« SOTD: Push ‘Em Up Tony Still Stands Alone | Main | Jobawocky In Yankeeland »
September 24, 2007
The First Step Is The Steepest (Again)
Just about this time, last year, I offered the following 2006 post-season prediction for the Yankees:
If the Yankees win the ALDS, I can see them going back to the World Series and then winning a ring in six games. This said, the ALDS will be one small step for the Yankees this October, but, one giant leap for their overall chances.
As lazy as it seems, I have to rubber-stamp that one for this year too.
We know that the Yankees will face the Angels or the Indians in the ALDS this October.
We know all about the Angel Bugaboo - the Halos have owned the Yankees during the last two regular seasons and they waxed New York in the 2002 and 2005 ALDS match-ups. Mentally, the Angels have an advantage over the Yankees. Everybody knows it.
The Indians are basically all about C.C. Sabathia, Fausto Carmona, Rafael Betancourt, and Rafael Perez on the mound. Still, that combo can win you three games in a five game series. Plus, Victor Martinez, Grady Sizemore, Ryan Garko or Travis Hafner are all capable of ruining a game for you with the bat.
In a best of five, both the Indians and Angels present problems for the Yankees.
However, if New York can win their ALDS, I like their chances in the ALCS. If it's Boston, we know the Yankees can match-up with them. And, if it's the Angels or Indians, I think the Yankees have a better shot against them when it's "need to win four out of seven" - because then New York can pound on those less-than-great pitchers who will be forced into some game action against the Yanks.
And, as far as the World Series, I think the Yankees can hold their own against whoever the National League wants to throw in there.
But, getting past the ALDS is still key for New York - and perhaps the biggest challenge they will face this October.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at September 24, 2007 10:50 AM