Sure, it is one thing to watch these games each night and conclude that the 2008 version of the New York American League ball club is simply a not very good team. They have aging players with fat contracts causing roster inflexibility. A starting staff that the organization illogically concluded that starting two pitchers (more like one) who were coming off their first serving of Similac would somehow provide enough effective innings over 55 to 50 starts. Mix in some timely injuries here and there and you have what you see over the first 45 games of the season.
A 20-25 record nearly mirrors their start from the 2007 season. Looking back 365 days, the Red Sox had gotten of to a great start and by the end of May, had built up a double-digit lead. This season, Boston has not gotten off to the razor sharp start, but as of this moment leads NY by 7 ½ games and gives every indication that this race will not be a contest by the All Star break.
Where does that leave the Yankees?
Think of it like this…
The main contenders for the Wild Card in the AL are the Indians, who are 22-22. The Detroit Tigers, who are 18-27. And the Seattle Mariners, who are 18-28. Unless I am to believe that the Tampa Bay Rays are going to hold up the entire season (they will not), the Yankees are only 1 ½ games behind Cleveland. They have gotten very lucky that the main contending teams have fared so abysmal in the first quarter of the season that it has allowed them to stay in this malaise without any repercussions.
Before the season, I was of the belief that the Yankees would not make the playoffs. I still believe that this will be case simply because of an innings chart that did not balance out and project to enough victories to make the postseason. My initial theory was that 94 victories were going to be needed to make the postseason. If after 80 games, Cleveland, Detroit and Seattle continue to have similar records, I will have to amend that number to 90.
Coincidentally, my win projection for the NYY this season was 91.
The team awaits the return of Alex Rodriguez and Jorge Posada. Possible reappearances from Robinson Cano, Johnny Damon, and a return from the dead by Jason Giambi. This is all before finding two starting pitchers who will be able to provide stable innings the rest of the season.
The Yankees will have their chance to fatten up their record in June as they have 22 of 25 games from June 6 to July 3 against pedestrian opponents. If they can do that, they will be able to change the fortunes of their season as the summer brings more home games and a good chance for another postseason appearance. Forget about the Red Sox. They are the best team in the league and they will not be caught in the AL East.
I know New York patience is about as existent as a $3 bill. But fellow fans, everything should work out fine.
A 20-25 record nearly mirrors their start from the 2007 season. Looking back 365 days, the Red Sox had gotten of to a great start and by the end of May, had built up a double-digit lead. This season, Boston has not gotten off to the razor sharp start, but as of this moment leads NY by 7 ½ games and gives every indication that this race will not be a contest by the All Star break.
Where does that leave the Yankees?
Think of it like this…
The main contenders for the Wild Card in the AL are the Indians, who are 22-22. The Detroit Tigers, who are 18-27. And the Seattle Mariners, who are 18-28. Unless I am to believe that the Tampa Bay Rays are going to hold up the entire season (they will not), the Yankees are only 1 ½ games behind Cleveland. They have gotten very lucky that the main contending teams have fared so abysmal in the first quarter of the season that it has allowed them to stay in this malaise without any repercussions.
Before the season, I was of the belief that the Yankees would not make the playoffs. I still believe that this will be case simply because of an innings chart that did not balance out and project to enough victories to make the postseason. My initial theory was that 94 victories were going to be needed to make the postseason. If after 80 games, Cleveland, Detroit and Seattle continue to have similar records, I will have to amend that number to 90.
Coincidentally, my win projection for the NYY this season was 91.
The team awaits the return of Alex Rodriguez and Jorge Posada. Possible reappearances from Robinson Cano, Johnny Damon, and a return from the dead by Jason Giambi. This is all before finding two starting pitchers who will be able to provide stable innings the rest of the season.
The Yankees will have their chance to fatten up their record in June as they have 22 of 25 games from June 6 to July 3 against pedestrian opponents. If they can do that, they will be able to change the fortunes of their season as the summer brings more home games and a good chance for another postseason appearance. Forget about the Red Sox. They are the best team in the league and they will not be caught in the AL East.
I know New York patience is about as existent as a $3 bill. But fellow fans, everything should work out fine.
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