Steinbrenner: If Yankees miss playoffs 'it will be a failure'
Just win, baby.
For months, the New York Yankees defied expectations, leading the American League East by as many as four games in mid-June. Since jumping out to a 38-23 record, the Yankees have stumbled. A seven-game losing streak kicked off a 25-32 stretch heading into Tuesday.
The Yankees cling to a wild-card spot while sitting 4 1/2 games behind the division-leading Boston Red Sox. Owner Hal Steinbrenner told USA Today's Bob Nightengale that missing the postseason would be a major disappointment.
"It will be a failure," Steinbrenner said.
Things have improved a bit since the All-Star break, with the Yankees going 18-13 since the Midsummer Classic. The team even reclaimed first place for four days in late July before the Red Sox started their most recent tear.
In spite of growing pains, Steinbrenner isn't panicking.
"It was a great first 2 1/2 months, (and) it's been a tough last two months," he said. "But I think they're coming out of it."
Steinbrenner credited the pitching acquisitions from the non-waiver trade deadline as evidence things are looking up for the Baby Bombers. Only lefty Jaime Garcia has disappointed:
| Player | IP | ERA | WHIP | K |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonny Gray | 18 | 3.00 | 1.22 | 17 |
| Jaime Garcia | 10 1/3 | 6.97 | 1.84 | 10 |
| David Robertson | 13 2/3 | 1.32 | 0.81 | 19 |
| Tommy Kahnle | 11 | 1.64 | 0.91 | 15 |
Kahnle and Robertson have helped bolster a bullpen that has seen closer Aroldis Chapman struggle through possibly the worst season of his career. These two relievers act as insurance policies, and have so far been nearly un-hittable.
If rookie phenom Aaron Judge - batting .175/.344/.369 with six home runs since July 14 - can pick it up at the plate, these Yankees may do Steinbrenner proud by reaching the playoffs a season or two ahead of schedule.