Yankees Not-so-Hidden Gems: 4 Unsung Heroes of Their Season's First Half

As the Yankees march through their 2011 season, there have been many credited stars in their lineup.  Curtis Granderson's torrid first half, littered with home runs, a league-lead in runs scored and sparkling defense, has drawn the most spotlight.  There are, however, a few key factors to the Yankees' success so far that have gone well overlooked.  Surprisingly, one may not have to look too far from the obvious to find them.

Keep on Rollin' C.C.

When the Yankees signed CC Sabathia to his huge contract in 2009, the organization and the fans expected nothing short of brilliance from the self-made ace.  Now, as he powers through his third season in pinstripes, there has been no disappointment.  It is difficult to count on one hand the amount of starts Sabathia has dropped the ball in a big start for the Yankees,  with elite performances throughout the season and into their World Series victory.  

This season has been no different. One blemish (his blown lead against the Red Sox in their last home-stand) has stained his otherwise dazzling 10-4, 3.25 ERA record.  Every start should not be an expectation of absent failure, but rather an appreciation for his ability to carry a team to nearly 25 percent of their projected wins for a season.  With a second half like his first, only the remarkable season of Detroit Tigers ace Justin Verlander can stop Sabathia from earning another Cy Young award.    

More Popcorn Please Alex

Alex Rodriguez's biggest criticism in the past has been his ability to say what he needs to do, then go out on the field and get it done when it mattered most.  Before the 2011 season started, A-Rod proclaimed how he felt his performances the previous couple seasons were unacceptable by his standards, and an increase in production was necessary.  Well, he has shown up, delivering many big hits and playing a superb third base for the Yankees.

Though Rodriguez's power numbers are slightly lower this season, his production and numbers are arguably the most respectable on the team.  His .304 batting average leads the team, and his 14 home runs and 50 RBI are solid numbers as well.  And if there is a player who can go on home run binges, it is definitely Rodriguez.  

Rivera. Mariano Rivera.

If there is one athlete in sports one could see on TV and turn it off, knowing the outcome of that game was a formality, it would be Mariano Rivera.  That is a sign of the ultimate respect, something Rivera gets every time he steps on the mound.  His smooth-but-lethal pitching has earned him a place in Cooperstown down the road, and this season is no different.

Sporting a sparkling 1.72 ERA and 21 saves, "Mo" has closed the door on his fair share of games; however, his appearances seem far apart sometimes, leading fans to forget his consistent brilliance.  Yankees, current and former, claim that their championship runs only go as far as Rivera takes them.  If he continues this stellar play for the remainder of the campaign, it could very well lead them to the promised land of baseball.

Manager Joe Girardi

Injuries, egos and records have all put manager Joe Girardi on the line of fire this season.  So far, he has handled them all quite well.  The season started with the question of Jorge Posada's role on the team.  It became quite clear that between Posada's performance and bruised psyche, an ugly separation could have become very real between him and the Yankees earlier this spring.  However, Girardi was able to clean up the mess, and Posada has played very well since.

The other major distraction this year has been from a man widely considered the most popular baseball player in the country, even past his prime.  Derek Jeter's drama started way back in the fall with his all-but-smooth contract negotiation.  Now, with his under-performance, the emergence of young talent, and his approach to 3,000 hits culminating on a pin, Girardi will have very tough choices on the road ahead.  From his managing throughout this season, however, there is no reason to think he cannot handle them.  

On the field, Girardi's aggressive nature has reflected nicely on the field.  Runners are running hard, taking the extra base, and not being afraid to steal, even in tough situations, all things Girardi encourages.  If his attitude continues to radiate onto the players, there will be no doubt the Yankees can make it well into the postseason.