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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Jul 2, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Jose Bautista connects for a home run in the first inning against Milwaukee Brewers at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 2, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Jose Bautista connects for a home run in the first inning against Milwaukee Brewers at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

Toronto Blue Jays

In the same boat as the Yankees, Toronto (49-47) is also trying to chase down the Baltimore Orioles. It’s pretty unbelievable considering the Jays are in the top 10 in pretty much every possible category in terms of batting – 5th in runs scored with 431.

Ergo, the pitching stinks. Mark Buehrle is the only pitcher with a sub-3.00 ERA, and only Buerhle (10-6) and J.A. Happ (9-7) have winning records as a starter.

Another problem for the Blue Jays is that the AL East can only have one winner. Over in the AL West, Between the Los Angeliheim, Oakland and Seattle, two of three are going to have to be wild card spots – as of now its the Angels and the Mariners in those two spots at 57-37 and 51-44 respectively. Catching Seattle in the wildcard is their best bet, but it’s still not a very good one. Which means that Baltimore, who is currently four games up in the division will have to be who Toronto sets it target on, but the Blue Jays haven’t won the AL East since…. like Clinton was in office and cell phones weren’t a thing.

The good news for the Jays? They play the league’s worst team this weekend, the Texas Rangers — some wins should be awaiting them.

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