FanNation - The Republic of Sport

It doesn't take a genius to tell you that the Yankees have been extremely dissapointing this season despite acquiring 3 top players who they are paying 55 million dollars a year in total. Out of those top 3 players, AJ Burnett, Mark Teixeira, and CC Sabathia, their stats are as follows: 4-3 with a 4:50 ERA and for their projected top hitter, an average under the Mendoza line at .196 with just a .336 on base percentage and averaging almost a strikeout a game. Those aren't exactly the type of players you want to be paying a half a hundred million dollars a year for and if they don't get it done, you know that the boss will find someone else who can.

However, A-Rod did supply some hope to the fans last week when he jacked the first pitch he saw to the seats in left field at Camden Yards in a 4-0 win verses the Orioles. He is only one player, but just being in the line-up might make others to perform well also. Such as CC Sabathia who went 9 last start giving up just 4 hits with no runs in the game that A-Rod made his performance. Now with A-Rod in the line-up, can this team be a championship team?

With the former MVP back in the line-up, they don't just add another power hitter, but make the team more confident which is exactly what the Yanks need, especially because they are in New York. With all of the pressure on these newcomers in the bright lights, their stats struggled and the team suffered from it. What was thought would be a championship contending team in the start of the season, began with a less than decent record of 13-15 before Rodriguez returned. Now that he is back, Teixera will have less pressure at the 3 spot because he knows now that if he messes up in a key moment, there's a guy right behind him who can change the game in an instinct. Texeira is no longer the go-to power hitter like he was in the beginning of the season, so he can finally take a deep breath and finally maybe start producing some runs. As for the bullpen, they will also usually be more comfortable now because having an extra big bat means more insurance runs for those late inning situations. Now instead of putting in a unproven reliever in a 1 run game, they might have a few more runs on the board to give the pitchers some breathing room and take their time on the mound. Finally it gives the fans some more comfort. Now they know that their star who is ready to show the world that he can hit without steroids, is back and they can maybe stop biting their nails and move around a bit because the wins will surely come more often now. With the batters and pitchers more comfortable, and the fan support behind them, and I think this team can find themselves playing in late October this season.

In the end, if A-Rod takes the pressure off of everybody and the Yankees STILL miss the playoffs, Steinbrenner will be looking at these guys to fill the spots of the "under-achievers" on the team from the free agent market.

RP Fernando Rodney- The toughest part of games this season for the bombers has been in the late innings trying to get to Mariano. They need a set up man like Rodney that can be a little bit more reliable than Jonathan Albaladejo.

RP JJ Putz- For the same reason as Rodney and since he used to be a closer, once Mariano retires they can move him back to his old position to end the games.

OF Matt Holiday- The Athletic's never like to keep young players for a long time because they ask for more money once they have proven themselves. I doubt Holiday will stay with the A's after this year due to his salary and the Yankees are always looking for that permanent starting Center Fielder.

OF Jason Bay- An incredibly clutch homerun against the Yankees in their rivalry renewed this season definitely caught some Yankee's staff eyes and don't be surprised if he follows Johnny Damon's steps and comes to the Bronx next season