The New York Yankees have advanced to the postseason in 17 of the last 18 MLB seasons and although the club continues to battle numerous injuries, New York is once again in the hunt for a playoff berth.
Sitting 6 games behind the American League East-leading Boston Red Sox and 3 games back of Texas for the final Wild Card spot, the Bronx Bombers open the second half of the season with lots of work to do but with a chance to play their way back into the playoff conversation.
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Injuries to starting players including shortstop and captain Derek Jeter, centerfielder Curtis Granderson, first baseman Mark Teixeira, third baseman Alex Rodriguez and utility infielder Kevin Youkilis have certainly hindered the Yankees' production offensively this year and while it is entirely possible that New York misses the playoffs for only the second time in 19 years, the teams' back-up players have filled in admirably from Opening Day.
Lyle Overbay continues to produce in place of Mark Teixeira. Currently second on the team with 42 RBI's, the 36-year-old has also given the Yankees some added power, blasting 11 home runs in 286 plate appearances.
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While Overbay remains a valuable asset, designated hitter Travis Hafner, outfielder Vernon Wells and rookie Zoilo Almonte have combined to give the Yankees 84 runs batted in along with 23 home runs, not a bad number considering they weren't hot preseason commodities around the league and in the organization.
Though these 'replacement players' have certainly become fan favorites in New York because of the holes they fill on a game-by-game basis, New York's season could very well hinge on how they start their first series following the All-Star break.
The Pinstripes open the second half with a three-game road trip against fierce rival and division leading Boston before heading to Texas for a four-game set. After the opening road trip, the Yankees return home for a three-game series with division rival Tampa, a team currently ahead of them in the standings as well.
Though multiple injured players are expected back this season - not including Mark Teixeira - the Yankees don't know if they'll have power-hitting and three-time American League MVP Alex Rodriguez back in the line-up. Despite his continued rehab assignments throughout the Yankees' minor league system, A-Rod may receive a suspension for his alleged involvement with Biogenesis.
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The road to another playoff berth does seem long and tedious for the Yankees but fans of the club should certainly be proud of the way their beloved Bombers have battled to this point in the season.
With the second half starting on Friday, July 19th, New York's season may come down to another trip to Fenway Park.
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