Yankees under .500 after break for 1st time since '95

The New York Yankees' continued struggles might resolve any potential conflict in the club's front office before it escalates further.

Amid reports of divide among team executives over whether to buy or sell at this year's trade deadline, the Yankees' season-long slump plummeted into historic depths Friday after their 5-3 loss to Boston dropped them below .500 (44-45) after the All-Star break for the first time since 1995.

The Yankees began the second half that year six games under .500 at 30-36, before winning 49 of their last 78 games to clinch the first-ever American League wild card. Things don't look as promising this time around.

Now 8 1/2 games back of division-leading Baltimore, the Yankees' struggles have reportedly caused friction within the front office over whether the team should unload their expiring contracts and other core assets ahead of the deadline. Earlier on Friday, general manager Brian Cashman attempted to downplay reports he was at odds with the Steinbrenners, telling MLB Network Radio that his relationship with ownership is "healthy," and the team is not in sell mode.

During New York's impressive run of consistency since 1995, the club has 18 playoff appearances, 13 division titles, and five World Series championships.

The last time the Yankees finished below .500 was in 1992, when the Buck Showalter-led group had a record of 76-86 and placed fourth in the AL East.