New York Yankees 2008 Midseason Update

The New York Yankees have struggled in 2008 but hope to make a big push in the 2nd half as they have in seasons past.

New York Yankees: Season Overview
After the 2007 season, the New York Yankees’ future was up in the air. The returns of several key cogs in the Bronx Bombers’ machine were uncertain. Eventually, Manager Joe Torre departed after leading the New York Yankees for 12 full seasons under owner George Steinbrenner. 2006 National League Manager of the year Joe Girardi was hired as the New York Yankees’ new manager. The futures of several key players were also up in the air as Andy Pettitte, Jorge Posada, Mariano Rivera and Alex Rodriguez were all free agents. Jorge Posada received a historical contract, making him the highest paid catcher ever. Andy Pettitte and Mariano were also resigned and Alex Rodriguez received another huge contract. With the return of these key players and a new manager, the 2008 season was full of promise.

New York Yankees: Offense
In past season the offense has been the New York Yankees’ bread and butter. 2007 saw the Yankees ranked in the top four in most offensive statistical categories. However in 2008 the New York Yankees have slipped considerably. This slip can be credited to injuries. Recently the bat of 2B Robinson Cano has began to heat up. In his last 12 games, Robinson Cano is hitting .396 with two homeruns and 11 RBIs. The New York Yankees are hoping for a repeat of past seasons where their big sluggers woke up in mid-June and never looked back.

New York Yankees: Defense
The New York Yankees are dealing with a subpar season from Melky Cabrera and an injury keeping ace pitcher Chien-Ming Wang out of play until at least September. With such obstacles facing the New York Yankees as they enter the second half of the season, it is a wonder that they did not pursue C.C. Sabathia. Mariano Rivera has been a star as usual for the New York Yankees. Through early July, Mariano Rivera has amassed 23 saves.

New York Yankees: Season Standings
Third place in the American League East is unfamiliar territory for the New York Yankees. With the Tampa Bay Rays playing the role of Cinderella and the defending World Series champion Boston Red Sox clinging to second place and leading the Wild Card race, AL East theatrics will be fun to watch in the second half of the season. The numerous injuries to key players have not derailed the New York Yankees playoff hopes. Late-season pushes are a New York Yankees specialty.

New York Yankees: Standout Players
On a roster full of stars, it is not always easy to point out one in the bunch that has done the most to help a team win. If one person or thing has impacted the New York Yankees on the field this season, it would have to be the so-called injury bug. The early months of the 2008 season saw many key New York Yankees on the DL with crucial injuries. Somehow the New York Yankees have managed to remain in the playoff hunt. A veteran roster filled with stars comes as a comfort to fans of the New York Yankees who hope that their team can come alive in the second half of the season.

Despite off-the-field issues, Alex Rodriguez has endeared himself to the New York Yankees fans. By hitting his 536th home run in July, Alex Rodriguez moved into 13th place and tied Mickey Mantle on the all-time homerun list. Batting prowess is always a sure bet with Alex Rodriguez, and his Golden Glove worthy play at third base is a plus for the New York Yankees. The AL infield at the 2008 All-Star game will be manned by Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter. This will mark Derek Jeter’s 8th All-Star game in the last decade and Alex Rodriguez’s 10th in 12 years.

New York Yankees: 2nd Half Outlook
Expect the Bronx Bombers to make a push for the AL Crown, but they will need a bit of help from the red-hot Tampa Bay Rays and the Boston Red Sox in order to make the playoffs. The real struggle facing the New York Yankees is avoiding injuries. Early in the season Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter suffered minor injuries. Jorge Posada has struggled with a rotator cuff injury. Big-time leadoff batter Johnny Damon is also suffering from an injury.

Last season at the halfway point the New York Yankees were in third place, but then they were only 4.5 games behind. This season the New York Yankees are facing an uphill battle. Fans at Yankee Stadium are sure that their New York Yankees can pull off another magical finish in 2008.