Writing the Pine

Let's savor this one

The clock struck 12 and there were two strikes on Gary Matthews, Jr.  Mo bent at the waist, held his form and delivered a third strike to finally put away a pesky, resilient Angels squad.  At 12:01, the Yankees won their 40th American League Pennant and will face the defending World Series champs, the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday night.

A mere 6 minutes later, Yankees.com send me an e-mail offering me Yankees ALCS gear.

Really? You couldn't wait a few more minutes?

But I’ll take it over the alternative (of not winning Game 6 and thus not getting the aforementioned e-mail).

The Magic number for the Bronx Bombers is now 4.  I’m not going to look ahead to our World Series opponent yet, but rather savor the taste of victory.

Growing up in the mid-to-late nineties, the Yankees made a habit of making it to the Fall Classic.  5 times in an 8 year stretch between 1996-2003, winning 4 World Series.

It took a six-year dry spell and an up-and-down journey that eventually brought Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixiera, C.C. Sabathia, and A.J. Burnett to the Bronx and finally another trip to the Series.

But also remember it took Carl Pavano, Aaron Boone, Kevin Brown, Randy Johnson, Aaron Small, John Lieber, Tony Clark, Doug Mient….I still don’t know how to spell his name, Roger Clemens, Jaret Wright, Chase Wright, Cory Lidle (R.I.P.), Wilson Betemit, John Flaherty, Al Leiter, Jose Contreras, Kei Igawa, Jeff Karstens, Tanyon Sturtze, Scott Proctor, Javier Vasquez, Esteban Loaiza, Miguel Cairo, John Olerud, Kenny Lofton, Bubba Crosby, Gary Sheffield, Ruben Sierra, Steve Karsay, Paul Quantrill, Shawn Chacon, Colter Bean, Buddy Groom, Sean Henn, Tim Redding, Wil Nieves, Andy Phillips, Tony Womack, Matt Lawton, Octavio Dotel, Kyle Farnworth, Jose Veras, Ron Villone, Sal Fasano, Kelly Stinnett, Nick Green, Craig Wilson, Bobby Abreu, Kevin Thompson, Terrence Long, Chris Britton, Tyler Clippard, Darrell Rasner, Luis Vizcaino, Ross Ohlendorf, Alberto Gonzalez, Bronson Sardinha, Dan Giese, LaTroy Hawkins, Sidney Ponson, Billy Traber, Ivan Rodriguez, Chad Moeller, Morgan Ensberg, Xavier Nady, and many more to get here.

Let’s not forget the “Core-Four“.  Jeter. Posada. Rivera. Pettitte.  The old guard from the late 90’s dynasty trying to re-live and re-create the magic from the old days.

Looks like they brought over some of the old stadium with them.

10 years ago, I thought the Yankees would always be playing in October (or November thanks to Fox).  I merely glossed over ALDS and ALCS victories, thinking of them as mere formalities before a Pinstriped coronation.  But alas, I have became wise to the contrary – not because of an epiphany but rather the humble taste of defeat at the hands of the Diamondbacks, Marlins, Angels, Tigers, Red Sox, and Indians.  It was never easy, the Yankees just made it look easy.  So this time around, I will savor the pure dominance of Mariano Rivera.  I will enjoy Derek Jeter’s clutch hitting and knack for making big plays.  I will marvel at the ageless Posada.  I will be appreciate every gritty Andy Pettitte playoff performance.

Continuing with the Dynasty Theme, the Yanks brought back Bernie. Where's Scott Brosius?

Aside from the the grizzled, old Yankees dynasty vets, credit needs to go to some of the new additions as well.  Mark Teixiera started to warm up at the plate as of late and came up with some clutch hits and RBIs.  Don’t forget his stellar defense as well.  Johnny Damon found his comfort zone and more importantly his hitting stroke in the number two hole in the batting line up. And let’s not forget the big man, C.C. Sabathia.  3-0 with a 1.19 ERA in the postseason.  20 Ks in 22 innings.

Oh, and an ALCS MVP just as I predicted here. Although A-Rod could have gotten the award as well.  I would have been happy with either.

The Yankees won game six of the ALCS with timely hitting, a patient approach at the plate, and solid pitching.  The Angels were undone by uncharacteristic mistakes:  Vlad’s baserunning blunder, Figgins running into his own bunt, and of course the two errors in the 8th that gave the Yankees some insurance runs.

One of many stupid baserunning mistakes against the Yanks this postseason

Sure, we'll take the extra outs...

If they can keep it up, I like their chances.  Until then:

Swisher is batting .400 when it comes to celebrating

He looks like a boy in a fishing/hunting store

You deserve it C.C. Just be ready for Wednesday