This is where the test begins. The test isn't in October, it's now! There is no room for another freefall, the standings are too tight. If the Yankees aren't playing their best baseball then winter comes early....and it will be long. The next two weeks will show us what this team is (or isn't) made of. This is where we need Aaron Boone to prove he found some baseball smarts instead of continuing to use bad analytics. Aaron Judge is also rumored to be back in the outfield soon, which will give the Yankees some versatility that they desperately need. It all matters now.
Usually I would say all I want a series win against Houston. I still want that, but I also want series wins against the Blue Jays, Tigers and Red Sox after it also. The Astros, Blue Jays, Tigers and Red Sox are four of the five other clubs in postseason contention in the American League right now. The Yankees have not played well against division rivals at all this season. The Yankees record against these teams are 7-19 and 5-15 against Boston and Toronto. If the Yankees can't put it all together now when it counts the most and win, then they won't convince anyone that they aren't pretenders.
None of the teams above are going to be easy. The Tigers have done well this season, and heading into the All-Star break they looked like the team to beat in the American League. The Yankees can't be complacent against them. The Blue Jays and the Red Sox have made the Yankees look like little leaguers all season. I'm glad the Yankees aren't playing the Blue Jays in Toronto because they have forgotten to play baseball once they cross into Canada.
The last two weeks of the season are against teams that are not in playoff contention. If the AL East stays as tight as it is right now, the final few series could help the Yankees earn more than just a Wild Card spot IF the Yankees play well and win series the first two weeks.
The Yankees have looked like pretenders for too much of the season. Now they have the opportunity to prove the naysayers wrong. They can change the narrative, but it's not going to be easy. Can the Yankees rise to the occasion? I really hope so.
Today is an important game. We need to win this game to win the series and take the momentum into the next big three series. Come on Yankees.....prove to us that you aren't pretenders!
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