Both Upton (.213 .291 .381 .671) and Pena (.187 .303 .360 .663) are having terrible years so far, so if/when they get going, TB will be very tough. Wonder how Crawford’s contract year will play out (.324 .381 .506 .887).

Some of the issues that may make the difference:
1) Is Jeter slumping but still on his way to a .825 OPS, or is he truly/finally in decline?
2) Miranda has been great so far, but a healthy, productive NJ in the #2 hole from Aug. on will make a big difference in the lineup. Brett is best off at double lead-off… batting 9th.
3) Teix has to post at least an .850 OPS. He could have single handedly won a number of games we have lost. We need our #3 hitter to be productive.
4) Will Po still be an impact hitter when he gets back.

Actually, as badly as we miss Posada, if he gets healthy in a month, he will be very well rested and hopefully productive for the rest of the season.

Phil and Andy will regress, but there is plenty of room for CC and JV to improve. I’m sure AJ will end up slightly better/around league average.

Brains has played WAY over his head (.354 .426 .451 .877), but even with Jesus and Romine in the pipeline, he could be a great BUC, posting a .700 OPS or better, for a long time to come.

With Grandy, Gritner and Brains, it’s been a great pleasure to see when our Defense clicks. I love the big bats, but Po, Thames and Winn have really demonstrated how important defense is.

The Yankees almost always play better in the 2nd half.
As good as TB is, I give the nod to a healthy Yankees team.

(guess I’ll watch the last five minutes or so)

Tonight the Mudhens face Strasbourg, and it’s hot out, so I’ll be on the veranda (ok, a concrete slap) finishing up potting the garden.

Not much else going on today.

Frustrating weekend to cap off a frustrating week for the Bombers. My wife had to scold me for being so negative last night. Guess that means the season has begun!

LOL