Still Important Games Left to Play

Since the Yankees swept that early-August series against the Red Sox, they have had a very comfortable lead in the AL East that has allowed manager Joe Girardi to run the team with comfort most managers wish they had.

Maybe their lead is comfortable in the east, but the race for the best record in the American League is on. Even with a five-game lead over the Angels, there's a lot at stake here because the Angels own the Yankees, 6-19 since 2005, in their home ball park.

Starting with tonight’s one-game series, the result of a rained-out game in early May, the Yankees and Angels face off four more times this season. If the Angels take all four, that would leave the Yankees just one game over them for the best record. Certainly a vulnerable position.

From that point on, it’s a showdown against the rest of the American League. After tonight, the Yankees have 18 more games, with the Angels playing 20 more.

The Yankees face a two-game series against Toronto (65-78), three games against Seattle (74-70), three games against Boston (84-58), three games against Kansas City (57-86 and worst record in the AL), and three against Tampa (72-71 and losers of 11 straight).

The Angels play three against Boston (84-58), seven-games against Texas (80-62), and six against Oakland (64-78). And of course there are three games remaining between the Yankees and Angels with those games being played in California.

The schedules are, for the most part, an even match. The Yankees have five games against Kansas and Toronto, and three against the Rays, who seem to have completely given up. They should take most of those games. Seattle has been much better this season over last, but they still have plenty of weaknesses. Those three games against Boston could be big.

For the Angels, their seven games against Texas could be the biggest difference maker as they have six games left against the Oakland A’s, who hold last place in the west. Again, the Red Sox could be the difference makers.

It makes me uncomfortable that the Red Sox can play spoiler here for both teams. They have a potent offense and probably the best one-two punch in their rotation in all of baseball. They’ve had their problems this season, but they can certainly still make an impact. Plus they’re playing for their own playoff hopes, so they won’t be taking a back seat to the big boys like the Rays have been.