ALCS 2010: Five Ways the New York Yankees Can Get Back In
The New York Yankees are all but out of their ALCS match-up with the Texas Rangers.
With the exception of just a few innings, they have been dominated throughout and should have been swept. Their dramatic comeback in Game 1 is the only reason that they're still in this series. Now they will need more of that comeback magic to survive.
Many factors have gone into the Rangers' dominance in this series. Lots of ideas have been kicked around, but one that never gets mentioned is the fact that the Rangers are better than the almighty Yankees.
Is this true? Well, it sure looks that way after four games, though a Yankee comeback is always possible.
Here are five ways the Yankees can climb back into this series.
5. Contributions Needed
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Other than Robinson Cano, no other Yankee has done much of anything in this series. That needs to change if they are going to come back against Texas. New York's "big guns" have been silenced which has been a recipe for disaster.
They boast the game's best lineup, top-to-bottom, but haven't put it on display thus far. If they're waiting for a outbreak, they have waited too long. Now is the time to start hitting and turn this series around.
Without production from all their hitters, the Yankees show that they are not a powerhouse, but just a average club. An average club, mind you, that is 27 outs away from elimination.
4. Play Your Own Game
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The Yankees have played right into the hands of the Texas Rangers. Clearly, they have played Texas' game and can NOT beat them at it.
In getting back to "their" game, many things will need to change. Firstly, the starting pitching needs to step up. The Rangers have jumped all over their starters so far.
The comeback trail rests now on the Yankees offense primarily, but also on the mammoth shoulders, or left arm, of one CC Sabathia.
3. Take Advantage of Home Field (Today)
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Today may very well be the last game played in Yankee Stadium in 2010. Unless major changes occur over the next few days, the Yankees will be ousted and there will be a new champion this year.
That being said, the Yankees need to take advantage of their home field while it's still there. They now need to win at home today just to get back to Arlington this weekend.
Even more than that, though, if the next two games do go their way, they'll face a fully rested Cliff Lee in Game 7. Not to mention that Texas has yet to lose on the road in the playoffs.
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2. Jump Out to a Lead for a Change
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In seven of their eight postseason games (including all four in this series), the Texas Rangers have scored first.
If the Yankees are to extend their season, they will need to score first. The Rangers, of course, will again look to draw first blood and quiet the Bronx crowd one last time.
The first few innings will be vitally important for both teams, but more so for the Yankees, whose backs are against the wall. Texas can casually play off their 3-1 lead, but they truly still need to end this series as quickly as they possibly can.
1. Starting Pitching
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As always, pitching and defense get it done in the playoffs. The Yankee rotation has been horrid to this point. The Rangers have continuously chased Yankee starters and out-pitched them, too.
Pitching remains the most important phase of the game, especially in the playoffs. And, in this case, the Yankees are in dire need of it. Not only from CC Sabathia, but from all their starters if they hope to get back into this series.
Their bats have been silenced, too, but their starters have been even worse. The Rangers have capitalized off miscues and hastily have taken a 3-1 lead with the opportunity to close.
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