Yankees Update - 16/08/09

Thank Goodness For Bad Teams

After the Sweep over Boston, the Yankees took 2 of 3 from Toronto and now 3 of 4 from Seattle. Seattle have been particularly futile with the bat and have scored the least runs in the AL, 7 runs shy of Kansas City's mark.That being said, the run differential for Seattle is a mere -57 compared to a whopping -127 for Kansas City. They are a good defensive club.

To be fair to Toronto, their run differential suggests they should be over .500, but alas they are 5 games under. While Yankees' only loss came in the game after the Boston series where they sent Sergio "Meat-Tray" Mitre to the mound to face the Blue Jays - a kind of come-down loss after an important series, Mitre managed to pitch well enough for today's 5-2 win.

That's Not To Say They're Not Playing Well

The Yankees' run differential as of today is +111, which just happens to to LA Dodgers' run differential as we speak. In the Al, Boston is in fact the closest with a +81, closely followed by LA Angels' +72 Tampa's +71. When you consider how lackluster the Yankees' April was, we're talking about a team that has carved up the competition since Mid-May.

And yes, their lead is now 7.5 games. If the Yankees simply played .500 ball the rest of the way they'll finish at 97 wins. In all honesty, you have to say the Red Sox are still pretty good, but the Yankees are just that much better.

I don't think there's been a Yankee squad this good since 2002 or 2003, and even those squads had suspect defense. This team might be better than those teams. Don't be surprised if this squad blows by 105 wins.

The Bullpen is Mightier Than Most

Peter Abraham notes that the Yankee bullpen has allowed only 1 run in 20.2 innings. 8 out of 11 outs were strikeouts on today's game.

With Brian Bruney coming back to form and Phil Hughes handling the 8th, and Mo being Mo, the Yankees are shortening the game to 6innings. This is without talking about David Robertson and Phil Coke who have been very serviceable this year. The current bullpen does not feature a single pitcher below replacement level. That's pretty remarkable.

I've stopped complaining some weeks ago. I'm just taking in all the glory of this team this year. My fearless prodiction is the they will be hosting the Dodgers for the World Series, facing Mr. Torre. Echoes of 1977-1978.