New York Yankees News: First Place, Gardner Out Longer Than Expected

After last night's 3-0 victory, and the 14th win in their last 18 games, the Yankees are now tied atop the AL East with the Tampa Bay Rays. CC Sabathia starts tonight against LHP Mike Minor, trying to put the Yanks 11 games over .500.

- The last time the Yankees were in Atlanta, in 2009, Brian Cashman spoke with the team to motivate them. The 38-31 Yankees went 65-28 the rest of the way and won the World Series.

- Bad news for GGBG. It looks like Brett Gardner could be out until after the All-Star break. It's awful for both him and the club, considering his stellar defense and blazing start (.817 OPS in nine games).

- Derek Jeter and Curtis Granderson are slated to be the only Yankee starters on the All-Star team. Get out there and vote!

- So the Cubs won something. They landed Cuban outfielder Jorge Soler, outbidding the Yankees and Dodgers. In a few weeks, a new $2.9M limit will be placed on international free agent spending, making Soler's deal (probably) the last of its kind.