Quest for 11th Straight Division Title

Can you believe the position that the New York Yankees are in? If you would have come to me on May 29th when the Yankees were 21-29 and 14.5 games behind Boston and told me that with 10 games left in the season they would be 1 1/2 games behind the hated ones, I would have laughed in your face. But, that is where they stand entering their final home series of the year against division rival Toronto.

The Yankees peaked at the right time, going 45-21 during the 2nd half of the season – to date. A-ROD is all but your AL MVP. The pitching staff was suspect, but they have pitched so much better in the 2nd half. And everyone has been hitting and contributing with timely hits and great defensive plays. Since the break the Yankees have been the best team overall in baseball, and have made the AL East a race! Don’t forget they have won this division for 10 straight years – and this season may be no different. Chien-Ming Wang has had a Cy Young caliber season, posting 18 wins so far. Andy Pettitte has pitched brilliant, but he didn’t get the run support he needed earlier or I believe his record of 18-7 3.82 ERA would be better. Other pitchers like Roger Clemens and Mike Mussina have shown flashes of brilliance throughout the year, but they definitely are not the pitchers of old.

But wait!!!! We have talked about a lot of the regulars, but we certainly can’t forget all of the rookies who have made a difference. Shelley Duncan who hit 6 homeruns in his first few weeks in the Majors and is still playing well, when called upon. Joba Chamberlain who has been LIGHTS OUT so far this season – only allowing 2 runs (1 unearned) and pitching to the best hitters in the AL with ice water in his veins. That is exactly what Joe Torre needs coming out of the pen during October baseball. And who can forget Phil Hughes who before he got hurt had a no hitter going in Texas. He has struggled this year at points, but Torre keeps sending Hughes out because the kid has nasty stuff and has proven himself this year going 4-3 with a 4.75 ERA. I truly don’t believe that the Yankees would be where they are without this talented rookie class.

I know I didn’t include every member of this team, but their contributions are duly noted, and will not go unnoticed. Please feel free to let us know what YOU think about the greatest team in all of sports as they push for their 11th straight Division Title.