Teixeira Teeing Off

Teixeira watches his grand slam off Justin Masterson leave the park

Since returning from the 60-day disabled list on May 31st, New York Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira has been able to avoid the kind of slow start that's plagued him throughout his major league career. Showing no ill affects from the strained wrist tendon that caused him to miss 53 games, Tex has jacked three home runs and compiled eight RBI in his past four games--all Yankees victories--to help New York keep pace with the Boston Red Sox in the American League East.

That kind of offensive production couldn't have come at a better time for the Yanks, who had lost five in a row before Teixeira came back. Despite unexpected heroics from the likes of Lyle Overbay, Vernon Wells, Travis Hafner, New York's offense has been a far cry from the powerful run scoring machine that slugged 245 long balls last season. The Bronx Bombers have been stretched thin due to injuries to Texeira, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Curtis Granderson, and Kevin Youkilis, forcing Joe Girardi to rely on an aging cast of journeymen and washed-up veterans to plug the leaks.

But with Teixeira back in the fold, Girardi can pencil another big bat into his lineup to complement Robinson Cano. Even though the 33 year-old is clearly in decline, he still brings plenty of power, patience and plus defense to the table everyday. He's overpaid, but at least he's on the field helping the team win, which is more than Jeter and A-Rod can say.

I don't think you'll hear any complaints from Girardi, Brian Cashman or the Steinbrenners. At this point, they'll take any help they can get.