New York Yankees: 5 Reasons the Yankees Will Win the American League East

The New York Yankees entered play Sunday a scant two games behind the Boston Red Sox in the American League East.

Though it seems many are hopping on the BoSox bandwagon for a division and even world title, the Yankees have more going for them than people give them credit for.

Here are five reasons I believe the Yankees will end up taking home the AL East title.

The Longball

If there's one thing the Yankees can do on offense, it's hit the ball out of the park.

The Yankees lead the majors with 139 dingers this year, and 28 of those have had splendid timing in the fact that they've been with runners in scoring position.

Mark Teixeira leads the team with 29 homers, good for second in the majors. Most teams would be ecstatic with just one guy with that number, but Curtis Granderson is right behind him with 28. Nick Swisher, Alex Rodriguez and Russell Martin also all have 10 or more homers. 

You know it says something with the reigning Home Run Derby champion, Robinson Cano, is third on the team with 16.

The Running Game

The Yankees are tied with the Kansas City Royals for the league lead in stolen bases.

Brett Gardner leads the team and the AL with 32 out of New York's 105 steals. Curtis Granderson is also on the cusp of a 20-20 (and maybe 30-30) season with 19 stolen bags.

Eduardo Nunez even has 15 steals in 67 games, and despite all the game's he's missed, Derek Jeter has 11.

Combine the threat of runners advancing at will, with the previously noted power, and it's no wonder the Yankees only trail the Boston Red Sox in runs scored.

C.C. Sabathia

The man who likely owns the record for the most Yankee pinstripes worn on a single uniform has carried the Yankees rotation.

Sabathia touts a team best 2.56 ERA, compared to a team starting pitching ERA of 3.64. He's a bona fide innings eater and goes 7.1 innings per start.

C.C. also leads the majors in wins—no small feat when no-hitter master Justin Verlander is nipping at his heels. 2007 Cy Young winner C.C. may have another one coming his way if he keeps up this pace.

The Bullpen

What's a pitching staff without a bullpen?

The Yankee firemen are boasting an AL-best 3.12 collective ERA—22 percentage points better than second place Oakland.

Not only is Mariano Rivera just as nasty as ever with 26 saves and a 1.83 ERA, but three of their top four relievers in appearances have posted ERA's under two.

They've also given up a stingy 17 home runs in 291 innings this season.

Opposing teams shouldn't expect much after they chase a starting pitcher from the game.

Destiny

Let's face it, the Yankees haven't won 27 championships by sheer luck.

Even though the Boston Red Sox have played them pretty much evenly in recent years, the Yankees still lead the all-time series 1,127-950. The law of averages also says the Yankees will probably make up for most of their 1-8 start against Boston this year.

That alone could propel New York to yet another division title.