In the first half the Yankees offense paled in comparison to the 2007 version. Some of this was due to the injuries to Alex Rodriguez and Jorge Posada, the two main offensive contributors from 2007. But, that was just part of the problem. The bulk of the problem was underpreformance from Robinson Cano, Derek Jeter, and Bobby Abreu.

PECOTA Projected OPS (Actual 1st half OPS)

Cano: .814 (.643)
Jeter .794 (.740)
Abreu .836 (.781)

Now, the fact that Posada may miss the rest of the season is a new problem entirely. But, when focusing on how the Yankees can get more offensive output, it’s pretty simple: wait for these three to get back to their means. Cano, Jeter and Abreu have become the most important players for the Yankees for the rest of the season. If they hit, they’ll have enough offense to win. If not… well, you know.

Last night, the big 3 went 6-for-14 with a homer and the Yankees won 12-4. It’s not a coincidence. These three need to provide offense down the stretch. ARod and Giambi can’t do it by themselves all the time. I think all three will have big second halfs and the Yankees will make the playoffs because of it.