A Sign of Things to Come

A few posts ago I inserted a great quote about determination, something the Yankees have been showcasing lately. Determination. The one lesson all non-Yankee lovers should have learned by now is never count the Yankees out. This great team has been in the top of the league for many years when it relates to comeback wins. True, the Yankees have had their share of failures in the past but understand this team is the personification of resilience and determination.

Take last night's game against the rival Red Sox. The Sox were up 10-7 going into the 7th inning and fans were already celebrating the win. Down 3 runs with 3 full innings to go, Yankees were being counted out. That's an easy one run per inning. Instead, the Bombers did what they do best and played some small ball and easily scored 7 runs in the 7th inning, at which point the Sox were not coming back. The damage was done psychologically. The Sox can be clutch especially when you have Big Papi in your lineup, but they are a better clutch team when down by a run or two, not four.

Everyone expected the Yankees to win the first game. That was obvious. It was almost a gimme. Overall last night's game was rather sloppy and the high scoring finish came from mostly poor fielding from both team's (I love Wily Mo, he should suck in Right Field more often). But now the test comes in these next three games. Actually next two games since I doubt David Wells is going to do any damage against my guys.

If should be a fun yet tough series for the Sox and Yanks but I still see the Bombers coming out on top and finishing the season as the AL East Division Champs (for the ninth time in a row I might add), well ahead of the Sox. And quite honestly I don't see the Sox making the playoffs either. The Red Sox are going through a similar period that the Yankees have already adjusted to: injuries. The Yankees have been without Matsui and Sheffield since May and June. They lost Cano for a lengthy time, but have made adjustments by using Cabrera, Cairo, Green and trading for Abreu and Craig Wilson. How’s that for a depth chart! The Sox have not made any such successful adjustments to their lineup and bench, which is as deep as a kiddie pool. And that’s why they’re lacking some serious chemistry. Yankees, we've dealt with that already and imagine all the obstacles that have been put in our path then imagine when Sheffield and Matsui rejoin the team. September will be a glorious month.