When this 60 game season began in July, noone here thought we would be considering a 4-game series in September to be critical to our playoff chances. truth is stranger than fiction, that's baseball Susan - cliches for sure but the essence of truth. Whatever the reason that 5-15 slump has put us in the vulnerable positon where EVERY GAME is crucial. Baltimore, Detroit, Seattle are vying for the 8th & final playoff spot which the Yankees now cling to. Taking 3/4 this weekend might squash the O's hopes or thoughts of making the playoffs - a good run down the stretch inclduign the remaining 7 games with Toronto could even give us a shot at 2nd place guarantee of playoffs. That 2nd place position in the ACL is the only reason the cheaters from Houston will make the playoffs. It's going take a concerted team effort geling both pitching & hitting with solid fielding to get the job done. It's in our control - maybe the leadership baton has passed to Luke & DJ . It seems that Gardner has not stepped up this year as the sole member of the '09n Champions since CC's retirement -
Let's just do it guys.