May 4, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher CC Sabathia (52) sits in the dug out after giving up five runs and leaving the game in the fourth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
After losing the final two games in the series against the Red Sox, and getting swept by the Rays, it was not a good start to the week for the Yankees. They snapped their losing streak by taking the first two from the Twins in Minnesota on Thursday and Friday. It was a busy week for the Yankees in different areas, so here are 5 things that the Yankees showed us this week.
1. CC Sabathia’s season is over: It was reported on Thursday that Sabathia had fluid in his knee and would require microfracture surgery. He made a rehab start on Wednesday with Double-A-affiliate Trenton and was shelled. Joe Girardi was asked on Friday if Sabathia is done for the season and he responded “I think that’s fair to say.”
2. Brett Gardner is the Yankees best player: Gardner has reached base safely in the last 20 games, and he’s hitting .287 on the year with 8 HR and 34 RBI. He leads the Yankees in batting average and runs scored, and he has proven that he is the most reliable player on the Yankees roster right now. Masahiro Tanaka is obviously one of the best pitchers in baseball, but without run support, he can be beaten which is why Gardner is the most valuable player to them right now.
3. Yankees Go to the International Market for Help: The Yankees spent around $20 million on the first day of international signings on July 2 that included signing as many as 21 players. It is clear that the Yankees system is starting to not work, and they need to start developing their own talent whether that be through the draft or signing international players.
4. No Moves Yet: With the July 31st trade deadline closer and closer, the Yankees have not made any moves yet. Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel (two pitchers that Yankees had interest in) were traded to the Athletics and the chances of acquiring David Price seem slim, so the Yankees are still looking to add another starting pitcher and maybe another infielder, but have not done anything yet.
5. Brian Roberts Is Not That Bad: He is 9-or-25 in his last seven games including a 4-for-5 performance against the Twins on Friday night. He received praise from Girardi, and has made people realize that even at 36 years of age, he is not that bad and can still be a contributing player for the Yankees.