Before any postseason, newspapers and websites fill with “Keys to Victory” and “X-Factor” stories, which usually detail slumping or middle-of-the-pack players that could change the course of a postseason series if they were able to break out (I’m sure the Nationals consider Howie Kendrick to fit this mold).
Prior to the ALDS against the Twins, the common theme of these conversations when it pertained to the Yankees were the bats of Gary Sanchez, Edwin Encarnacion and Giancarlo Stanton. All three carry prolific hitting potential, had all recently returned from injuries and were being counted on to give Aaron Boone’s lineup more length.