They have battled the ups and downs of 156 games of Major League Baseball, played through, hopefully, the back end of a pandemic. They weathered the criticisms of the media, as their $200 million dollar payroll dipped precariously out of the playoff picture. The experts wondered aloud if Hal Steinbrenner would drastically part ways with the steady hand of general manager Brian Cashman. Or, as most think would be the likely outcome, would Aaron Boone take the hit for his underperforming squad? 3 games may answer everyone's questions.

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The New York Yankees are coming off of 3 monstrous victories in Boston, including two 4 run 8th innings on Saturday and Sunday that led to comeback victories over the Red Sox. Tonight, Aaron Boone and his squad will look to seal their own fate. His team needs to win 3 out of the next 6 games, 3 starting tonight in Toronto and then the final 3 at home against the first place Tampa Bay Rays. Granted, the Rays have clinched the top spot in the American League East but if they can knock the Yankees out of the playoffs, trust me they will try.

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Jameson Tailon will take the hill for the Pinstripes Tuesday, followed by Gerrit Cole on Wednesday and Corey Kluber on Thursday. You might say that Boone has all of his "ducks" in a row with his pitching rotation. He does but so does Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo. He stacks Hyan Jin Ryu, Jose Berrios and Robbie Ray on the mound the next three nights in Toronto. The trio has combined for 38 victories this season. This will not be an easy task for the Yankees.

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However, last weekend in Boston the lineup came alive. Giancarlo Stanton was 7 for 12 with 3 home runs and 10 RBI. He alone can carry this team but he has plenty of help as the Yankees gear up to clinch a spot in the American League Wild Card game next Tuesday...somewhere, maybe Yankee Stadium

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