Yankees Postseason Preview

By Guest Blogger Chris Pippen

Last season was a disgrace for the New York Yankees. Despite having the highest payroll in baseball, the Yankees missed the playoffs. Not only did they miss the playoffs, they decided to shut the doors on the original Yankee Stadium. It was one of the cathedrals of baseball. No other place in the game had witnessed so much history first-hand, but it has sadly gone the way of the wrecking ball in favor of a new $1.3 billion playground across the street. The new stadium has tons of amenities for fans, but it lacks the character and history of the old stadium. The Yankees are back in first place this year, however. They are trying to christen the new Stadium with its own history in year one.

That history would not be complete if it did not involve the Boston Red Sox. Once again, the Yankees are contending for the American League East division crown with their rivals form Boston. Currently, the Yankees hold a half game lead on the Red Sox, but Boston has gone 8-0 against New York to start the season. The Yankees have gotten used to their new stadium, which is conducive to several home runs. Still, they have yet to beat Boston in the new stadium.

Heading toward the postseason, New York has yet to develop a definite ace of the pitching staff. Mariano Rivera is still the man to beat at the end of games, but that means nothing if the starting pitching cannot get to him with the lead. C.C. Sabathia is only 11-7 as a starter, showing that his massive contract is not paying great dividends. A.J. Burnett is closer to being the ace of the staff with his 10-5 record. The depth really isn’t there though after the first few starters. Joba Chamberlain is probably the most promising player in the rotation. The young man is 7-2 as a starter this season, but has not been the pitcher of record in 11 of his starts.

Alex Rodriguez - New York Yankees (Image: Zuma Press)

The offense is of course paced by future Hall of Famer Alex Rodriguez. A-Rod has shrugged off injury and steroid allegations to have another dominant year statistically. He had yet to prove himself in the postseason. Despite missing the first month of the season, Rodriguez has 19 home runs on the season and 59 RBI. Providing him protection in the lineup, free agent signee Mark Teixeira has been worth every penny. He has provided a team high 26 home runs and 77 RBI. He is also batting at a .283 clip, proving that he can get on base and generate runs that way as well. Captain Derek Jeter is in the midst of another good season by providing offense at the top of the lineup. Jeter is one of the most respected players in baseball. He is batting .322 on the year and has scored 69 run so far. He is the unquestioned leader of this veteran team. It will be up to him to get his teammates to band together and form a cohesive unit heading into the playoffs.

Chris Pippin is a sports writer for www.sportsfantreasures.com. He would like to invite you to check out their New York Yankees Store and New York Yankees Apparel online today!