Brian Cashman can talk all the crap that he wants. The New York Yankees organization can turn their backs on Alex Rodriguez, but the fact is, he changed the fate of the Bronx Bombers. Let's not call him a hero yet. There are over 30 games remaining in the season, but since Aug. 5, the Yankees are the beast team in the A.L. East.
Rodriguez has been a solid addition to the Yankees' lineup. He's hitting .296 with a .387 on-base percentage, two home runs and six RBI. The only thing distracting about A-Rod is the way the media is treating his current situation with the Yankee organization and MLB. The Yankee players have put this in the past and they are winning games.
No Yankee is happier to see A-Rod than Robinson Cano. He is the first Yankee at the top steps, handing 10's (double high-fives) to A-Rod when he produces for the Yankees. Yes, Alfonso Soriano has provided protection, but A-Rod has helped Cano greatly. Since Aug. 5, Cano is hitting a ridiculous .459 with a .535 OBP, two home runs, 11 RBI and only three strikeouts in 71 plate appearances.
The Yankees are far from truly making a run in the A.L. East division, but it doesn't hurt to intimidate teams a month before the conclusion of the season. As September rolls around, if the Yankees win consistently, they can stay within striking distance of the top teams in the division. They are 6.5 games behind the Boston Red Sox, 5.5 behind the Tampa Bay Rays and only a game behind the Baltimore Orioles. After winning the first three games against the Toronto Blue Jays, the Yankees have won four straight games and eight of their last 10 games.
Do you believe in Yankee magic? A-Rod could be a cheater, but at 38 and a deteriorated body, he's still making a difference in the Yankee lineup. The Yankees have a chance to sweep the Blue Jays Thursday night in the Bronx.
Here's a look at the A.L. East standings entering Thursday:
Boston: 75-54
Tampa Bay: 72-53
Baltimore: 68-58
New York: 67-59
Toronto: 57-70
