I was going to post last night, but I was still sulking over the Yankees’s two losses here to the Rays. I purposely didn’t go to any games during this series because whenever I go to the Trop, the Yanks lose and I didn’t want to be a jinx. The first two games went beautifully; I stayed away and we won. Not so for Games 3 and 4, and both were very winnable – and frustrating. Boston seems to have picked up steam and the Rays are flush with their two victories over us, and our lead in the division has shrunk. Not what I wanted to happen before the All-Star break.

I know, I know. We’re still out in front. And this team has played brilliantly no matter who’s injured. But there’s still a big item on Cashman’s To Do list that need checking off as we prepare for what is likely to be a grueling second half: another starter. Everybody knows we need one. I’d like us to get Scherzer, naturally. But any guy with a low ERA and a live arm will do.

I’d also like Encarnacion to hit more than the occasional homer. Sure, he came to the Yankees leading the leagues in homers, but it seems to me his outs far exceed the homers he’s hit thus far. Maybe he just needs to get acclimated to NY.

I’d like Judge to cut down on his strikeouts. He’s been hitting some majestic bombs, but didn’t he used to get singles and doubles too?

I’d like Didi to get hot. He’s a streaky hitter who goes on a tear with homers and then slumps at the plate. Consistency, please.

I’d like Chapman to stop the high-wire act every time he closes. Jeez, he gives me heart attacks.

I’d like Stanton to finally get healthy and stay healthy.

And I’d like someone to figure out what can be done to get Severino back. At this rate, I’m beginning to wonder if we’ll ever see him pitch again.

As for the All-Star game itself, as I’ve said many times, it’s not my thing. (Forget the Home Run Derby. Not a fan of that at all.) So I’ll be spending the break enjoying Wimbledon and other pastimes, and will look forward to baseball later in the week.