Incredibly, in this season of still dealing with Covid-19, baseball related injuries, and sometimes, awful management decisions both on and off the field, the New York Yankees are 1 game back in the loss column for the second Wild Card in the American League. One Game Back!

The Yankees continued their winning ways of Tampa last night 3-1 on the strength of an Aaron Judge single and some solid pitching. Who knew solid pitching could be part of a winning formula? Remember those ‘awful management decisions’ from above? I’m looking right at you, Mr. Boone.

So, the Yankees won, yay. The win ensured a series win against the Tampa Bay Rays, in Tampa, which hasn’t been a fun place to place for the Bombers in recent times. They go for the sweep this afternoon with Gerrit Cole. Here’s hoping for good things.

In addition to the win last night, the Yankees made a move, acquiring left handed slugger, Joey Gallo from the Texas Rangers for a slew of mid and higher end prospects. I’ll take it.

In my blog yesterday, I was very critical of Brian Cashman standing pat. Maybe, just maybe he has a plan.

I like the trade itself for a couple of reasons. First, they didn’t part with Aaron Judge or Gleyber Torres, leading up to the trade, I was concerned. Torres has struggled but yrsding him says you gave up on him, and, Judge was a late scratch out of the starting lineup. Man, did Twitter explode! ‘Did they actual trade Judge?!?’ Thankfully, they did not.

Additionally, the trade benefits the Yankees because it gives them options in the outfield and gives there bench a boost. Maybe now, Brett Gardner doesn’t have to play every day and guys like Ryan LaMarre and Estevan Florial can be used situationally.

That short right field porch at Yankee Stadium looms large. The trade, as I said gives the Yankees options and might give opposing managers something to think about, which is a nice problem to have if you’re the Yankees.

Of course, this all hinges on Our Fearless Leader not screwing it up and misusing his new toy.

Things just got even more interesting in the Bronx.