The schedule makers anticipated that the penultimate series of the season between the New York Yankees and the Baltimore Orioles would have important repercussions for both competing teams.
Technically, it does, but not because of two clubs fighting for the AL East championship. It appeared to be headed in that direction just three weeks ago, but the Yankees are taking a more businesslike approach to a run that has allowed them to create a six-game lead over the Orioles.
For the most part, improved play and certain important decisions are helping the Yankees move closer to capturing the AL East and homefield advantage in the AL, as well as possibly the best record in baseball. While the Mets have a more fun and quirky vibe that makes their season feel like a long strange trip, the Yankees are in the midst of a business-like 12-4 surge, as evidenced by Aaron Boone’s matter-of-fact comment on Sunday following a 5-1 West Coast trip that ended with a 7-4 win in Oakland.
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“I think everyone in that room knows what’s at stake, what the mission is, where we’re at on the calendar, and the opportunity in front of us,” Boone told reporters following the Yankees’ final game in Oakland. “So I think guys are ready to do whatever it takes to win games and give themselves a chance in October.
As for homefield advantage being the holy grail, it is important, but once the division is won, the Yankees must turn their attention elsewhere.
“We’d love to get it,” Boone told the media. “We’ll be playing these games to win. Again, I hope we can clinch and win this division first and foremost. We certainly acknowledge that there is (best record) to be obtained. Would want that, but you’re always balancing that with making sure guys are in a good spot.”
