The yankees

       This postseason hasn't been a normal one if you are a Yankees fan. Yes, the yankees did manage to eek past the Baltimore Orioles in 5 games to advance to the ALCS but that's just about when the positives end. The team the Yankees have put on the field night in and night out has drastically under performed. The offense simply isn't there this postseason and the sad thing to say is the pitching is carrying them and keeping them somewhat close.

       No New York Yankee starter has allowed more then 3 earned runs in any game this postseason. The Yankees came into the postseason expecting the offense to carry the pitching and it's been the polar opposite. The starter ERA is 2.25, now if you told me that the Yankee starter ERA would be that after 7 games, I would tell you we must be cruising to the World series. However, the yankee hitting has been worse then pathetic. The middle of the order hitters, the one's who need to carry the offense, Cano, A-Rod, Swisher and Granderson can't get a hit if their lives depended on it. They are a combined 12/107 in the playoffs with 0 hrs 6 RBIs and 38 strikeouts. These players made a combined $62.2 million this season, and this is what we get? I'm questioning their interest or pride during these playoffs. They are some of the elite players in the MLB and this is how they play? It's do or die for each of them now and they have to step it up or the Yankees will be eliminated.

       The reason the pressure is on these players even more then it was before is due to the loss of Captain and shortstop Derek Jeter. Not only is he the leader of the team and a starter, but he is also their best offensive threat at the moment. Jeter broke his ankle in the 12th inning of game 1 of ALCS and will miss the remainder of the postseason. This is the biggest tradgey in New York sports history. Jeter IS the Yankees, and the fact that they now have to play and somehow WIN without him is a scary, scary thought.

      What the Yanks need to do to help this horrible offense isn't simple but some players need to be sat down. The Yankees have speedster Brett Gardner on the bench instead of Nick Swisher. It's time for Gardner to get a shot, Swisher hasn't hit and also has had errors in the field that have cost the Yankees big time. Putting Gardner in the field eliminates the threat of a possible mistake in the field by Swish. Also, he can't be much worse then Swisher at the plate so he might as well get a chance, who knows maybe he can save the Yankees season.

       It's do or die tonight for the Yankees in game 3 of the ALCS tonight. However, it will not be easy for the Yanks because they have to go up against Justin Verlander for Detroit at Comerica Park. I still have a little bit of faith in the Yankees, I think if changes are made in the lineup the Yankees should be able to steal game 3 from the Tigers. If they continue to hit like dog shit, they will get crushed and be down 3-0 in the series with zero hope of coming back to win the series. Let's go Yanks, show some pride.