I’m beginning to think that Hank and Hal Steinbrenner have secretly sold this team to some guy named Murphy. You the guy…the one the law was named after…because this really is Murphy’s team…what can go wrong will go wrong.
——–
Which has been the case since 2004

In case you didn’t notice, the Yankees can’t make the playoffs from third place, so until they catch either one of the Sox or Rays then it’s pointless to even talk about what other teams are out there.

I’m only concerned with the Yankees catching Boston or Tampa at this point.

But those other teams will have an impact. Getting past one of the Sox/Rays may be necessary, but I doubt it will be sufficient.

Its definitely an advantage that the Yankees host the Rays because they are playing unbelievable at home. And they are too young to give a rip what other people think, they know they are good and go into every game expecting to win.

I’m quite certain that barring a rash of injuries, the Rays will make the playoffs and either the Yanks or the Sox will be on the outside looking in.

RedSoxFan…if the Yankees don’t get past the Red Sox or Rays then those other teams won’t really matter…that’s why it’s not even worth mentioning. They have to be at least second in the division for it to be worth talking about.

How ’bout those Rays though?

At this point I think everyone should be sitting up and taking notice of the Rays. Young, athletic, energetic, and winning by defense and pitching. Best record in baseball, best record since April 20, they are not going away, and may add that superstar Vandy pitcher by August.

And not only do the Red Sox and Yankees have their hands full trying to win the division, but don’t look now but the Tigers are looking like they are going to matter after all. If I’m right about that you’ve got the Red Sox/Rays to worry about, plus two of the White Sox/Twins/Tigers, and the A’s or perhaps the Angels. All of those are good to very good teams that will have a lot to say about who makes it to October.

One thing is for sure though – its a Brave New World in the AL East.