Despite being in first place, the Yankees have dealt with subpar performances by some players in their lineup, most notably Nick Swisher. Swisher is off to a dreadful start batting .208 with 2 home runs and 19 RBIs through 48 games. Those numbers projected over the entire season would give him 7 home runs and 64 RBIs.

Swisher’s downfall began last post season as he batted .091 with 1 home run and 1 RBI. Swisher’s poor play was a major reason why the Yankees were knocked out of the ALCS by Texas. It was very shocking to see him play so poor considering having one of his best seasons batting .288 with 29 home runs and 89 RBIs.

I understand Swisher is popular with the fans and the team, but the Yankees will only tolerate his poor play for so long. They can’t afford to get no production from their starting right fielder and will not be patient. We have seen the Yankees in the past banish an ineffective starter, so it would shock no one to see it happen to Swisher.

If Swisher continues his poor play, the Yankees will consider looking for a replacement in the trade market. A name to look out for is right fielder Jason Kubel of Minnesota. Kubel’s name was discussed this week on WFAN between Mike Francesa and MLB Networks Peter Gammons.

Minnesota is off to a horrendous 16-32 start and are in last place in the AL Central, 14.5 games behind first place Cleveland. Minnesota is known for their second half comebacks, but they might have put themselves too far behind the eight ball this season.

Kubel is a quality left handed bat and would be a perfect fit in Yankee Stadium, similar to Curtis Granderson. Kubel is one of the few Twins who is having a good season, batting .313 with 5 home runs and 25 RBIs. Kubel is also a free agent at the end of the season and it will be difficult for Minnesota to give him big money after the huge contract they gave to Joe Mauer. This will only increase the chance of Minnesota trading him. Additionally, we all know money is no issue for the Yankees and they can afford anyone. Kubel is only 29 and could be someone the Yankees want playing right field for the next couple of years.  Nick Swisher better watch out.

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Yours truly was at the game, and it was glorious. Pettitte was on, going 6 1/3 shutout innings and yielding two hits with three walks and two strikeouts en route to his fifth win on the year (5-0). To put that in perspective, the last time Andrew Eugene Pettitte was 5-0 he was 24 years old, and his 1.79 ERA and nine runs allowed are THE LOWEST OF HIS CAREER through seven starts. Andy is dandy indeed…even at age 37. I guess that elbow thing is a non-issue. The ageless lefty also made an awesome play in the field to snag a line drive. David Robertson kind of shit the bed but didn’t give up any runs, while Damaso Marte punched out Jim Thome. Boone Logan recorded the final six outs but not without giving up a run first.

Swisher, who is battling a biceps injury, made a phenomenal diving grab

Not only was the defense clicking on all cylinders, but the offense was smacking Liriano and his 178 ERA+, 2.36 ERA, 36 hits and 39 strikeouts in 42 IP, and 4-1 record (all coming in) around. Tex (six multi-hit games in May) and Posada went yard, while A-Rod (who has driven in a run in 12 of his past 16 games) missed a dingy by a few feet (all three had at least two hits, while Georgie and Tex had two RBI). Jeter busted out of his slump to go 2-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored, while Brett Gardner stole his 17th base of the year (second in all of MLB to only Juan Pierre). Marcus Thames also got in on the action, going 1-for-2 with a HBP, RBI and a run scored.

Overall, it was an awesome game and an ass-kicking and a half. Complete domination, fuggetaboutit. With the win, the Yanks (24-12) are still one game behind those pesky Rays for the top spot in the AL East and the best record in baseball. Sergio Mitre will take the mound on Sunday in the series finale against Nick Blackburn. LET’S GO YANKS!!!

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In other news:

• The Yanks will skip Vazquez’ turn in the rotation due to the rainout last Tuesday. He will next face the Mets on Friday (a nine-day layoff) at New Shea in the opener of the Subway Series. Hey, everyone always says he’s better in the NL, plus the last time he had a huge gap between starts he did OK.
• Nick Johnson might need surgery on his sore right wrist to remove inflamed tissue. He could be out until August. In related news: grass is green, water is wet and the earth rotates around the sun.
• CHoP is scheduled to be activated from the DL on Sunday. The return of the Diarrhea Kid could mean the end for Boone Logan.
• Grandy ran some encouraging sprints on Saturday and hopes to take batting practice on Sunday. There’s still no timetable for his return, though.