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5 Biggest Surprises From New York Yankees’ 2014 Season So Far

5 Biggest Surprises From New York Yankees' 2014 Season So Far

New York Yankees: 5 Biggest Surprises From 2014 Season So Far
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For most teams, missing the playoffs in two consecutive years wouldn't be such a big deal. That's not so for New York Yankees fans who have grown accustomed to annual play in October. Here are the five biggest surprises of the Yankees' season so far.

5. Starting Pitching Injury Woes

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Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

5. Starting Pitching Injury Woes

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Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

At one point in the season, 4-of-5 starters the Yankees were relying on in 2014 were sitting on the DL. C.C. Sabathia and Ivan Nova are out for the year. Masahiro Tanaka has only an outside chance of taking the mound and is possibly headed for Tommy John surgery. Michael Pineda recently returned after almost four months on the DL. That is a tough blow to overcome,

4. Dellin Betances Best Bullpen Pitcher

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David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

4. Dellin Betances Best Bullpen Pitcher

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David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Dellin Betances entered spring training as an outside bullpen contender. One of the biggest surprises in baseball, he not only made the squad, but also was named to the 2014 All-Star team. His numbers look like that of an expert video gamer with a 5-0 record, 1.43 ERA, 4.5 H/9, 0.75 WHIP, with 124 strikeouts in 82 innings his K/9 sits at 13.6 with a 5.9 K/W ratio. He makes free agent to be, David Robertson more than expendable.

3. Horrid Free Agent Production

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Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

3. Horrid Free Agent Production

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Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

It was questionable to bring in three high-dollar free agents whose average age was 33 years old. That questionable play has turned into a disaster, as Jacoby Ellsbury is locked down until 2020, Brian McCann until 2018, and Carlos Beltran will remain in pinstripes for two more seasons. Ellsbury, while having the best season of the bunch, is performing at his lowest level in any of his full MLB seasons. McCann and Beltran have totally flopped.

2. GM Brian Cashman Likely To Keep Job

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Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

2. GM Brian Cashman Likely To Keep Job

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Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

Thursday's news that Brian Cashman is likely to receive a new contract is baffling. He did a nice job bringing in some trade-deadline talent, but his awful free agent signings would be enough for most any owner to say goodbye and don't let the door hit you in the fanny. George Steinbrenner is officially rolling in his grave.

1. No Farewell Playoff Appearance For Derek Jeter

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Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

1. No Farewell Playoff Appearance For Derek Jeter

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Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

For the second year in a row, the Yankees have a future Hall of Famer making a farewell tour. Last season, it was Mariano Rivera, and now Derek Jeter. And for the second year in a row, neither will make a playoff appearance. Some may say the season's not over until the fat lady sings, but with only 22 games left, Fangraphs has their chances of a playoff berth at a 1.5 percent likelihood.

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