HOUSTON — Others have endured the title-less desert longer. The Indians have not won a championship since 1948, and clubs such as the Mariners, Padres and Rockies fall into the never club. Across a bridge the Mets have waited since 1986, and across the country their West Coast doppelganger in Los Angeles has been watching gimpy Kirk Gibson video since 1988.
The Yankees’ title absence is shorter, since 2009. But these are the Yankees. Twenty-seven titles and descendants of George Steinbrenner. So 10 years is a minute or two less than forever.
These are the Yankees and the rules are understood — the Rays can lose to the Astros in these playoffs and have had a great season.