Sanchez, Bird providing Yankees playoff hope (Yahoo Sports)

Gary Sanchez and Greg Bird are providing hope that the New York Yankees can compete for the playoffs even during a season in which they're leaning toward a youth movement. The pair of 24-year old sluggers is putting up big numbers in exhibition games, both hitting well over .300 with three homers apiece. ''Now the biggest challenge lies ahead,'' Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner said.