Gary Sanchez gets a chance to clear his name, and Gardy to say goodbye

Gary Sanchez homered last night. No. 18. You don't need to hear his batting average. Let's just say it's two Espinosas below Mendoza. And while we're at it, let's not recount his bucket of passed balls, and the way he trotted to first base to end perhaps the most infuriating loss of the season. Let's just say that if either Joe Torre or Joe Gerardi were still running this team, Sanchez would be buried in bench detritus or mopping floors at a 7-Eleven in Scranton. But he's still here, and they say he's really trying. (Though they've said before, and the jury remains out.) 

Over the last seven days, the YES team has reported an uptick in Sanchez's hitting. He's not exactly Carlton Fisk. In the last week, he's hitting .217, with two homers and an on-base percentage of .308. He's also drawn a few walks. Baby steps, right? Just close your eyes and imagine 2016.

It looks as though the Yankees will start Sanchez in the Wild Card, and then onward throughout the playoffs, if there are any. That gives Sanchez the kind of chance at redemption few Yankees ever get. (Last year, Greg Bird received such a chance, and it won him a starting job for most of 2018.) If Sanchez hits in the post-season, if he shows a spark, if he doesn't botch a game behind the plate or jog out a season-ending grounder, he could return next season with his future intact. 

A month ago, I couldn't have imagined such a thing.

And then there is Brett Gardner, the de facto Yankee captain, and the favorite Yankee for most fans. It's been a horrible year for Gardy, who is hitting .239, with 12 homers, and that just won't cut it. 

Here's the deal: If Oakland throws a lefty against us in the Wild Card, it would be hard to imagine Gardy starting that game. Which means we might see the last of his Yankee career this weekend. (Of course, he might come into the Wild Card as a defensive replacement or pinch runner. And if the Yankees are down by a ton, Gardy would probably come to bat just for the fans to say good-bye.) 

It's been a long year for Gardy. Next August, he'll turn 36. The Yankees will not pick up his $12 million option. And with them being contractually bound to Jacoby Ellsbury, like Ahab to the whale, it's hard to imagine them even bringing Gardy back at a low price. His greatest value would be a role model on a young, ascending team, and that doesn't sound like the Yankees. 

But, lo and behold, here comes the Wild Card. Last October saved Greg Bird. Could it save Gary or Gardy? Cross your fingers, everybody. It will soon be time to use our juju.