The Sad First Half
I'm sure if you polled any Yankee fan they would say they were disappointed by the first half of the season. I'd be among them. Although, deep down, I know there is a second half surge left in them and they will challenge not only for the wild card but for the American LEague East title. A brief look at the first half...
Has there been a more consistent performer in all of baseball than ARod. He hasn't really cooled off from his torrid start to the year. He very well might be the MVP of the American League. ARod is joined on the Yankee standout offensive list by Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada (the most important player for them in the first half). Also, very quietly Hideki Matsui is over 50 RBI's in the first half. It seems like he'll drive in 100 even though he missed a month with a broken wrist. I've always loved the way he plays the game. Cano and Cabrera (the youth of the squad) are both starting to turn it on both offensively and defensively. I'm sure everyone around is hoping for a rebound from Abreu and Damon in the second half. Both have been very disappointing. First base has also been a huge problem. Little to no offense there all year.
The pitching staff is slowly (too slowly sometimes) starting to wind into shape. Pettite (minus his last two starts) has been consistent all year. He should probably have 5 more victories that the bullpen or the offense blew for him. Clemens is really heating up and has been great lately. Mussina is starting to come around. His loss of velocity concerns me every now and then, but whatever he lacks in arm strength, he more than makes up for in intelligence. The ace of the staff has easily been Wang. He's been money. He is 6-0 in his last 8 starts with a sub 3.00 ERA. I expect a huge second half from him an another attempt at a Cy Young. The fifth starter spot has been a mess all year. Kei Igawa has started the last few and been shelled. Phil Hughes is apparently rehabbing well, and it seems like he'll be ready by late July. I think he'll really help solidify the starting rotation.
The biggest problem area has been the bullpen. All season. There are some guys in Double A that I think will get a look by the end of the season. They have so many power arms in the pen, but they all try to come in throwing 100mph. Way to many walks from this overworked pen. They must be better if the Yanks have any chance of catching the Sox.
It should be an intersting second half. I'm sure the Yanks will make a move and shore up the bullpen and first base by the trading deadline. Even if they don't, I think they can make the playoffs with the squad they currently. It all boils down to the bullpen being better. They have easily blown a dozen games for them this season. With better bullpen performances will come more victories. Simple as that.
Has there been a more consistent performer in all of baseball than ARod. He hasn't really cooled off from his torrid start to the year. He very well might be the MVP of the American League. ARod is joined on the Yankee standout offensive list by Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada (the most important player for them in the first half). Also, very quietly Hideki Matsui is over 50 RBI's in the first half. It seems like he'll drive in 100 even though he missed a month with a broken wrist. I've always loved the way he plays the game. Cano and Cabrera (the youth of the squad) are both starting to turn it on both offensively and defensively. I'm sure everyone around is hoping for a rebound from Abreu and Damon in the second half. Both have been very disappointing. First base has also been a huge problem. Little to no offense there all year.
The pitching staff is slowly (too slowly sometimes) starting to wind into shape. Pettite (minus his last two starts) has been consistent all year. He should probably have 5 more victories that the bullpen or the offense blew for him. Clemens is really heating up and has been great lately. Mussina is starting to come around. His loss of velocity concerns me every now and then, but whatever he lacks in arm strength, he more than makes up for in intelligence. The ace of the staff has easily been Wang. He's been money. He is 6-0 in his last 8 starts with a sub 3.00 ERA. I expect a huge second half from him an another attempt at a Cy Young. The fifth starter spot has been a mess all year. Kei Igawa has started the last few and been shelled. Phil Hughes is apparently rehabbing well, and it seems like he'll be ready by late July. I think he'll really help solidify the starting rotation.
The biggest problem area has been the bullpen. All season. There are some guys in Double A that I think will get a look by the end of the season. They have so many power arms in the pen, but they all try to come in throwing 100mph. Way to many walks from this overworked pen. They must be better if the Yanks have any chance of catching the Sox.
It should be an intersting second half. I'm sure the Yanks will make a move and shore up the bullpen and first base by the trading deadline. Even if they don't, I think they can make the playoffs with the squad they currently. It all boils down to the bullpen being better. They have easily blown a dozen games for them this season. With better bullpen performances will come more victories. Simple as that.
posted by LEV at
6:02 PM
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