New York Yankees: I’ll take our chances against anyone, says bullish Boone after playoff spot secured
New York Yankees head into the playoffs in good shape
The New York Yankees secured their place in the MLB playoffs last night with manager Aaron Boone bullishly declaring: “I’ll take our chances against anyone.”
Recent recruit Jose Caballero hit a walk-off single in the ninth inning to propel the Yankees to a 3-2 victory over the Chicago White Sox and grant them at least a wild-card spot.
First place in the American League East – and a bye into the AL Division Series – remains a possibility but the Yankees will have to make up a one game deficit on the Toronto Blue Jays, who also hold the tiebreaker, by the end of Sunday.
Bring it on, says Yankees manager Boone
Whatever happens between now and then, Boone is confident his team, who hold an MLB-best record of 25-12 since August 13, are in great shape heading into the post-season.
“It’s been a challenging year, no question about it,” he said. “But at my core, and especially as we got here to the final couple months and then we got to the final month, I’m looking around in there and knowing that we’re pretty healthy and getting guys back…I [felt] like our best baseball was absolutely ahead of us and, hopefully, even still is ahead of us.
“But I think we’re a really good club. It doesn’t guarantee anything, but I’ll certainly take our chances up against anyone.”
The Yankees have more to do, Boone
Speaking from an alcohol-fuelled locker room, Boone added on his team’s achievement: “We’ve been through a lot already, this is the first box to check, right?
“We’ve gotta get in [and] we’re in. Don’t take that s**t for granted. We are in the playoffs, we’ve got a lot more to do, right? We’ve got a lot of bigger goals. But enjoy this, celebrate this right now and come get ’em tomorrow.”
Star outfielder Aaron Judge, who was serenaded with chants of MVP by his team-mates, echoed Boone’s assessment that there was still plenty to come from the Bronx Bombers.
“The ultimate goal is to win our division,” said Judge. “It’s still right there for us. So, we’re excited about getting in, but we got bigger things ahead of us.”