Long-term injuries to big-time names played a huge role in a disappointing 85-77 season and being barred from the postseason for the second time in six seasons under Joe Girardi. However, the injuries aren’t the only reason October is dark for the Yankees. With a chance at a wild-card spot in September, the lineup and rotation went limp.
Here are the final grades for the 2013 Yankees who, as a team, failed:
Robinson Cano: Considering there was very little protection behind him until Alfonso Soriano arrived, Cano had a terrific walk year and posted a .899 OPS.
Grade: A
Mariano Rivera: The final season of a career that is a lock for Cooperstown included 43 saves in 50 chances and a 2.11 ERA.
Grade:Â A
Alfonso Soriano: His acquisition pumped life into a lineup begging for right-handed power and he logged an .850 OPS.
Grade:Â B
David Robertson: The man with the chore of replacing Rivera thrived in the eighth inning with 77 Ks in 66 ¹/₃ innings.
Grade:Â B
Brett Gardner: His absence down the stretch hurt more than you might imagine from a .273 leadoff hitter.
Grade:Â B
Boone Logan: Avoided extended stretches of inconsistency that plagued him in the past. Fifty strikeouts in 39 innings set him up for a hefty free-agent contract.
Grade:Â B
Shawn Kelley: Until a tired arm caught him late, the right-handed reliever was general manager Brian Cashman’s steal of the year. In 53 ¹/₃ innings, he whiffed 71.
Grade:Â B
Hiroki Kuroda: Was in contention for the AL ERA title in the second half of the season before fatigue grabbed him.
Grade:Â C
Ivan Nova: Nice finish doesn’t override a shaky first half.
Grade:Â C
Andy Pettitte: An 11-11 record in the final lap means he never had a losing record in a big league season.
Grade:Â C
CC Sabathia: Nobody is more accountable than the large lefty who topped 200 innings again. But a 4.78 ERA and 13 losses offset 14 wins.
Grade:Â C
Adam Warren: Filled the thankless role of a long reliever.
Grade:Â C
David Phelps: Serviceable right-hander had his moments.
Grade:Â C
Preston Claiborne: Came from off the pace to deliver a presentable rookie season. Tired down the stretch.
Grade:Â C
Ichiro Suzuki: At times, he showed selfish tendencies at the plate and shied away from outfield walls. Hiked career hit total past 4,000, but batted .262 with a .297 on-base percentage.
Grade:Â C
Eduardo Nunez: Played 90 games and hit .260. More was expected.
Grade:Â C
Lyle Overbay: Provided more than the Yankees could have expected after signing him in the last week of spring training.
Grade:Â C
Jayson Nix: Utility infielder was more valuable than his .236 batting average indicated.
Grade:Â C
Alex Rodriguez: Played in 44 games and helped until lower leg injuries affected him.
Grade:Â C
Vernon Wells: Solid first half disintegrated quickly.
Grade:Â D
Curtis Granderson: Sixty-one games in a walk year didn’t help him or the Yankees. Ditto his .229 average.
Grade:Â D
Chris Stewart: Played in a career-high 109 games, which was far too many.
Grade:Â D
Travis Hafner: OK early. Poor later. Hurt late.
Grade:Â D
Joba Chamberlain: Easily the most disappointing year of his career. And the last in pinstripes.
Grade:Â F
Phil Hughes: Twenty-nine starts. 4-14 record. 5.19 ERA.
Grade:Â F
Joe Girardi: Didn’t make the postseason.
Grade:Â C
Brian Cashman: Never stopped trying to plug the holes created by injuries, but …
Grade:Â C
Incomplete: Derek Jeter, Mark Teixeira, Kevin Youkilis, Francisco Cervelli