With the win today, the Yankees hit the halfway point at 44-37 and soon to be 5 games back of the first place Red Sox (4 GB on the loss side). Now, most fans would rather be in first place but consider that this is a noticeable step up from where they were last year (40-41, 10.5 GB in the AL East, and 7 GB in the Wild Card). They made a heck of a run last year and even with all of the injuries, pitching woes, offensive woes, and all of the sturm und drang that accompanies the Yankees, they are in a position to do the same this year. I think that the bullpen is in a far stronger position than previous years and while the rotation has obviously been bitten by the injury bug this year, the second half promises the hopefully healthy returns of help there (I am waiting on Carl Pavano myself). Combine that with a (hopeful) return to form from Robbie Cano, continued hot hitting from the heart of the Yankee order and and a little luck (and minimal injuries of course) and it should be another entertaining run.

Of course, this year, they also have the Rays to contend with as they head down the home stretch. They're tied with the Pirates right now in the ninth but with a win, will hop over the Red Sox to take over first place in the AL East (though they will have played 3 less games). In addition, there are a few more teams to worry about in the AL as the Central looks like it will be hotly contested as Chicago, Detroit and Minnesota vie for first there. LAnaheim is leading the West right now but they still look vulnerable to the As as the summer goes on.

Should be a wild summer in the Bronx...let's hope it's an enjoyable ride.