I think I may have been wrong about these Yankees | Whiskey Tango Foxtrot

I've held to the assumption that this year's version of the Yankees didn't have what it took to make the playoffs. Obviously, teams can change considerably at this time of year, and only a fool would think the Red Sox and Rays will stand pat as the trading deadline approches. But, after taking the first two games from the Red Sox, today's in especially convincing fasion, I'm starting to think that Girardi's way is starting to settle in with this team, and this team might just have that intagible quality that can carry them into the post season.

The deal to get Nady and Marte was huge, especially considering the team didn't give up much aside from a little pitching depth to close the deal. Nady isn't the next coming of Reggie Jackson, or even David Justice, but he is a solid presence in the lineup, and more importantly, a right handed hitter. Marte helps solidify a shaky bullpen, and made possible the demotion of LaTroy Hawkins -- who should never been signed in the first place. Add to this that Chamberlain, Mussina and Pettitte have all stepped up nicely in the absence of Chien Ming Wang, and you've got a rotation that isn't as bad as you might have thought if you had seen it on paper several months ago.

While I still hold to the idea that Cashman should refrain from giving up TOO much for a guy like Jarod Washburn, his deal with the Bucs restores my faith that he'll be able to get a deal done that makes sense. One thing that the Yankees can do that few other teams can is to absorb the contracts of higher priced players, which is likely a big reason that they were able to get the two guys from the Pirates without giving up a top prospect. The nice thing this year, unlike years past, is that some of the bad contracts handed out a few years ago are coming off the books, so the Yankees can add payroll and still have plenty of money to go after nice free agents.

It's a little to early to celebrate a playoff berth, but the Rays and Red Sox have shown some serious holes in the armor over the last few weeks. The Yankees are far from a juggernaut, but are starting to play offense the way we all thought they were capable of. If the patchwork rotation can hold things together for the next two months and the Yankees do keep their string of post season appearances alive, then few will be happier than I will be to eat my own words.

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July 26, 2008 09:09 PM ET

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Yep..love the trade and it showed today when the brought Marte in to face Ortiz and he struck him out. Washburn will be a good addition, I want to see if a change of scenery helps