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Wednesday, July 12
Yankees fans give midseason report
We told you what we thought of the Yankees' first-half performance, now you've told us. Here is what you had to say about what the Yankees have to do in the second half:

The Yankees, despite their underachieving first-half of the season, are the best bet to win the American League pennant. And hopefully, all the nonsense surrounding the possible acquisition of Sosa can be put to rest.

Hal Borkow
Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.

The first half of the season has been somewhat of a disappointment to us "spoiled" Yankee fans; however, keep in mind we are still in first place. Despite the beat-up starting rotation and all of the rumors each and every day that the Yanks are getting Sosa, Gonzales or "You pick 'em", the team has stayed focused and professional. I am not sold on the team making any changes unless they can pick up a solid starting pitcher.

John Hajnik
Clayton, Ohio

“ Is it time to start looking at another career for Coney? ”
— Christopher Dwyer

This year has taken on the feeling of 1997, when it was obvious that it just wasn't our year. However, we've played just about as poorly as we could have and we're still in first place at the break. Once the starting pitching rights itself we will be fine. We started playing our best ball of the season just before the break. Once the Yanks make it into the postseason - look out!

Joe Jaffe
Bronx, N.Y.

With El Duque, Clemens, and Pettitte, the Yanks still have three solid starters, which is more than most of their competitors. The key is Mennn-dozaahhh! If he can return and fill Cone's shoes in the rotation, look for the Yanks to win the east.

Earl Bodkins
Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Is it time to start looking at another career for Coney? I like the guy as much as anyone, but 1-7 isn't cutting it.

Christopher Dwyer
San Diego

The Yanks will be fine. Cone will start to win and they don't need more pitching since you only need three or four starters in the playoffs. They'll pick up someone (Burks, Alou, Gant, etc.) to more than adequately replace Spencer (who wasn't a clutch performer) and they'll be fine.

Clint Gerdine
Largo, Md.

“ ...the 2 outta 4 baseballs given to them is totally bologna. Fuhgedaboutit! ”
— Michael O'Brien

I feel that the careers of David Cone and Roger Clemens, both in their late thirties, is on a downfall. They are great pitchers, but I think age is starting to show its signs. The Yanks need to acquire some youthful arms (although there is not much available), to build up their rotation in the future. El Duque is no spring chicken either. Although David Justice was a nice addition, the Yankees don't seem to have much trouble with their hitting.

Jeremy Baron
Somerville, Mass.

I think it is kind of ridiculous that every season the Yankees are never good enough to stick with the players they have and try to win. I would have more respect for the World Champs each season if they did not have to go out trade because they are scared that they aren't good enough. New York can't win the Series every year or baseball will suffer.

Blair Henry
Dubuque, Iowa

The question mark is the bench (or lack thereof). Last year, Shane Spencer, Ricky Ledee, Joe Girardi, Darryl Strawberry, and Luis Sojo anchored the strongest bench in the big leagues. With Spencer's season-ending injury, Ledee in Cleveland, Girardi in Chicago, and Darryl suspended, the bench now consists of Felix Jose, Clay Bellinger, Jose Vizcaino, Chris Turner, and the minor leaguer of the week.

Mike Pacella
Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

Under Joe Torre, the Yanks' success has always been dictated by the starting pitching. So far this season, they've been able to stay near the top despite Cone's collapse and the relative ineffectiveness of the other starters.

Steve Pasierb
Somerset, N.J.

They have pitching (when they get healthy), offense, and playoff experience. And those are all key factors in winning in October. And their bullpen is probably the best in the game. And that's real big too. Now in closing, the 2 outta 4 baseballs given to them is totally bologna. Fuhgedaboutit!

Michael O'Brien
Freehold, N.J.

If the Yanks lose two games in a row that's it! It's all over and everybody is talking about what we need to buy to be better! What Yanks fans really need is some patience!

G. Rhydian Morgan
Birmingham, England

After watching Sosa in the All-Star Home Run Derby, George is probably counting the lost dollars. But his sudden interest in the opinions of his 'baseball people' is the one thing that gives the Yanks a chance at dynasty.

Julian Tan
Morristown, N.J.

If they remove Cone from the starting rotation permanently, they'll be fine. If they try him out of the bullpen (Mendoza/Cone swap) maybe he'll shine again, otherwise release him and go after Mussina.

Mitchell Medina
Bayamon, Puerto Rico

 

ALSO SEE
Midseason report: New York Yankees

MLB midseason reports