For a majority of their long and tradition-rich history, the New York Yankees have been looked upon by many as a team that pays whatever they have to in order to land the best players and biggest names in Major League Baseball.
Although that premise is not entirely false, the 2013 Yanks are currently putting together a campaign no one saw coming and they're doing it with cost-effective talent.
With multiple injuries to highly paid athletes including third baseman Alex Rodriguez, first baseman Mark Teixeira, an early-season injury to starting centerfielder Curtis Granderson and Yankee captain Derek Jeter, New York was not expected to be competitive - at least not until their corps group of players returned to the everyday line-up.
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Despite being bombarded by the injury bug, the Yankees have silenced doubters everywhere as they currently hold a record of 28-18 and sit atop the American League East standings.
The first-place Bronx Bombers now head to division-rival Tampa Bay Friday night where they'll begin a three-game series that could indicate just how good both teams really are.
WHEN AND WHERE TO WATCH
First pitch on Friday, May 24th is set to be thrown at 7:10pm, EDT. Television coverage will be provided by local channels MY9-TV across the New York area and the Sun Sports Network across Tampa. Fans can also view the game through MLB.TV.
David Phelps (2-2, 3.83 ERA) gets the start for New York while Tampa will counter with Roberto Hernandez (2-4, 5.2 ERA)
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Team Breakdown - New York Yankees (28-18, 1st place AL East)
Despite injuries to many of their power bats, New York has not struggled to hit the long ball, largely due to the fact that first year team members Travis Hafner (8 HR's), Vernon Wells (10 HR's) and Lyle Overbay (7 HR's) continue to shoulder the load.
Second baseman Robinson Cano is on a tear since struggling early on. In 46 games this season, Cano is batting a stellar .289 while clubbing 13 home runs and driving in 33 runs. His steady performance coupled with the play of the aforementioned trio keeps the Yanks offense afloat while multiple players continue to get healthy.
The New York pitching staff has been solid this season as well.
Hiroki Kuroda - who left last night's loss at Baltimore in the 3rd inning with a bruised right calf - is off to a tremendous start, leading the team in wins (6) and ERA (2.67). Andy Pettitte has given the Yankees veteran leadership and consistency in the rotation as well while CC Sabathia continues to anchor the staff, posting a 4-3 record with a 3.43 ERA and 56 strikeouts in 65.2 innings.
As they enter a three-game set with the rival Rays, New York has a ½ game lead on the Boston Red Sox and a 4-game lead on Tampa Bay.
Team Breakdown - Tampa Bay Rays (24-22, 4th place Al East)
Despite the fact that they're 2 games above .500 through 46 games, Tampa currently finds themselves fourth in the East, behind the Yankees, Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles.
Led by All-Star third baseman Evan Longoria and his .335 batting average, the Rays know how important division contests are even if some of the personnel in the other clubhouse may be somewhat unfamiliar.
"I think this division, although it's shaken up right now and it's probably not what everybody would have predicted the first day of the season," Longoria said to MLB reporters. "I think it's going to be pretty similar to what people predict in the end."
Along with a high average, the 27-year-old third baseman leads the team in home runs and RBI with 9 and 29 respectively.
Heading into the series opener with the Yankees, Tampa starter Roberto Hernandez is hoping to find improved success, facing a team he has struggled mightily against throughout his career. Hernandez has the ability to control the strike zone and collect a high number of strikeouts but has a sky-high 7.16 ERA in his career against the Yankees.
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Yanks/Rays Wrap-Up
Tampa took 2 of 3 from the Yankees back in April so the ability to take down New York is certainly there. As the Yankees and Tampa enter another series that should provide plenty of entertainment, be sure to tune in for the Friday night tilt from Tropicana Field in Tampa.
First pitch is set for Friday, May 24th at 7:10pm, EDT with coverage available through MLB.TV and local channels MY9 in New York and Sun Sports TV across the Tampa area.
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