The Yankees had the best record in the American League during the regular season, but they are one loss away from that meaning nothing.

The Tigers have a chance to complete a four-game sweep of the Yankees Thursday. Detroit should be in the World Series next week. It's been almost a week since the Yankees eliminated the Orioles during Game 5 of their Division Series, but the impact of those games are still being felt.

The Yankees don't have anything left in the tank. Two of the Baltimore-New York games went to extra innings and all five games had uncertain conclusions until the last inning. The Orioles' presence in the AL Championship Series is clear, even if the orange and black is nowhere to be seen.

Detroit had the worst record among all the teams in the AL postseason. Their success proves the Orioles could have come close to a World Series title.

Posted Oct. 18, 2012