wise. All that’s left is to evaluate the team that has been composed and look ahead to see who should stick around for 2015. It’s also time to truly relish in Derek Jeter’s final games in pinstripes. The Captain’s farewell tour is in its final leg and it has been very heartening to see players, fan, and commentators alike pay tribute to this living legend. So, my future blogs will focus on this upcoming off-season, and what we learned from 2014.

Next up for the Yanks is another series with the Sawx, who have had an even more disappointing season than the Yankees. Of course, the Sawx still have last year’s World Series victory in their belt. The Yankees and Sawx may not have the same bite this year as in years past but both teams are in the same boat in trying to figure out what their teams will look like in next year’s playoff push.

Another Day, Another Wasted Opportunity

After battering perennial Cy Young candidate David Price to the tune of eight runs in last night’s victory, the Yankees entered today’s game with a chance to leave Motown with a much-needed series win. And like so many rubber games in 2014 the Yankees came up short due to a lack of offense and an overused bullpen. I’m still a little puzzled as to why Dellin Betances was not called on for a 2nd inning of relief, even though Shawn Kelley was just one pitch from getting out of the jam before getting beat by Alex Avila for the game winning hit. But the Yankees continue to find themselves backed into these kinds of corners. Overall, the Yankees have made strides, having won 6 of their last 10, but if this team plans on making a playoff run they need to win games like this, especially against fellow contenders.

The offense keeps showing potential but is still not providing the type of consistent support that the solid starting pitching needs. Despite Brandon McCarthy’s loss on Tuesday, he has been the anchor on this patchwork staff. Michael Pinhead is back to early season form and Hiroki Kuroda along with Shane Greene have been first rate as of late.

Offensively, Jacoby Ellsbury has gotten hot again and Martin Prado is making a case to be the answer at 2B, this season and beyond. But Mark Teixeira, Carlos Beltran, and Brian McCann continue to struggle when it matters most. Until this Yankee squad can score five runs on a regular basis, this season will continue to be a matter of being mathematically alive for playoff contention, but realistically dead.

Up next is a series against the Blue Jays who seem to be in worse condition than the Yankees. The Yankees need a sweep to make a statement and provide Derek Jeter with hope of one more October.