Missing Alex Rodriguez in the middle

Ten years ago today, this was the middle of the Yankees’ lineup:

4. Ruben Sierra
5. Hideki Matsui
6. Jorge Posada

Five years ago today, this was the middle of the Yankees’ lineup:

4. Alex Rodriguez
5. Jason Giambi
6. Jorge Posada

In each of those games, the Yankees scored six runs.

Today, this was the middle of the Yankees’ lineup:

4. Vernon Wells
5. Zoilo Almonte
6. Lyle Overbay

Today, they Yankees were shut out with two hits. There are no coincidences, and the Yankees do need Alex Rodriguez.