With a record of 50-45, the New York Yankees are in third place in the AL East six games out of first place and 5.5 behind the surprising Rays. This is not a position any Yankee fan can tolerate, albeit better than being 43-43 at the all star break like they were last year. Here are the top five things that MUST happen for the Yankees to postpone the final game at historic Yankee Stadium:
5. THE STACHE MUST STAY.
Jason Giambi has been a very pleasant surprise this season. After a very sluggish start in April, he is tied for the team league in home runs with 19, and second to Bobby Abreu in RBIs with 55 (Abreu has 59). But considering that Abreu has played in nine more games than Giambi, it's fair to say that Giambi has arguably been the most productive Yankee this season.
Okay, maybe A-Rod has been more productive, but you cannot ask anyone to be better than A-Rod. In 15 plate appearance with a runner on third and less than two out, Giambi has knocked in 16 runs. The Yankees would score a lot more runs if the entire team capitalized as well in this situation as Giambi does.
Giambi possesses a great eye (and a great stache) and a .386 obp good enough for fourth on the team. I attribute his success this season entirely to the moustache and, "I support the stache" through and through.
Giambi must keep up the production in the middle of the order and be strong behind A-Rod so Alex gets good pitches to hit. In order for that to happen Giambi must keep the stache.
4. DAMON MUST GET HEALTHY, QUICK.
Johnny Damon has been the catalyst to the Yankee offense all year. In my eyes, this is the season he truly became a Yankee. Aside from his incredible performance on the field, Damon has emerged as a clubhouse leader off the field.
It was widely reported that Damon was the only Yankee player to speak in the meeting that was held after the Yankees were routed by the Red Sox a few weeks ago. Sources said he spoke with passion about what it meant to wear the pinstripes.
Having a guy with Damon's personality in the lineup impacts the entire team in a positive way. He brings such a positive attitude and energy into the club house every day.
Not only did Damon talk a lot at the meeting, the next day he came out, lead the game off with a double and then hurt himself in an all out effort to make a spectacular catch (although he was unable to hold onto the ball, he still undoubtedly saved a home run).
His offensive numbers are also incredible. He is batting .319 with a .387 obp, both well over his impressive career averages. Johnny carried the team on his shoulders for a while, and now we need that shoulder to get healthy so he can help carry us into October.
3. ACQUIRE A STARTING PITCHER AT THE TRADE DEADLINE
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