Chuck,
I think the Yankees are in even tougher straights this year.
1) Matsui and Sheffield, first they have a major problem in that it is their wrists, Nomar and other have taken a couple of years before they were better, that is why I don't feel Wily Mo will be full strength either.
2) The next problem for those two is the timing of their return. It is likely they won't have the minor leagues to rehab in as those seasons will be coming to a close.
3) It is highly unlikely they can catch the lightning in the bottle they got last year. I think you can honestly see Small and Chacon's second half as a fluke that is unlikely to occur again.
4) We don't know about the Sox and the injury bug for the second half, but if the Sox injury report is no worse than the first half they will continue to do well. Teams with good pitching and great defense rarely slump for very long. The Sox do not have to overcome Schilling and no closer this year.
5) The Red Sox question marks, other than Foulke have worked out very well. Schilling is back on track for an attempt at twenty games won. Beckett has shown no sign of blisters and is also on track for twenty wins. Lowell has done what I expected him to do, be the top runner for comeback player of the year.
I know the Yankees have had injuries but so have the Red Sox. Coco was out for 50 games, Wells has been out, as have been several of their role players.
We talked before the season about the two teams depth, Boston has managed their injuries better, thanks to that depth.
As I said earlier, the Yankees have made to many late season recoveries to count them out, but it will take a lot for them to do it. The wild card, improved Red Sox defense, the schedule, Toronto all will be added hurdles to overcome.
I agree with Peg, pitching is a priority. The Red Sox need Clement and or Wells to come back. The Yankees need to see Pavano return, Dotel to recover and to see some consistency from Moose, RJ and Wright.
That said, the Yankees need something for the bottom of the lineup, 7-8-9 aren't scaring anyone right now.
