The New York Yankees are in a slump. A bad one at that. However, they are still very much in the hunt. With their magic number down to 3, and facing the Red Sox, there's a good chance that they will have clinched a playoff spot by the end of the weekend. With many of the Yankees in their 30's, it's vital that they clinch by the weekend so that they can rest their starters.
The Yankees toughest opponent standing in the way of them heading back to the playoffs is themselves. When the Yankees had their eight-game wining streak from August 28th to September 4th, they were firing on all cylinders; the pitching was continuously throwing well, and there was no shortage of offense. But now, even the Master™, C.C. Sabathia, has weakened and was blown out by the Rays. After a promising first start off the D.L., Andy Pettitte was shelled by the Red Sox, giving up 7 runs in less than four innings.
Many New York fans are scared, afraid that they won't make the playoffs like 2008. They're calling out Girardi and are fuming about not getting another pitcher, like Cliff Lee.
I, on the other hand, see no reason to panic. Every team goes through their slumps. The Yankees have just had more than last year which is why people are scared. Like I said, everyone goes through slumps, so why haven't the Rays gone through one lately? The last time I remember them going through a rough patch was when B.J. Upton wasn't hustling and Longoria was about to punch him. So aren't they due? I certainly think so.
Maybe, just maybe, it would be better if the Rays got a playoff spot first. Think about it. If they do, then you have to think even Joe Maddon would rest his starters. Playing 162 games in about 175 days must be tiring, especially with the added pressure of playing in a pennant race. So, right about now would be the perfect time for the Rays to get their late-season slump, and the Yankees to get their late-season push. This is why the Yankees will win the AL East, and later-on the World Series. So don't worry Yankees fans, the best is yet to come.
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