Week in Review

It's been a news-worthy week in Yankee-land.

First of all, the Yankees just finished off their best homestand in this millennium, winning percentage wise. Their 9-1 record since the All-Star break has moved the Yankees into first-place in the AL East, 2.5 games ahead of Boston and 6.5 in front of the Rays.

WHO'S HOT: Jorge Posada and Mark Teixeira have been pacing the team on offense over the last seven days, posting averages of .350 and .308, respectively . They're also providing the power, with a combined 5 homers and 10 RBI's over the last week.

On the mound, the bullpen trio of Phil Coke, Phil Hughes and Mariano Rivera have been locked in. In a combined 9.2 innings of work, they have allowed only 3 hits and 0 runs, while striking out 7 and walking only one batter. That's why the Yankees have won 7 of the last 9 games by two runs or less.

WHO'S NOT: Hideki Matsui has fallen off from his recent hot streak, with only one hit in his last 17 at-bats. Granted that one hit was a game-winning walk-off home run against the O's, but hopefully this slump doesn't last long because it will create a hole in the middle of the order.

The two men who at one point had the 8th inning job, Alfredo Aceves and Brian Bruney, have been disasters this past week, posting ERA's of 7.71 and 10.80. If they both get their heads on straight, none of the top 3 guys in the 'pen will get overworked.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR THIS WEEK:
The Yankees start a 9 game road trip against the Rays, White Sox, and Blue Jays tomorrow when AJ Burnett takes the hill against James Shields at the Trop. The Yankees are already 6.5 games ahead of Tampa Bay, so they could possibly extend that lead to 9.5 with a sweep.

The trade deadline is Friday. Brian Cashman is obviously working the phones, looking for ways to help this team. He's probably focusing on pitching, specifically a 5th starter. He may also be looking for another bat off the bench, but that problem could probably be solved from within the organization. Just because you don't hear much buzz around the Yankees (because right now, there isn't much, except for the fact that they're scouting Ian Snell) don't be worried. I didn't hear anything about Nady and Marte until the Yankees until John sent me a text after it happened. And the Pudge-for-Farnsworth deal basically came out of nowhere for everybody. So, don't be surprised if Cashman pulls a rabbit out of his hat.