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New York Times | Benjamin Hoffman: For the second time in three years, the Yankees are headed to the ALCS behind a suffocating pitching and defensive show against the Twins. New York clubbed their postseason whipping boys both games in the Bronx, and showed a different side of dominance in the deciding third game. The Yankees will now have some time to rest and hope that Rays-Astros takes the full five games to conclude.
ESPN | Marly Rivera: Didi Gregorius had just about the worst season of any Yankee destined for regular poseason playing time. Between a late start after recovering from Tommy John surgery and a terrible August slump, it wasn’t that crazy to suggest Didi might start the ALDS on the bench. Of course, had arguably the biggest hit of the two games in the Bronx, and has been rock-solid at shortstop. Yankees legend Reggie Jackson was one of his staunchest supporters, and now gets to say he told us so.
Newsday | Anthony Rieber: Speaking of Yankee legends, remember Nick Swisher? Swish is with the team for the foreseeable playoff future, even having a locker in the clubhouse. Positive energy is needed in the high-pressure environment of the postseason more than anywhere, and that’s exactly what Swisher brings to the table, keeping the team light and on track no matter how deep this October run goes.
NJ.com | Pete Caldera: Gleyber Torres made the last out of the 2018 ALDS, a groundout with the winning run on base. The loss in that series to the Red Sox was a team failure, but the last guy at the plate is always going to feel a disproportionate level of blame, even if only to himself. Torres has used that feeling to fuel a stellar 2019, and has emerged as a leader on the team and paced the Yankees with the most Championship Probability Added through the first two games of the ALDS.