B.O's (48-40) @ New York (48-39): Momentum swinging again?

[Dr. Detfink]

After an ugly stretch, the offensively depleted Yankees have turned it around, having swept Minnesota and taking first 2 games against Baltimore in dramatic fashion.

The Yanks outfield seems to be providing much of the offensive/defensive load. The emergence of the young Zoilo Almonte has made OF to be one of the Yanks deepest areas without Curtis Granderson.

Looking at the Schedule doctors, it's not inconceivable to think the Yanks could enter the All-Star break with the Wild Card lead and within striking distance of Boston: KC, Minnesota give the Yanks seven winnable games.

Can they do it? Can they make the post season?

Well, the return of Derek Jeter should make the top of the order that much better. Gardner and Ichiro have turned it up. That's 3 guys who know how to work a count and wear down pitchers.

Vernon Wells has almost had his job taken from him by Zoilo Almonte who is playing great baseball.

Is it possible to package Granderson, Joba, and even Philip Hughes to get a vital bat?

A lot of that depends on Pineda's return. He threw 6 scoreless innings. Think about a Sabbathia, Kuroda, Pineda, Pettitte 1-4 and Nova/Phelps. Suddenly the fortunes of the Yanks don't look so bad.

What isn't so good is losing Teixiera and Youkilis to season ending injuries.

So much work for Brian Cashman to take care off at the trade deadline. Can he work it out? Can he do ANYTHING to help this team offensively?

[Dr. Detfink]

Blown save by Mo. Ouch. Yanks offense continues to be difficult to find power.