The second half is well upon us and it seems that the New York Yankees are looking to crash the party atop the AL East. After a mediocre first half of baseball, the Bronx Bombers have won seven-straight ball games, trailing the East leading Rays by just 3 games heading into the second game of a three-game weekend series with the Boston Red Sox.

It seems as if the Yankees are preparing to make a strong run at the pennant, acquiring outfielder Xavier Nady and left handed reliever Damaso Marte from Pittsburgh in exchange for reliever Russ Ohlendorf and three minor leaguers. Of the minor leaguers, Jose Tabata, a highly-regarded outfielding prospect, is the most prominent name of the bunch.

Last night witnessed Joba Chamberlain’s best start of his career, as he blanked the Red Sox through 7 innings of work, striking out 9, giving up 0 runs while outdeueling Boston ace, Josh Beckett. Chamberlain is now 3-3 with a 2.30 ERA for the Yankees.

We should think about calling the New York Yankess the best second-half team in baseball. Including this year, the Yankees are 154-81 after the All Star break since 2005. Robinson Cano is easily the best hitter of the Yankee sluggers in the second half. In 209 post-All Star games in his career, Cano’s batting average is at a stellar .339.

The real question is, if the Sox and Yanks were to meet in the ALCS this year, which starters would you rather see out there? Beckett, Lester, and Dice-K? Or Pettitte, Mussina, and Joba? We all know Andy Pettitte is still one of the best playoff pitchers of his time, but my money’s still on the Sox.

*On a side note, was it me or was Mike Lowell absolutely screwed at the plate last night? He has every right to get thrown out after that barrage of calls.*

*Also, Kevin Youkilis is PISSED, when will this Joba/Youk thing come to an end? Is Joba taking it too far? To me, most certainly.*