Pinstripes Destiny

I can't believe the Yankees, who were once ten games ahead in the AL East are now tied for first place. The Yanks were unstoppable at one point, in such a good position, but as the weeks went on they slipped and are currently in a slump that can cost them a playoff spot. In my previous post I mentioned that I truly believe they are in a small slump that they will overcome in the series with the Rays, but so far it's not happening. Last night the Yanks offense started them off and gave Freddy Garcia a 2-0 lead to work with but it wasn't big enough. Garcia allowed five runs in five innings. The Yankees could not produce any offense after Cano's home run in the first inning. It is obvious that their offense is suffering, as well as their pitching. When they do have great pitching, like with CC Sabathia on Monday night, they couldn't deliver offensively, and when they start off with some offense to take the lead, the pitching can't keep up. It's a lose-lose situation. On top of the Yanks struggling, the Orioles are soaring, beating Toronto 10-0 last night. Tampa Bay is only 1.5 games behind both the Yankees and the Orioles. It is crucial that the Yankees win tonight. They are 10-14 right now.

Up until last night, no one saw any frustration or panic in the clubhouse, especially from Joe Girardi. He has remained calm, which would have the most positive effect on his players. Last night, Girardi was ejected by umpire Tony Randazzo over a third strike call. How can players not feel the pressure? After leading the AL east by ten games and now being tied for first place? The Yankees seem to be in a better place, both offensively and defensively when they relax and don't try too hard. As long as they see patience and get good vibes from the staff and Girardi, they should all calm down and work collectively together to play better.

"Since the divisional format was introduced in 1969, the Yankees have made the playoffs all 15 times they entered September with a division lead. They have essentially a month’s worth of games remaining to make sure this is not the season when a September swoon costs them a playoff spot." (NY Times)

Tonight's pitching matchup is Hiroki Kuroda (12-10, 3.04 ERA) vs. M. Moore (10-8, 3.58 ERA). Kuroda has been struggling for the Yankees. Last week Kuroda lost to the Orioles 6-1, following a loss to the Indians the week before. Hopefully he will get his confidence back up and start pitching like he is capable of to help give the Yankees a win in Tampa Bay. As always, go Yankees!