With the chatter about the “New Twins” and the “Bomb Squad” and all the other nicknames for the current Minnesota team with their impressive homers and young players (plus Nelson Cruz), I didn’t think history would repeat itself and the Yankees would dominate the ALDS.

Clearly, I was wrong. The Yankees were stupendous in every way – pitching, offense, defense and all-around focus.

I was thrilled to see Didi break out of his slump. I was thrilled to see Gleybar establish himself as a postseason star. I was thrilled to see Judge provide not only the big bat but also use his full size to make catches others only dream about. I was thrilled (after getting over my surprise) to see Gardner succeed batting third in the lineup with his pesky at bats. I was thrilled to see Paxton and Tanaka have such great starts. I was thrilled to see Severino battle out of jams. And on and on.

Do I wish Stanton would get hot? Sure, but at least he got on base several times. Do I wish Sanchez would start hitting bombs? Yes, but he’s had a strange year, And it’s only a matter of time before my new favorite, Eddie Encarnacion, walks the parrot the way he’s been swinging lately.

As a St. Pete resident, I’ve been watching the Rays-Houston series too, and I have to admit that the Astros are scarier than ever, which is why I was mildly heartened that the Rays found a way to pummel them yesterday. I assume – hopefully, I’m wrong – that the Astros will prevail in that series and we’ll be stuck facing Verlander and Cole, not to mention Greinke. But who knows.

In the meantime, I’ll revel in the Yankees being the 2019 ALDS champs and hope they spend the rest of the week working hard, staying sharp and getting ready for anything and anyone.