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The 2021 Yankees have thrived on getting punched in the gut. They love it. Nothing gives them a greater thrill than thinking about possibly, maybe offering their fans some hope before taking another right cross to the face. This past weekend was the latest example of that, as after improbably winning four series in a row (despite the miserable pre-All-Star break finale two weeks ago), they lost three out of four in Boston. Two of the losses were especially awful, as typically reliable relievers Chad Green and Jonathan Loaisiga got smoked.
The Yankees now sit nine games back of the Red Sox in the AL East and eight behind the Rays (just half a game in front of Toronto). The A’s dropped three in a row over the weekend, so the Yankees are at least still just 3.5 back in the Wild Card, but the problem is that the team that notched those W’s over Oakland was the Mariners, who sit two games ahead of the Yankees in the standings. Isn’t working from behind fun? At least we get an off-day to cool down. Or get mad all over again. TBD.
Today on the site, Josh will argue how the Yankees should use the trade deadline to retool for 2022, and John and Peter will preview Byron Buxton and Kyle Gibson as somewhat fascinating trade deadline additions. Later on, Ryan will take your mailbag questions for a post the day after the deadline.
Today’s Matchup:
Off-day
Fun Questions:
1. Fill in the blank: “If the Yankees somehow defy all odds to come back and win the AL East at this point, I will _____”*
*No, this is not technically a question, but roll with it.
2. But seriously, at this point, do you think the Red Sox or Rays take the AL East?