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Ryan ChristoffI thought A-Rod had a monster game, even though it was just two singles. His first hit was exactly what he needed (hopefully) to end the choke chapter of his postseason career. He made great contact and hit a seed in an early at-bat. Then he got on by hustle and effort, not talent, beating out an infield single. Very unlike A-Rod, but very big. It was still a two-run game when A-Rod led off that inning, but 3 outs later it was 8 to 3 with Joba and Rivera on the way. Game over.
That was a great game in many ways. The two worst chokers on the Yankees the past few seasons have been A-Rod and Matsui. Both came up big on seemingly small plays. Both beat out infield singles and scored at key points as a result. Matsui's most clutch play was an incredible slide into third base that won't show up in his stats, but is his best postseason play since they played Boston.
Better than all of that was what this game gave a sample of: the future of the New York Yankees. And it's a bright future. Hughes, Joba, Cano, Melky. No Farnsworth. It was great!
Who would have thought the Yankees could win even one postseason game when their worst playoff player was Derek Jeter?
If the Yankees crush the Indians tonight, I see big things in the near future. How great would it be for A-Rod to redeem himself by carrying the Yankees to a series victory over the Red Sox while hitting two homers off the ketchup sock?!
He'd still have to help the Yankees win the World Series to redeem himself in my eyes, but I think most Yankee fans are ready to forgive him if he just helps get them out of the first round.
A-Rod goes yard tonight, to the tarp!
-Ryan