I absolutely agree with doing it, but given that they can't draw 30,000 for a game that means everything, I wouldn't be shocked if they didn't bother. That's the thing no one seems to realize, including the sports media. The Yankees don't get to play either one of them. Texas does. If they play the Sox they likely sweep and wait while the Yankees battle the Tigers. I'm not so sure the Yanks sweep that series, so Texas gets extra rest. I'd much prefer to watch this collapse (for the sheer joy of it) and see the Rays play Texas competitively, thereby weakening the victor. I forget the exact statistic Olney posted two nights ago, but it was something like in the month of September, Texas' team OPS was like .917. Team OPS. Anyone who doesn't want them to face the toughest pitching possible is crazy. Though maybe a steady diet of Wakefield knucklers would throw off their timing. :wink:
Does Texas have the tiebreaker? Is that settled now? I should have looked before asking so no, Detroit has the tie breaker so the Yankees could still play either.
I'm sure. He already said he's only using pitchers who are done after today. So it's going to be bullpen by committee with guys like Proctor and Laffey. You can see where it's going with Betances starting. Rays are -243 favorites (you'd have to bet $243 to win $100).
Don't know if it's right but.. "If Texas wins Wednesday's season finale or if the Tigers lose to the Indians, the Rangers will host the AL's wild-card winner on Friday. Detroit holds the tiebreaker if the clubs finish even, which would leave the Rangers opening the playoffs at Yankee Stadium." http://scores.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=310927103&teams=texas-rangers-vs-los-angeles-angels
Interesting. I thought it was established that we were playing Detroit. Okay, well, I'd still rather face Detroit if possible, because Texas' hitting is just ridiculous right now.
Of course I do and I still feel exactly the same about Cashman and hope either he or the Yankees are lying when it comes to saying that he/they want him back. I think you will see why as soon as the playoffs start. (I admit I never thought they would get this far but I should have realized it was Boston providing the competition).
