Whether it be first place or last place, Hal Steinbrenner has never explored the concept of selling.
The Yankees principal owner spoke to reporters at the annual Harlem RBI “Bids for Kids” fundraising dinner in Midtown Manhattan on Monday, expecting his team to be in a position to add talent — and not sell — by the non-waiver trade deadline.
“I believe we’re going to be right smack in the middle of it by the end of July,” he said via the New York Post. “We’ll have to see at the end of July, like we always do. We’ll take a look at everything.”
“We’ll see what injuries, if any, we’ve had from here to then, and where the deficiencies are. We’ll go from there. If we stay healthy, I’ve always believed we have a shot.”
The shot, to some, may not truly exist, but Steinbrenner’s stance is in thanks to the Yankees’ 27-21 record since May 1, as New York (34-35) only sits six games out of first place in the American League East, and trails the Royals by four games and the Red Sox by five for a wild card spot.
“The last month has been promising,” Steinbrenner said. “The offense up and down the lineup is starting to produce. [Chase] Headley certainly had a rough start. He’s hitting now, and you’re starting to see other guys contribute, too. So I like what I’ve seen the last month. We just have to stay healthy.”
The Yankees’ overall health will be a key ingredient to any postseason legitimacy, but consistent play will be as well, and if both components fail to complement each other this summer, Steinbrenner’s options will be limited to foreign activity — selling.
