Rick I think you and a few others had the team at 90-92 wins or roughly 52-42. I would have hoped for 54-55 wins at this point in time. Obviously the differentials are primarily due to lack of offensive production. But now further exasperated by starting pitching, innings impact on the pen, etc. To get to 92 wins will require going 45-23 or .662 ball. Given the large number of East opponents left as well as more home games, this performance level is a challenge. 38 of 68 games remaining vs AL East, 17 H, 21 A. The other 30: Reds 3 Rangers 7 Tigers 7 Astros 3 Indians 3 Royals 4 White Sox 3 Question comes down to...how many wins takes this division?
Whatever it takes, to garner a Pennant, hell I'd settle for a wild card, regardless of a 82/82 record.... The AL East this year, looks so similar to the NL West of old.....500 ball took the pennant back a decade or so ago...give or take a few years, and games...
...^^^ yeah, I don't think there's any way the WC comes from the AL East this year...for the Yanx to get in they'll probably have to win the division.
5 games out at the A-S break. This may be the closest this team is to first place...........unless there are miracles on the farm.
...I knew you weren't serious. I was only saying that if this team can mount a come back, it will either be the result of some of the current players playing like they are capable, or from some new acquisitions,...or both.
...I'm only guessing, but I gotta think that they'll see how Lee does for the next 2 weeks and then decide if they wanna take the gamble on him or not...Utley might be doable...Rios is another short term contract player who could help...plus maybe some others that I mentioned last week in the "just spitballing" thread.
Also don't be surprised if they bring up someone like O'Brien who's tearing it up with I believe 29 HRs to date.
...^^^ O'Brien?...I'd be surprised, but who knows. But I wouldn't be surprised to see Refsnyder before the season is over, especially with K Johnson struggling. Of course, Rob can play the OF too. ...I think that IF they can't land a couple of impact players, and IF they fall much further behind, you may see quite a few younger faces, especially September call ups. ...but I don't think that will happen because, well, I said so.
I too believe that any Eastern Division team entering the playoffs this year must be a division winner. At this particular point in time if the Orioles come up with a good trade or two they may have to be favored. You can bet that Duquette and Showalter are looking for a division winner over the Yankees after coming close in '12. I also believe at this point in time that the AL pennant winner may well be Oakland or Los Angeles. This Yankee team lost 10 series against Eastern Division Rivals due to pitching being on and offense being off or vice versa. They would have to probably play better than 600+ baseball to win the division and right now they lack firepower and consistency. If a miraculous turn around does occur, it would be nice to see Jeter and Ichiro back in the playoffs.
I agree, ..... wishful thinking on my part....the WC, seems b/t maybe the Halo's or KC, maybe, but I'd agree, I don't see a WC coming from the East....but dang, if the Yanx don't win the East, maybe the Yankee Gods will smile upon us, and rain on the West Coast, & Mid-West parades....and/or let them lose the majority of their 2nd half games.... Again wishful thinking on both parts, the rain parade, et al.
