tonytalkssports My Take on Sports, particularly the Yankees, Maple Leafs and Browns

Yanks Draw 1st Blood: Will It Matter??

Last night the New York Yankees drew first blood in their weekend series at Fenway Park with a 10-3 win over the first place Boston Red Sox. Once again Alfonso Soriano led the way with four RBI's, that included a 3-run homer, newly acquired Kevin Reynolds chipped in with a home run and 3 RBI's and Andy Pettitte gave the Yankees a strong pitching effort through 6 2/3 innings. A win over the Red Sox always puts some spring in the steps of Yankee fans. But in the big picture, does it really matter what the Yankees do this weekend?

The Yankee organization sells that a successful season only means winning the World Series. Based upon their definition, it would take an eternal optimist to believe that this team has the ability to win a World Series if indeed they were to make the playoffs. While the acquisition of Soriano and the return of Curtis Granderson and Alex Rodriguez have given their lineup a huge upgrade, this team still does not have what it takes to win a playoff series. Outside of Ivan Nova and Hiroki Kuroda, the starting rotation has been shaky at best. Eduardo Nunez is a liability at shortstop. Getting Derek Jeter back would be a huge help but one has to wonder how much the Captain has left in the tank.

Making the playoffs just to be knocked out in the wild card game or in the first round doesn't meet the organization's standard of success, but it would for this year's team. As a fan, this would be enough of a reason to look forward to an interesting seven weeks. (along with the daily ARod soap opera) However, whenever this season ends, winning this series and making the playoffs this year will mean nothing because the future looks bleak. With a self-imposed $189 million dollar cap, an aging shortstop and right fielder, a recovering Mark Teixiera, no left fielder and the uncertainty around ARod and 2014 looks like a train-wreck waiting to happen. The sad thing is I have no confidence that this organization can right the ship. So, let's enjoy the next seven weeks because unless something dramatic happens this may be the last playoff push we see in Yankeeland for awhile.