It's hard to believe, but we're already closing in on the 2015 All-Star Break. With that being said, it's time to look back at where the New York Yankees have been this season and where they are heading. Here's our list of 4 Things To Know About The New York Yankees At The All-Star Break.
1. They Desperately Need A Starter
We'll get into the good vibes surrounding the offense and the back of the bullpen in just a bit, but the rotation is in need of a major shot to the arm(s) with three weeks to go until the trade deadline. The rotation's .275 batting average against is the worst in all of the American League and the fourth-worst in baseball, and the collective's 36 quality starts rank 25th in MLB. It doesn't have to be Cole Hamels or even Jeff Samardzija, but the Yankees have to reload and quickly to avoid falling back in the pack in a daffy, parity-stricken American League.
2. The Bullpen Is And Will Be Alright
The manufactured controversy surrounding closer Andrew Miller's health and a vocal sect of the fanbase's desire to move Dellin Betances into his role notwithstanding, the bullpen is good enough to do battle with the Kansas City Royals of the world in the playoffs. Betances' All-Star nod is emblematic of just how dominant he's been as a whole in 2015, and Miller's 1.65 ERA and 0.73 WHIP are a good counterpoint to anyone calling for his removal from the closer's role. Farther down the line, there's former fifth starter Adam Warren who has become the ultimate bullpen utility man for Joe Girardi. The Yankees may take a look at reliever options at the deadline, but it's not pressing.
3. Mark Teixeira Is Back
His batting average is still languishing in the .240 range, but Mark Teixeira has been as clutch as clutch comes for the Yankees in 2015. After five straight years of sub-.850 OPS work, Teixeira is humming along at a clip just .900 this year which is better than his career average. At his current pace, Teixeira would hit 40 home runs and eclipse 110 RBIs. He may not get there, but he's still one the most valuable piece of New York's offensive renaissance. Speaking of that...
4. The Offense Is As Good As Any In Major League Baseball
Naysayers pointed to the average age of the Yankees' lineup as the signal of their eventual downfall in 2015. All Alex Rodriguez, Carlos Beltran and the crew have done in response is post the second-best run total in all of baseball (393) and fifth-best marks in slugging percentage (.423) and on-base percentage (.324). The kids aren't the only ones who are alright. The veterans are too.
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