NY Yankees mid-season report

 If you're a Yankee fan, it has to feel like 1998 all over again.

At the All Star break, the Yankees are sitting pretty atop the AL East, with a double digit lead on the entire division after taking two of three from Boston over the weekend. After the AL won the All Star Game on Tuesday for the 9th straight year, the Bronx Bombers, should they go all the way, will host this year's World Series.

Let's just break it down:

Offense: Fans and media alike have turned on outfielder Joey Gallo, a trade deadline pickup from Texas last year, ignorant of the fact that Gallo may well be on the back nine of his career. His struggles at the plate have resulted in him being at the bottom of the lineup instead of in the middle, where he's accustomed. Fans were hoping he would be one extra big bat to go along with Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Anthony Rizzo, & Josh Donaldson.

Instead, that one extra bat was acquired in the form of Matt Carpenter, whom the Rangers gave up on after signing him in the off-season after St. Louis let him go.

Infield defense: Rizzo & Donaldson at the corners. A mixed bag including DJ LeMahieu, Isiah Kiner-Falefa (a distant relative of the late Ralph Kiner), and Gleyber Torres. So far, it works.

Outfield: Stanton's a DH most of the time. Aaron Hicks & Judge are producing at a pre-COVID rate. They've been able to tolerate Gallo's struggles.

Pitching: Start with the bullpen. Aroldis Chapman's injury opened the door for rookie Clay Holmes to take over as the closer, and may have sealed Chapman's fate, ending his 2nd run in the Bronx. Luis Severino is back on the IL, but should be back soon. Gerrit Cole has righted his ship, flirting with a no-hitter at least twice.

Predictions: With the trade deadline less than two weeks away now, Gallo and/or Chapman could be gone if GM Brian Cashman needs to make changes. The last time Chapman left the Bronx, he won a title with the Cubs. If there is a need, it'll be in the bullpen if Chapman is sent away again. The offense would only need a slight upgrade if they get rid of Gallo, who won't sell any whine before his time.

Finish: They'll wrap up the division, barring a collapse, around Labor Day. The only way they can reach the World Series is if they can beat Houston. The West leaders have already beaten the Yankees in 3 of 5, and play a day-night doubleheader in Houston tomorrow.

We'll look at the Mets tomorrow.