REMEMBER WHEN THE 2001 D'BACKS HANDED THE YANKEES THEIR LUNCH? I MIGHT BE OVER IT

The post season is not necessarily disappointing despite the Pinstripes sitting it out. Yet when I think about the Diamondbacks, I can't help but think about how the Yankees underestimated them 22 years ago. I was in the hospital after having my daughter, 22 years ago today. And I remember it like it was yesterday— Frustrated by the grittiness of the D'backs. But this time, I am somewhat excited. They have a veteran who deserves a postseason victory in Evan Longoria and they have what might be the rookie of the year in Corbin Carroll. The Division Series are certainly out performing and this time it's the Dodgers and Orioles on the receiving end.

"The Diamondbacks started the playoffs by first rolling into Milwaukee for a wild-card sweep of the Brewers that included two comeback victories, earning the team the nickname of "The Answerbacks," and then handing Clayton Kershaw the worst start of his entire career in their National League Division Series-opening win. Carroll has been at the center of it all, posting an incredible .500/.571/1.083 slash line while providing his first signature October moment -- and leaving his teammates wondering where this postseason ride will go next," reported ESPN. 

Source: Sports Illustrated 

Carroll is to the D'backs as Anthony Volpe was supposed to be to the Yankees. Unfortunately, poor leadership and just a lackluster team that puts mediocre ahead of excellence tarnished what Volpe did his rookie year. No he's not Derek Jeter but Volpe gave the team a good performance for his first year. Carroll shined above the rest and put the team on his back. He had leadership on his side with veterans and a coaching staff that ushered him in and set him up to be his best. 

According to his teammate Longoria, "The national viewership deserves to see a player like him in big moments like this," reported ESPN. I couldn't agree more. And so, I have to root for them to win despite my PTSD from 22 years ago.

Then you have the team of the year, the comeback kids Baltimore Orioles blowing it to Bruce Bochy and the Texas Rangers. They went from worst to first in a blink of an eye, and once again, the opponent was underestimated. The Rangers have taken many games away from the Yankees and this time the Orioles are on the receiving end. As much as I wanted the Yankees in the Orioles' position, I feel like we all know the outcome. The Rangers are on a mission and it excludes the AL East. They are all in and who knows, it could be an all Texas AL Championship Series. Go ahead and beat the heck out of each other. It will make for good ratings. Hey, if we can’t be in it, at least I need to have a little fun.

So as the D'backs stare at opportunity, the Yankees need to reflect on where they were 22 years ago. They were in it. They were franchising it. And now, they are sitting out of it. Carroll is no Volpe but if the Yankees want more, they need to lead with excellence. And apparently that's not in the cards yet. 

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof