The baseball season is a marathon – a long, grueling season that tests endurance, stamina and focus. With constant travel and 162 games that span six-seven (if you’re lucky) months, there are very few off-days for players to recuperate – 18 days off to be exact. Each player has their own routine and ritual on off days. Some might spend it with their families, others might go out on the town. But whatever the case may be, off days are important and treasured.
For the 2012 Yankees, off-days mean victories. New York is the only team left in the majors that has an undefeated record following an off-day (5-0). Coming into this season, the Yankees were ranked as the oldest team in baseball (Mariano Rivera, 42, and Raul Ibanez, 40 are big contributors) at an average age of 31.5 years. The Phillies (31) and Red Sox (30) are right behind. Could the off days be helping an aging team that needs rest?
In the five wins, the Yankees have beaten their opponents (Angels, Tigers, Rays, A’s, Tigers again) by a combined score of 28-13. Coming into tonight’s game against the Rays, the Yanks are fresh from their day off after their nine-game road trip to the west coast and Detroit. Two trends that have been interesting this season are unfolding right now in the game. When the Yankees hit a home run, they are undefeated. When they play after a day of rest, they are undefeated. Tonight is the recipe for another win in a big series for first place in the AL East.
