Starting over after the break, here are the Yankees with the most to gain and lose

Traditionally, the all-star break is just that - a break with all that has happened until now. It's like the discovery of fire, or the invention of the wheel, or the death of JC, or the closing sequence on St. Elsewhere, where everything turns out to be the dream of an autistic child. Suddenly, everything that humankind has ever known is different, and the entire universe hath been reborn! 

So, what Yanks have the most to gain - and lose - from this looming new paradigm? 

Potential winners:

1. Joey Gallo. Obviously. If there is any microscopic chance for him in NY - (frankly, I do not see it) - it happens today in Houston, where the Yankees play two. Gallo will probably play in one game, and he better hit for the cycle.  In his last swing before the break, he hit a meaningless HR against Boston. Over his last 15 days, he batted .160 - surprisingly consistently wretched for the year. I believe he will disappear on Aug. 2. But a mini-streak would boost his trade value. 

Higashioka's first half, captured in 
this iconic photo

2. Kyle Higashioka. Coupled with the rise of Jose Trevino and impending return of Ben Rortvedt (a LH hitter and supposedly decent catcher), Higgy needs a brand new bag. Over the last 15 days, he hit .250 with an OBP .368. Let's not forget that he led the Yanks in HRs during spring training, and then - after the opening bell - went nearly three months without one.  A reboot can only do him good. He'll catch at least one game today.

3. Josh Donaldson. This bozo was staggering into the break - 1-6 with 4 Ks, capping a disappointing and, at times, embarrassing - ("Jackie?") - first-half. I still see him botching the DP grounder that would have beaten Boston. Over the last month, he's hitting .192. Now, he's got a second chance. 

4. Aroldis Chapman. Yet another reboot for El Chapo, whose first-half was so awful that it sparks debate on whether he's finished. I suspect we'll see him today/tonight against his nemeses.  

Potential losers: 

1. Matt Carpenter. Nobody wanted a break less. Over the last month, he's hit .417 with 7 HRs. Clearly, he cannot continue at this pace. But Carpenter was an all-star in 2013, 2014 and 2016, so where is the baseline, where his new swing will intersect with his former skills? He's 36. He's obviously wily. How long can he go?

2. Nestor Cortez. He's had a mythic first-half, consummated by a scoreless all star inning and a marriage proposal to his sweetheart. But over the last month, Nasty Nestor's ERA stands at 4.50. By now, everybody in baseball has seen him, and smart batters made adjustments. Nasty Nestor readjusted in June. Now he needs to re-readjust against the readjustments. 

3. Jameson Taillon. He's been ragged in recent weeks - an ERA of 7.00 over the last month - and Domingo German is knocking at the door. He's on the verge of losing his spot in the rotation - (which actually might be a blessing, to keep him viable in October.) 

A new season starts today. What better way to begin than by sweeping Houston in their home park? Now, that would make a great episode of St. Elsewhere!