The Yankees are American League East Division champions — for the 18th time!
But the title didn’t come as easily as it appeared it would back in July, when the team built a 10-game lead over the Baltimore Orioles.
You’d think winning a division would entitle a team to start the playoffs at home. Alas. Major League Baseball’s odd new playoff format means the Yanks’ quest for a 28th championship begins Sunday on the road.
No matter: With an on-fire Robinson Cano (batting .558 in the last 10 games), Derek Jeter playing younger than his 38 years (an MLB-leading 216 hits) and CC Sabathia anchoring the pitching staff, the team looks ready to help cap a memorable 2012 season.
In addition to Baltimore’s resurgence, the Washington Nationals won the National League East — the first time a baseball franchise from the nation’s capital has made the post-season since 1933.
The Oakland A’s did even better than the Orioles, overcoming a 13-game deficit to steal the AL West title from the Texas Rangers on the final day — the only day they had sole possession of first place.
Finally, all fans should tip their caps to the Detroit Tigers’ Miguel Cabrera and his signature accomplishment.
By leading the AL in batting (.330), home runs (44) and runs batted in (139), Cabrera became the first Triple Crown winner in 45 years — and carried the Tigers to the AL Central Division title, to boot.
Now, the real fun — the playoffs — begins!
To which we say: Go, Yanks!