Yanks face grim facts

A glance at the standings show the Yankees .486 win percentage is good for a 4 1/2 game deficit in the Division and (gulp) Wild Card. Considering all the issues, injuries and not ready for prime time players, rationalizing that it could be worse or they've dug out of deeper holes would be the normal reflex. Delve deeper, and a grim picture is painted.



The Yanks are 6-11 against contending teams. Impotency against lefties ranks as a prime weakness. The New York Post published an article titled, "Rushing A-Rod 'left' team vulnerable" here's an excerpt: "Rodriguez and Posada (shoulder) have been out concurrently since April 29. In the eight games since, the Yanks are hitting .220 against lefties with a .282 on-base percentage and a .292 slugging percentage. The .620 OPS [on-base plus slugging percentages] they began the day with against southpaws was the third-worst in the majors, and the .310 slugging percentage was the worst. On the season, the Yanks have 15 extra-base hits off southpaws in 344 at-bats." Team architect, Brian Cashman, rallies the troops, "We are dying right now without Posada and A-Rod." Apparently, part of the infamous plan was to have Posada stay healthy forever and A-Rod to be MVP and iron man, in case of emergency we've got Ensberg. Keep in mind, the potent lineup was supposed to carry the work in progress pitching staff.

There is an old expression that says "It's darkest before the dawn," Eephus Pitch provides us with a coming attraction that suggests we aren't there yet. (Warning the preview is not for the weak at heart.)

PHOTO/Newsday