The 27-time World Series champions are trying to avoid missing the postseason in consecutive seasons for the first time in 20 years.

The New York Yankees are currently 67-61 after a three game home sweep of the Chicago White Sox and find themselves 3.5 games behind the Seattle Mariners for the second wild card spot. It doesn't appear very likely that the Yankees will be able to catch the Baltimore Orioles, unless they turn into the 1969 Chicago Cubs overnight.

The Oakland Athletics, who are 76-53, hold the top wild card spot, but have been slumping lately. The Athletics are just 3-7 in their last 10 games and the Los Angeles Angels have taken over the American League West. Of course the Yankees will have to continue to play well, but they're going to need some help. Losses by the Mariners and Athletics will only benefit the Bronx Bombers at this point.

Jacoby Ellsbury, who was acquired through free agency this off-season, is leading the Yankees in hits, doubles and even games played. Ellsbury has experienced many injuries throughout his career with the Boston Red Sox. Derek Jeter may be 40 years old, but his contributions have been felt all season long. Jeter is one of three Yankee players to have over 100 hits this season, and he continues to climb up the all-time hits list. He ranks sixth all-time in career hits.

Jeter has never missed the postseason in back-to-back seasons in his hall of Fame career.

Although the Yankees are riding a four game win streak, they're still a very flawed team. Their offense ranks No. 23 in hits and No. 22 runs scored. Home runs have been increasing in New York, but the team still ranks No. 13 overall in home runs hit. The loss of rookie pitcher Masahiro Tanaka was a big one, as he is 12-4 this season.

The remainder of the Yankees schedule will feature many American League East divisional games against the Orioles, Blue Jays Rays and Red Sox. The Yankees will not be facing the Mariners this season anymore, so we won't see a concluding week showdown for the final wild card spot. The Yankees and Mariners split their six meetings 3-3 this season.

The Orioles, Angels and Kansas City Royals are the three division leaders at this point. This will be the final season for "the Captain" Derek Jeter, and the fans would love for him to go out with a playoff appearance. If the Yankees can make the playoffs with such an injured roster, Joe Girardi would certainly get a lot of votes for Manager of the Year Award.

Beginning Aug. 26, the Yankees will play the Detroit Tigers in a three-game series. This series is monumentally important for the AL standings because the Tigers currently hold a three-game lead over the Yankees, and are fighting for a wild card spot as well.

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