As the Tampa Bay Rays have taken a commanding lead in the AL East, the New York Yankees find themselves scratching and clawing for one of the Wild Card spots. And how ironic, considering the Yankees seem to be doing their best impression of their their rivals despite having obvious financial advantages. Imagine the Rays with the Yankees’ payroll?
Actually, we don’t have to imagine … because it’s the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Anyway, the Yankees’ attempt at being something they’re not has been somewhat of a disaster. A de-emphasis on starting pitching length, a bullpen that prioritizes getting strikeouts, and a lineup that is especially reliant on the home run are ideas the Rays have rode to a championship-caliber squad … while these same philosophies have doomed the Yankees’ talented roster.