Many were the supposed teams to win the American League East division; many were the pick ups... Boston Red Sox, Tampa Bay Rays, The Baltimore Orioles were among the favorites of the people, but The New York Yankees proved to be the favored by the gods of victory on this occasion.
The doubleheader against the Tampa Bay Rays strike by the Yankees; they had two tasks ahead on the last Wednesday; secure a position in the playoffs and claim the A.L East division title. Those were not easy jobs to resolve, but they managed to do it. The first thing they did was winning the playoff spot, taking the victory at the back of Tampa by 4-2 on the first two games.
The conditions for the second game were more complicated, it was necessary for the Yanks that the Red Sox lose against the Orioles...and it happened! the Red were kicking ass leading the game 4-1; but the Orioles suddenly turn the balance on their behalf winning over Boston 6-4 at the end, and then the stars moved again to favor the Yanks once more, they only had to win against the Rays.
Yankees movements at the final innings were the key to reach the goal. The performance of Sabathia pitching during the eight, and specially putting Rafael Sorlano at the ninth to lock down save and secure the Yankees for the AL East Division title. If they kept Sorlano on the spot and let him save shows, he may still pitch big spots and will be an important piece on the Yankees strategy on October. Something of notice was the winning hit of Posada. It was an amazing hit to see. Some people think that Posada isn't going to make it in the post-season; however with that last hit he proved that his name can still be part of the rooster list.
The Yanks are now 95-60 and still have seven games ahead; 1 against the Rays, and 3 against the Reds at home and 3 against the Rays on the road. They also have a leading record in the American League and five games ahead of the Detroit Tigers. So its probably that they won't be so friendly on the coming games. I really expect of the Yankees a merciless hard play.
In just a week, we will know who will be facing the Yankees in the 2011 American League Division Series. The New York Yankees way is paved, now they only have to keep on the road.