Fansided

MLB playoffs 2016: 3 reasons the Yankees make it

By Joshua Sadlock

Aug 22, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; New York Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez (24) hits a solo-home run against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 22, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; New York Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez (24) hits a solo-home run against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 8, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees first baseman Tyler Austin (26) is congratulated by Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira (25) and left fielder Brett Gardner (11) after hitting a walk off home run against the Tampa Bay Rays during the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 8, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees first baseman Tyler Austin (26) is congratulated by Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira (25) and left fielder Brett Gardner (11) after hitting a walk off home run against the Tampa Bay Rays during the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

What have they got to lose?

If you’ve watched any Yankee baseball over the past two months, it has been a fun experience. This team has a newfound energy. Nothing against Carlos Beltran, Aroldis Chapman, and Andrew Miller, but whatever changes in clubhouse chemistry came after the trade deadline have made a world of difference.

The rest of the AL Wild Card contenders (at 8.5 games back of the division-leading Red Sox, the Yankees are out of that race) have scuffled along, barely playing .500 baseball in the second half. The Orioles and Blue Jays have had numerous chances to cement their status as playoff teams, but have been unable to do so. Both teams’ offenses appear to be pressing right now, trying to hit five-run homers with the bases empty. The pressure of holding onto a playoff spot that you have held for six months can get to a team whether they admit that or not.

The Yankees are playing with a different type of energy than has been felt in the Bronx in a long, long time. They have gotten younger at nearly every position over the past year, and their average batter age of 30.1 years is the team’s lowest since 2002 (also 30.1). If you want a number lower than 30.1, you have to go all the way back to 1993. No matter how you slice it, the Yankees are playing with very few external expectations, and that freedom has allowed them to come alive and embrace the moment rather than shrink away from the pressure.

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