A peek ahead

I have been resisting writing this post until it was offical. But with a magic number of two with nine games left to play combined with being tired of hearing crap being spread from all corners-- it is time to post.

Why are people afraid of the Yankees?

Yes, they beat us every game this season. Yes, they have been on tear lately.

But so what?

Look it up, the hottest team in baseball is not the Yankees but the Indians. As hot as New York has been, the Indians have won more games down the stretch.

As for the 0-fer. In the first series in New York, Westbrook and Sowers got shelled then JoBo imploded costing Carmona what would have been his first win in a calender year. Fausto's next start would be against the Twins and Santana and legend would be born. Sowers won't be pitching in the playoffs and if Westbrook does-- he certainly is not the same pitcher he was in April. Carmona, Byrd and Westbrook were the losers the second time around at the Jake. The Indians' hitters were silent that series scoring only 5 runs. One would expect the Indians to hit better in the playoffs.

Missing from both Series would be C.C. Sabathia. Give him two starts on full rest and that changes everything. Yes the Yankees can hit but as the Tigers proved last year, great pitching can silence them in October.

I have heard many say that they would prefer to play Boston. Don't let Red Sox fool you. They may be free falling but they have a parachute in reserve. Manny will be back for the playoffs and their lineup will be just as fearsome as New York -- only the Red Sox will have much better starting pitching.

For me the key is home field, give me the first two games at home against either club with C.C. and Fausto on the mound and I will take my chances.