Another Hitting Slump

Since Sunday, the Yankees' starting lineup has been awful. They have been hitting .177 since Sunday, when a "reincarnated" Oliver Perez blew them away. The Yankees are also averaging nearly a run per game. These long slumps have occured earlier this year and in the 1st half of last season, so it means it's been like this since the Yankees hired AAA hitting coach Kevin Long. The fans are not the only ones that are concerned. "We've got to start hitting. It's getting ridiculous. They've got to start waking up. They've shown in flashes what they can still do" said Hank Steinbrenner in an interview with the AP. In addition to the hitting, Jorge Posada is having problems throwing out runners. Jose Molina is more effective defensively, but Molina can also weaken the lineup. In the near-future, Posada will most likely play first base and DH. The next several days will be crucial for the Yankees, as they will face the Red Sox and Rays.