3 Key Factors of the Yankees Recent Struggles

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The past week has not been kind to the Yankees as they have dropped 5 consecutive games and find themselves in last place in the division. Though many attribute it to typical early season struggles, others expected the team to get off to a much better start after the way things ended last year (a hapless 3-0 loss in the wild card game to Houston). Here are 3 problem areas that I feel are most glaring during this tough stretch.

RISP 

The Yankees have a dismal .197 batting average with runners in scoring position, a telling statistic when looking at the club's overall performance in April. To make matters worse, the Yankees have left an average of 15.36 runners on base per game. If the team's situational hitting does not improve drastically, there will be no choice but to make big changes to the line up to spice things up.

Inconsistent Starting Pitching

This may seem unfair when considering the struggles of the offense, however the Yankees starters have had difficulty going deep into games. In fact, the starters average innings per game have been among the lowest in baseball for the past three seasons. The Yankees can ill-afford to overwork their talented bullpen as it would spell disaster for them in the latter part of the season, so it is imperative that the get much more from the rotation than they are currently getting.

Poor Performance from the Heart of the Lineup

Teixeira (.170), Rodriguez (.156), and Headley (.189) are each having less than stellar start to 2016. The Yankees were really counting on them to be integral parts of the offense, but so far none of that has come to fruition. With $55.5 million between them this season, there is sure to be a growing level unrest that will fall upon them from if things continue to go this way.

SSnow's New York Giants Mock Draft

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Round 1: Vernon Hargreaves III CB Florida

The additions of Olivier Vernon and Damon Harrison, along with the re-signing of Jason Pierre-Paul will most likely alter the Giants first round plans, especially if a Defensive lineman comes off the board early. Hargreaves is a great alternate choice when considering the current state of the secondary. Adding his prowess as corner to the likes of Rodgers-Cromartie and Janoris Jenkins could really shake things up and create a more than formidable pass defense.

Alternatives: Deforest Buckner DE Oregon, Joey Bosa DE Ohio State, Ezekiel Elliott RB Ohio State

Round 2: Reggie Ragland LB Alabama

Despite signing two players in the offseason, the Giants still don't have a long term answer at linebacker. Ragland has great play recognition and big hit ability; qualities you want out of a skilled middle linebacker. Considering there has been a carousel of underwhelming LB's moving through the Giants for quite some time, it would be nice to finally get a player talented enough to hold down that spot for a few years.

Alternatives: Chris Jones DE Mississippi State, Tyler Boyd WR Pittsburgh, Noah Spence DE Easter Kentucky

Round 3: Landon Turner G North Carolina

The Giants still lack depth at guard so they'll need to make certain that they take care of it. Turner has a big body that can overpower smaller lineman pretty easily. Though there is concern about his lateral movement, which could make him vulnerable to pass rushers, I see no problem with Big Blue selecting him as insurance for an often injury prone position.

Alternatives: Christian Westerman G Arizona State, Deion Jones LB LSU, Vonn Bell S Ohio State

Round 4: C.J. Prosise RB Notre Dame

Andre Williams has been underwhelming as the backup running back and the Giants will need to find someone that will provide a little more pop behind Rashad Jennings. Prosise brings a skill set that is comparable to Shane Vereen, quick direction change, downhill speed, and excellent hands. Seeing the success Vereen had the offense last season, there is no doubt Prosise could have the same impact right alongside him.

Alternatives: Kevin Seymour CB USC, Austin Johnson DT Penn State, Scooby Wright LB Arizona

Round 5: Jayron Kearse S Clemson

This one is simple, there is a glaring hole at the safety position that need to be filled ASAP so the Giants should take the best player available to them. At 6'4" Kearse is pretty tall for a safety, which works in his favor when it comes to jumping and tackling, however there is a concern that with that length comes a lack of speed and motion. Despite this, he could be very versatile if given the right direction ad motivation.

Alternatives: DeAndre Houston-Carson S William & Mary, Connor McGovern G Missouri, Keanu Neal S Florida

Round 6: Kolby Listenbee WR TCU

Adding another receiver is something that has been talked about off and on for a few months now. It is likely the team will look into this earlier in the draft, but there is no guarantee a receiver will worth taking earlier will become available. With no 7th round pick to play with the Giants will have to take a chance on a potential diamond in the rough in Listenbee, who has the big play ability that has made both Beckham and Cruz famous in New York.

Alternatives: DeAndre Washington RB Texas Tech, Luther Maddy DT Virginia Tech, T.J. Green S Clemson