6 1/2 games in the beginning of August is not a lot, especially when you factor in the wild card race, which is just beginning. Many teams have made the playoffs from greater deficits in less time, and they didn't have the resources of the Yankees.

Tampa Bay is young and unproven, and struggles on the road. Boston has lost its best player, and several of the 14 AL teams have been out of the race two months ago.

If Chamberlain comes back soon, I think they'll have to watch him closely. He hasn't thrown a lot of innings this year and whenever big, young hard throwers develop shoulder pain, it's something to monitor.