It is unfamiliar territory the Bronx Bombers find themselves in this year, but for once the Yankees are not looked at as favorites. For over a decade, the Yankees were long considered the best team in the American League and at times, the best in baseball. They were the big bad bullies of the AL East that dominated a weak division. However, injuries and age have made this team look more pedestrian than ever before.
The Yankees have been in the news lately, concerning the allegations that third baseman Alex Rodriguez and catcher Francisco Cervelli used PEDs. Rumors have been swirling that the club has been trying to dump the aging third baseman or force him into early retirement. The Yankees still owe Rodriguez over $110 million which hinders them from signing any major young talent. Rodriguez is still recovering from major hip surgery that will keep him off the field for at least half the season. To fill in while he rehabs his injury, the Yankees acquired long hated Kevin Youkilis who has had run-ins with some Yankee players in the past. Not only is Rodriguez hurting them financially, but this team is not getting any younger. Closer Mariano Rivera is coming off major knee surgery that sidelined him all of last season and he is 43 years young. Can he still close games? I am sure. Is he still the same Mariano? Who knows.
While the Yankees may have enough talent to secure a playoff spot, they will have a new foe standing in their way at winning the AL East. The Toronto Blue Jays have shown the world that their time is now and they are ready to compete. By acquiring R.A. Dickey, Jose Reyes, and Josh Johnson, they have shown the American League that they are a legitimate threat.
So can this team hoist the trophy once again in 2013? Of course this team can win. The Yankee tradition is winning. They have the front office that will do whatever it takes to win. This team does not look like a front runner especially after last year’s playoff collapse, but they will always remain relevant.
