Inside the ALDS

NEW YORK – The Yankees made quick work of the Minnesota Twins in the first round of the playoffs last week.

As a reporter, it was very exciting to be part of Game 1 and Game 2. I covered the final postseason at the old Yankee Stadium in 2007, both as a writer and as a tv reporter. That one was a heartbreaker. Standing in the press conference room, you just knew the Joe Torre was coming to an end in the Big Apple. I don’t think people wanted to believe it, but I realized it was going to be a reality.

It looked like Torre was tired of trying to justify himself, and the Yankees were tired of losing in the first round.

I can’t say I wanted Torre to go. I think you could make a strong case for him being the greatest Yankee manager of all-time, regardless of his record prior to the pinstripes. Just because you have a talented, high-paid roster, it doesn’t automatically equate to winning – especially come October.

Torre is now one of the best managers in the game. I just think he and the Yankees needed a change.

That’s where Joe Girardi comes in. I wasn’t singing Girardi’s praises like everyone else when they made the change, and in reality, Torre could have come back if he chose the terms of that incentive laced contract offer.

Girardi took his lumps last season, but I can safely say, he’s done a terrific job in Year 2. The Yankees are the team to beat in October – the best of the Final Four teams remaining. They’re better than the Los Angeles Angels. They’re better than Torre’s L.A. Dodgers. And, they’re even better than the defending champion Philadelphia Phillies.

Again, it doesn’t mean that they will win the World Series; it just means that they are more than capable of beating any of the other three teams left. Honestly, at this time of year, it’s anyone’s game.

Still, the Yankees showed how dominant they could be in the American League Division Series, sweeping the Minnesota Twins in three straight. The Twins were the hottest team coming in, but the Yankees capitalized on every little mistake they made.

These Yankees play the best team ball since the squad that reeled off three straight from 1998-2000 and were three outs shy of four -in-a-row in 2001.

Alex Rodriguez was key for New York in the ALDS. He’s been one of the most important figures for the Yankees this season.

In Game 3, A-Rod and Jorge Posada hit seventh-inning home runs to spoil Carl Pavano’s opportunity to frustrate his former club last Sunday. The Yankees advanced to their first American League Championship Series in five years with the 4-1 victory.

New York won 4-3 in 11 innings Friday night in the Bronx. Mark Teixeira provided the game-winning blast after A-Rod tied it with two outs in the ninth on the most clutch homer of the series. The Yanks won the opener 7-2, setting the tone for the rest of the series.

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