REDEMPTION

Redemption: def. the act, process, or an instance of redeeming

Redeeming: def. serving to offset or compensate for a defect; To restore the honor, worth, or reputation of

2004 ALCS. Every Yankee fan understands the significance of that year and why it is once again a relevant topic. We should not be afraid of it folks, it is a historical fact and we shouldn't hide from the truth. To be in the history books for squandering what was thought to be an insurmountable lead on a Pennant Series, and to our rival to boot, is something we should carry as scars earned in battle. After all this beautiful game always gives its players a chance at redemption.

Before the ghosts of Yankees past do a number on your head, lets get a grip, this is not the same ’04 team. There are, you would agree, a number of players in this staff exorcising demons of past postseasons. You can't watch coverage of the ALCS without an overwhelming part of the broadcast devoted to the past and present postseason performances of Alex Rodriguez, CC Sabathia, and Mark Teixeira to name a few.

As analysts and so-called experts are asked to figure out what is accounting for the obvious reversal of fortune, the players seem to respond in unison “I feel good, I’m in a good place, and my teammates are here to pick me up.” Much is made of the overwhelming talent in this Yankee squad, as there should be, but one factor should not be overlooked: they are comfortable with each other, they are happy to be here, happy to be Yankees, and they have come to believe in team not as an abstract idea but because they have battled and proven to each other that every individual contributes to the success of the whole.

When you consider the numerous walk-off wins this year in Yankee Stadium just look at the names of the heroes: Cabrera, Posada, Rodriguez, Damon, Matsui, Cano, and then Teixeira in the ALDS. Everyone contributes. That is why the benching of Swisher, even when the numbers scream for such a change, is not becoming of this team. If this postseason is any indication everyone on this team gets a shot at redemption, and as the definition so clearly states: it happens in an instant. This postseason is far from over and before all is said and done AJ Burnett, Phil Hughes, and Nick Swisher may all get their shot at redemption. Who knows? Even Girardi may find a little bit for himself.

Author's Notes: Another writer may have held onto this story in case the Angels force a Game 7, but that would be like a Yankee fan rooting for a loss in Game 5 because they have tickets to Game 6...not cool bro, not cool.

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