Tuesday, August 12, 2008

The tunnel is getting smaller

I have seen the Yanks play some uninspiring baseball before, usually at the beginning of the season. That's when you can dismiss most of the talk of how the Yanks wont make the post season this year. Unfortunately this lack of effort and look of death has come over the team while they are in the throes of the dog days of summer. And even though both the Rays and the Sox are having their own significant problems, the Yankees problems feel different this year.

Aside from all the injuries suffered by key players the Yankees just aren't performing. Everyone is well aware of their lack of production with runners in scoring position and how the bullpen has been hot and frigid all season long. The team just feels very disjointed and awkward. These are all problems to be expected when trying to transition in youth while still keeping veterans and pushing for a title. I think that all along this year Cashman felt this team would fall short of the ultimate prize but he has done what he can to keep them competitive while not deviating from his goal of rebuilding the infrastructure of the Yankee Franchise.

Yes, he has made some trades for more veteran players, but the reality is he didn't give up anything that was an integral part of his future plans and some of the pieces he got are what the Yanks need now and next year. Like the Sox not making the post season in 2006 this could be a good thing for the Yankee organization, as long as nobody overreacts of course.

The youth is working its way into the big picture and they have a ton of payroll coming off the books in the off season. They could score a big time arm or bat or maybe even both to complement the youth. Things aren't as dark as they appear to be.

I'm not saying this season is over. If anything the Yankees should do their best to take a shot at the wild card which is still very much in reach. But Yanks fans don't get down because the season looks grim. You have a lot to look forward to.

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