5 Yankees That Need Big Performanes In 2019

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Aroldis Chapman

When you look at Chapmans's numbers from last season (2.45 ERA, 93 K in 55 Appearances) you wouldn't think that he would need a bounce back year at all. However, when you consider that he was bothered by a knee injury for several weeks, it makes even more sense for 'The Missile' to prove that he is pain free and ready own the mound as the Yankees closer in 2019.

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Greg Bird

Bird had high hopes in 2018 that he would solidify himself as the teams everyday first baseman, but another untimely injury stymied his chances. Unfortunately, things did not go his way when he returned and the big lefty found himself platooning with a red-hot acquisition named Luke Voit, whom took the Bronx by storm down the stretch. Now facing a potentially critical point in his young career, Bird must show the club the player he is more than capable of being.

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Clint Frazier

Clint Frazier's season ended before it could really begin in last year as a severe concussion kept him from returning to the field. Now that the injury is behind him, he can win a platoon spot on the active roster that would give him the chance to make a real name for himself in pinstripes

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Luis Severino

Severino got off to a spectacular start last season (14-2 2.31 ERA), He earned a spot on the All-Star team and was one of the frontrunners for the AL Cy Young award. Sadly, the second half did not play out nearly as well as the first. He posted a 5.57 ERA in 12 starts and never really found any semblance of the rhythm he had prior to the All-Star break. He has admitted that his perplexing drop-off was due to fatigue and he has worked on upping his endurance so he can stay well-conditioned for the long haul.

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Gary Sanchez

If there is any Yankee that needs a strong performance this coming season, it's Gary Sanchez. Not only was his hitting poor (. 186), his defense was called into question on many occasions. Making matters worse, Sanchez seemed disenchanted by it all and made no real effort to change the minds of his critics. Was he affected by the Yankees acquisition of Giancarlo Stanton? Was he injured for longer that he was? No one can say for certain why he played so poorly in 2018, but one thing's for certain a stellar campaign in 2019 will erase all the questions and doubts surrounding the slugging catcher known as 'Kraken'.

Pitchers The Yankees Could Target At (or before) The Trade Deadline

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Michael Fulmer

Fulmer was a rumored trade possibility in the offseason and throughout spring training as the Yankees sought to fill out their rotation. Given that the Tigers have made him available before (a deal nearly happened last season) One would have to believe that the two clubs could make good on that close call this time around. If the Yankees don’t want to give up too much in the way of top prospects while still getting good value, a deal with the Tigers is very much in the cards.

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Patrick Corbin

Over the winter, Corbin made mention that he would love to play for his favorite childhood team if the opportunity became available. If the Yankees are up to it, there is room to make a significant push to acquire him from Arizona. However, Corbin is set to hit the free agent market this offseason, so the Yankees still have a chance to pick him up without putting too big of a dent in their highly touted prospect pool.

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Cole Hamels

With the Rangers in last place, they'll be looking to move some veteran parts to better their future. One of those assets is Cole Hamels, a pitcher the Yankees have coveted for a few seasons now. The only concern is the likely high price Texas will give once the Yankees make the call. Is Cashman willing to trade away a small ransom to get a southpaw that the team may not hold on to after the season? It all depends on how urgent the team is to make a move like this.

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Jacob DeGrom

While he remains on the Yankees deadline vision board, taking him off the Mets hands has proven to be a tight rope. The crosstown Mets have only expressed interest in top prospects Gleyber Torres, Miguel Andujar, and Clint Frazier, all of which the Yankees have no plans to move anytime soon. DeGrom would surely be a valuable fit in the Yankees rotation. The team has struggled to fill the sizable hole in it since Jordan Montgomery went down in early May. Unfortunately, unless the Mets asking price comes down a bit, the likelihood that this deal is even entertained is very slim.

Yankees: Who's Hot, Who's Not

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Who's Hot

Dellin Betances

Things had not been going well for 6'8" right hander as he couldn’t find any consistency on the mound (His struggles have been well documented for the past two seasons). That appear to have changes as Betances is pitching to a 1.13 ERA over the last seven games. Whether or not this is a sign that his fortunes are turning around is yet to be seen, but the numbers he's sporting lately are very encouraging.

Luis Severino

Severino is proving himself to be the ace the Yankees billed hm as when he was first called up back in 2015. His 9-1 record and 102 strikeouts place him in the upper tier of Major League pitchers. Not to mention he is 5-0 with a 1.88 ERA over his last seven starts. If he keeps this up, The Dominican born flamethrower will surely find himself as top candidate in the Cy Young conversation.

Miguel Andujar

It's been stellar last 15 games for Andujar as he is hitting 21 for 56 (.375) over that span. In addition, he leads all rookies with 21 doubles and 30 extra base hits. A lot of people have been talking about the early campaign of the equally exceptional Gleyber Torres, but Andujar has managed to stand out all on his own.

Brett Gardner

After a rough April, Gardner has had a fantastic bounce back since the middle of May. Over his last 15 games Gardner is hitting .338 and has put together much better at bats than he did at the start of the season. The Yankee offense responds much better when their table setter is hitting well. If he can hold firm, the team will continue to thrive.

Who's Not

Tyler Austin

With a .143 average and 16 strikeouts in his last seven, it's safe to say that Yankees need to address the struggles of Tyler Austin. He looks very lost at the plate and can't catch up to any pitcher’s fastball, which wasn't the case back in April. Perhaps he has placed far too much pressure on himself to deliver now that Greg Bird is healthy, and fan/clubhouse favorite Ronald Torreyes sits in the minors waiting for the opportunity to get back to majors. Whatever the case may be, it would behoove Austin to get himself right before Aaron Boone has to make another roster adjustment.

Gary Sanchez

Unfortunately, the 2018 season has not gone the way Gary Sanchez would have liked. While the production is there (12 HR 35 RBI), He's hitting just .201 on the season and hasn't looked like he's any closer to coming out of his slump (.111 thus far in early June). Austin Romine (Who is hitting .344 as the backup) will continue to see playing time until Sanchez can find a groove and rediscover the highly touted hitting stroke that endeared him to the Yankees the last two seasons.

Masahiro Tanaka

Tanaka has been up and down so far, and he appears to be amid cold spell right now. He’s surrendered 20 earned runs over 38.2 innings (4.66 ERA over that timeframe) in his last seven starts and has been hurt by the long ball more than he would probably like. While you certainly can't compare this to the first half struggles he had last season, it would be best to correct some of his issues now before they become a persistent problem that could undo his season.

Yankee Players Poised for a Breakout Season in 2018

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Greg Bird

After an injury plagued 2017, Bird will be looking to redeem himself this year by not only staying healthy but putting up the type of numbers the Yankees have expected from him since his call up in 2016. If no hinderances occur, The Birdman could be just the hitter the club needs to anchor its already potent lineup. 

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Gary Sanchez

No other catcher in baseball hit more homers (33) than Sanchez last season, and fact that he did that while missing the first month makes it even more impressive. He did however struggle mightily in the playoffs both offensively and defensively which should serve as a great motivator for Sanchez to spring himself into the upper echelon of backstops in the MLB.

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Miguel Andujar

Andujar is perhaps the biggest surprise in spring training thus far. The 23-year-old is hitting a scorching .429 in 5 spring games while belting 4 homers to boot. If he continues his red-hot play, He could land himself a spot on the 25-man roster come and possibly the starting third base job come Opening Day. 

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Gleyber Torres

The Yankees hold Torres in high regard due to his overall talent as a hitter and infield defender. Since acquiring him from the Chicago Cubs in 2016, the team has looked to ready him for a big role in the team’s future. He was unfortunately set back after a he tore his UCL sliding into home plate in a Triple-A game last June. Now healthy, Torres will seek to pick up where he left off and climb his way in to the pinstripes in 2018

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Aaron Judge

What couldn’t say about the season Aaron Judge put together last year (52 HR 114 RBI). He took home Rookie of the Year honors and finished second in the AL MVP voting. Still, many felt that he could have accomplished even more had he not struggled in the second half of the year. Alongside newly acquired slugger Giancarlo Stanton, Judge could be hovering over a monster 2018 campaign that will add to his status as the premiere power hitter in all of baseball

4 Potential Candidates To Replace Girardi

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After 10 seasons, the Yankees have decided to end the Joe Girardi era in favor of finding a new voice in the changing clubhouse. It will be no easy task finding a good fit for a team that had surprising success in 2017. However, Yankees GM Brian Cashman has assured that he will do all that he can to nab the most qualified candidate. With that said, here are 4 potential contenders for the open slot that Yankees could consider.

Tony Pena

Pena has been with the Yankees since 2006 and is well liked and respected by nearly everyone on the team. Having already established a relationship with the roster, it wouldn't be nearly as hard of a transition for him or the players. If the Yankees want to keep the consistency in the clubhouse Tony Pena is the right guy for the job.

Rob Thomson

Like Pena, Thomson also has an extended tenure with the team, having been with them since 2008. His aggressive, button pushing coaching style might need to be reined in a bit should he be chosen, but the players have come to enjoy it over the years, and that does speak volumes in a baseball setting. The one big thing holding him back is his lack of experience in handling an entire team, which is a big step for a guy who spent six seasons as a third base coach (Although he did manage the team twice in 2008 and was the bench coach for the past two seasons)

Brad Ausmus

Don't be surprised if the Yankees decide to look in the outer market for a manager. With plenty of names to choose from the one name that comes to mind is Brad Ausmus. He's a former Yankees prospect that was lost to the Colorado Rockies in the 92-expansion draft. Ausmus spent three years as the Tigers manager before being let go this past season and like Girardi and Pena, was a former major league catcher from 1993-2010. Should the Yankees decide to look elsewhere for a skipper, Ausmus could be a top contender.

Al Pedrique

Pedrique has spent the past 3 seasons in the Yankees organization managing Class A Tampa and AAA Scranton Wilkes-Barre. He not only helped the RailRiders win the 2016 AAA championship, he has also named International League manager of the year the last two seasons. With so many young players coming up to the majors, Pedrique has also had the task of handling nearly all the Yankees top prospects, which means he has an already established relationship with players like Gary Sanchez, Aaron Judge and even Clint Frazier, something that certainly shouldn’t be ignored. If Brian Cashman does look in house for a candidate, his name just may be at the top of the list.

Yankees: 4 Keys to Success in the ALCS

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Starting Pitching

The Yankees found some consistency in their starters in the division series from Sabathia, Severino, and Tanaka. With pitchers like Dallas Keuchel, Justin Verlander, and Lance McCullers opposing them, it will be imperative to get as many quality innings as possible if they want to come out victorious against the favored Astros.

Bullpen

The bullpen has been outstanding thus far and could be the difference maker in this best of seven series. If Girardi can push the right buttons at the right time, the Yankees stand a great chance to pull off another seemingly impossible feat. However, things could get potentially disastrous if certain arms are overused, so mixing it up should serve them well as they have five excellent arms at their disposal.

Didi Gregorious

Gregorious has been one of, if not the most important hitter in the Yankee lineup all season. His heroics helped lift the Yankees through both the Wild Card game and the Division Series and will be needed against Houston. If he can continue to deliver in the clutch, it will go a long way in determining what happens throughout the series. 

Aaron Judge

Things did not go well for Judge against Cleveland as he struck out sixteen times in five games due to poor plate discipline (and a rather unfair strike zone for a guy his height). That must change here as he the Astros will certainly look to expose him in key situations. If he can get back into form and contribute to the offense, he could be the catalyst that helps propel the Bronx Bombers to the World Series.

Yankees: Mid-Season Grades and Contributions

Offense - B+

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The Yankee offense has seen a large improvement from previous seasons, allowing them to opportunity to stay in games they were losing quite often last year. The club currently sits third in runs scored (477) and sixth in batting average (.264) something no one could have though possible when the season began. If they can keep up or perhaps build on their first half performance it will go a long way in helping the Yankees reach their goals.

Top Contributor - Aaron Judge .329 AVG 30 HR 66 RBI

Surprise Contributor - Ronald Torreyes .278 AVG 2 HR 20 RBI

Low Contributor - Chris Carter .201 AVG 8 HR 26 RBI

Starting Pitching - C+

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One of the biggest concerns heading into this season was the starting rotation and where the production would come from. Unfortunately, that remains an issue as the Yankees have not been able to get much consistency out of all five pitchers. It's hard to find success if you cannot pitch and the team needs to get this aspect of the game on the upswing if it wants to compete in the embattled American League playoff picture.

Top Contributor - Luis Severino 5-4 3.54 ERA

Surprise Contributor - Jordan Montgomery 6-4 3.65 ERA

Low Contributor - Masahiro Tanaka 7-8 5.47 ERA

Bullpen - C 

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For the past three seasons, one of the Yankees greatest strengths has been their bullpen. It didn’t matter who was on the mound, they always managed to get the job done. That has been a prudent struggle thus far as Joe Girardi simply cannot find a reliable arm for those key situations. It’s likely that the team will look for help come the trade deadline, which many are hoping will take some of the edge off a less than stellar first half for Mike Harkey and crew.

Top Contributor - Adam Warren 35.2 Innings 2.07 ERA

Surprise Contributor - Chasen Shreve 24.1 Innings 2.96 ERA

Low Contributor - Tyler Clippard 34.1 Innings 5.24 ERA

Yankees: Who's Hot, Who's Not

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Who's Hot

Dellin Betances

Aroldis Chapman is out for the next month with a shoulder injury, leaving the duties of closer to Betances whom has been more than up to the task. With a 0.73 ERA thus far, there is little doubt that he will prosper in the role, even if it is temporary.

Aaron Judge

In just a year, Judge has gone from a strikeout prone hacker to one of the best power hitters in baseball, His .331 average and 15 homers have every buzzing about his potential to become one of the games premiere players. If he can keep this up, he will surely get high consideration for Rookie of the Year and more. 

Starlin Castro

As the Yankees top hitter, Castro is proving to be well worth the trade as he has provided the team with something they haven't has since losing Robinson Cano. 

Who's Not

Masahiro Tanaka

It has a struggle to say the least for the man tagged as the ace of the staff. Tanaka has just two quality starts to his resume this season and is currently marred in a dismal slump in which he's surrendered 10 homers and 21 earned runs in May alone. It is critical that Tanaka get back on track or it could be a long season for the prized Japanese import, and if he should decide (Tanaka can opt out of his contract at the end of the year) his last in pinstripes.

Chase Headley

After a promising start, Headley finds himself in a bit of a spiral as he's hitting just .172 in May. 

Tommy Layne

The Yankees left hander have not fared well this season and Tommy Layne may be the worst of all. Sporting an inflated 8.18 ERA in 14 appearances, there isn't much reason for the team to rely on him in any situation. The team may be best suited finding a replacement to get more consistency out of their left handed middle relief.

Yankees: Prospects To Watch In 2017

Clint Frazier

He's already looks poised to breakout this season and could very well steal a roster spot when spring training is out. With the future of Brett Gardner up in the air (he's been on the trade radar for a few teams), there's a chance for Frazier to play his way into a permanent role if he stays hungry.

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Gleyber Torres

The Yankees are high on Torres as he was the big pick up in the Chapman deal with the Cubs last season. It will be interesting to see how the Yankees plan to develop him especially since he appears to be tagged as the potential shortstop of the future.

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James Kaprielian

After an elbow injury slowed his progression through the system, Kaprielian is back and ready to get back to where he was. There's a lot to like about this young man as he has showcased good accuracy and an ability to get strikeouts. It'll take some time to get his arm into form, but there is no reason to believe that he won't round into form and find his way up the ranks in no time.

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Chad Green

Green has already had a taste of the Major Leagues after being called up for a few games in May of last year. Things didn't go as smoothly as one would have liked, but the fact that Green remains on Girardi's radar for a rotation spot speaks volumes about his work ethic. Should he win out, fans could be hearing his name on a consistent basis for years to come.

Jordan Montgomery

To the surprise on many, Montgomery remains in the hunt for an open pitching slot. This comes after his effort in the recent spring training combined no-hitter. His number in the minors are formidable, pitching to a 2.61 ERA in 292 innings since being drafted in 2014. It would be a pleasant surprise if the 24-year-old found his way into pinstripes come April.

Yankees: Best Reliever Options in Free Agency

Mark Melancon (71.1 IP 1.64 ERA 65 SO 47 Saves)

The former Yankee prospect has made quite the name for himself since being traded in 2010. Over the past 4 season Melancon has been one of the steadier relievers in baseball, compiling 147 saves to go along with a sub-2.00 ERA. With the bullpen in need of a remodel (especially after the trades of Andrew Miller and Aroldis Chapman) It certainly wouldn't hurt for the organization to look at a familiar face.

Kenly Jansen (68.2 IP 1.83 ERA 104 SO 47 Saves)

Jensen would bring a great dynamic to the bullpen as his style compliments that of Dellin Betances. While some question his consistency, there is little doubt that the man has an "it" factor. if the Yankees are looking for a pitch that closely resembles what they had for half of 2016, Jensen would be a more that safe bet.

Jerry Blevins (42 IP 2.79 ERA 52 SO 16 Holds)

The Yankees could use another left hander in the bullpen especially since the team hasn't had a true specialist pitcher since the days of Mike Myers. he's held lefties to a .214 batting average for his career and considering the problem the short porch can present for pitchers, that number could be a driving factor in brining him aboard.

Sergio Romo (30.2 IP 2.64 ERA 33 SO)

Injuries limited him this past season which could present a potential problem. However, he still managed to put up decent numbers despite the setback. The need for good arms out of the bullpen is greater than ever, and Romo still has great stuff to offer.

Aroldis Chapman (58 IP 1.55 ERA 90 SO 36 Saves)

After helping the Cubs win their first World Series in 108 years, many believe that Chapman will be one of the hottest commodities this offseason. Having dealt him away to shore up the future, the Yankees find themselves in a great spot to put him back in pinstripes. Loring him back won’t be easy as several team have already expressed interest, but if the organization is as serious as everyone thinks, they won't allow any team to outbid them form Chapman's services.

Why We've Probably Have Seen the Last of A-Rod

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Ever since the Yankees began selling at the deadline, there has been speculations swirling around that the team could release Alex Rodriguez before the season is out. Though some believe that removing him from the equation is simply not as feasible as it seems there may not be any other alternative, especially given the direction the franchise is headed. If that’s not enough incentive, here are some of the reasons parting ways with the aging DH make most sense.

The Yankees Simply Have No Use for Him

His diminished skills both on the field and at the plate have become very apparent, leaving the team no choice but to relegate him the bench. At this point it has become a mystery as to what his exact role is and with a little more than a month left in the season, there doesn't appear to be any answer coming.

He Hinders the Impending Youth Movement

Now that the Yankees have stockpiled a considerable amount of young talent (thanks to a lucrative deadline) the team can finally make the push to get younger. This puts Rodriguez in a tough spot since he is 41 years old and essentially taking up a potential roster spot for an up and comer. 

His 700th Home Run Won't Mean Much

Unfortunately for Rodriguez, his link to PED's will forever taint his career and image. There were high hopes that when he reached 700 home runs it would instantly place him among the immortals of the game. However, that is no longer the case and like his predecessors (Bonds, McGwire, Palmeiro and others) the league will seek to blackball him out of Cooperstown.

His Time Has Passed

Most professional athletes know when it's time to call it a career. With 20 years under his belt and most of the players linked to him out of baseball, it's safe to say that his days as a primetime athlete are numbered. It’s likely he was too encouraged by his performance last season and felt he could replicate it, but that has not gone nearly the way he'd hoped in 2016. This reality should be enough to convince Rodriguez that he's no longer capable of doing the things he and many others had become accustomed to his entire career.

Yankees Trade Deadline: Who Will Stay, Who Will Go

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Carlos Beltran

It has been a tremendous season thus far for the 39-year-old. He's hitting .305 with a team leading 21 homers and 62 RBI's and proving he still has one of best bats in the majors. With that being said, many would think the Yankees will choose to keep him around for the duration of the season, but that all could change with a phone call and the right offer. Beltran could instantly help a contender in need of an extra hitter while bringing a decent haul of prospects to the farm system. It's safe to say that if the trigger is pulled on a potential trade, the Yankees may stand to gain the most from it, even if it's not seen immediately.

Vote: Go

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Andrew Miller

Now that Aroldis Chapman has been traded to the Chicago Cubs Miller has resumed his role as the team's closer. Without a suitable replacement waiting in the wings, it may be safe to say that the big lefty is off the market, but things could change even when it's least expected. Should a team come with an offer the Yankees can't pass up Miller could be on the move, but the likelihood of that happening is pretty slim. "No Runs DMC" may no longer be together, but the back end is still just as strong as it was last season.

Vote: Stay

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Mark Teixeira

There have been some who are calling for the Yankees to deal the trad the underperforming first baseman, but that could prove a difficult task as not many teams are willing to acquire his services. With his contract expiring at the end of the season the team may be better suited to let him play out the season in pinstripes and move on come November. If a club comes forward and offers to take on his contract then the decision would be made easy, but that is the only way he gets moved.

Vote: Stay

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Nathan Eovaldi

Recently, the Pittsburgh Pirates have expressed interest in Eovaldi and there are several scenarios that could be beneficial for all parties. The only issue is what would become of the Yankees sparse rotation without him. Sure you can call up a starter from the minors or even plug Luis Severino back in it but there would need to be something more guaranteed. Perhaps the Yankees could deal him for a young starter at the back end of another team’s rotation, or even a nearly Major League ready pitcher from a minor league system. Whatever the case Eovaldi would need to be traded under the best circumstances for the future.

Vote: Go

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Brian McCann

The Yankees have touted Gary Sanchez as the future everyday catcher for four years, but have yet to fully commit to hm. Bringing in McCann in 2014 seemed like it was a great move to ensure that the catcher position was stabilized for the time being. Though his hitting has suffered quite a bit in the shift happy American League, there is still enough skill to warrant dealing him to a team that is in need of some pop in their lineup. This would clear the way for Sanchez to finally show what he's got and earn a place in the coming years

Vote: Go

To Sell or Not: What The Yankees Should Do At The Deadline

The heavily debated topic of what the Yankees plans are for the July 31st trade deadline continues to make headlines. With the All Star break behind them the team finds itself in a precarious position in the standings, close enough to still contend yet not close enough to guarantee it. Brian Cashman has recently stated that he would like to begin selling off the Yankees assets so that they can get as much as they can in deals with contending teams However this has been rebutted by Yankees President Randy Levine and the Steinbrenner’s whom believe the club can still compete for a playoff spot despite most of the organization siding with Cashman. 

What actually happens is entirely up to the what the consensus is, so here's my take on why the team should sell or not come the end of the month.

Why They Should Sell

Currently, the Yankees are 44-44 and sit 7.5 games out of first place in the AL East and 5.5 games out of the second wild card spot. With a god run making up the difference sounds easy, but that may not be the case for this team. The starting pitching is very inconsistent and they're not getting much production out of the middle of their lineup. These factors alone will make it very difficult to make a strong push. Trading away the likes of Andrew Miller, Aroldis Chapman, Brian McCann, and Carlos Beltran would more than likely land a pretty nice haul of prospects that would satisfy their somewhat talent starved minor league system and build upon the future that Cashman wants to put in place. Standing pat would prove much too risky if nothing comes of it and it's best that Yankees use the deadline for all it's worth.

Why They Should Not

While dealing away assets seems to be the more pertinent move, there is the chance that the Yankees find a way to close the gap before July 31st. Should that happen, there will be more of a need to buy at the deadline than sell. Though it could compromise the minors, the Yankees could find a suitable pitcher or hitter that would help take them over the hump and into the playoffs. There is also the off chance the current roster hits a groove that sparks a win streak and erases the deficit, making holding onto their important players look like a season saving decision.

Yankees - Who's Hot, Who's Not 4

Who’s Hot

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Rob Refsnyder

Since being recalled in late May, Refsnyder has made the most of his playing time. Not only is he hitting respectable .295 (.364 over the past week), he's also shown that he can be a decent first baseman. It looks like the Yankees have every intention of keeping the youngster around for the long haul which could allow Refsnyder to further prove his worth in the organization.

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Dellin Betances

Just Two weeks ago cracks had formed the once impenetrable armor of Betances, but the repairs seem to have done the trick as his pitching has regained its form. Now it's up to Girardi keep his arm fresh by not overusing him in situations, that should allow Betances to build off of the 1.35 ERA he has over the last week.

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Carlos Beltran

It's been a strong first half for Beltran, one that will most likely lead him to the All Star game in San Diego. It's astonishing what he's accomplished thus far and the Yankees are all the better for it. Imaging where the team would be without his numbers is a bit unsettling, but luckily the Yankee haven't had to wonder about that up to this point.

Who’s Not

Photo: Elise Amendola

Alex Rodriguez

2016 has not been a banner year for Rodriguez, after stunning many in the baseball world last season, he's looked more like the washed up player everyone expected him to be. Hitting just .219, there isn't much that could say things will turn around so moving him to a part time role seems like the best course of action if the Yankees want to up their chances at getting back into the mix in AL East.

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Mark Teixeira

After missing most of June with a knee injury, Teixeira hasn't been able to find any kind of groove to pull him out of this season long slump. As the days go by, The Yankees could find themselves making another tough decision as what to do with the 36-year-old veteran. 

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Nathan Eovaldi

The team cannot afford to have him struggling at this point so he'll need to get back to pitching with the consistency he showed in May where he was 5-0 with 3.25 ERA. The 25 runs and 10 homers he surrendered in June is just not going to cut it.

Yankees: Who's Hot Who's Not 3

Who's Hot:

Photo:Jim Rogash/Getty Images

 Andrew Miller

It's been a good year thus far for Miller as he has seamlessly slid into the setup role after being the team's closer for all of 2015. Sporting a 1.13 ERA and 15 strikeouts to go with his stellar season numbers, it’s going to be very hard to even consider dealing Miller at the deadline if he continues to perform like this.

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Aroldis Chapman

Since returning from an early season suspension Chapman has been as good as advertised when the Yankees acquired him. He's made mincemeat of hitters with his 100+ mph fastball, providing an intimidation factor that is giving the Yankees back end trio marquee billing in any close game.

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Brett Gardner

For the first time this season Gardner has hit a sustained hot streak batting .556 over seven games and is stinging the ball with an improved swing to boot. This a more than pleasant sight as he had fallen on troubling times at the dish for the better part of two seasons. Hopefully he can keep this consistency which would give fans and Girardi a reason for optimism that the 32-year-old outfielders prolonged slumps are over for the time being.

Photo: Frank Franklin II/AP

Carlos Beltran

It continues to be a Renaissance season for Beltran as he poured in a .345 average with 4 homers this week. Whatever has gotten into the 40-year-old right fielder, the Yankees should hope that it does not leave him anytime soon

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Jacoby Ellsbury

Having your leadoff man hitting well is always a plus for any offense so that Yankees are definitely pleased with the results Ellsbury has yielded this week. With a .360 average and .429 on base percentage over seven games, He is giving the offense the spark it needs to get going. 

Who's Not:

Photo: Steven Ryan/Getty Images

Brian McCann

Despite the success of the Yankees hitting of late, things aren't going quite as well for McCann. Batting just .176 thus week it was difficult for him to capitalize on his teammates good fortunes. To be fair, he did have to deal with a hyperextended elbow for three days, however it would be hard to say if his slump wasn't still concerning to the overall picture.

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Dellin Betances

Perhaps the most shocking cold player of the team is the "D" in the newly named "No Runs DMC". He has a 7.36 ERA over seven games, a tremendously disappointing number for a pitcher of his caliber. It will important for the Yankees to get his confidence back up with a few strong outings without wearing him down too much. If the new nickname is to stick, it will be highly important get the first guy back into dominant form