Coming out of my cave to write about the MLB Playoffs because we’re a little dry on Wisconsin sports topics for a Thursday. New York Yankees advanced to the American League Championship Series for the first time in five years. With emerging teams all over the place, it’s been awhile since we’ve seen either New York or Boston in this position. Yankees return without the glitz and the glamour of the teams of yore, rather, they’re a young bunch that doesn’t know better who make for an enjoyable watch.

There are only a few players to really dislike on the Yankees – It starts with Aroldis Chapman and it ends with Matt Holiday which is more from his days as a holier than thou member of the St. Louis Cardinals. Other than that, what’s to really hate? Aaron Judge is a big goofball, and if people want to dislike him because they feel he’s a bit overrated, I could get down with that. Luis Severino is a dynamic arm. Gary Sanchez is a beast, same with Didi Gregorius. Yankees aren’t full of superstars they bought off the free agent wire, and you could almost convince me they’re an alright team.

Am I going to cheer for them? Nah. How can you root against the Houston Astros? They have the best young roster in baseball with Carlos Correa, George Springer and others with a fanbase dying to go to win their first World Series ever. Also, the city is looking for their first title for Houston since 1995. To root against Houston feels wrong, but is it really going to be the end of the world if the Yankees find their way back into the World Series? I think not.

Baseball fans will hate this, but the sport needs these major markets to produce for a couple years. It draws so much casual interest that people will start to really give baseball the attention it deserves on television. Houston-New York should be a great series.

Charlie.