For all their talk about knowing what’s at stake, there’s still been more talk from the Yankees than action.
They have six games to play until the All-Star break. It’s not enough time to convince everyone they’re over their issues. It is, however, an opportunity to rebuild their confidence.
The Yankees (42-41) have lost seven of their last nine games. If the playoffs were to start today, they’d be home watching with the rest of us. Lately, their body language during games indicates they’re making peace with this scenario.
“I think we understand what’s at stake,” manager Aaron Boone said before Monday’s off day. “I think we understand the hole we’ve dug for ourselves and we understand the importance of every game. We gotta go play well. We understand that. We’ve talked about it a lot. We’re going out West with a lot on the line.”
It’s the season, Aaron, the season’s on the line.
The Yankees will play three games against the Seattle Mariners (45-40), beginning Tuesday night. They’ll then head to Houston for a three-game series with the Astros (52-33).
It’s those six games before the All-Star break which could ultimately determine what the Yankees choose to do before the July 30 trade deadline.
Yes, the second half of the season begins with a six-game homestand against Boston and Philadelphia. And then there’s a ten-game road trip to close out the month.
However, if they’re unable to play better baseball this week, can we really expect anything different after the break?
It’s possible a trip out to the west coast is what the Yankees need. Sometimes the best remedy is to change the scenery.
And if that doesn’t work?
Not only will the Yankees become sellers, not buyers, at the trade deadline – they’ll be planning for offseason vacations much earlier than expected.
