Yanks Hanging In There

One thing about starting the year off well is that when you get to July & August, you don't have to play .700 ball to get back into it. That's what the Yanks had seemed to do every year from mid-decade on.

This year the Yanks have played consistent baseball pretty much all year. They've had a week or two here and there where they've struggled but no month long doldrums. Because of this they're in first place.

However, because the Yanks have been so consistent there is the feeling that this team doesn't have what last year's team did. There have been less walk off wins and less instant YES classics.

Last year, we had the new stadium, new talent in CC, AJ & Tex, and a hunger to win after almost a decade of no titles.

This year we've had a slumping Tex & Jeter, an (even more) inconsistent AJ, and poor performing new additions Granderson, Nick the Sick, & Javy Vasquez. Plus injuries to Petitte and now ARod.

So even though we have the best record in baseball, it just seems like something is missing. Is this the year Texas or Minnesota beats us in the playoffs? Can we continue to hold off the Rays? Will Boston, despite numerous injuries, make it a three team race?

I think this team is potentially stronger than last year's. Our line-up is less dependent on Tex & ARod and our pitching staff, including the bullpen, is deeper.

The Yanks are right where they want to be going into September.