[1998 Yankees]

Newsday's First Half Yankees Report Card:

Brian Cashman: C-
The Yankees' general manager should have known better than to count on Carl Pavano, made a costly mistake with Kei Igawa and could have shored up the bullpen better. He couldn't have expected the heap of injuries or the abrupt dropoff of Johnny Damon, Bobby Abreu and Robinson Cano, among others.

Joe Torre: C
Torre can't hit for Damon, can't pitch for Pavano and can't take Kyle Farnsworth's spot in the bullpen. At times the team seems to lack fire, though, and the manager can have an impact in that area. He doesn't need to throw chairs, but players must know their level of play has been unacceptable.

Alex Rodriguez: A
A player who could finish his career in the conversation about best baseball player in history is having his best season yet. Rodriguez's first-half numbers (30 homers, 86 RBIs in 86 games, including the suspended game against Baltimore) are off the charts. Without him, the Yankees already would be done.

Derek Jeter: A
Just another stellar year for the captain. His numbers look a lot like those of last year, when he was the runner-up for the MVP.

Jorge Posada: A
Has taken his offense to a new level and has been the most consistent Yankees hitter. Yes, even more so than A-Rod.

Chien-Ming Wang: A
He began the season on the disabled list with a hamstring injury but has nine wins and an ERA lower than last season, when he was the runner-up for the Cy Young Award.

Andy Pettitte: B
This would have been an "A" a few weeks ago, but Pettitte had two horrific starts to end the first half.

Roger Clemens: B
There were some doubts early, and there still might be, if only because signing him was a waste with the Yankees below .500. His last two starts were phenomenal, though.

Andy Phillips: B
He hasn't been here long, but he's been impressive.

Ron Villone: B
Small body of work yet a good one.

Mariano Rivera: B-
His April was terrible. Rivera has been terrific since, though his save opportunities have been limited.

Melky Cabrera: B-
Without Cabrera, the Yankees' outfield would really be weak. Offense warmed up with weather and more regular work. Jury still out on his future as Yankees' centerfielder.

Hideki Matsui: C+
Has not been as consistent as usual, but went on a tear just before the break.

Brian Bruney: C+
Way too many walks, especially since the beginning of June.

Mike Mussina: C
Much-improved in his last seven starts compared to his first seven.

Miguel Cairo: C
Has mostly been a capable sub.

Robinson Cano: C-
Not the offensive stud he was last year, but productive of late. Needs to show more power and consistency.

Jason Giambi: C-
Showed big-time offense in April and nearly none in May; has been on the disabled list since.

Scott Proctor: C-
Finished on a high note. Remains an always-ready reliever.

Mike Myers: D
Has allowed 40 percent of inherited runners to score and has not been able to get lefthanded hitters out.

Luis Vizcaino: D
Terrible in April and May. Excellent in June and to begin July.

Doug Mientkiewicz: D
Finally came out of a month-long slump, then broke his wrist.

Bobby Abreu: D
Has performed well -- really well -- for a couple of streaks. Has performed badly -- really badly -- for most of the year.

Kyle Farnsworth: D
He's given up more than a hit per inning and has pitched only four 1-2-3 innings.

Johnny Damon: F
Age and injuries have caught up to Damon. He looks like a DH without any power.

Wil Nieves: F
An offensive void, and 17 of 22 would-be base-stealers have been successful against him.

Kei Igawa: F
A huge disappointment and apparent wasted investment.

Carl Pavano: F
This is a final failing grade for the Yankees' biggest contract mistake in recent years.

A bit harsh in some cases (Cashman, Torre, Damon, Mientkiewicz) and weighted by most recent performance, but overall fairly accurate IMO.