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July 19, 2005
Yankees Finally in First Place
Beat Rangers 11-10 in Wild Game
It's almost hard to believe considering how poorly the Yankees were playing at points this season but finally they are in first place in the American League East. Lately they've been on a real tear, winning last night for the 11th time in 13 games and moving nine games over .500 for the first time this season. Considering at one point they weren't even playing .500 baseball that's pretty good. The Yankees have had to depend on the offense to get the job done since the pitching staff is an utter mess. Players like Jason Giambi, Alex Rodriguez and Gary Sheffield have really stepped it up and been big reasons, along with most of the rest of the offense for why the Yankees find themselves in first place.
I'm not sure they will remain in first place but I will certainly enjoy the time that they spend there. I guess some fans might take issue with my uncertainty about whether or not this team is capable of holding on to first place but the reality is that despite how well they're playing the team has some major issues. First of all the pitching - Jaret Wright is on the DL long-term and he was lousy even when he was able to pitch. Carl Pavano is on the DL with a shoulder issue and he has been inconsistant. Chien-Ming Wang, the Yankees most consistant pitcher this season, might or might not need season ending surgery for an injury which might or might not be a rotator cuff tear. Kevin Brown just got off the DL but he was rushed back and will probably be rusty for another start or two and that's if his fragile back holds out. On top of that the bullpen isn't always a strength either. Tanyon Sturtze, Tom Gordon and of course Mariano Rivera are successful more often than not but they can't be used every day and everyone else is a bit iffy. If the hitting suddenly goes cold the Yankees could be in some major trouble.
Then there's the outfield situation. Melky Cabrera didn't work out so he was shipped back to the minors and Bernie Williams is back out there. Yikes doesn't even begin to cover how dreadful of an error he made during last night's game. He's very lucky that the Yankees came back to win because he would be a big time goat for sure today otherwise. I cringe everytime I see Bernie is playing the field but the Yankees don't have many options at this point. It's Bernie or Bubba Crosby in center or left since Tony Womack is no longer an outfield option. Crosby has a great attitude and will do fine in a limited role but he's not the guy you want in the outfield on an every day basis.
Even if the Yankees do manage to hang on to first in the division what happens in the post-season? It could get ugly fast when they have to face some tough pitching and after Mike Mussina and Randy Johnson the Yankees have... who exactly? In the post-season strong pitching is absolutely essential. And a good defense is also essential. Making an error in the post-season can be fatal. As much as I love Bernie I would be very nervous seeing him and his noodle arm out there in the post-season.
So I'm very happy that the Yankees are playing so well but I remain concerned about how much longer they will be able to maintain this level of play.
Posted by silverdsl at July 19, 2005 01:11 PM