What Are The New York Yankees Playoff Chances?

The New York Yankees are currently battling for a spot in this year's playoffs, something that might come as a surprise to some due to the way their season has gone thus far. This same Yankee team has lost 80 percent of their starting rotation. This is the same team whose offense has been virtually non-existent. Yet, the Yankees are only 3.5 games back of the second Wild Card. However, the Yankees are still in danger of missing the playoffs for the second straight year.

With their lineup underachieving essentially all year, general manager Brian Cashman acquired Martin Prado from the Arizona Diamondbacks and Stephen Drew from the Boston Red Sox Thursday. Earlier this season, the Yankees acquired Brandon McCarthy, Chase Headley, and Chris Capuano. All of these players were traded for low-level young talent and cash. All of these players have overachieved and showed they are capable of helping the Yankees more than most thought as they have made an impact.

The Yankees probably did not see themselves as a team that needed to make trades when the season first began. The Yankees acquired costless agents Brian McCann, Carlos Beltran, Jacoby Ellsbury, and Masahiro Tanaka in the offseason. Masahiro Tanaka is currently on the DL due to a partially torn ligament in his elbow. Brian McCann and Carlos Beltran's offensive productivity have been no where near as good as they were in the past. Jacoby Ellsbury has provided positive results, but could still be better. The Yankees spent $438,000,000 on these players and expected better results.The Yankee offense currently ranks 17th in baseball.

"Offensively we need to be better," Cashman said.

Even with all the recent activity, the Yankees still need starting rotation help. Recently, Michael Pineda has been put on a rehab assignment. According to manager Joe Girardi, Pineda looked good in a simulated game workout. Pineda is scheduled to make his first rehab start Sunday. He will throw four innings and 60-65 pitches. The level is still to be determined, but Pineda will make three rehab starts before the Yankees bring him back. Pineda could return this year. If everything goes right for Masahiro Tanaka, he will return within the year as well. They are both quality pitchers and could help the Yankees make a playoff run.

The Yankees have made improvements to their roster. The question is whether those improvements are good enough to beat their division rivals such as the Toronto Blue Jays and Baltimore Orioles. It is very possible for the Yankees to make the playoffs, however, in order for that to happen their new acquisitions have to pay off. The odds may be stacked against them, but do not be surprised if you see the Yankees playing October baseball again this year.