The month of August was extremely kind to the New York Yankees, who resurrected their season over the 31-day span.
Common literary logic is being put to the test here.
August 1 proved to be the turning in point in the 2016 New York Yankees season. Now, they are about to reach the climax of their season.
Soon thereafter, the falling action will display what they can truly make of the campaign. Finally, the resolution will provide closure.
SEE ALSO: Trading Ben Gamel Was A Great Move
When the Yanks traded away multiple key assets at the trade deadline, the general misconception was that they had thrown the towel in; they were, “Waving the white flag.”
All those moves did, though, was provide the Bombers with flexibility, energy, a nothing-to-lose mentality, and ultimately a brilliant month of August. A month which saw the Yankees go from so-called “sellers” to the most optimistic franchise in baseball. A month which paid witness to a transformation from mediocre pretenders to legitimate contenders.
17-11 was the formidable record over the span, helping them leap over two imperative teams in the wild card chase and move to within 2.5 games of a playoff spot. Simply put, the feat is not looking so unfathomable anymore.
Joe Girardi’s team lost one series the entire month, thriving in an aspect that needs to be executed from this point forward — series wins. They took three-game sets from the likes of the Indians, Red Sox, Mariners, Orioles, and Royals, all potent playoff caliber teams.
August was a thing of beauty.
So, without further adieu, let’s take a look at the team grades and award winners from a 31-day time period that begs for these prizes.