Each team has superstars, and each has lost key players for long stretches to injury. Yet the Yankees' kids have performed better in the second half than Boston's youngsters.
Chien-Ming Wang is a Cy Young candidate. Robinson Cano is about to qualify for the batting race. Melky Cabrera is among the top rookie players.
Meanwhile in Boston, Jonathan Papelbon remains a stud closer but not as dominant as he was in the first half. Relievers Manny Delcarmen and Craig Hansen have gone backward, and Hansen was sent out last week.
He forgot to mention John Lester who is hurt and never pitched very well. Kartsens has been effective in his first two starts. Bruney has some moxie and looks good coming out of the pen so far too. Sure they are unproven, but they've contributed.