The first half of the New York Yankees' season must be viewed as a success.

Though perhaps graded on a bit of a curve because of the mediocrity and parity of the AL East, the Yankees are 48-40 with a 3 1/2 game lead over the Tampa Bay Rays, four over the Baltimore Orioles and 4 1/2 over the Toronto Blue Jays.

So why are they so far in front, and why aren't they doing even better? Well, we have you covered with our ESPN New York Yankees Awards, otherwise known as the ENYYAs. So throw some ENYA on in the background -- or don't -- and enjoy.

The Babe Ruth Award (MVP)

The MVP of this team thus far has been Mark Teixeira. The 35-year-old Teixeira, who hadn't had a good year since 2011 due to injury and attrition, is a deserving All-Star and an AL MVP candidate. He leads the AL in RBIs with 62. His health -- and continued production -- are probably the most important overall aspects of the second half for the Yankees.

Runners-up: Dellin Betances, Brett Gardner, Brian McCann and Alex Rodriguez

The Carl Pavano Award (Most Loathed Yankee)

For older fans, this could be called the Eddie Lee Whitson. It is for the most disliked player by the fans on the team -- and the least valuable important player. Stephen Drew is the clear winner. While neither Whitson, nor even Pavano, had to deal with the constant wrath of Twitter, Drew's name is synonymous with animus.

That tends to happen when your batting average is .182, which is worse than every qualifying batter in baseball, save for Seattle's Mike Zunino, who is at .160.

Runners-up: CC Sabathia, David Carpenter and Carlos Beltran

The Jack Buck Award (Biggest Surprise)

Upon Kirk Gibson's walk-off home run in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series, the late Jack Buck famously said, "I don't believe what I just saw."

That pretty much sums up Alexander Emmanuel Rodriguez's first half. A-Rod, after a year-long suspension, two hip surgeries and a 40th birthday coming up this month, barely missed making the All-Star team. His 18 home runs are more than Miguel Cabrera, Jose Bautista and David Ortiz each have.

While Rodriguez has yet to fail a performance enhancing drug test this season, it is fair to wonder if he is taking anything these days -- because if he is clean, why did he ever do the stuff in the first place?

With the truth about A-Rod endlessly elusive, we have to judge him on face value. Rodriguez has not only been a standout player, but he has been a leader of this team. "I don't believe what I just saw."

Runner-up: Teixeira

The Bernie Williams Award (Most Under-appreciated)

McCann is having one of those years that are just slightly under-appreciated, just like ol' No. 51. McCann is throwing runners out at a 40 percent clip, which is tied for second behind Yadier Molina for the best in baseball. His .802 OPS is the third best among all catchers. The Yankees love how he handles pitchers and calls games. So, basically, in Year 2, McCann is a $15 million player. He has been a little unsung, but he is a major glue guy who is keeping the whole thing together.

Runners-up: Gardner, Michael Pineda, Didi Gregorius, Chasen Shreve, Justin Wilson, Adam Warren

The Steve Donohue Award (Most Important To Remain Healthy)

The Yankees were pretty healthy, as most of the important players did not have to visit trainer Steve Donohue for serious injuries. A few did, so this award is for the guy who has been hurt but must stay healthy from here on out.

It goes to Masahiro Tanaka. If Tanaka -- who missed five weeks with a forearm strain and wrist tendinitis -- can stay healthy and be a No. 1 or 2 with Pineda, the Yankees may not only win the division, but they could make some noise in the postseason.

Runners-up: Jacoby Ellsbury, Beltran

The Derek Jeter Award (Clubhouse Leader)

This goes to A-Rod. If anyone player in the Yankees clubhouse has assumed the leadership role on this club in place of No. 2, it is Rodriguez. He is the spokesman in the clubhouse, and he probably takes more young players under his wing than Jeter ever did.

Runners-up: McCann, Sabathia