Let's take a look at the Yankees' stars: Jeter, Rodriguez, Posada, Cano, Wang, Giambi, Damon, and Abreu. With these and other superstars, how can the Yankees be just four games over .500? This calls for a closer inspection.
Yankee Pitching
Last year, the Yankees had the starting pitching but not relief. This year, they've faltered in both categories. Relief has been getting better with Ohlendorf and Rivera leading the way, and hopefully by the end of the season they will be where the organization wants them.
Mike Mussina is back! The man can pitch, and he is tied for AL wins with 10. After a slow start, he is pulling his weight and then some.
At 8-2, Chien-Ming Wang is on target to get his 19th win for the third straight season. Although on Sunday, Wang appeared to injure his foot as he rounded the bases after a two-run single by Derek Jeter. He left the dugout on crutches, and his next start is iffy.
Darrell Rasner has three years of experience, same as Wang, but not nearly the name recognition. That might be because he has one fewer career win than Wang has this season. Although this is his third season with the Yankees, he still has yet to break in with the fans. We'll have to see if the fans accept him.
Andy Pettitte isn't having the best season, but he has been somewhat solid. And when he is on, he is deadly. Yankee management just needs to get him out of the game before he gives up the runs.
Ian Kennedy is in his second season, and he's doing a little under what we would hope. Ok, a lot under what we would hope. He's 0-3 with a 7.41 ERA. Last season, he stepped up when the Yankees needed him, so we'll have to wait an see where his career takes him.
At only 21, Phil Hughes will definitely go places. Or at least that's what we thought. This season, he is 0-4 with a 9.00 ERA. He's on the DL, so we're going to have to wait to see what happens on his arrival.
As a relief pitcher, Joba Chamberlain was brilliant. But as a starting pitcher, he's only been good. His first two games as a starter were not what he would have liked, but then he played the Astros. In this third career start, he went six innings, allowing only one run, while he gave up six hits, struck out two, and walked four. Let's see where this 22-year old goes.
The Yankees' Infield
Star studded is the only thing that can be said about it.
After being on the DL, Jorge Posada is finally back in the lineup. And what a boost that will be to the team. Currently, he's batting .318, and today, he hit his third homer of the season. If he holds true, we can expect to see about 20 more.
After losing about 15 pounds in the offseason, Jason Giambi's ability to play first base has greatly improved. Not only is his glove gold, but his bat is smoking as well. He has already surpassed last season’s home run total, and there is no end in sight.
Robinson Cano has a very bright future. He will certainly be with the Yankees for many seasons to come. His batting could be a little better (currently he's batting .225), but I'm sure that that will come in time. After all, he's only 25.
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6 months ago
Hey, I hope you like the story. It's my first one so leave some feedback please!
from 6 months ago
I loved this story. It has a lot of information on all my favorite Yanks. I noticed that you said that you are the biggest New York Yankees fan, well I'm sorry but I'm the BIGGEST Yankees fan! Great story anyway.
from 6 months ago
Great job! Would like to read more from you about some other MLB teams... Tigers? Cincinnati? :)
6 months ago
Insightful and well written. I enjoyed it completely and agree with your comments!
First time - I don't believe it :)
6 months ago
hopefully Wang out until September doesn't kill the momentum...maybe the bats can stay hot and make up for the weak pitching. hopefully Tampa bay cools down at some point and the Yanks can battle for the wild card...nice article!
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