Lady Loves Pinstripes

How many teams are in this race?

For right now three teams; Tampa Bay Rays, Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees.

Why is this week so important in the American League East?

The teams are playing within their own division so the wins and losses have more importance. The third place Tampa Bay Rays host the Boston Red Sox for a two game set. Boston is only a half a game behind the first place New York Yankees. The Yanks are up in Toronto for two nights at the Rogers Centre playing two against the Blue Jays.

With the Blue Jays lagging 12 games behind the Yanks there not really competing. Technically there is always a possibility to not be 100% completely out. I guess miracles do exist but for Toronto it does not look very hopeful or likely of the trio above all collapsing literally on their faces.

Toronto does know that beating the Yankees could potentially take their lead in the AL East right from under the boys from the Bronx. It is doubtful that Boston is going to win two at the Trop; as the best bet would be a spilt series.

Why? The answer is because Tampa decisively needs these wins. If Toronto wins just one and the Rays lose both it will put Tampa a half game behind Toronto. These two night games may very well predict where, last years AL Champs’ season’s future will be heading. The duel in Tropicana Field will both be games of tough baseball.

Let’s not forget that the second place Red Sox haven’t been behind their rivals for a few seasons now and it would be nice to head to the Bronx on Thursday in first place. It has been some time since the Red Sox have been in the lead and trust me they want it back. The Red Sox are going into to a four game series in NY and the rivalry is back to the good old days. Boston has the mentality of knowing that the Yanks haven’t beaten them yet this season. Their advantage lies in knowing how badly that fact kills the Yankee players and the Yankee fans probably hate it more. Boston would like nothing better than to fly back up north in first place and show up the Yanks in their own house again.

Tampa will put out all the stops to not let this happen but it sure ain’t for the Yanks sake. Joe Madden and his Rays are too good to be out of the race so “win, win, win” is mandatory theme.

This will bring the heat index up in Canada, as this has got to give the Yankees the hunger. In all truth, the time has come to one-up Boston. The Bombers know this entails coming home still in first. It is vital not to lose momentum.

Here is the perfect quote for the Yankees to live by:

“Whoever is winning at the moment will always seem to be invincible.” – George Orwell

What does each of the competing team need and want to do? Continue reading ‘The AL East: It Would Be Best To Bring You’re A-Game’ »