SU has done the math. They have played the Rays 13 times this year including the playoffs and they are 3 and 10. So tell me: who is the better team? Is the fact that they are down to an elimination game with their 5th starter ready to go tonight a surprise? SU says no – you are what your record says you are and after an uneven regular season, here we are. Observations from last night:

1. When Stanton hit yet another home run, SU was a bit surprised by all the laughing and joking in the Yankee dugout between the players. The score then was 8-4 in the 8th inning. I mean, are we playing to enjoy the Generational One’s success or are we trying to win the series? Where is the determination and fight? Not a good look to the loyal fan base who likely feel that they care more than the players.
2. If the Yankees lose the series, game 2 will be the focus and the decision on how to use JA Happ. Apparently, Happ had voiced his objection to Boone before hand.
3. Tanaka is a free agent. After 2 bad post season appearances, is this the end of his Yankee career? He was bad last night.
4. As SU pointed out a while back, the Yankee bullpen is not a strength this year. There should be no rush to take out the starters as the relievers are not consistent. Green got roughed up last night once again. They will need to ride Jordan Montgomery tonight for as long as possible OR go to Garcia early. But Boone does not have the pitchers to mix and match his way through the game.
5. What to do with Gary Sanchez? SU says he will be back in there tonight. And of course, there will be RISP in every one of his at bats.

SU is not feeling it. The Rays team is together, they have fun and their line up puts the ball in play. SU noted that the Yankee hitters are showing a lot of outward frustration in their failed at bats. Gardner is guessing up there and seems to need to get a head start on his swing at his age now. Other than Stanton and I guess Hicks (hard to even say that), who do you trust now to get a big hit? Luke Voit is struggling big time and as we know in a short series, there are few at bats to turn it around.

The loss of Paxton is huge but the Rays have a ton of pitchers on the IL also. Bottom line: as a Yankee fan, we have seen this scenario so many times since 2001. Down in the series and all of the flaws exposed. The injuries have been an issue but with a $250 million payroll, you cannot use that as an excuse. They have to feel that they have the advantage if they can get to a game 5 with Cole going. The Rays will go with an opener tonight. Buckle up for another 4-hour slog.

Is SU wrong? Are we on the verge of seeing 2 dramatic wins for the Bombers? Or another night of frustration, an early deficit and guys hitting into the shift? Inquiring minds want to know.