Although made from entirely different cloths, both the New York Yankees and Houston Astros exceeded expectations by earning a spot in the American League Wild Card Game.
After missing consecutive postseasons for the first time in 20 years, the aging Yankees appeared ready to extend the streak to three. Fortunately for the team, Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira found the Fountain of Youth, leading the Bronx Bombers to an 87-75 campaign.
Unfortunately for the Yankees, they’ll play Tuesday's single-elimination game without Teixeira, who will miss the entire postseason with a leg injury.
Meanwhile, the youthful Astros are two seasons removed from dropping 111 games.