AL East Round Up: Opening Week Edition

Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

New York Yankees:

Oh, man. The Yankees started the season in Houston. They probably were pretty excited about that. Until they found themselves down early. The very first inning of 2014 saw C.C. Sabathia give up 4 runs and followed it up with 2 more in the second. That was the Houston Astros needed to hand the Yankees their first loss of 2014. But, they would also take care of the Yankees the next day too as the Yanks’ offense was quiet mustering only a single run. So far one of the few bright spots has been Masahiro Tanaka. He went 7 innings against the Blue Jays on Friday striking out 8 and only giving up 2 runs. The Yankees won the Jays’ home opener. It was exactly what the Yankees needed. If he can continue this, Tanaka will quickly develop his reputation as an ace. Michael Pineda also chipped in a solid start on Saturday in a losing effort in the second game against the Blue Jays. Sabathia will try and get bakc on track against the Jays in the series finale.

Offensively, the Yankees are led by a surprise in Yangervis Solarte (.538/.600/.769) This rookie is just raking right now. While there are so many veteran bats in that lineup, it is a surprise that Solarte is having such an impact. Perhaps that tells you the real story about the Yankees offense. Derek Jeter is batting .182. Carlos Beltran is batting .158. In 4 games, Alfonso Soriano doesn’t even have an average! However, Jacoby Ellsbury is batting .375 and leads the league with 3 stolen bases. He’s healthy…for now.

NOTES:

-Probably the most significant note is that on Mark Teixeira. He says his wrist may never feel the same AND he came out of Friday’s game in the second inning after chasing a foul ball. He is now on the 15 day DL nursing a strained hamstring. This is bad news for the Yankees considering Tex missed nearly all of last season due to injuries. See? This is why you don’t give away contracts for a hundred years and a bajillion dollars!