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Slow Start Lands Yankees in Unfamiliar AL East Cellar

20-24 team has fallen to last place in division

By Doug Sweeney,  Newser Staff

Posted May 20, 2008 2:10 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Last place is unfamiliar territory for the Yankees. Since 1912 the Bronx Bombers have only finished there twice, compared to 26 world titles. This year, however, they have bungled their way to a 20-24 record and find themselves looking up, record-wise in the AL, not only at division foes like the Tampa Bay Rays but also at the Royals and the Athletics, three teams whose combined payroll is barely three-fourths of New York, reports USA Today.

"It starts with me. Put it on me," said manager Joe Girardi. The New York media, and fans, surely will if things don’t turn around. However, it’s unlikely that the Yankees will remain cellar dwellers for the rest of the season: one important missing cog in their offensive juggernaut, Alex Rodriguez, returns today, and another, Jorge Posada, may follow within the month.

New York Yankees catcher Jorge Posada, left, watches as third baseman Alex Rodriguez misplays a pop fly for an error in the first inning against the Tampa Bay Devils Rays during MLB baseball Monday.
New York Yankees catcher Jorge Posada, left, watches as third baseman Alex Rodriguez misplays a pop fly for an error in the first inning against the Tampa Bay Devils Rays during MLB baseball Monday.   (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Devil Rays vs Yankees
Devil Rays vs Yankees   (Getty Images)
New York Yankees third baseman Alberto Gonzalez misses a pop-up by New York Mets' Carlos Delgado in foul territory during the ninth inning with two outs in Major League Baseball action Saturday.
New York Yankees third baseman Alberto Gonzalez misses a pop-up by New York Mets' Carlos Delgado in foul territory during the ninth inning with two outs in Major League Baseball action Saturday.   (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Home plate umpire Rob Drake, left, signals Toronto Blue Jays' Russ Adams safe after New York Yankees catcher Jorge Posada dropped the ball for an error allowing Adams to score during seventh inning.
Home plate umpire Rob Drake, left, signals Toronto Blue Jays' Russ Adams safe after New York Yankees catcher Jorge Posada dropped the ball for an error allowing Adams to score during seventh inning.   (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Yankees' Robinson Cano loses the ball as he tried to field a ball hit by New York Mets' Jose Reyes during the second inning of their baseball game, Saturday, May 19, 2007.
New York Yankees' Robinson Cano loses the ball as he tried to field a ball hit by New York Mets' Jose Reyes during the second inning of their baseball game, Saturday, May 19, 2007.   (AP Photo/Ed Betz)
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