Sean B. Fitzgerald It doesn’t go something like this, it goes exactly like this.

It’s my nature

There was a time when I could not wait for October. It couldn't come any sooner. Growing up a Yankees fan in the 90s will do that to you. The playoffs were a birthright and destiny was on our side every year. Sure, every now and then a team other than the Yankees would sneak in a championship (See: 1997 Marlins, 2001 Diamondbacks). But that was only to give fans of other teams some hope.

I was never worried about the playoffs then. Every other team was inferior to the Yankees it seemed. That only question that fans asked was, "In how many games are the Yankees going to win?"

Then 2004 happened. Everything changed. (No need to go further. It brings up too many painful memories.)

And ever since then, my Yankees have been exposed in the division series every year. They may have run through their opponents during the regular series, but as soon as October hit, their flaws were exposed like Ray Liotta's face in fluorescent lighting.

Take 2007 for example. During that season, New York had a 6-0 record against the Cleveland Indians during the regular season. Playoffs arrived. Out in 4 games.

So ask me if I'm "pumped" for the playoffs?

I could care less about the nine game lead. I could care less about the +149 run differential. I could care less about the 47-20 home record. This means nothing to me. And I'm sure it means nothing to any real Yankee fan. Right now, it's all fluff.

Ask the 2001 Seattle Mariners about their regular season. 116 wins. Most all-time. Lost in the ALCS to the Yankees in 5 games.

So no, I'm not "pumped". I'm worried about our flaws (Once again, I'm allowed to use "our". I feel I've spent enough emotion on this team.)

-What the HELL is the deal with Joba Chamberlain? Holy crap Yankees. Way to ruin a promising young pitcher. Regardless of how I feel (Bullpen! cough cough Bullpen!), shouldn't you have some conviction in your decision? Was this the plan from the start? He was going to be a starter, but with a 160 inning limit, but when he approached 160 innings and they needed him for the playoffs he would make starts of 2,3,4, and 5 innings to slowly build back up to regular starts, but when the playoffs start the innings count would wipe clean, but he MAY be a reliever in the playoffs. What. The. Hell? He used to be a commodity. Now he's a liability. Can't hit the strike zone, can't hit 95 MPH, overthrows, doesn't trust his stuff. Just about everything you DON'T want in a pitcher. Does any Yankee fan out there want him to start a playoff game? Something to think about.

In terms of flaws, that's about it. Which is a good thing. But given their recent history, I'm sure many more flaws will expose themselves. Suddenly Sabathia's playoff ineptitude will rear it's ugly head, the Yankee offense will disappear with runner's in scoring position, or the bridge to Hughes and Mariano will crumble with the pressure on.

I'm scared. I'm petrified. I won't be relieved until we have number 27.