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MLB Postseason Contenders or Pretenders?

By Nicholas Ian Allen

Apr 30, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros players celebrate Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) game-winning RBI hit against the Seattle Mariners in the bottom of the 10th inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros players celebrate Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) game-winning RBI hit against the Seattle Mariners in the bottom of the 10th inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 3, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Andrew Miller (48) reacts with catcher Brian McCann (34) after defeating the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
May 3, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Andrew Miller (48) reacts with catcher Brian McCann (34) after defeating the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

1st Place. AL East. New York Yankees. 1. player. 43.

Through the season’s first 27 games, the Yankees were 17-10. That means New York is on pace to win more than 100 games this season. While such success is expected annually in the Bronx, it’s not something the club has done since 2009, when they last won the World Series. The Yankees have also missed the playoffs in back-to-back seasons.

Is it realistic to expect this club to be the one to end that streak? Possibly.

The Yankees have a very solid lineup, starting at the top with Jacoby Ellsbury who is hitting .355/.427/.409 through his first 26 games. He’s scored 21 runs and has 11 stolen bases to date. Brett Gardner has been nearly as good with a .309/.404/.444 slash and Chris Young has been a huge surprise with a .304/.368/.652 slash in 26 games.

Alex Rodriguez is off to a better start to the season than most anticipated for the 39-year old that was suspended all of last season. In 26 games, A-Rod is hitting .231/.346/.495 with six home runs, 16 RBI and an uncharacteristic 16 walks. Mark Teixeira has 10 home runs, 23 RBI and 17 free passes. Brian McCann and Chase Headley have shown flashes they are capable of playing like the former All-Stars they are.

To date, the Yankees have a +28 run differential that falls behind only true contenders St. Louis, Kansas City and the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The bullpen has also been one of the best in baseball. Through 27 games, New York has a 2.19 bullpen ERA across 91.2 innings that ranks second in the American League and fifth in the big leagues. The bullpen’s .180 batting average allowed is the third best in the Majors.

However, the starting rotation has major questions. Masahiro Tanaka is out for at least a month, and beyond Michael Pineda and C.C. Sabathia, the rest of the unit won’t strike fear into many opponents. Also, DiDi Gregorius has been a disappointment offensively, as have Stephen Drew and Carlos Beltran – though all three are capable of rebounding.

Of course, one of the biggest reasons to believe the Yankees’ strong start can be sustained is the likelihood that the front office will address the areas of need through trades by the end of the season.

First, despite the Red Sox long being considered the favorite to land Cole Hamels by the trade deadline, if Boston doesn’t get going soon they will be a seller in July, not a buyer.

Plus, the Yankees has a few highly regarded prospects (such as Luis Severino and Aaron Judge, among others) that the might appeal to the Phillies (or others) in the team’s rebuilding efforts. New York might even be able to find a way to add Jonathan Papelbon to the deal to help give the Yankees an established closer for the stretch run (though Andrew Miller has been terrific – practically perfect – thus far).

Even if they can’t land Hamels or Papelbon, as long as the Yankees are in the mix, they’ll be in the trade market and motivated to do whatever is necessary to make it to the postseason.

The Yankees are a: Contender

Next: Tampa Bay Rays

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