NEW YORK – There's at least one surprise American League team in the postseason this year — and, yes, you can argue that the Twins belong in that category as well.
The Twins' rebound from 103 losses in 2016 is one of the stories of the season, and it is going to get Paul Molitor some votes for American League Manager of the Year. But the Yankees weren't expected to make it this far, either. After losing to Toronto on Sunday in the season finale, New York finished 91-70, only two games behind the Red Sox in the AL East.
No one saw that finish coming. Not with the Red Sox in the same division. Not with Toronto and Baltimore in the wild-card game a year ago.
"We came to spring training knowing we had a lot of good players," corner infielder Chase Headley said. "I think the expectation here is that, every year, to give yourselves [a chance] to win a championship, and you have to make the playoffs first to do that.
"I think from outside a lot of people were skeptical, but we knew we had some big-time players in here."
New York won 84 games last season with the skeletal remains of Mark Teixeira (age 36) and Alex Rodriguez (40) in the lineup, with Carlos Beltran (39) playing a supporting role and only one starting pitcher posting double-digit wins. The Yankees looked outgunned in this battle.
Enter the Baby Bombers.
Aaron Judge, with 52 homers, and Gary Sanchez, with 33, set a record for homers by a pair of teammates under 25. Judge, with 114 RBI, also is in the MVP discussion. Shortstop Didi Gregorious hit 25 homers. The Yankees, with veterans such as Headley, Matt Holliday and Todd Frazier adding some pop, led the majors with 241 home runs this season. But the Yankees, who have been to the postseason only once over the past four seasons, will have several key players who aren't used to the spotlight.
