Can Yankees turn the tide, avoid getting into New York’s worst collapse list?
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Follow UsThe Yankees’ fans have a harrowing time thinking about their team in August, which saw the worst record since September 1991. The meltdown first at Los Angeles and then a 9-0 shutout at Tropicana Field had left many bewildered thinking if the Bombers could stay in the race to win the AL East. Pessimism is galore with many fearing to see the Yankees getting into the list of New York’s worst collapses in history.
However, the 2-1 victory against the Rays in the final series game gives hope to die-hard Yankee fans. Aaron Judge’s offense that marked his chase for the 61-year elusive home-run record shows the firefighting prowess the Yankees have to regain their lost glory. On Sunday, Judge got able support from Frankie Montas, who found his rhythm after a return from injury.
After Monday’s win against the Twins at Yankee Stadium, fans feel the Yankees have the knack and power to fix issues and regain their swagger.
Amen! Hope all go well and the Yankees can put fans’ doubts to rest by recovering from their slump.
The Memories of 1978 Yankees
Still, worried fans compare the pre-July position with where the Yankees stand in the first week of September. The Rays and Blue Jays have gained considerable ground. New York has lost consecutive games to reduce the AL East lead over the Rays from 15 1/2-game lead to mere five games.
The tumultuous 2022 season reminds many of the 1978. The Yankees were 14 games behind the Red Sox. The Yankees traveled to Fenway Park and made a clean sweep in the famous “Boston massacre.”
“The Yankees are two games back and drawing away,” wrote Joe Gergen following the series.
Soon, powered by their offense New York shared the top slot but lost to the Indians in a home finale. Meanwhile, the Red Sox made eight consecutive wins. The playoff saw New York defeating Boston 5-4 to become the AL East champs.
New York has changed a lot since that epic 1978 season but memories still inspire fans. There was optimism that the likes of Aaron Judge would never let the team to become one with the worst collapse in history. Fans hope payers must figure out the way to redemption well before everything falls apart.
2004 Yankees
The 2004 collapse of the Yankees still hunts many. They had the worst loss in MLB history on August 31 that year when Cleveland shut them down 22-0. After a three-to-none lead, New York collapsed and lost a 7-game playoff to the Red Sox. The slump was so battering that fans call the 2004 team the worst ever in the Yankees’ history.
2007 Mets
The New York Mets saw a similar downfall in the 2007 and 2008 seasons. They were leading the NL East table by 7 1/2 games on September 12. Hopes were high thanks to their improved performance. But there was a sudden collapse and the team lost 12 of the last 17 games. It began with a 3-0 home rout and they surrendered to the Phillies.
1951 Dodgers
In New York’s baseball history, the Brooklyn Dodgers were the historical fathers of the greatest collapse. The leaders of the 1951 season enjoyed a 13-game dominance until August 11. However, in September, everything went against them and they collapsed while their cross-city rivals the Giants won their last 16 games.
Jets and Knicks
In 1986, the Jets scripted another worst collapse in New York’s sports history. Their high-octane offense and immaculate defense maintained the NFL lead for 11 weeks. But the Jets lost the direction and the last five games. MVP Ken O’Brien couldn’t save them. The Jets squandered a 20-10 lead to capitulate to Cleveland in the divisional round.
The Knicks met a similar fate in 1992, where a late complete collapse against the Bulls wasted a five-game lead.
Fear Rages Despite Yankees’ Optimism
While fans see a silver lining in wins recorded on Sunday and Monday, there is marked cautious optimism. The August collapse and recent losses hint at the shaky foundation on which the present Yankees’ edifice stands.
Thirteen players are injured and this indicates serious fitness problems in the team. The trading of Jordan Montgomery and Joey Gallo also backfired with both performing well for their teams while their replacements are less than a boost to New York’s active roster.
It calls for a team effort, though not much Herculean, for the Yankees to return to winning ways. This team has talent and their offense is legendary. Aaron Judge remains in the hunt for a record with consecutive homers. Many of the injured players are looking for a return and they have some very good prospects in Oswald Peraza and Anthony Volpe, who can be future MVPs.
The 2022 Yankees look capable to avoid getting listed into New York’s worst collapse!
Do you agree with it? Can the Yankees avoid being the worst team?
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