The Yankees have 20 games left to the 2008 season.

Any combination of Yankees losses and Rays wins, from here out, that equal 12 means that New York will never be able to catch Tampa Bay in the standings.

Any combination of Yankees losses and Red Sox wins, from here out, that equal 14 means that New York will never be able to catch Boston in the standings.

Let’s assume that the Yankees go 14-6 in their remaining 20 games. If the Rays go 6-16 in their remaining 22 games, it won’t matter that the Yankees played .700 ball – because Tampa Bay would still finish ahead of the Yankees. And, if the Red Sox go 8-13 in their remaining 21 games, it won’t matter that the Yankees played .700 ball – because Boston would still finish ahead of the Yankees.

Los Yanquis están muertos, mi amigo.

Don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise.