Slow Start Lands Yankees in Unfamiliar AL East Cellar

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. (More baseball stories.)