Jose Altuve, Yuli Gurriel and Alex Bregman have reached the A.L.C.S. in six straight seasons. Through triumph and scandal, they have taught a rotating cast of teammates how to win.
PHILADELPHIA — It was at an All-Star Game several years ago that Justin Verlander was talking to CC Sabathia about life with the Yankees. Players often are curious about the inner workings of other teams, and this was when the vaunted “Core Four” — Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada, Andy Pettitte and Mariano Rivera — were still the heart and soul of the Yankees.