BOSTON -- This was what Giancarlo Stanton wanted all along -- a chance. Before he even slid his bulky arms into his pinstriped No. 27 New York Yankees jersey for the first time at an introductory media conference in December, the slugger had been simply seeking an opportunity to play for a team pursuing a World Series ring.
To even get that opportunity, though, he first had to make it to the playoffs. He can scratch that off the to-do list. Now, it's all about helping his team stay alive.
Successful pressure-packed postseason moments can really provide that life.