State of the Yankees: Midseason Review

The Yankees just finished off a sweep of the Reds to start the second half and sit three games out of first with a 50-47 record. Despite how poorly they've played, the AL East is still, somehow, wide open for the taking.

Last time I checked in, Yangervis Solarte was leading the team in just about all offensive categories and CC Sabathia had just hit the DL for his knee, which, at the time, I thought was a cover for his poor performance. Today, Solarte is back on the active roster after a massive cold streak sent him down to the minors, and we just found out CC is getting season-ending knee surgery.

Injury Bug

While CC's injury is certainly a concern for his career, it doesn't compare to the impact Masahiro Tanaka's elbow surgery will have on the Yankees season outlook. Tanaka was an AL Cy Young candidate, and now he's likely out for the year. Now, the only member of the Opening Day rotation who hasn't spent time on the DL this season is Hiroki Kuroda.

A nice primer for Yankees spring training

Yankees beat writer Mark Feinsand for the New York Daily News put together a good preview for spring training. Go give it a read.

As Feinsand writes, the Yankees' chances success in 2014 really boils down to five key questions. See my takes below:

What’s next for the Yankees this winter?

Carlos Beltran, Jacoby Ellsbury and Brian McCann will help replace Robinson Cano’s production. That’s great. Now what about the rotation?

With yesterday’s re-signing of Hiroki Kuroda, the Yankees have three quality starters with CC Sabathia and Ivan Nova.

2014 Projected Yankees lineup

With all of these moves, where does that leave the Yankees’ lineup? I don’t think the Yankees are done dealing, but I expect any remaining moves to affect the rotation or bullpen more than the lineup. So, here’s where they stand.

1. Jacoby Ellsbury CF

2. Derek Jeter SS

3. Carlos Beltran RF

4. Brian McCann C

5. Alfonso Soriano DH*

6. Mark Teixeira 1B

7. Kevin Youkilis 3B**

8. Brett Gardner LF

9. Kelly Johnson 2B

Grading the Yankees Friday deals

I don’t think there will be a better time for me to return to writing than right now. 

Maybe you already know all of the moves the Yankees made – and the moves they didn’t make. Maybe you’re asking yourself, What moves? Or, maybe you just want to hear me blab (thanks). 

So, on Friday…