The Yankees' place at the top of the AL East once again seems secure, but their path to the World Series should be rougher this season. New York's offense remains strong though not unstoppable. However, their pitching isn't as nicely tailored to the playoff format as it has been in the past.

New York closer Mariano Rivera went on the DL for the third time this season in late August. This time the Yankees decided to rest his arm for a longer period before having him begin a rehab program. He began throwing this weekend and will work his way back slowly. I'd expect the team to activate him next weekend, have him make a few low impact appearances the following week, and then move him back to the closer's role for the final week of the season to prepare him for the playoffs.

Steve Karsay has assumed the role of closer while Rivera is sidelined and has done an admirable job, converting all five of his save opportunities in the last two-and-a-half weeks. On the year, Karsay has compiled a 59:28 K:BB with 77 H and 6 HR allowed in 81 IP for a 3.11 ERA. Nonetheless, the team is stronger when they can use Karsay in a setup role rather than as the closer.

David Wells recently lost two teeth when he was reportedly attacked while eating breakfast in a New York diner. The man who attacked Wells had apparently started a conversation with him upon entering the restaurant, but there has been no explanation for why he later approached Wells with a butter knife and punched him in the head, knocking the teeth loose. In addition to the dental disfigurement, the left-hander suffered a bruise and scrape above his left eye. He's otherwise okay and will make his next start as planned. Well has pitched well for the Yankees recently, and though he can be inconsistent, will likely be New York's fourth starter in the playoffs.

The hope for Yankee-haters lies in the troubles of starters Mike Mussina and Roger Clemens. Both can still shut opponents down, but Clemens' injury problems this year have reduced him to mere mortal status, and excess baserunners and homers have hurt Mussina. While they're still an excellent team, the vulnerability of their pitching staff means that many of the other playoff teams will likely be able to keep pace offensively.

Due to their divisional cushion, the Yankees can take a different approach to September call-ups than teams still fighting for postseason berths. New York has expanded their roster to include C-R Alberto Castillo, LHP Randy Choate, 3B-R Drew Henson, 1B-L Nick Johnson, RHP Brandon Knight, and RHP Mike Thurman.

Castillo was with the Yankees until the end of June, when they chose to bring up Chris Widger to back-up Jorge Posada and provide more offense from the bench. However Castillo should serve the Yankees acceptably as a third catcher this month. Johnson's wrist injury has reportedly healed and he's resumed his duties as the Yankees' regular DH, playing 1B when Jason Giambi needs to DH or is out of the lineup.

Choate provides the team with a situational lefty, allowing them to use their more versatile southpaws liberally. Knight could work setup for many teams, so his presence will give them an opportunity to avoid overworking the relievers they intend to use in the playoffs.

Reportedly the Yankees promoted Henson to further his development rather than to aid the major league team this season. New York Daily News Sports Writer Anthony McCarron quoted New York Manager Joe Torre as saying, "We're going to have him here so he can sit on the bench and enjoy the surroundings of a big-league team." "I'm not saying he won't get out there and play a game, but it's more for fun than showing anybody what he can do."

New York drafted Henson out of high school in the third round of the 1998 draft. Despite a $2M signing bonus from the Yankees, Henson wasn't completely swayed from football. As a highly talented two-sport athlete, Henson attended the University of Michigan and played quarterback for their football team during the school year while playing minor league ball in the summer. In 2000, the Yankees traded him to Cincinnati with OF Jackson Melian, LHP Ed Yarnall, and RHP Brian Reith for LHP Denny Neagle and OF Mike Frank. However, Henson only wanted to play baseball with the Yankees, which essentially forced the Reds to deal him back to New York as he'd otherwise leave the organization for the NFL and they'd have nothing to show for him. Cincy included Michael Coleman with Henson and received Wily Mo Pena.

Henson reportedly possesses enormous power potential but football has previously stood in the way of him refining his baseball tools. He faltered last season upon advancing to AAA and has had another poor season this year. In 471 AB with AAA Columbus in the International League, Henson had 113 H, 20 2B, 4 3B, and 18 HR with a 37:151 BB:K and 2/3 SB% for a .240 BA, .301 OBP, and .435 SLG. Luckily for Henson, the Yankees' comments indicate their willing to give the 22-year-old time to develop. He made his major league debut as a pinch-runner for Bernie Williams in the eighth inning of the Yankees September 5th game against the Tigers, although he didn't run anywhere as Posada flied out to end the inning. Henson didn't play the field as Williams was DHing and the Yankees were leading going into the bottom of the ninth, so he didn't bat. Given New York's reasons for promoting him, any additional action is likely to be of a similar nature or in a blowout game.

The Yankees recalled Thurman to fill the roster spot opened by Rivera's most recent trip to the DL but demoted him at the end of the month in order to have the option of carrying Juan Rivera on the playoff roster. He provides them with an additional middle reliever, allowing them to rest members of the bullpen who'll be on the playoff roster. Although he remains capable of starting, Thurman is too far down their list of potential spot starters for the Yankees to need him in that capacity this month.