The Yankees Report

Welcome back to the Yankees Report.

In the last week the Yankees continued their post All-Star winning streak. They went 8-0 and both Oakland and Minnesota fell to the Yanks. Boston was next on the schedule and the Yankees only had to sweep the Boston series to move into a 1st place tie in the Wild Card race. The Bronx Bombers took the first two games and things looked great for a sweep but then the wheels came off the bus.

The Yankees fell to Boston and were soundly beaten last night by the Orioles.

In the week that was let's look at how the Yanks are faring in other areas:

Trades - The Yankees picked up OF Xavier Nagy and LHP Damaso Marte from the Pirates while losing 4 minor league prospects. (RHPs Jeff Karstens, Daniel McCutchen and Ross Ohlendorf and OF Jose Tabata) This was an excellent trade for the Yankees and should yield an immediate impact. Other names floating around this week are Barry Bonds and Jarrod Washburn. I don't see the Yanks picking up Bonds now that they have Nagy. The Washburn trade could still happen.

Injuries - Posada will have season ending surgery in the next week or so. Matsui is going to try to come back in the next 2 weeks. Hughes is working his way back up through the minors and in more shocking news Carl Pavano is also making his way back from injuries!

Pitching - The Yanks still need some reliable back end pitching. Ponson and Rasner are holding their own but are not viable long-term options. Marte is working into the bullpen and LaTroy Hawkins was designated for assignment.

Hitting/Fielding - Cano has been on a tear since shortly before the All-Star break and has seen his BA rise quite a bit. Nagy debuted in Yankee Stadium last night and adjusted well to Left Field at Yankee Stadium. Last night Nagy to Jeter to Molina were able to catch an Oriole at home plate stopping one run.

HOF - The Goose was inducted into the HOF this past week. In an emotional ceremony Goose Gossage talked about his career and his love for the Yankees. Many former Yankee players were in attendance and in a classy move Yankee GM Brian Cashman was there to show support as well. This brings the Yankee contingent (Those inducted as Yankees )in the Hall to 20.

Until next time I remain your Yankee Beat Writer.