Aaron Boone graded his team as “incomplete” for the first half. Inadequate would be more accurate. Not good enough for sure. 

As the Yankees manager often says — and reiterated on Sunday — “all the hopes and dreams are right there and still exist for us.” Indeed, the Yankees are not like the Rockies or White Sox. They possess enough talent in a diluted American League that winning a second consecutive pennant is within reach. 

However, this will not materialize if the Yankees continue performing as they have over the past seven weeks. The Yankees are not measured against teams like the Rockies and White Sox. Instead, they are measured against their history, payroll, and high expectations. The way they have played since late May in general, and mid-June more specifically, makes reaching the playoffs a daunting task, irrespective of the league’s weakened state. 

The challenge stems from the left side of their infield, which is problematic. Their rotation and power-deprived bullpen are both lacking depth. Their offense, reliant on home runs, can explode for 10 runs or stall completely, which explains how the Yankees can have the majors’ second-best run differential yet still be underperforming.