The first half of the season is officially in the books and the Yankees find themselves resting (though not too comfortably) in first place in the AL East. considering many didn't believe they had enough to compete, being in this position has to be very pleasing.
Top Performers
Brett Gardner .302 10HR 42RBI 15SB - Gardner put up good numbers for the Yankees. He came up big for the club when Ellsbury went down, earning an All Star nod in the process. It appears investment the Yankees made in the farmhand last season is paying great dividends thus far.
Brian McCann - .259 14HR 55RBI After a sub-par first season in the Bronx, McCann has made up for his underwhelming debut with better production and top notch defense behind the plate. Not only has he nearly matched his total numbers for the entire season already, the veteran catcher also has the third best caught stealing percentage in the league (40%).
Mark Teixiera .240 22HR 62RBI - The average may not be stellar but the Yankees have to be pleased with his power and production numbers. As long as he remains healthy he will allow the team to enjoy continued success in the power hitting department and pace the middle of the order along with McCann.
Biggest Surprise
Alex Rodriguez .278 18HR 51RBI - No one could have ever imagines Rodriguez being a viable and valued part of the Yankees this season. Despite the controversy surrounding him and being away from the game for the better part of two years, he has shown up in a big way for the Bombers. Should he keep up this pace a 30 and 100 season should be well in reach (an impressive feat for a 40 year old.
Chasen Shreve 35.2 IP 2.02 ERA 27 K - The Yankees gave up one of their top pitching prospects (Manny Banuelos) in exchange for Shreve and he has so far fared pretty well out of the bullpen. It also helps that he went the entire month of June without surrendering a single run.
Low Performer
C.C. Sabathia 4-8 5.47ERA - This for sure is not the comeback season Sabathia was hoping for coming off of knee surgery. He has pretty much picked right up where he left off in 2014 and despite all of the changes to his approach, nothing seems to be coming together. With $50 million still remaining on his contract, the Yankees may need to look to other avenues to get the most out of the him or they may have to activate the $5 million buyout in 2017.
Biggest Disappointment
Stephen Drew .182 12HR 25RBI - Joe Girardi named him the starting second baseman before the end of spring training, and right from the start he struggled to collect hits. Despite his relatively high home run number Drew's batting average has yet to get to .200 (.191 is the highest it has been). Noe that Rob Refsnyder has been called up, Drew could find himself in a backup role or worse if he doesn't put together a big second half.
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