[EmpireWF]

The Yankees defeated the Devil Rays, 12-4, clinching a playoff birth. They're still in play for the division but realistically they have to win every game left and Boston must lose every game left.

With the win, the Yanks guarantee themselves a playoff spot for the 13th consecutive season.

The AL is all sewn up as far as playoff teams go. Meanwhile, not one team has clinched a spot in the NL.

[simple simon]

as of now it looks like the Yankees will be playing the Indians in the first round, as they cant play the Red Sox

the Angels are 3 games behind for best record in the AL so they would go to Boston for round one game one

[simple simon]

interesting side note

the Yankees are 3.5 games out for best record in the AL .... but, they are 3 games ahead of Arizona who has the best record in the NL

seems that gives the AL a good edge for the World Series as all AL playoff teams will have better records then all NL playoff teams

[EmpireWF]

Originally Posted by simple simon

interesting side note

the Yankees are 3.5 games out for best record in the AL .... but, they are 3 games ahead of Arizona who has the best record in the NL

seems that gives the AL a good edge for the World Series as all AL playoff teams will have better records then all NL playoff teams

And we all know that thinking held true last year.

[RAMSFAN96]

Yeah, AL teams have better records because of the AL West, only 4 teams, also, the AL has way too many bottom feeders like the Rays.

I am of course feeling for the Tigers.............always next year...

[Lefty Noob]

Looks like a lot of folks underestimated what the Yankees were capable of a few months back. They're in, and once they're in, they're dangerous.

[EmpireWF]

I don't think people underestimated them, they were playing bad baseball and then at one point things began to gel. They were a better team than the Mariners and Tigers.

Are they better than the Angels, Indians, Red Sox...we'll find out.

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by EmpireWF

I don't think people underestimated them, they were playing bad baseball and then at one point things began to gel.

Ah, but I can't tell you how many pundits went off, proclaiming that the Yankees were done, dead, their run was over. And then look what they went and did - 13th straight playoff appearance. Now, I'm no Yankees fan by any stretch of the imagination ( I hope Cleveland sweeps 'em ), but it's almost comical to see how many writers and broadcasters find themselves eating crow right now.

[EmpireWF]

Well, everyone rights off teams too early. It's just that the Yanks were so bad early in the year and Boston was so good. They evened out though.

Really though, who expected the Yanks to bring in those young arms and have them produce like they did?

[mervinout]

Originally Posted by EmpireWF

I don't think people underestimated them, they were playing bad baseball and then at one point things began to gel. They were a better team than the Mariners and Tigers.

Are they better than the Angels, Indians, Red Sox...we'll find out.

they went 6-0 against the tribe and won the serise against the sox, but lost it to the angels. Also i never doubted them making the playofss, remember it was only may

[legend]

There are probably eight teams in the AL better than any team in the NL, which doens't mean much when the Series starts, as last year proved. Even the Devil Rays have a better offense than the vast majority of NL clubs. I didn't think the Yankees would get where they are, becasue they looked very old and creaky back in May. I still need to be convinced now that A-Rod won't fold in the coming days. Also, Carlos Pena will be playing first for them next season, mark my words.

[Ellison]

Originally Posted by legend

...Also, Carlos Pena will be playing first for them next season, mark my words.

funny if it turns out to be true, considering he was on the Yankees last season.

not a bad regular season at all considering the start and having to use AA pitchers for a while. all said and done and guess who's playing in october (again, for the 13th time in a row). let's go yanks, playoffs are a new start (for all teams).