The Yankees have recently made some moves to push themselves into the playoffs.  I believe that they could do it.  With Jorge Posada out for the season they traded Kyle Farnsworth for Ivan Rodriguez.  Pudge is batting close to .300 which is clearly an upgrade from Jose Molina.  Molina is also a capable back up who is one of the premier defensive catchers in the game along with Ivan.  As for Farnsworth, he was having his best season as a Yankee.  He will not be as missed as people think.  Brian Bruney was just activated and was having a great season before he got hurt.  Farnsworth was also a disruptive personality in the clubhouse in his years as a Yankee.

The trade with the Pirates was a great one.  Xavier Nady is batting .328 with 15 homeruns and 61 rbi.  He bats for average and has some pop.  He also offers protection for A-Rod in the lineup.  Giambi was previously doing that but his batting average was to low.  Nady also is a right handed batter which the Yankees needed.  For the other part of the trade the Yankees got Damaso Marte one of the elite left handed relievers in the game.  The Yankees didn't even have a lefty in the bullpen.  Now they have some one who can get David Ortiz out late in the game.

The Yankees rotation will be the reason they make the playoffs or don't.  Chamberlain has been a stud and Mussina and Pettitte have been solid.  Sidney Ponson just threw 7 shutout innings against the Angels.  He will either be unhittable and he can't get an out.  He must be more consistant.  Phil Hughes is in the minors rehabing and will take Rasner's spot in the fifth spot.  If that doesn't work out than look for the Yankees to give Carl Pavano another chance.  I personally never want to see Pavano in pinstripes again.  I also don't think it will come to that.  Hughes should be fine if he is 100% healthy.

The single thing I am most excited about is the fact that Manny is no longer in the division.  He was truely a Yankee killer.  He was one of the best clutch performers in the game.  Jason Bay is good but he is no Manny.  Teams now have the option to walk David Ortiz and get to Bay or Drew.  With Manny gone the Red Sox lineup took a hit while the Yankees added Xavier Nady and Richie Sexson.  Not only that but Robinson Cano is the best second half performer in baseball.  With the new Yankees and the returning stars they will be a force come September and October.