Maybe tanking is too strong. But I don't think the Yanks will be giving 100%. It's human nature to prefer one opponent vs another. I think it's clear that the Yanks would rather play the Rays. After clinching the East division, the Yanks laid a complete egg the next day. Colon was horrible that day, as a matter of fact. Perhaps you can attribute it to the post-celebration hangover. But the fact is -- the Yanks didn't care if they gave away a game to the Rays.
Then the next day, Martin declares that he wants to knock out the Sox. Yanks have a losing head-to-head vs the Sox this year. I doubt that the Yanks are afraid of anybody, but IMO, I think they'd prefer playing the Rays. They have a winning head-to-head vs them. The home field advantage isn't as significant @ the Trop vs Fenway. Plus, I think the Yanks like the idea that they knocked out the Sox, however it happens.
It's like asking which child a parent prefers. There's a preference, but no parent wants to actually say it. Same with playoff opponents.
It's a theory. There's no way to prove or disprove it. But my belief is that the Yanks won't be giving 100% during the TB series.
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