Fansided

New York Yankees, MLB teams needing a second-half surge

By SJ Tuohy

Jul 18, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees second baseman Brian Roberts (14) tags out Cincinnati Reds right fielder Jay Bruce (32) attempting to steal second base during the second inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 18, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees second baseman Brian Roberts (14) tags out Cincinnati Reds right fielder Jay Bruce (32) attempting to steal second base during the second inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 7, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds third baseman Todd Frazier reacts after hitting a solo home run off Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Roberto Hernandez (not pictured) during the second inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 7, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds third baseman Todd Frazier reacts after hitting a solo home run off Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Roberto Hernandez (not pictured) during the second inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports /

Cincinnati Reds

Despite being 51-44, the Reds also are third place in their division. Of course, the NL Central is also the tightest race in the league, with four teams (Cincinnati, St. Louis, Pittsburgh and Milwaukee) within four games each other. Cincinnati being only 1.5 games back of the fading Brewers.

As stated previously, this will be a big weekend in New York for the Reds or Yankees. Todd Frazier is going to need some help at the plate, and that should come when and if Joey Votto returns off of the 15-day DL. Brandon Phillips should be back before the season’s close as well.

Until then, Cincy will have to rely on the pitching and defense that got them to this point, which should have a favorable matchup against the offensively underwhelming Yankees. If the bullpen picks it up and injuries subside, there is no reason Cincy couldn’t win the NL Central.

I just wouldn’t bet my last dollar on it.

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