Why The Team in Pinstripes Will Make a Comeback

Bobby Abreu was mere inches from hitting a game tying two-run shot on Friday off of Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon, but Crisp hauled it in, his back to the deepest part of the park.  The Yankees dropped another game, as they lost six-four to their rival Red Sox.  They have lost six out of their last nine games.

A mirror image of last season being behind approaching the All-Star break,  the difference this year is the Red Sox aren't the only problem. The surging Rays of Tampa Bay have taken over the lead in the AL east. 

After completing their sweep of the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday, the crew at Tropicana Field declared war with the Nation as they played, "Sweet Caroline" over the big speakers to the defending World Champions.

While the Red Sox and Rays battle over first place, where does that put the Yankees?  Nine Games Out.  That is where they stand after July fourth.  A long road ahead for the Bronx Bombers indeed.

The Injury bug has plagued this team a lot last year and now this season.  After losing their ace Wang recently in Houston while running the bases, Johnny Damon is the latest to bite the bullet.  After a near rob of a Youkilis home run on Friday,  Damon injured his left shoulder and will miss some games, maybe even thru the All-Star break.   

When asked about his injury, Damon said, "it hurts and I can barely move my arm."  Right now he is considered Day-to-Day, but a DL stint is possible.  Hideki Matsui already on the DL with an ailing left knee, the Yankees are light in the outfield.  Matsui could return after the All-Star break, but surgery is still a possibility.

Enter Brett Gardner, the surging prospect from the Triple A squad in Scranton.  Gardner wowed fans during Spring Training and after being called up last week has become a quick fan favorite. 

If you recall, last season, Shelley Duncan who was called up, sparked the Yankees offense, we'll see if Gardner can do the same.  He is very fast and plays hard for a spot on the team, not a paycheck.  A graduate of the College of Charleston, Gardner is an exceptional athlete.  Born in Holy Hill, SC in 1983. 

This youngster can really get the team going. 

So, the Yankees are at a crucial point in their season, with two more games against Boston this weekend and then a two game set against the AL East leading Rays at the Stadium before they head onto the road before the All-Star break. 

They need to make a run and they need to start it now.  I know for one, I have seen more warning track outs by Yankee bats in the past week then I have seen in the entire first half to the season, they are just barely missing.

Also, with question marks in the rotation, they may make a run at a starting pitcher before the trade deadline, as they don't expect Wang to return until September, and by that time, it could be too late to matter. 

With their playoff streak in jeopardy, the Yankees look to avoid missing playoffs for the first time since 1993.  With high hopes and a lot of season left to play, the Yankees will be in for a lot of work during the dog days of summer.  But don't count them out. 

"It ain't over till its over", (Yogi Berra)