Check out the A.L. Wildcard Standings as of this moment:

Team		W	L	Pct	GB in LC
Red Sox		57	43	.570	   -
Twins		55	43	.561	   0
Yankees		53	45	.541	   2

The Yankees, this season, to date, have been flawed. If you don’t think so, check the A.L. team rankings for OPS with RISP. Only the M’s and Blue Jays are worse than the Yankees. And, check the A.L. team rankings for Defensive Efficiency. Only the M’s, Twins and Rangers are worse than the Yankees.

The Yankees, this season, to date, have been somewhat mediocre. If you don’t think so, check their run differential through today. The Yankees have now scored 449 runs and allowed 417 runs – and that’s pretty close to one scored for every one allowed.

Yet, despite being a flawed and somewhat mediocre performer, so far this season, the Yankees now find themselves two games back in the loss column of the current A.L. Wildcard leader.

Pretty interesting, huh?

So, mark down today’s date. As of the close of business on July 20th, with 64 games left to their season, the New York Yankees are in legitimate position to make a run for a 2008 post-season berth.

Granted, the Yankees have a tough schedule ahead of them. And, as mentioned, they have not played great, so far, this season. But, they still have a shot at some October baseball – thanks to the recent play of several other A.L. contenders.

So, now is time for the Yankees to go on a run and play better. And, now is the time for the Yankees front office to bolster the team’s roster where needed. Looking at the Yankees position in the Wildcard standings, and the amount of games left this season, it’s basically now or never for the Yankees to make a statement.

And, if they don’t, when the season is over, we can look back to July 20th – and see how close the prize was from their hand – and lament about them spitting the bit.

So, whaddaya say Yankees? What’s it going to be? It’s time to “step up” or (as they say on the street) “step off.” Hey, it’s July 20th, and, now, thanks to some good fortune, it’s gut check time for the New York Yankees.

Cool beans. And, very exciting, no?