Today on Pinstripe Alley - 9/16/21

The Yankees love their drama. They didn’t build on an early 2-0 lead, allowing Chad Green to cough up another back-breaking homer to put the Orioles back in front, and just when it seemed like Baltimore might beat New York for an aggravating eighth time in 2021, the Yankees rallied. Final score: 4-3, New York, and the Yankees will go for the sweep this afternoon. They would technically move half a game ahead of Boston and Toronto in the Wild Card race, as both are idle today.

As Mariano Duncan once said during a memorable season 25 years ago, “We play today. And we win today. Dassit.”

Today on the site, Andrés will determine which of Aaron Judge’s post-2017 seasons is the best, Jon will lament the inevitability of the Yankees’ defensive struggles with Gleyber Torres, and Dan will talk about Double-A outfielder Brandon Lockridge, who is Rule-5 eligible after 2021. Later on as we wind up to first pitch, Peter will explore what might be going wrong with Gio Urshela’s issues at the plate (last night’s homer notwithstanding), and Jesse will consider how the pitching staff could best use Domingo Germán once he returns this weekend (as expected)..

Today’s Matchup

New York Yankees at Baltimore Orioles

Time: 5:05 p.m. EST

TV: YES, MASN

Radio: WFAN 660/101.9 FM, WADO 1280

Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards

Fun Questions:

1. Who was your pick for Player of the Game during last night’s zany win?

2. Are the Mariners totally kaput in the Wild Card race now that they’re four games out?