2011 New York Yankees mid season review
The New York Yankees have a 49-31 record, and find themselves in first place in the American League East. They have spent 45 days in first place, and built as big a lead as three full games. A big part of their success is their 12-4 record in interleague play. Due to their 1-8 record against the Boston Red Sox, they are only 13-12 against the other teams in their own division.
Offensively the Yanks have scored 426 runs, and as a team, they are hitting .260. That is just the fifth best mark in the American League. They are hardly running away with this division, but are playing well even with Derek Jeter on the Disabled List. Only third baseman Alex Rodriquez is hitting more than .300, but this is a consistent bunch. I think the real surprise is the play of CF Curtis Granderson. He is hitting .275 and has 21 home runs. Of course, he is leading the team in strikeouts with 82.
The Pitching staff has given up 307 runs and has a staff ERA of 3.48, which is the fourth best number of the 14 American League teams. CC Sabathia has 11 wins, and it looks like at least four of the five starters will reach double-digit victories and have decent ERA’s. Yankees pitchers have struck out 563 hitters, and issued 257 walks. They also still have one of the best closers in the game today.
I do not see this team having any major needs. They are pretty good at the things they do, and their in organization options for pitching are likely better than anything they could find on the trade market. If Rafael Soriano struggles, than they may look to add a reliever but I think they could be a very good team even if they stick at the trade deadline. However, we know that is never going to happen.
Related Links:
- New York Yankees news and notes
- Joshua Lobdell.com
