Regular Season Record Last Week: 3-0 (28 RS, 7 RA)
Regular Season Record: 95-67 (804 RS, 668 RA, 96-66 pythag. record), won AL East by two games
Playoff Record: 1-0 lead in ALDS (7 RS, 2 RA)
Playoff Schedule This Week: ALDS Game Two @ Orioles (Mon.), Tues. OFF, ALDS Game Three vs. Orioles (Weds.), ALDS Game Four vs. Orioles (Thurs., if necessary), ALDS Game Five vs. Orioles (Fri., if necessary)

Top stories from last week:

• The Yankees came home to the Bronx for the final three games of the regular season on Monday, and they hammered Clay Buchholz in the opener against the Red Sox. Raul Ibanez was the late-inning hero in Tuesday’s win, then they blew Boston out in the season finale. The Yankees clinched the AL East and the best overall record in the league on the final day of the season.
• The Orioles beat the Rangers in the wildcard play-in game on Friday, setting up an intra-divison ALDS matchup. The Yankees took the series opener last night behind CC Sabathia and a big late-inning rally.
• Injury News: Mariano Rivera (knee) threw off flat ground in August but is not a consideration for the postseason. Brett Gardner (elbow) has been cleared by doctors and has no restrictions moving forward. Jayson Nix (hip) worked out late last week. Top pitching prospect Manny Banuelos (elbow) had Tommy John surgery last week and will miss all of next season.
• Both Gardner and Nix were healthy enough to make the ALDS roster over Andruw Jones, Casey McGehee, and others. Derek Lowe made the cut over Ivan Nova and Cody Eppley. Andy Pettitte will start Game Two while Hiroki Kuroda will start Game Three.
• On the minor league side, the Yankees hired former top prospect Drew Henson as a coach. They also re-signed RHP Matt Daley while signing LHP Abel Mora. LHP Justin Thomas was outrighted to Triple-A. OF Zoilo Almonte will play winter ball.
• OF Tyler Austin, C Gary Sanchez, and OF Mason Williams all cracked Baseball America’s top 20 Low-A South Atlantic League prospects list. The Yankees were shut out of the Short Season NY-Penn League list, however.
• The Yankees secured the 29th overall pick in the 2013 draft, though they could also forfeit that pick as free agent compensation this winter.
• MLB finalized new eight-year broadcasting agreements with FOX and TBS that will more than double the revenue given to each team. Derek Jeter topped jersey sales for the third straight year.
• Hal Steinbrenner said jobs are not on the line pending the team’s finish in the postseason.

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Record Last Week: 4-3 (40 RS, 29 RA)
Season Record: 92-67 (776 RS, 661 RA, 92-67 pythag. record), tied atop AL East
Opponents This Week: vs. Red Sox (three games, Mon. to Weds.)

Top stories from last week:

• The week started with three games in Minnesota, and Andy Pettitte carried the Yankees to a series-opening win. The bullpen blew a lead the next day, but CC Sabathia righted the ship with a dominant showing on Wednesday.
• The Yankees headed up to Toronto for a four-game weekend series, though they got shutout in the opener. A blowout win followed in the second game, but they were unable to capitalize on numerous chances on Saturday. Yesterday’s win was of the late-inning comeback variety.
• Injury News: Mark Teixeira (calf) is scheduled to rejoin the team today after working out in Instructional League last week. Jayson Nix (hip) will be out 10-14 days with a Grade I left hip flexor strain. Robinson Cano (hand) is fine after getting hit by a pitch. Alex Rodriguez (foot) is fine after fouling a ball of his left foot. Pat Venditte (shoulder) is out until mid-2013 following surgery.
• Both Brett Gardner (elbow) and David Aardsma (elbow) were activated off the DL on Monday. Steve Pearce and Justin Thomas were designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster, and Pearce was claimed off waivers by the Orioles.
• The Yankees clinched a wildcard spot with yesterday’s win (and the Angels’ loss). They can still win the division and finish with the best record in the AL, but at least now they’re locking into a playoff spot.

Please take a second to answer the poll below and give us an idea of how confident you are in the team. You can view the interactive Fan Confidence Graph anytime via the nav bar above, or by clicking here. Thanks in advance for voting.

Record Last Week: 5-1 (32 RS, 25 RA)
Season Record: 88-64 (736 RS, 632 RA, 87-65 pythag. record), 1.0 game up in AL East
Opponents This Week: @ Twins (three games, Mon. to Weds.), @ Blue Jays (four games, Thurs. to Sun.)

Top stories from last week:

• The Yankees had Monday off, then rain postponed Tuesday’s series opener against the Blue Jays. Andy Pettitte returned to the rotation and pitched the Yankees to a win in the first game of Wednesday’s doubleheader, then Ichiro Suzuki got the big hit in the nightcap. Ichiro and Nick Swisher pounded the Jays in the series finale.
• The Athletics came to the Bronx for a three-game weekend set, and the Yankees took the opener on a Russell Martin walk-off homer. They mounted a big extra innings comeback the next day for another walk-off win, but couldn’t finish off the sweep in yesterday’s loss.
• Injury News: Mark Teixeira (calf) has resumed baseball activities and will head to Instructional League to continue rehabbing today. Brett Gardner (elbow) will come off the DL to pinch-run/play defense at some point. David Aardsma (elbow) may still join the team this year while Pedro Feliciano (shoulder) will not. Dellin Betances (shoulder) was placed on the 60-day DL to accommodate Pettitte.
• Derek Jeter spoke about potentially playing for another team and owning a club in the future. Long-time pitching guru Billy Connors was relieved of his duties. The Yankees are reportedly “very interested” in impending free agent outfielder Cody Ross.
• MLB is nearing long-term deals with FOX and TBS that will put a lot more money in each team’s pocket. Mark Teixeira was the Yankees’ nomination for the 2012 Roberto Clemente Award.

Please take a second to answer the poll below and give us an idea of how confident you are in the team. You can view the interactive Fan Confidence Graph anytime via the nav bar above, or by clicking here. Thanks in advance for voting.

Record Last Week: 4-2 (25 RS, 21 RA)
Season Record: 83-63 (704 RS, 607 RA, 84-62 pythag. record), 1.0 game up in AL East
Opponents This Week: Mon. OFF, vs. Blue Jays (three games, Tues. to Thurs.), vs. Athletics (three games, Fri. to Sun.)

Top stories from last week:

• Following Monday’s off-day, the Yankees went up to Boston to play the last-place Red Sox three times. The Sox walked off with a win on Tuesday, but Curtis Granderson got the team a win with two homers the next day. Phil Hughes led the club to a win in the series finale.
• The Rays came to town for a big weekend series, and Tampa took the opener thanks to CC Sabathia‘s latest underwhelming start. Ivan Nova returned to the rotation in Saturday’s win, then a big inning gave the Yankees the series win yesterday.
• Injury News: Andy Pettitte (leg) will come off the DL and return to the rotation tomorrow. Derek Jeter (ankle) has been in the lineup as the DH but isn’t expected to return to the field until tomorrow at the earliest. Brett Gardner (elbow) could be activated this week to serve as a pinch-runner/defensive replacement. Mark Teixeira (calf) still isn’t ready to resume baseball activities. David Aardsma (elbow) continues to pitch in minor league rehab games, including his first set of back-to-back appearances.
• Rafael Soriano is likely to exercise his opt-out clause after the season. The Yankees offered Nate McLouth a minor league contract when he was a free agent back in late-May/early-June, but he instead signed with the Orioles.
• Melky Mesa was recalled from Triple-A. Right-handers Dellin Betances, Mark Montgomery, Zach Nuding, and Danny Burawa are all headed to the Arizona Fall League.
• The 2013 schedule was released. The Yankees will open at home against the Red Sox and close at Houston against the Astros.

Please take a second to answer the poll below and give us an idea of how confident you are in the team. You can view the interactive Fan Confidence Graph anytime via the nav bar above, or by clicking here. Thanks in advance for voting.

Record Last Week: 3-4 (42 RS, 36 RA)
Season Record: 79-61 (679 RS, 586 RA, 80-60 pythag. record), 1.0 game up in AL East
Opponents This Week: Mon. OFF, @ Red Sox (three games, Tues. to Thurs.), vs. Rays (three games, Fri. to Sun.)

Top stories from last week:

• The week opened with three big games against the Rays, and the Yankees lost the opener when Tampa scored a late-inning run. Tuesday’s loss officially completed the collapse as the Yankees fell into a tie for first place with the Orioles, though they did rebound to take a one-game lead with Wednesday’s win.
• The Yankees moved up to Baltimore for four weekend games, and they dropped the opener despite a big late-inning comeback. They rebounded to win Friday’s game, but a blown call ended another potential late-inning rally in Saturday’s loss. Yesterday’s win was a blowout.
• Injury News: Mark Teixeira (calf) returned to the lineup for one game before re-aggravating his injury, and we’re awaiting results of his MRI. Andy Pettitte (leg) is doing “super” following his latest simulated game and will visit the doctors to see if he can ramp up his workouts. Robinson Cano (hip) was day-to-day but has since returned to the lineup. David Aardsma (elbow) continues to pitch in minor league rehab games. Pedro Feliciano (shoulder) hurt his ankle/foot in his latest minor league rehab game and has not pitched since.
• Alex Rodriguez (hand) was activated off the DL on Monday while Ivan Nova (shoulder) was activated on Saturday. September roster expansion rules may change as soon as next year.
• Eduardo Nunez will play winter ball in the Dominican Republic after the season. Ramiro Pena cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A. Kosuke Fukudome was released.
• Gary Sanchez was named the team’s top prospect by MLB.com.

Please take a second to answer the poll below and give us an idea of how confident you are in the team. You can view the interactive Fan Confidence Graph anytime via the nav bar above, or by clicking here. Thanks in advance for voting.

Record Last Week: 2-4 (22 RS, 34 RA)
Season Record: 76-57 (637 RS, 550 RA, 76-57 pythag. record), 2.0 games up in AL East
Opponents This Week: @ Rays (three games, Mon. to Weds.), @. Orioles (four games, Thurs. to Sun.)

Top stories from last week:

• The last place Blue Jays came to town to open the week, and Rafael Soriano blew the save in Monday’s extra-innings loss. Phil Hughes stepped up to give his team a win the next day, but the Yankees didn’t do enough of anything on Wednesday and lost the rubber game.
• Following Thursday’s off-day, the Yankees welcomed the Orioles tot he Bronx for the biggest series of the season (to date). Baltimore won Friday’s game convincingly, prompting Joe Girardi to call a team meeting afterwards. The Bombers made a late comeback to even the series the next day, but lost again in the rubber game on Sunday.
• Injury News: Alex Rodriguez (hand) played in a pair of minor league rehab games and seems likely to rejoin the team today. Mark Teixeira (calf) suffered a Grade I strain and is going to miss at least 1-2 weeks. Andy Pettitte (leg) threw a pair of bullpen sessions and could soon begin an “accelerated” rehab program. Ivan Nova (shoulder) threw his first bullpen since being placed on the DL. Curtis Granderson (hamstring) is day-to-day with mild tendinitis. David Aardsma (elbow, hip) made his first rehab appearance since his late-June setback.
• In an effort to improve the offense against lefties, the Yankees re-acquired Steve Pearce from the Astros for cash. Brandon Laird was designated for assignment to clear room on the 40-man roster and was claimed by the Astros. Casey McGehee was optioned all the way down to Low-A Charleston to make room on the 25-man roster.
• Among the first wave of September call-ups were Cory Wade, Adam Warren, Justin Thomas, Chris Dickerson, Eduardo Nunez, and Frankie Cervelli. Ramiro Pena was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man for Dickerson.
• The Dodgers inquired about the availability of both CC Sabathia and Teixeira, but were told that neither is available.
• The Yankees will remain with WCBS 880 next season and they also extended their player development contract with the Trenton Thunder through 2022.

Please take a second to answer the poll below and give us an idea of how confident you are in the team. You can view the interactive Fan Confidence Graph anytime via the nav bar above, or by clicking here. Thanks in advance for voting.

Record Last Week: 2-4 (18 RS, 24 RA)
Season Record: 74-53 (615 RS, 516 RA, 75-52 pythag. record), 4.0 games up in AL East
Opponents This Week: vs. Blue Jays (three games, Mon. to Weds.), Thurs. OFF, vs. Orioles (three games, Fri. to Sun.)

Top stories from last week:

• The week opened the week with a miserable series in Chicago. Freddy Garcia and the bullpen got pounded in the opener on Monday, then Ivan Nova had another poor start the next day. Phil Hughes took the tough luck loss on Wednesday to complete the sweep.
• Following Thursday’s off-day, the Yankees headed to Cleveland and took the opener behind a healthy CC Sabathia. The bats didn’t give Hiroki Kuroda any support in Saturday’s loss, but the bullpen picked up the slack in yesterday’s win.
• Injury News: Nova (rotator cuff inflammation) was placed on the DL after Tuesday’s poor start. Mark Teixeira (wrist) is fine and has since returned to the lineup. Dellin Betances (shoulder tendinitis) was placed on the minor league DL and is likely to miss the rest of the season. Pedro Feliciano (shoulder) made two more minor league rehab appearances. David Aardsma (elbow) threw 35 pitches in a live batting practice session. Austin Romine (back) was activated off the DL and optioned to Triple-A.
• The Yankees were considering a demotion to Triple-A for Joba Chamberlain prior to Nova’s injury. Sabathia instead took Nova’s spot when he was activated for Friday’s start and Joba remains in the bullpen.
• Andy Pettitte hinted about a possible return in 2013 and Nick Swisher is reportedly seeking Jayson Werth money on the free agent market after the season. The Yankees didn’t have anyone watch Roger Clemens’ recent independent league outing.
• The Red Sox and Dodgers completed a nine-player blockbuster that shed the Red Sox of $260M in future payroll obligations while sending Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez, and Carl Crawford to Los Angeles.
• Michael Pineda was arrested for DUI in Tampa.

Please take a second to answer the poll below and give us an idea of how confident you are in the team. You can view the interactive Fan Confidence Graph anytime via the nav bar above, or by clicking here. Thanks in advance for voting.

Record Last Week: 5-2 (31 RS, 23 RA)
Season Record: 72-49 (597 RS, 492 RA, 72-49 pythag. record), 5.0 games up in AL East
Opponents This Week: @ White Sox (three games, Mon. to Weds.), Thurs. OFF, @ Indians (three games, Fri. to Sun.)

Top stories from last week:

• The week opened with four games at home against the Rangers. David Phelps and Derek Lowe combined to give New York a win on Monday, then Hiroki Kuroda tossed a two-hit, complete-game shutout on Tuesday. Freddy Garcia secured the third win of the series on Wednesday, but Ivan Nova and the bullpen were unable to finish off the sweep in the finale.
• The Red Sox came to town for three weekend games, and Jayson Nix got the big hit in Friday’s win. The Yankees couldn’t do much against Jon Lester in Saturday’s loss, but Kuroda dominated again in yesterday’s win.
• Injury News: CC Sabathia (elbow) felt fine after Saturday’s bullpen session and will thrown another one on Tuesday before potentially returning to the rotation on Friday. Alex Rodriguez (hand) and Andy Pettitte (leg) are healing well per the latest round of x-rays. Mark Teixeira (wrist) has missed a few games with lingering soreness. Robinson Cano (neck) missed two games but has since returned to the lineup. Pedro Feliciano (shoulder) made two more minor league rehab appearances.
• The Yankees officially signed Lowe on Monday and will use him strictly out of the bullpen. Right-hander Ryota Igarashi was outrighted to Triple-A, removing him from the 40-man roster.
• OF Slade Heathcott, IF David Adams, and C Austin Romine are all headed to the Arizona Fall League. RHP Danny Burawa (oblique, ribs) could join them if he gets healthy in time.
• The Yankees signed undrafted free agent outfielder Daniel Aldrich (at least $150k) as well as Nicaraguan left-handers Corby McCoy ($150k) and Luis Garcia ($50k).
• MLB will test out a new expanded replay system for fair-or-foul calls in Yankee Stadium and CitiField for the rest of the season. The results will not be made public, but if all goes well, the system could be officially implemented at all 30 parks next season.

Please take a second to answer the poll below and give us an idea of how confident you are in the team. You can view the interactive Fan Confidence Graph anytime via the nav bar above, or by clicking here. Thanks in advance for voting.

Record Last Week: 4-3 (45 RS, 40 RA)
Season Record: 67-47 (566 RS, 469 RA, 68-46 pythag. record), 5.0 games up in AL East
Opponents This Week: vs. Rangers (four games, Mon. to Thurs.), vs. Red Sox (three games, Fri. to Sun.)

Top stories from last week:

• The Yankees opened the week with four games in Detroit, and Ivan Nova got rocked in Monday’s loss. A comeback fell short in the second game, but the Yankees won a back-and-forth affair the next day. Mark Teixeira and Eric Chavez hit late back-to-back homers to give New York the split on Thursday, and Joe Girardi was not suspended following a tirade in that game.
• The weekend series took the Yankees to Toronto, where they blew out the Blue Jays in Friday’s series opener. Nova rebounded in Saturday’s win, but Phil Hughes got rocked yesterday as they failed to complete the sweep.
• Injury News: CC Sabathia (elbow) was placed on the DL with stiffness. Alex Rodriguez (hand) took 25-30 swings off a tee and soft toss as he works his way back. Andy Pettitte‘s (leg) setback two weeks ago will cost him about 7-10 days. Pedro Feliciano (shoulder) made his first minor league rehab appearance. Chavez (back) was unavailable this weekend but should be return to the lineup tonight. Austin Romine (back) missed a game with some stiffness but has since returned to the Triple-A lineup. David Aardsma (elbow) insists he will return this year but the team seems to disagree. Top pitching prospect Manny Banuelos (elbow) has been shut down for the rest of the season.
• The Yankees signed Derek Lowe following Sabathia’s injury, but he’ll work out of the bullpen. David Phelps will step into the rotation for the time being.
• Robinson Cano, Tyler Austin, Gary Sanchez, and others earned spots in Baseball America’s Best Tools survey. Russell Branyan was released from Triple-A Empire State.
• The 2012 playoff schedule was announced, and it appears as though the team with the best record in each league gets saddled with the least favorable LDS schedule.

Please take a second to answer the poll below and give us an idea of how confident you are in the team. You can view the interactive Fan Confidence Graph anytime via the nav bar above, or by clicking here. Thanks in advance for voting.

Record Last Week: 3-3 (33 RS, 25 RA)
Season Record: 63-44 (521 RS, 429 RA, 64-43 pythag. record), 6.5 games up in AL East
Opponents This Week: @ Tigers (four games, Mon. to Thurs.), @ Blue Jays (three games, Fri. to Sun.)

Top stories from last week:

• The week opened with three games against the Orioles, who took the opener in yet another one-run game. Ivan Nova got crushed in the second game, but the bats woke up to salvage the series in a blowout win on Wednesday.
• The Mariners came to town for three games following Thursday’s day off, and CC Sabathia spun a complete game in Friday’s win. Felix Hernandez completely dominated the Yankees in the middle game before the Bombers rebounded to take yesterday’s rubber match.
• Injury News: Brett Gardner (elbow) may be able to rejoin the team as a pinch-runner/defensive specialist in September. Andy Pettitte‘s (ankle) recent checkup went well. Mark Teixeira (wrist) received a cortisone shot for some inflammation and has since returned to the lineup. Eric Chavez (foot) is fine after feeling something in Friday’s game. Top prospect Mason Williams (labrum surgery) is out for the rest of the season after hurting himself while diving for a ball in the outfield.
• The Yankees acquired Casey McGehee and cash from the Pirates for Chad Qualls at the trade deadline. Joba Chamberlain (elbow, ankle) was activated off the DL to take Qualls’ spot in the bullpen. Ramiro Pena was designated for assignment to clear room on the roster for McGehee, but he has since cleared waivers and rejoined the Triple-A squad.
• The Phillies placed Cliff Lee on trade waivers but the Yankees did not place a claim. The Giants offered Nate Schierholtz for Eric Chavez before the deadline. The Yankees agreed to acquire Carlos Lee for $1M before he invoked his no-trade clause. Other players New York had interest in prior to the deadline include Ryan Dempster, Ty Wigginton, Chase Headley, Rafael Betancourt, and Brendan Ryan.
• Dewayne Wise was released after refusing his outright assignment to the minors. Jack Cust and outfielders Colin Curtis and Ray Kruml were released from Triple-A Empire State.
• Both Gary Sanchez and Williams cracked Kevin Goldstein’s midseason top 50 prospects list.
• Qualifying offers for free agents will fall in the $13.3-13.4M range after the season.

Please take a second to answer the poll below and give us an idea of how confident you are in the team. You can view the interactive Fan Confidence Graph anytime via the nav bar above, or by clicking here. Thanks in advance for voting.