New York Yankees Trades Paying Dividends

When New York Yankees General Manger Brian Cashman traded for Anthony Rizzo, he knew exactly what he was getting. Cashman had signed a large framed, slick fielding first baseman named Mark Teixeira back in 2009. That worked out pretty well for the Bronx Bombers. Don't be surprised if Mr. Rizzo sticks around New York for a long time. In just his third game, the former Cub led the Yankees back in the eighth inning, as they defeated the Marlins, 3-1 Sunday afternoon. Thanks much in part to their new acquisitions, New York swept the three-game series from Miami and finished the road trip at 6-4.

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Since joining the Pinstripes, Rizzo is hitting .556 (5-for-9) with two home runs and three RBIs. According to MLB.com's Bill Ladson, the former Chicago Cubs first baseman is happy to be part of the tradition. “I’m just excited to go there and see that atmosphere and feel that energy,” Rizzo said. “It definitely helps coming off a sweep this weekend. The energy in [the clubhouse] has been very high.”

Ladson added, "The energy has been high because of Rizzo, according to teammate Brett Gardner. 'He knows what it takes to get where we want to go. Just a lot of energy,” Gardner said. “It’s great to have him on our side. It has been fun getting to know him the last couple of days. [It’s been a lot of] fun to watch him obviously. Yeah, he’s coming up with big hit after big hit.'"

In my opinion, the Yankees were the winners in this years trade deadline acquisitions. Not only did they add two sluggers but both players improve the Yankees defense. That is important to the Yankees playoff success.

Rizzo has a World Series ring and he wants another. The Bronx Bombers gained ground on Boston and Tampa Bay this weekend. The Rays are playing really well but the Yankees focus should be, "just win." The rest will take care of itself. It's the beginning of August, the Yankees find themselves 7 games behind the Rays for first place and only 2.5 games out of the Wild Card. They'll be fine, especially now.