We all know what happened the first 8 times the Yankees played Boston this season. They lost, all 8 times leaving some Yankee fans to wonder what happened to the Yankees? Has Boston gotten to them? Can the Yankees really compete this season? As an eternal optimist, I find it best to never doubt the Yankees. If you ask me if I think they will win, I will say yes 100% of the time. This weekend I was right and the Yankees got their redemption by sweeping Boston in a four game series, limiting them to only 2 runs in all four games.
The reason New York was finally able to beat the Red Sox is because they are finally playing as the team they should be. And truth be told, the Red Sox are hurting a little. This weekend may very well be remembered as the turning point in the Yankees 2009 season. A big piece of this puzzle is that the Yankees big off season investments have begun to pay off.
The pitching: In the off season, it was all about CC and Burnett. The Yankees desperately needed reliable pitching and Yankee fans alike rejoiced following these 2 acquisitions. This weekend both of these aces reminded fans just how valuable they can be and exactly what they can contribute to the team. While not as brilliant, both Andy and Joba were also strong. Joba proved he is fitting into the starting role and can get himself out of jams when he needs to, while Andy shut up those who have speculated the best of his days are behind him. We all know the value of Rivera and have recently seen what Hughes can do in the bullpen – but almost more impressive, at least in my opinion, was the contributions of Aceves. Not yet a household name, Aceves was critical in Friday’s 15 inning win – pitching 3 shout out innings when everyone was tired and a sloppy mistake could have cost either team the game.
The offense: Tex for AL MVP. As I've mentioned before, one of the key things that makes Tex so valuable is that he plays the every game hard until the last out is recorded. Tex has proven he has the numbers this season. Not only has he been impressive offensively, but also defensively, helping the Yankee infield to become one of the best in the league and limiting the number of infield errors to the lowest of any team. On Sunday night, he also delivered the type of performance that draws attention towards matters such as the MVP race with his game-winning home run that completed the weekend sweep.
Red Sox fans loves to claim “the curse” has been reversed and their beloved team has stopped letting them down season after season. How soon they forget how often the Sox have choked. This weekend was reminiscent of August 2006 when the Yankees came to Boston and swept the Red Sox in a five game series, increasing their lead from an uncomfortable 2 games to a comfortable 7. In 2006, the Red Sox were plagued with injuries and under performers, something they are again struggling with now.
Sure, Boston still leads the series, but what matters now is who’s in first. The Yankees may not be 100% safe in first yet and Boston isn't done for the season, but this weekend the boys from the Bronx proved they are ready to fight and show the AL who’s boss. Boston, bring it on.
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