ALCS Postmortum

When the Yankees got past the Twins I wrote that the New York press was too enthusiastic and needed to relax a bit.  I thought the Yankees could win the pennant, but that they are no juggernaut.  September was too much of a black hole that their late summer swoon should be forgotten simply because they mugged the hapless Twins in the first round.

Well, they certainly did show that going 12-14 the last month of the season was no fluke.  But lets be honest, they didn't lose, Texas won.  They were simply the better team.  They did everything the Yankees didn't;  their starters pitched effectively and, except for game one, so did their bullpen.   They hit in the clutch, taking advantage offensively when they had the chances. 

Outside of Kerry Wood and Mo the New York bullpen was simply atrocious.  Again last night they couldn't hold the Rangers close.  The hitting was simply nonexistent.

I think the Yankee season came down to a decision made last winter; not resigning Johnny Damon.  He was a spark that they didn't have, not only in the playoffs but during the season as well.  He was never really replaced in the lineup, with the number 2 hole serving as a revolving door most of the year between Granderson, Swisher and Nick Johnson (remember him?).  Swisher had a good season, but he's better used down the lineup.  And I like Granderson, I think he will be good in the long term, but the Jeter - Damon combo at the top of the order offered a dynamism that I really still think had some juice left.  With Brett Gardner at the bottom of the lineup it was like having three lead off men once the game got going.  It added a dimention that made the Yankees more than just a power threat.  And Yeah, Damon's swing is tailor made for the New Stadium.

Even with Damon the Yankees still might have lost (Johnny doesn't pitch, the last I heard).  But maybe Texas wouldn't have made it look quite so easy.

So Congratulations, Texas Rangers and good luck against whoever you end up meeting from the Senior Circuit.