First, there were no expectations for the Yankees.
Then, as the wins mounted and the lead in the division solidified, expectations grew, even though the Yankees were still the same aging team and even though their only star-caliber player was coming off a season-long drug suspension.
The Yankees had played well and hit well, and they had done so without breaking the bank for reinforcements.
Now they may have wished they did.
Toronto, buoyed by the addition of three players to an already talented roster, stormed into New York and stopped the Yankees with three suffocating performances.