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2/25/15: The Alex Rodriguez saga continues in New York, and amazingly, A-Rod is turning into a sympathetic figure. The Yankees are still on the hook for $61 million over the next three years, even though most believe that A-Rod will not be an everyday player anymore. A-Rod did pen a handwritten apology to the fans last week. While it seemed like a sincere gesture, he was roundly mocked not just for doing it but (for some reason) writing in cursive. Of course, there are plenty of media types who simply want to bash him, and that may never change, but the constant harping on the veteran makes others root for him now.

2/18/15: The Yankees and Alex Rodriguez are pledging to play nice now. The former superstar and team management had a notable 'clear the air meeting' last week. A meeting that A-Rod had requested and apparently many of the issues that have come in between the team and player were discussed. A-Rod is reported to have apologize for his misdeeds over the past few seasons as well. The Yankees now say they are focused on playing baseball in spring training. A-Rod still has three years and $60 million on his contract, so the Yankees may try to trade him, though they would probably have to cover much of that salary.

2/11/15: Maybe the Yankees and Alex Rodriguez can make the rest of their time together actually work. The Yankees are still on the hook for many millions of dollars because of the ridiculous contract extension they granted him a few years ago. Of course, A-Rod is not the same player he was back then and is only getting older. However, GM Brian Cashman acknowledged that A-Rod asked for and was granted a clear-the-air meeting with team executives. So perhaps they can share some tea with their feelings and end the meeting with big hugs and smiling faces.

1/28/15: Get ready for another round of the Yankees vs. Alex Rodriguez. Per A-Rod's contract extension, he is guaranteed $64 million over the next three years. That is a lot of money for a guy that is near 40 and is projected to be a part time player. But there are other 'marketing bonuses' in the contract, such as catching Willie Mays' home run mark (660). The Yankees are trying to get out of that by claiming A-Rod's suspension makes the marketing effort 'invalid'. This looks like it is going to end up with another nasty fight between the two sides and will only benefit the lawyers.

1/21/15: Just when everyone thinks that they have seen it all from the New York Yankees, they keep pulling rabbits from the hat. First, it was the team actually taking a conservative approach to paying players - basically not paying a king's ransom for a guy to keep him away from another team. Then it was Alex Rodriguez saying that he expects to be the starting third baseman next season (not likely unless an injury or brainwashing). Now, the team agreed to a one year deal with pitcher Michael Pineda. Pineda gained fame last April for blatantly having pine tar on his neck and was suspended. Many pitchers (illegally) use pine tar, but none are so brazen as to paint their neck with it.

1/14/15: The New York Yankees made a little bit of a late rally to try and catch the Baltimore Orioles last season, but ultimately fell short and they missed the playoffs. The Yankees will look a lot different this coming season, especially since Derek Jeter will not be at short stop for the first time in about 20 years (except for the 2013 season where he was injured for most of the season). Pitching was a problem last year and the Yankees have tried to address that need in the offseason. But they should also be getting CC Sabathia back. CC is likely to begin bullpen sessions this month and is expecting to show up for spring training on time.

1/7/15: It looks like the Yankees are toning things down these days and being, dare it be said? Fiscally Responsible. New York took a restrained path during free agency. While the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres were flipping their rosters at the Winter Meetings, the New York Yankees simply held back. It is probably not as interesting, but the Yankees these days do not seem as concerned about winning the press conference as they are about winning the division. Now all they need to do is get A-Rod off the books and they may have a reasonable payroll.

12/3/14: The offseason in baseball is fun - that is why it is called the 'Silly Season'. Rumors fly and ridiculous trade speculation is everywhere. And here is some more. The Yankees are said to be in 'serious pursuit' of reliever Andrew Miller. Most pegged Miller receiving a three year deal and the speculation is that the Yankees are willing to go to four years. The Dodgers are also interested, which may end up setting the market value of bullpen guys this season. Miller was outstanding with a 2.02 ERA and 103/17 K/BB ratio with the Red Sox and Orioles last season.

11/19/14: Maybe Yankees' GM Brian Cashman is trying to get out in front of the story, maybe he is sending a message or maybe both. In any case, Cashman publicly said that Alex Rodriguez, who will return from his year-long suspension in the spring, is not automatically the third baseman. That he will have to earn his playing time. New York is said to be discussing a return with free agent third baseman Chase Headley. If the Yanks do re-sign Headley, then A-Rod may find himself at first base or even as a designated hitter. next season.

11/12/14: Several years ago, after the Red Sox could not make a trade with the Rangers for Alex Rodriguez, the Yankees stepped in and got a deal done. New York then took some verbal jabs at Boston about caring more about winning. The Red Sox, some six years later look like the winners as A-Rod has been both injured or suspended for much of that time. The A-Rd saga continues with new reports stating that he confessed his PED use and relationship with Anthony Bosch to the DEA. Between the injuries, suspension, off-field drama, bad PR and immense salary, perhaps the Yankees regret acquiring him now.

11/5/14: For what it is worth, the final out of the World Series means that Alex Rodriguez' suspension is over. That means that he will (may) be back manning third base for the Yankees next season. But A-Rod's health remains a concern, as does his age and rustiness. The Yankees are rumored to be in the market for another third baseman and names like Pablo Sandoval (San Francisco) or even re-signing Chase Headley. Headley played pretty well after coming over from the Padres mid-season, but the Yankees would have to decide if they want to pay an extra $12 million or so per year for a part-time player.

10/29/14: The Yankees paid dearly to acquire starting pitcher CC Sabathia a few years ago, and they continue to do so. Sabathia has been solid, for the most part, with New York, though he is not replicating the dominance he showed a few years ago. He was a non-factor in 2014, having missed most of the season with knee injuries (and he was not that strong in 2013, either). Sabathia is owed at least $53 million for the next two years, and that is if the Yankees buy him out for 2017, otherwise it is $73 million. He has not thrown off a mound yet but claims that he is almost back to full health. At least he is expected to be back for a full spring training.

10/22/14: He may not be a household name, but Mark Newman recently retired. Who is Mark Newman? He had been Vice President of Baseball Operations for the team. Additionally, longtime scout Gordon Blakely left the organization for the Atlanta Braves. Which leads to reports that the Yankees are considering former Mets General Manager Omar Minaya for a high-ranking position. Minaya has been a senior executive with the Padres for the past four years, but there is a good chance that he is on his way back to the Big Apple, presumably to work under GM Brian Cashman.

10/15/14: It is October, it is the playoffs, so naturally there is discussion about the New York Yankees. Of course, the Yankees are not in the post season this year and all the Derek Jeter tributes are over. But the team announced that they have reached a three year extension with Brian Cashman to remain General Manager of the team. Cashman is among the longest tenured GMs around, having held the post since 1996. He is in an interesting position because there are so many expectations for the Yankees every year, but he also has some of the deepest pockets to afford the top talent. He has been pretty successful over the years, with several World Series titles to his name.

10/8/14: The Derek Jeter Era in New York is officially over. While that is a sad thought, considering that Jeter has been the face of the franchise, if not of all of Major League Baseball for most of the past two decades, the man does deserve his rest. Jeter finished his career, fittingly, against the Boston Red Sox. A team that he was able to torch many times during his hall of fame career. While he was not the same player the last few years as he was in his younger days, he was always a fierce competitor and gentleman off the field. Baseball will miss you, Mr. Jeter.

10/1/14: The Yankees' slim chances for a playoff appearance this season ended last week, but all eyes have been on the Bronx for the finale of Derek Jeter's career. In moment that only Hollywood could seemingly script, Jeter was the hero in the his final game at Yankee Stadium. He almost homered in his first at-bat, settling for a double. But it was his last turn at the plate that had everyone talking. Tied 4-4 in the bottom of the ninth, Jeter managed one last game-saving masterpiece as he knocked in the winning run for the walk-off win. Since he cannot go out with another World Series ring, this was the next best thing.

9/24/14: It would have been nice to send Yankees legend Derek Jeter out with a playoff appearance, but that is not going to happen. But even though the Yankees are out, they are still competing. Manager Joe Girardi was fired up last week when Jeter was hit by a pitch. He claims that if the Rays are going to pitch inside, then do it right. But there is some good news. Jeter hit his fourth home run of the season last week, and his first (and possibly last) at Yankee Stadium. As he rides off into the sunset, it is nice to acknowledge him as both a player and person - even for Red Sox fans.

9/17/14: It may make little difference now, but Yankees third baseman Chase Headley is cleared to play after getting hit in the face by a pitch. While not as gory or devastating as the Giancarlo Stanton beaning, it is good news. Fortunately, concussion tests came back negative. The Yankees acquired Headley just before the trade deadline and he has improved upon a miserable season previously with the San Diego Padres. He has a slash line of .253/.356/.373 with the Pinstripes and will be a free agent at the end of the season. It will be interesting to see if the Yankees want to bring him back or go with Alex Rodriguez next season.

8/28/14: This is something you do not see every day. The Yankees are considering going to a six man starting rotation when starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka returns from the disabled list sometime in September. There is some logic behind the move. The team will have 21 games in just 20 days and will have "to use six starters at some point". A sixth starter takes away a roster spot somewhere else, but would allow the team to keep their starters fresher, and by extension, healthier. That may keep the Yankees in position to capture a playoff spot because an extra day of rest typically helps pitchers out tremendously.

8/21/14: This is, of course, Derek Jeter's final season in a remarkable career. Jeter is an international baseball legend and a first round hall of famer. But that does not mean that Rays manager Joe Madden has to like it. He basically called out the Rays fans for continually cheering for Jeter in what may be his final trip to Tropicana Field. Of course, much of Rays attendance depends on displaced Yankee and Red Sox fans, so maybe it was understandable. The Yankees ended up taking three of four from Tampa in the series. Incidentally, Madden was referring to Saturday's game and Jeter hit the game winning RBI to give New York the win.

8/14/14: For those who enjoyed the 1990's, many may remember the 1996 Yankees team as a triumph over the then-mighty Atlanta Braves. And many remember a young Derek Jeter as a little-known shortstop who did everything. Fast forward to today and Jeter is an international icon playing in his final season. Last week was a big one for Jeter. He passed the legendary Honus Wagner for sixth on the all-time hits list. Sixth is likely where Jeter will finish in the history books as fifth is another 100 hits away. But that is pretty impressive, and he is due the acknowledgements that he has been getting this year.

8/7/14: The Yankees have a history of making blockbuster trades around the non-waiver trade deadline to get top talent and fill a glaring need. They were active this season, but not in the traditional sense. They added Martin Prado and Stephen Drew (yes, that was a trade with the Red Sox of all teams), as well as Chase Headley and Brandon McCarthy. With Headley and Drew coming on board, it looks like they are preparing for their future on the left side of the infield. Of course, Derek Jeter is retiring after this season and who knows what will happen with Alex Rodriguez in the future.

7/31/14: While the Yankees are making moves to improve the team at the trade deadline, legend Derek Jeter reached another milestone. Last Monday, Jeter went 3 for 4 in a 4-2 loss to the Rangers. That put him ahead of Carl Yazskremski for seventh place all time on the MLB hits list. Jeter is only 10 hits out of sixth place, which is while he will likely finish his career. He would need another 95 hits to move up to fifth place all time, but that is not likely with only two months left in the season. But sixth place is almost a given, and he should achieve that in the next few weeks.

7/24/14: It is not normal to see the Yankees four games out of first place at the end of July, but that is where it stands right now. The Bronx Bombers have the talent, on paper, to run away with the AL East, but have been beset by injuries all season. The latest news is that ace CC Sabathia had season ending arthroscopic knee surgery. The good news is that it is not micro-fracture surgery, according to reports. CC struggled all year and carries a huge salary. The hope is that the surgery now will let him come back for 2015 and 2016, where he is owed a collective $48 million.

7/17/14: This seems like a bad way for Derek Jeter to go out. He has had an exceptional career and is beloved - even by fans of teams that do not like the Yankees. But the Yankees, as a team are weak this season, as is the entire AL East. The latest problem is that newcomer Masahiro Tanaka has an injury that may keep him out for some time. In any case, do not miss a chance to see Jeter in his last season. And do not be surprised if the Yankees make a few big deals to get star players at the trade deadline.

7/10/14: The All-Star Game is next week and the Yankees could use a few days off to regroup. True, imported pitcher Masahiro Tanaka has been outstanding in his first MLB season and became the first pitcher in the Majors to reach 12 wins last week. But the Yankees' pitching as a whole has been subpar. The news got a bit worse last week when the team announced that staff ace CC Sabathia is likely finished for the season. He had a setback in his rehab and it looks like the team will shut him down for the year. It also means that the Yankees could get active in the trade market as they look to catch Baltimore and Toronto.

7/3/14: The St. Louis Cardinals found a gem in Carlos Beltran two and a half years ago as they were getting over losing Albert Pujols to free agency. Beltran gave the Cardinals two high quality seasons, but the Redbirds figured he would be too expensive (and old) to re-up for another two years. The Yankees signed him and the Cardinals may have been right. Beltran has been injured for much of the year and has only been used as a DH since returning from the DL. Reportedly, Beltran has a lingering elbow injury that limits his throwing. The Yankees can afford the financial hit, but need Beltran to be at his best if they are going to win the AL East.

6/26/14: Well, at least there is one less problem for the Yankees to worry about as Alex Rodriguez has dropped his lawsuit against the team doctor. A-Rod had sued for medical malpractice, claiming a mis-diagnosis on his left hip that made him ineffective in the 2012 playoffs and unable to play for half of 2013. A-Rod's lawyer claims that he does not want any legal distractions as he gets himself back into playing shape for next season. Or it could be (and this is pure speculation) that A-Rod did not have a case and was simply trying to put any accountability somewhere else. In any case, there is no case. Case closed.

6/19/14: The timetable for the return of Yankees pitcher Michael Pineda continues to get pushed back. The latest update from New York manager Joe Girardi is that the pitcher is unlikely to return before August. He has been on the disabled list since May 6 due to a teres major strain in his right (throwing) shoulder. Girardi also added that he will start throwing this week, but will need a full six weeks to get back into shape - that is like going through another spring training. Despite the pine tar incidents earlier in the season that led to a suspension, he had posted a 1.83 ERA and a strike out to walk ratio of 15/3.

6/12/14: There is no doubt that Derek Jeter is a legend with the Yankees, is a surefire first ballot hall of famer, and has had a great career. Just not this season. In his final season, he is not the same player he was for the first 18 years of his career. His OPS and slugging percentage are among the worst in the league and has not been able to hit extra base hits. If he was a young guy, he would be on the bench or in the minors. But Jeter's presence goes beyond the batter's box, and he is a big reason that the Yankees have won a lot of World Series titles over the past two decades.

6/6/14: The Yankees took two of three from the St. Louis Cardinals last week, and that was the good news for the Yankees. The bad news is that the team has shut down starting pitcher Michael Pineda and may be lucky to get him back by the All-Star break. Pineda was scheduled to throw in a live spring training game (in June?), but an MRI showed inflammation in his upper back. Pineda, of course, was caught twice this season with pine tar and was suspended for the second violation. He actually had pitched well in his four starts, posting a 1.83 ERA with a 15 to 3 strikeout to walk ratio.

5/29/14: The Yankees are looking pretty smart and probably making the late George Steinbrenner proud. Not in their overall record, they are playing like an average team so far this season. But in their signing of Japanese league superstar pitcher Masahiro Tanaka. Tanaka fell to 5-1 on the season last week against the Cubs. Until then, he had not lost a game in nearly two full years - running his consecutive wins streak to a whopping 30 games. If he can continue to get five wins for every loss, then the Yankees will be thrilled with their $150 million investment.

5/22/14: There is plenty of time throughout the season to discuss how the Yankees are faring in the AL East and the pennant chase. For now, let's take a look at the swan song for shortstop Derek Jeter. He is one of the few players in any sport to get retirement gifts from his opponents. The Houston Astros gave him cowboy boots. The L.A. Angels gave him a pinstriped surfboard, but the Mets beat them both. They gave him a framed #2 made up of New York City subway tiles (with blue and orange trim. They also made a donation to his charity for $22,222.22. The Mets may not win on the field, but they know how to give a gift.

5/15/14: The 2014 season is long time Yankees' shortstop and future Hall of Famer Derek Jeter's final year, so there are going to be some interesting side stories along the way. In possibly his last visit to Anaheim, the Angels gave him a pinstriped surf board. In a game in Milwaukee last week, a fan rushed the field to ask Jeter for a hug. The fan got a more physical response from security. The Yankees wound up winning that game, 5-3. Masahiro Tanaka pitched into the seventh inning in the Yankees first visit to Milwaukee since 2005.

5/8/14: After two decades, it is tough to find new 'firsts' for legendary shortstop Derek Jeter. He found a dubious one last Friday in a 14 inning loss to the Tampa Bay Rays. Jeter went 0-7 at the plate, which included five ground outs and two fly outs. He has gone hitless in nearly 600 games in his career, which is equal to not getting a hit in four season's worth of regular season games. On the other hand, it would also be equivalent to getting a hit in every game for about 14 years - which is much nicer way to look at his career.

5/1/14: The Yankee's have a bit of a problem on their hands with starting pitcher Michael Pineda. Pineda was caught twice in the past few weeks with pine tar, both against the Red Sox. Nothing happened after the first incident, but the second one was far more egregious when he pasted it on his neck. Many pitchers, under the cloak of anonymity claim they use pine tar to help grip the ball. It actually seems like an accepted part of the game. However, with the obvious violations of Pineda, it is becoming a story. He was suspended for 10 games, which means he will likely miss two starts. Not really a tough punishment, but the Yankees will have to monitor him.

4/24/14: It looks like the Yankees may be back. While many people hate to see that, in all fairness, it is good for Major League Baseball when the Yankees are a competitive team. Through three weeks of the season, they held a two game lead on the AL East. They may just now be getting better, too. First baseman Mark Teixeira is back. If he can get anywhere near his all-star from from a few years ago, then this is a pretty formidable lineup. That is even more telling considering the Yankee's pitching has been pretty solid this season. It looks like the team is recommitted to winning after kind of taking the last couple of seasons off.

4/17/14: The Yankees are back with something to prove this season. They were shut out of the playoffs in 2013, so they have made some major upgrades for the final season of shortstop Derek Jeter's marvelous career. Through a couple weeks of the season, the Yankees have already found some controversy with a substance (believed to be pine tar) on the hand of starting pitcher Michael Pineda. Nothing came of it, but if it happens again...New York is a half game behind the Blue Jays, who have sprinted off to a strong start, winning five games on the road already.

Yankees Face Value Ticket Prices (Invidual Games 2013)

2/28/13: The Yankees got some good news and bad news this week. First, ace close Mauriano Soriano is making his first throws since tearing his ACL last year. He is getting old, but can still pitch. Hopefully for the Yankees, he can return to his previous dominant form. Next, team leader Derek Jeter is starting to practice again. He broke his ankle last year and does not believe that he will have any problem playing again. But the bad news is that Curtis Granderson broke his forearm after getting hit by a pitch. Granderson is out 10 weeks or two and a half months. Johnny Damon believes that he can fill in for the meantime, but it is a tough blow to start the season.

10/4/12 ? It took 162 games but the Yankees finally got the Baltimore Orioles off their backs to win the American League East. The New York Yankees manhandled the Boston Red Sox 14-2 to win their 13th AL East title in 17 years. Robinson Cano hit two home runs and drove in six runs. Curtis Granderson also hit two home runs and Hiroki Kuroda (16-11) pitched seven strong innings allowing only two runs to show the Yankees that he is ready for the postseason. With the Orioles loss to Tampa Bay earlier in the day, all the Yankees needed to do was win against Baltimore to wrap up the AL East. The Baltimore Orioles will still advance to the postseason, but have to play in the Wild Card game against the Texas Rangers. The Yankees will face the winner of their matchup.

The New York Yankees. Love them or hate then, it remains undisputed that the New York Yankees are the most illustrious franchise in the history of Major League Baseball. Or maybe even sports in general. While the name of the stadium shares the same name as the Yankee Stadium that opened in 1923, this definitely isn't your grandfather's Yankee Stadium. This newer version opened in 2009 and is a mixture of the illustrious history of the franchise and all the modern amenities expected in this day and age. Paying tribute to the history of the franchise, there are a number features for visitors to bask in the glow of Yankee past, such as an official museum. From champion rings, a ?Ball Wall', to countless other pieces of memorabilia, a step through the museum is a trip down baseball history. The gameday experience is as good as any you will find in the country. Clear viewing angles accommodate any seat in the house, in addition to 1,100 HD video monitors and a total space that is over 60 percent larger than the old Yankee stadium. In the stadium's short history, it has already seen plenty of noteworthy events. With the Yankees being the powerhouse franchise, they are involved in important games seemingly every year. In fact, in the very first year of the stadium, the Yankees won the World Series. The excellent facilities have also played host to several other types of events in the past. These events include college football games, boxing matches, and concerts. For a blend of old and new and a display of true sporting greatness, try Yankee Stadium (even if you plan to boo them the entire time).

In the most unexpected trade of the season, The New York Yankees have acquired Japanese outfielder Ichiro Suzuki from the Seattle Mariners. The Yankees sent minor league pitchers D.J. Mitchell and Danny Farquhar to Seattle in exchange for baseball's single-season hit king. Ichiro will become the Yankees regular left fielder, replacing the speedy injured Brett Gardner. The trade occurred with the Yankees in Seattle for a three-game series with the Mariners. Ichiro took a bow during his first at-bat as a Yankee and went straight to work grabbing his first hit and stealing his first base. The 38-year-old is hitting .261 with four homers and 16 stolen bases on the year.

The New York Yankees acquired Seattle Mariners' right fielder Ichiro Suzuki on Monday afternoon, dealing two minor league pitchers D.J. Mitchell and Danny Fahrquar. Ichiro, who the Yankees mainly acquired to fill a spot in the outfield while Brett Gardner is on the DL, made his debut for the Yankees on Monday night at Safeco Field against his former team only hours after he was traded. On Wednesday night, the Yankees lost Alex Rodriguez for 6-8 weeks when he was hit by a pitch in his wrist suffering a fracture that left him writhing in pain in the batter's box. The Yankees will open a three-game series with the Red Sox beginning on Friday night at Yankee Stadium.

The New York Yankees, who once upon a time were floundering in third place in the AL East, now have a commanding 5-game lead in first place ahead of the Baltimore Orioles. The 46-29 Yankees suffered a loss on Thursday night however, as the Chicago White Sox rallied for three runs in the top of the 9th inning in the first game of their four-game set with the Yankees. David Robertson was handed the loss in the 4-3 final. On Friday night, Adam Warren will make his first start for the Yankees in place of the injured CC Sabathia who is on the DL with a groin injury. Andy Pettitte also went down earlier this week, suffering a fractured ankle in his last start, which will likely keep him out for up to 2 months.

After winning 10 straight, the New York Yankees dropped the last two games of their three-game set with the Atlanta Braves this week, bringing them back down to earth just in time for a Subway Series rematch this weekend. The Yankees swept the Braves in Atlanta a few weeks ago, the Braves got their revenge back at Yankee Stadium this week. The loss went to Phil Hughes, who dropped to 7-6 on the season. The Yankees will send Andy Pettitte to the mound on Friday against the Mets' Jon Niese, followed by Ivan Nova on Saturday and CC Sabathia on Sunday, facing the 11-1 R.A. Dickey in what is sure to be a good-old-fashioned pitcher's duel.

The New York Yankees are red-hot right now and their bats are beginning to come alive, which usually means trouble for the rest of the league. Despite their bullpen problems and their shaky starting pitching, the Yankees have managed to roll off six straight wins, including back-to-back sweeps of the New York Mets and the Atlanta Braves. Winners of 9 of their last 10, the Yankees are now 37-25 and 0.5 games ahead of the Baltimore Orioles in first place in the AL East. A huge weekend series against the Washington Nationals looms ahead for the Yankees as they look to keep their hot-streak alive.

The New York Yankees are beginning to heat up at just the right time, as they open the first of two series against the New York Mets on Friday night at Yankee Stadium with Hiroki Kuroda on the mound going up against Mets' ace Johan Santana, fresh off of last Friday's no-hitter. The Yankees dropped the third game of their series with the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday night 7-3, but still came away with a series win and will head into their interleague matchup with their bats beginning to heat up. Increased production from the likes of Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez have led to the Yankees' recent success and they are 31-25, 0.5 games out of the division lead.

Andy Pettitte has been everything the New York Yankees could have asked for after the left hander came out of retirement. Pettitte has one 3-2 in five starts since rejoining the Yankees with a 2.78 ERA. Pettitte has gone at least six innings in all of his starts so far and at least seven in his last four. Pettitte was dominant in his last start striking out ten and giving up only two with no runs allowed in 7.1 innings against the Tampa Bay Rays. The Yankees hope Pettitte can spark the rest of the Yankees rotation, like the next night when Ivan Nova followed up Pettitte's performance allowing only one run in eight innings.

Stuck right in the middle of one of the most competitive divisions in baseball as we head into June, the 27-23 New York Yankees are 1.5 games behind the Orioles and Rays for the division lead and are beginning a weekend series against the Detroit Tigers on Friday night, the team that eliminated them from the postseason in 2011. CC Sabathia will be on the mound in the first game of the series, and at 6-2 with a 3.66 ERA so far this season, he's been the only stable, reliable arm in the Yankees' shaky starting rotation. The rest of the rotation has been inconsistent and Yankees lineup has not been able to rely on the long-ball as of late, which has been a factor in their recent struggles.

Stuck right in the middle of one of the most competitive divisions in baseball as we head into June, the 27-23 New York Yankees are 1.5 games behind the Orioles and Rays for the division lead and are beginning a weekend series against the Detroit Tigers on Friday night, the team that eliminated them from the postseason in 2011. CC Sabathia will be on the mound in the first game of the series, and at 6-2 with a 3.66 ERA so far this season, he's been the only stable, reliable arm in the Yankees' shaky starting rotation. The rest of the rotation has been inconsistent and Yankees lineup has not been able to rely on the long-ball as of late, which has been a factor in their recent struggles. Andy Pettitte has been everything the New York Yankees could have asked for after the left hander came out of retirement. Pettitte has one 3-2 in five starts since rejoining the Yankees with a 2.78 ERA. Pettitte has gone at least six innings in all of his starts so far and at least seven in his last four. Pettitte was dominant in his last start striking out ten and giving up only two with no runs allowed in 7.1 innings against the Tampa Bay Rays. The Yankees hope Pettitte can spark the rest of the Yankees rotation, like the next night when Ivan Nova followed up Pettitte's performance allowing only one run in eight innings. The New York Yankees are beginning to heat up at just the right time, as they open the first of two series against the New York Mets on Friday night at Yankee Stadium with Hiroki Kuroda on the mound going up against Mets' ace Johan Santana, fresh off of last Friday's no-hitter. The Yankees dropped the third game of their series with the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday night 7-3, but still came away with a series win and will head into their interleague matchup with their bats beginning to heat up. Increased production from the likes of Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez have led to the Yankees' recent success and they are 31-25, 0.5 games out of the division lead. The New York Yankees are red-hot right now and their bats are beginning to come alive, which usually means trouble for the rest of the league. Despite their bullpen problems and their shaky starting pitching, the Yankees have managed to roll off six straight wins, including back-to-back sweeps of the New York Mets and the Atlanta Braves. Winners of 9 of their last 10, the Yankees are now 37-25 and 0.5 games ahead of the Baltimore Orioles in first place in the AL East. A huge weekend series against the Washington Nationals looms ahead for the Yankees as they look to keep their hot-streak alive. After winning 10 straight, the New York Yankees dropped the last two games of their three-game set with the Atlanta Braves this week, bringing them back down to earth just in time for a Subway Series rematch this weekend. The Yankees swept the Braves in Atlanta a few weeks ago, the Braves got their revenge back at Yankee Stadium this week. The loss went to Phil Hughes, who dropped to 7-6 on the season. The Yankees will send Andy Pettitte to the mound on Friday against the Mets' Jon Niese, followed by Ivan Nova on Saturday and CC Sabathia on Sunday, facing the 11-1 R.A. Dickey in what is sure to be a good-old-fashioned pitcher's duel. The New York Yankees, who once upon a time were floundering in third place in the AL East, now have a commanding 5-game lead in first place ahead of the Baltimore Orioles. The 46-29 Yankees suffered a loss on Thursday night however, as the Chicago White Sox rallied for three runs in the top of the 9th inning in the first game of their four-game set with the Yankees. David Robertson was handed the loss in the 4-3 final. On Friday night, Adam Warren will make his first start for the Yankees in place of the injured CC Sabathia who is on the DL with a groin injury. Andy Pettitte also went down earlier this week, suffering a fractured ankle in his last start, which will likely keep him out for up to 2 months.

5/31/12 - New York Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira is starting to heat up. Teixeira hit .458 with three doubles, four home runs and nine RBIs during the Yankees six game West Coast road trip. The Yankees hope Teixeira's success against the Oakland A's and Los Angeles Angels can reverse what has been a slow start to the season. The Yankees need their first baseman to start hitting in order to erase their current deficit in the AL East. A Teixeria take off could spark a middle of the lineup, including Robinson Cano and Alex Rodriguez, that has recently struggled hitting with runners in scoring position.

5/25/12 After a rough stretch in which they lost 6 out of 7 games to the Baltimore Orioles, Toronto Blue Jays, Cincinnati Reds, and Kansas City Royals, the New York Yankees managed to win the final two games of their series with Kansas City and get back on track once again. They were helped out by a 2 HR effort from Alex Rodriguez on Wednesday in an 8-3 win over the Royals. Now, the 23-21 Yankees, in 4th place in the AL East, will start a three-game set with the Oakland Athletics on Friday night with Ivan Nova on the mound. On Saturday, Yankees ace CC Sabathia will go up against former Yankee Bartolo Colon.

5/18/12 With injuries to Mariano Rivera and David Robertson all but decimating their bullpen, the New York Yankees were swept by the Toronto Blue Jays in a short 2-game series this week. Beginning on Friday night, they will open their first interleague series of the year as the Cincinnati Reds visit the Bronx. The Yankees' pitching, which many thought would be vastly improved heading into this season, as now proved to be their biggest issue, with injuries to their key bullpen staples and starter Michael Pineda putting gaping holes in their staff. Poor starts by Freddy Garcia and Phil Hughes have only made matters worse. Andy Pettitte will make his second start of the season against Cincinnati on Friday night.

5/11/12 The devastating loss of legendary closer Mariano Rivera to an ACL tear has taken its toll already, as the Yankees saw new closer David Robertson blow a late lead to the Tampa Bay Rays in the second game of their three-game set. The Yankees were able to take the rubber-match from the Rays however, and with a 17-14 record are 2.5 games out of first place in the AL East, behind the division-leading Baltimore Orioles and Tampa Bay Rays, who are both 20-12. The Yanks are certainly not struggling to produce offensively, as they are third in the league in slugging percentage, on-base percentage and batting average.

5/3/12 - New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera was taken off the field of Kauffman Stadium during batting practice after he twisted his knee trying to catch a fly ball before Thursday's game between the Yankees and Kansas City Royals. Rivera is a regular fixture catching balls during batting practice as a way to stay in shape. The durable closer was running toward the center-field wall when his knee buckled and he crashed into the wall. He was taken off the field in a cart and evaluated by both Royals' and Yankees' physicians. The Yankees announced a diagnosis of a twisted right knee. Rivera was taken to Kansas University MedWest hospital for an MRI. This season, Rivera is 1-1 with five saves and a 2.16 ERA.

5/4/12 With Mariano Rivera falling victim to an ACL injury during batting practice before the New York Yankees' series-opening game against the Kansas City Royals, the Yankees have lost their future Hall of Fame closer for what is likely to be the rest of the season. With David Robertson likely to take his place, the Yankees will have a gaping hole in their bullpen, the likes of which they haven't seen in years. At 13-12, the Yankees are currently in 4th place in the AL East, 4.5 games behind the division-leading Tampa Bay Rays. They have lost three in a row and six of their last nine games.

4/24/12 - Michael Pined