The Yankees, Unobstructed August 28

Doggin' it During the Dog Days of Summer

Just a short entry to post this week. A few observations....

The Yankees have hit a bit of a "blah" patch, which is not uncommon for teams in late August that are under little pressure to win each game. You can see it in the mannerisms of everyone on the team (except the ever-professional Hideki Matsui). They're just not into it right now.

Well snap out of it guys! You've got a light schedule for the next week and a half, and you can use that time to pull a little bit further ahead.

Robsinson Cano, kinda suckin' it up out there lately.

Remember when everyone was fawning over the Yankees' bullpen. Those days are long gone now. While the 'pen continues to be anchored strong in the 8th and 9th, any game requiring a substitute pitcher in the seventh inning or before has become a toss-up.

In the debate between Derek Jeter and Mark Teixeira, for "most deserving of coming in a close-second to Joe Mauer in the MVP voting" this year, the answer is Teixeira. Sorry Captain, but Tex started carrying this team when it was in the dregs of the AL East. Jeter's late-season push is beautiful and inspiring, but ultimately, Tex is #1 on this team.

I expect that most Yankees fans would disagree with that sentiment.

NOTE: Make sure to check back on Fridays for The Yankees, Unobstructed, BNN's weekly (and usually longer) Yankees opinion column.

For more of Graham Kates' sports writing, check out his True/Slant blog "Coaches in the Crosshairs" (www.trueslant.com/grahamkates).