The New Guys

Kevin Youkilis, Travis Hafner, and Vernon Wells are currently leading the Yankees to a 10-8 record and 2nd place in the AL East. Please take the time to reread that last sentence, and when you do, keep in mind that this is 2013, not 2008. Youkilis, a former Red Sox; Hafner, an oft-injured swing-for-the-fences hitter; and Vernon Wells, a seven-year, $126 million bust, are leading the Yankee offense (with a little help from a guy named Robinson Cano). Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixeira, and Curtis Granderson are all injured, therefore, someone had to step up to the plate, literally. Take a look at these numbers:

Through 16 games:

Kevin Youkilis: .295 BA/2 HR/9 RBI

Travis Hafner: .319 BA/5 HR/10 RBI

Vernon Wells: .317 BA/5 HR/8 RBI

However, the real question is whether these reborn sluggers can keep up the pace. Both Hafner and Wells have nose-dived off a cliff in terms of production the past couple of years, and Youkilis has seemingly been on the decline since the trade to the White Sox at the Trade Deadline last year. Regardless, watching these elder statesmen attempt to recapture their former glory should be an entertaining endeavor, and one that could potentially result in a championship for the New York Yankees.

Travis Hafner has as many stolen bases as Brett Gardner. Just saying.

The Manoman

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