Can the Yankees Make it Happen?

By: Stephanie Elio

Posted: 9/13/07

(SEPT. 20) With the regular baseball season winding down, the big surprise is that the American League East is no longer a lock for the Boston Red Sox.

The sudden resurgence of the New York Yankees and the downward spiral of the Red Sox has put the Bronx Bombers in a position to actually pull ahead, take the East and let the BoSox worry about the wild card and the Detroit Tigers.

For a team that was at one point this season 14.5 games behind, it's a situation few people have imagined happening for the Yankees this year, back when the New York papers were practically calling for Joe Torre's head.

The last road trip of the season is coming up, which means that it's rookie hazing time once again. Last year featured Melky Cabrera dressed up as George Steinbrenner, complete with grey wig and turtleneck; two years ago, Robinson Cano and Chien-Ming Wang signed autographs wearing blue-and-grey cheerleading costumes.

This year will include Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes and Shelley Duncan, three young players whose efforts the Yankees can thank for helping them get as far as they have.

Chamberlain, in particular, looks to be the fan favorite this season. The Yankees' official website features a poll that asks, "Who has been the Yankees' most impressive rookie in 2007?" Chamberlain received a whopping 83% of the votes.

Though his entrances don't have the effect that Mariano Rivera's do, with Metallica's "Enter Sandman" blaring through the Stadium's speakers, fans have started cheering just seeing the 21-year-old warming up in the bullpen.

Now that the Joba Rules are being loosened up, we can expect even more.

Thanks to the kids, the Yankees now have a real shot at postseason play, and in Chamberlain, their next starter (or closer).

It's about time.