Injuries hampering Yankees Lineup

You never would have thought it, but the Yankees greatest need right now is hitting, not pitching. Molina, Melky and Gardner will be around, and that weakens the lineup - last night’s 12 runs against the Twins notwithstanding. Forty-four times this season, the supposed Bronx Bombers have scored 2 runs or less. Jason Bay, Xavier Nady, Matt Holliday may be available. BUT - the fact that it’s New York may lead teams to try to fleece the farm system. The Yanks could just try to ride the wave till Hughes or (Lord help them) Pavano return. The club isn’t losing and is still in good position as Oakland and now Minnesota start fading.

The key: Will the Rays fall off the pace? Not if they get pitching like they got from Kazmir last night. But if the Yankees DON’T make a move, that will have to be what they hope for-and keep on winning with Pettitte and Mussina continuing to pitch well. Like the Mets, the Yanks have enough to get to the postseason. It remains to be seen if they have enough to stay thrive in October.