Major League Baseball

YANKS' ROAD TO 28

Published Oct. 15, 2010 10:10 p.m. ET

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Hey, Texas - don't mess with New York!

That's the message that the AL West champion Texas Rangers might want to heed as they host the Yankees tonight in Arlington in the first game of the American League Championship Series.

Four wins and the Yanks will be back in the World Series for the 41st time - in line for an amazing 28th title.

Once again, the Core Four - Derek Jeter, Andy Pettitte, Jorge Posada and Mariano Rivera - are the heart of the effort, each in pursuit of a sixth ring.

But this year other heroes stepped up, too: Second baseman Robinson Cano's MVP-caliber year complemented sluggers Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira - creating, with Jeter, an All-Star infield.

Phil Hughes emerged as the de facto No. 2 starter behind 21-game winner (and Cy Young candidate) CC Sabathia.

Yes, in September, the Yanks looked a bit wobbly, playing barely .500 ball. But that's ancient history.

The club swept the Minnesota Twins in the divisional series - thanks in large part, by the way, to timely hits from center fielder Curtis Granderson, who'd been a disappointment earlier this year.

Meanwhile, the Rangers' five-game series with the Rays leaves them exhausted and unable to use standout postseason pitcher Cliff Lee until Game Three.

Perhaps fate is smiling on the Bombers.

Go Yanks!

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