The Yanks are nearly there on two fronts. With the Tigers’ losing again to the Indians this afternoon, the Yanks sport a nifty five-game lead in the Wild Card. If the Yanks go just 5-6 the rest of the way, the Tigers will have to go 9-0 just to tie. Meanwhile, the Yanks find themselves 2.5 games out of first, and we all know what the Bombers have to do to win the division.
Around Yankee-land today, the Internet held some interesting pieces for us to ponder. Joe Sheehan, in a subscribers-only piece, ponders the thought of getting the Yankees ready for the postseason. He wonders if the division really matters that much or if Joe Torre should rest the injured Yanks and prep the pitching for October.
For me, the division is a matter of pride, but at some point, if the Yanks can’t continue to close the gap, the Yanks should gear up for October. Considering their 21-29 start, it’s not like they’re settling for the Wild Card.
Meanwhile, the Yankees have set another attendance record. Their 4,262,761 tickets sold is a new franchise record. They join the Blue Jays as the only team to draw more than 4 million in three consecutive seasons. I think they’ll set the AL attendance mark before the season is out.
Meanwhile, because of complaints and a protest from my mother, we’re throwing out the current voting on the caption contest poll. We’ll put up more choices and allow the masses to rule the roost on this one. More details on that later tonight. On with the lineup:
Melky Cabrera CF – Still struggling.
Derek Jeter SS
Bobby Abreu RF
Alex Rodriguez 3B – A home run would be nice.
Jorge Posada C
Hideki Matsui LF
Robinson Cano 2B
Shelley Duncan DH
Doug Mientkiewicz 1B
Andy Pettitte P (13-8, 3.89)