THIS was the homestand to truly measure the Yankees. A four-game sweep of the Red Sox and winning two of three against the Blue Jays revealed much about this team.
It's not just how the Yankees win -- yesterday was another walk-off win, this one coming courtesy of Robinson Cano's laser to right-center that scored Alex Rodriguez to lift the Yankees to a 4-3 victory in 11 innings over Toronto -- but it's how they stay in the fight to the finish.
Sometimes a fresh pair of eyes can put it all in perspective. And winning pitcher Chad Gaudin, who recently arrived from San Diego, provided a fresh perspective about his new teammates.
"You get on the mound, you look around and there are Hall of Famers behind you," Gaudin said after his first appearance as a Yankee. "You just know that each guy is going to push past anything they have to push past to get the job done."
This is quickly turning into a special season in The Bronx.
"There's a lot of guys with talent in the majors," Gaudin said. "This team has something else. When you get that opportunity to succeed, you get it done, and that happens a lot here."
This Yankee team has rediscovered its toughness, the same kind of toughness exemplified by the World Championship teams from 1996-2000.
The homestand also showed that the Yankees need to re-sign Johnny Damon. As one Yankees coach said, "Johnny is perfect for this ballpark and a lot stronger than people think."
They're built to win and this homestand proved it.I'm usually a pessimist, but even I am beginning to see something special in this team. As long as they stay healthy and Boston doesn't win 80% of their final games I think this team will be fine.
Thoughts?
10 Comments:
I think this team is special but there is still a long way to go. If we stay healthy, I like our chances.
This team has heart.
it's pretty damn funny that less than a month weeks ago both MLB Tonight and Baseball Tonight were saying that the Yankees might not even make the playoffs and definitely wouldn't win the division. what fucktards.
The math is on the Yanks side. If they can play .500 the rest of the way and they'll end up with 95 wins.
I hope the new toughness carries into the postseason, they'll most likely have to play the Angels to get to the WS, not an easy task. This road trip could be the defining point of the season. Let's see who steps up.
I would sign Damon to another contract, his leadership is apparent and he would be a great DH.
I agree with you Greg. I think there is a 'special' chemistry the players have built up, especially with the additions of Swisher & AJ. The recent additions of Hairston & Hinske have been good, Pena is up, and Gardy will be back soon. The bench is looking much better. The pen is looking good. The only hole right now is the 5th starter.
The thing is, they are not going to win every game, and this is what all NY fans have come to expect (myself included). Even you got really down on them coming out of the White Sox series. But the fact of the matter is, despite Girardi's questionable moves and Posada's inept play, they have the best record in baseball.
The thing about the Sox series is they really looked like crap and it came right after a disappointing trade deadline. I'm still a little concerned with the depth of the rotation, but with a 5.5 game lead they've put themselves in a great position.
This is a big road trip but this team really looks great. Things can change very quickly and luck is a big part of the postseason but this team has everything you could want if you're looking for a championship team.
They've got a strong 1-4 in the rotation, an airtight two headed monster in the bullpen, a great bench, and a penchant for clutch hits. I'm trying to stay even keeled but this team has me excited in a way that they haven't in recent years.
I'm still not so sure about Damon though. It all depends on what type of contract he wants. I'd be leery of commiting to much money to any one player after last year's massive spending spree.
I've been on the fence about Damon, to sign him or not --but he's become a leader of the team and real leaders are hard to find. A 2-year contract with incentives should get him back. He can't go to the NL and he's too old/expensive for most AL teams. If the Yanks win the whole thing, I would bring him back. But then, it's not my money!
Greg,
I have been watching the Yanks play since the early '70s so I've seen a lot of different looks from them over the years and I really like they way this team plays. There is still a long way to go but it's theirs to lose. I'm not to worried about the 5th starter. All they have to do is mix and match until October after that the 5th guy is meaningless.
I love the top 3 guy's in the rotation and we're getting above average out of Andy to boot. The pen is solid as well and the offense takes care of business. I am very impressed with the energy levels day in and day out.
They're not the '98 Yanks but this is as close as I've seen since then. I think they have to sign Damon for 2 years.
sign Damon to a 1 year deal and make him primary DH and partime in leftfield.
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