Lovelies, the Yankees Chick is so excited right now that it's going to be difficult to refrain from ending every sentence with an exclamation point: with less than a week to go, the Yanks secured themselves a spot in the post-season with a 12-4 win down in Tampa tonight(!). After blowing a 5-run lead in what should have been the clincher last night, the boys (and us fans) were more than ready to win tonight, and everyone from the Wangster, who won his 19th game tonight, to Shelley "Outta My Way Or I'll Smile You To Death" Duncan contributed to the big win (!).

The Yanks have not missed the playoffs since the strike-busted season in 1994, but I would venture to guess that the team let out a bigger collective sigh of relief than they did in most of the last 13 years(!). They dug themselves into an early hole, but since July 1st they have a record of 53-26, battling back from injuries to just about every pitcher we put out there (R.I.P. Darrel Rasner), an impressive feat for any team and a near miracle considering the disgraceful way the Yanks were playing in April and May(!). Cynics and Sawx fans (they go hand-in-hand, really) were mocking the fact that the Yankees were celebrating tonight since they will likely enter the post-season as the wildcard team and not as division champ, but I'd say this team has plenty to celebrate - turning this season around is an accomplishment deserving of champagne, Shelley Duncan high-fives, and even copious exclamation points.

!