FanPost

Forget Trades, Just Play Better

I was crunching the numbers at my blog, like I do each month, and here's the conclusion I've reached:

The Yankees were doing ok before their most recent 5 game losing streak. I said a similar thing in June, before the Yanks got swept by the Mets.

What separates a good team from a great team isn't dominating the competition; it's just a matter of never being dominated. Andy Pettitte's 4.83 ERA, the loss of Tex and Youk, the continued struggles of Wells and Adams- no one of these things have doomed the Yankees, but the failure on all fronts (and the hastiness of some fans) have left the team playing under a dark cloud.

So yes, Cashman could spin straw into gold one more time and find a catcher or a shortstop or a first baseman or a right fielder who could supply the Yankees with some power and some protection for Robbie Cano.

Or, the Yankees could just get on a tear like the start of the season. Even after this latest losing streak, the Yanks are only 5 losses out of first place, 3 losses out of the second Wild Card spot (the Orioles).

Yes, in fourth place. Yes, only 3 games over .500.

6 of the Yankees' losses in June were by 2 runs or fewer. You can see that as a sign of a team without heart, a team that loses games it should win, a team that needs to be blown up and rebuild. Or, you can see it as a sign of a team with enormous potential, a team that is a piece from contention, a couple bloopers or dying quails from the playoffs despite 5 recent All-Stars on the DL.

Which team are you rooting for?

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