So - the Lead in AL east is down to 6 Games - 5on the loss side - and that is the important number,,,,
Tampa must be stoked - they were 15 - 16 games behind NY - essentially playing for a Wild Card berth...Now they are just 6 games back,, and BTW - they play NY 6 more times.... hummmm
A Note : at the All Star Break - the Yankees were on pace to win 122 games.... now they will be struggling to win 100 - that is how much they have lost lately.... they have 79 Wins - needing another 21 for 100 - I just do not see that as possible.... I'd say 93-97 wins ... possibly as low as 92,,,,,
OK - They play 3 games in Tampa this weekend - Friday, Saturday and Sunday ,,, then 3 next weekend - same deal.... Let's Speculate ..........
Tampa wins all 3 this weekend,,,,, so that going into Monday - they are just 3 games out of the AL East crown,,, and 2 back on the loss side (remember that is important,,, cause you can win more games,,, but you can't lose less games ...) and the really comfy lead that the Yankees had - let me capitalize HAD ... might come down to a Close race to avoid the Wild Card game.... NOW - Tampa has to WIN the 3 this weekend,,,
Looking at the Schedule in September :
The Rays, Blue Jays, Orioles and Twins are all in the Wild Card Race..
The Rays (see above) in the AL east race
The Twins in the AL central Race
The Brewers still hoping for Wild Card spot....
So,, none of the teams they play in Sept / Oct are gonna be laying down for New York...and all those teams would love to add to the collapse of the Yankees - Just imagine having to play the Wild Card Game !!
3 @Tampa
4 Home to Minnesota
3 Home to Tampa
2 @ Boston (how much would they like to hurt NY??)
3 @ Milwaukee
2 Home to Pirates
4 Home to Boston (how much would they like to hurt NY??)
3 @Toronto
3 Home to Baltimore (October)
4 @ Texas (October)
The 2nd topic is WillJudge hit 60 or 61, or 62...
he is sitting at 51 with 113 RBI's = yup incredible season even if he does not hit one more Home run !
but ok - 31 to go - needs 10 to Tie Maris.... Let's say 3 AB's per game .... 93 At Bats. his current rate is a homer every 9 at bats...that would give him 10 - 11 more... so It is certainly doable... however - lets go back to the prior conversation - the Yanks have hurt his chances by playing so poorly... and they schedule is that the teams they are playing are motivated to WIN ... Just may see these teams Walk him intentionally as to not allow him to beat them,, especially late in the games....so watch for that .... It will be incumbent on Rizzo and Stanton - who are hitting behind him to come thru in those situations,,, and yes,, thats pretty good protection to have hitting behind you !! Rizzo with 30 Homers and Stanton 24 ....
IF - and that's a bigger IF NOW .... If they can clinch the playoff spot they want ,,, the #1 spot - then Boone could move Judge from batting 2nd to batting 1st to get him a few more at bats over the last few games,,,, it will be great theater to watch !!!
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