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New York Yankees Editorial: The Bronx is Boiling – 1st Half

By Wayne Cavadi

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Jul 3, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees catcher Brian McCann (34) hits a walk off three run home run against the Tampa Bay Rays during the 12th inning at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees won 7 – 5 in the 12th inning. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

THE LINEUP

The outfield is broken and the infield is painful to watch. If these guys were to stop hitting, the Yankees would be in a lot of trouble.

Jacoby Ellsbury’s status is still up in the air as they slowly work him back into the swing of things in Tampa. They were hoping to see him this weekend, but instead he received a few days off during his rehab, making his return farther away. It doesn’t help that Carlos Beltran is now on the DL with him. Of course he is, teams were expressing interest in him, which would open the door for Aaron Judge, but now he is on the shelf.

Chris Young, Brett Gardner and whoever they call up for the day is not going to win the division. Nor is that frightening Stephen Drew/ Didi Gregorius double-play combo or the play of Chase Headley.

That is probably why the name Ben Zobrist has been popping up on lots of Yankees feeds. I don’t mind adding Zobrist, but seeing that he is on the Oakland As, we know Billy Beane likes one of two things: expiring contracts or highly rated prospects. Should Zobrist be on the Yankees radar, they shouldn’t be looking to break the bank to obtain him.

My big problem is the Rob Refsnyder dilemma. Offensively, he is not as hot as he was in his 2014 breakout season, but he is still swinging a Major League ready bat. He has been held back by his defense. But look at the what they have playing defense in their infield right now!

The Yankees are 28th in runs saved. -31. That is not a typo. This defense is horrendous. Are you telling me Rob Refsnyder is that much worse? So much worse that it is better to leave .179 hitting Drew in the lineup? It is July, people! If there is a player on any roster not hitting his own weight by July, it is time to seriously consider their value to said team.

So, yes, the Yankees are in first. But they do need to make a few moves, which could be as simple as swallowing their pride, DFA-ing a few veterans or demoting them, and placing a phone call to the RailRiders. But after the first half, their is a lot to be happy for heading down the home stretch.

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