For the showdown with Boston, could we try something outlandish?

One week from now, the year could be over. 

By then, the Yankees could have emptied their lockers, tipped their sherpas, banged their hookers and be flying to Sacramento, or Sarasota, or Antarctica, wherever. What matters begins Tuesday, a three-game series against Boston that will define 2026, if not the Twenty-Twenties. Tuesday, we march to the ledge and leap into the void. By next Saturday, it could all be over. 

Let's face it: This mini-confrontation against Boston was always fated, though nobody factored-in a potentially catastrophic storm. For the next 48 hours, we must wait to see that happens to the East Coast after the winds and waters subside. 

Talk about omens? Wow. (On that note, here's a thought: For all the branding opportunities in the weather terror industry, this storm still has no name. Is that a sign of what's to come? Big hits by players we barely know?)

Still, in the spirit of hope, I'd like to suggest something crazy next week. 

Rather than try to platoon their way into the ALCS, I suggest they concentrate on something ridiculous! outrageous! blaspheme!!! 

Defense.

Simply stated, the Yankees should forget who's been hot lately, or who hits what against various Boston pitchers. The stats won't matter. The Yankees haven't hit since July. They won't score more than two runs. They're a HR team, and HR-teams never hit in October. Why think they will change?

Nope. They should simply play the best defense they've got. And that is this.

1b Goldy
2b Jazz
ss George Jr.
3b McMahon
c Austin Wells
rf The Captain
cf Spencer Jones
lf Belly
dh Ben Rice

Let's not overthink. This is no time for an algorithm. Let's simply play a game without flinging one into a camera well. 

Sorry, Luis Garcia, but Paul Goldschmidt is, by far, our best glove at 1B. For all his lollypops, Jazz still turns the DP better than anyone else. It's a tough call at SS, closer than it should be, but Lombard has been holding it together. And there is no cause to consider Cabby or Volpe at 3B. Stick with McMahon. 

In the outfield, even a hobbling Judge beats Heliot Ramos, a butcher at either corner. Jones in center. Belly, of course. And Wells, for sure.

Let's not be cute. Let's not give Boston a four-out inning. Let's not embarrass ourselves. Otherwise, by this time next week, the Jets might be the only sports story in town.