The New York Yankees

As usual, the New York Yankees find themselves in the chase for the pennant again, heading into the second half of the season.  Under new manager Joe Girardi, the team has struggled somewhat in 2008, losing many of their series games throughout the spring and working hard to find a winning rhythm.  But winning streaks in late May and June helped to bring the team back over .500 again, and the team is poised to make a move after the All-Star break to close the distance on the rival Red Sox as things heat up.

The post-season this year is an important goal for the Yankees, as this will be the last season played in venerable Yankee Stadium.  The House that Ruth Built is being replaced, with New Yankee Stadium constructed just to the north of the older field.  While part of the old structure will be preserved, most of the historic stadium is to be demolished to become parkland.  Sending their old home off with a pennant, and maybe even a World Series victory, would be a fitting tribute.

The Yankees definitely have the tools with which to make the postseason this year, but you'd be hard pressed to find a season in which that wasn't the case.  The team has struggled with their pitching this year, and injuries have caused more than a few problems, but the team is getting back into good form.  The second half is traditionally when the Yankees shine, and fans expect an excellent chase for the pennant this year.