MYFOXNY.COM -
The Yankees look to be playoff bound if they continue to play the way they are playing.
OK, so are they a lock for the World Series?
When it comes to speaking about the playoffs, the New York Yankees are always in the middle of it. When it comes to World Series, it becomes questionable.
Do the Yankees have a team to make it to the World Series? Absolutely, no question.
The Yankees have the best record in the majors entering the second half of the season, solidifying the claim that they are the best team in the majors.
For now.
Let us all remember that the second half of baseball is so special because of the rallies teams make for a chance to make it to the postseason. Just because the Yankees are the best team right now, doesn't guarantee they will be at the end of the season.
But for now, the Yankees in the second half have to make sure that what they are doing right does not change.
A lot of teams are looking for ways to improve, fill a hole, but the Yankees do not have to do that right now.
The reason I say right now is because there are some concerns.
For instance, even though the Yankees have a very potent offense, Russell Martin and Alex Rodriguez aren't performing to the level that should be performing given the fat contracts they possess.
Martin's saving grace is his play as a catcher.
For Rodriguez though, it just hasn't been his year. He needs to have a stronger second half -- and if he does, you can expect the Yankees to be more of a threat than they already are.
Luckily the rest of the team is performing well enough for the Yankees to win.
What about pitching?
For the second half, its about how CC Sabathia and Andy Pettitte will respond from being on the DL. So far, the Yankees have been strong in their absence, but adding those two important pieces will help greatly if they come back in form and not struggle.
The Yankees just need to continue playing the way they are, but in order to compete for the title, certain pieces have to be tweaked.
Yankees GM Brian Cashman may be looking to add another starter in a possible trade for Cole Hamels or Cliff Lee, but it may not be worth it. The starting pitching staff has performed solidly, the bullpen has been a little shaky so getting a good reliever would not be a bad deal. It may not turn out well, but it is less risky than trading a valuable asset for a Cliff Lee or Cole Hamels.
The Yankees are the best team right now for a reason, but another half is looming and coasting cannot be an option.
Yankees, if you are the best team, prove it and go out there with the drive for a 28th championship.
You are capable of it.
Dewayne Wise, left, and Alex Rodriguez, right, celebrate with Russell Martin after Martin hit a game-winning home run in the Yankees 5-4 victory over the New York Mets, June 10, 2012. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
