rscl31,
To answer your question about emotion, I would say no.This game ain't driven by emotion all that often. But if you could have pulled out a rivalry where it might...you did.
There are just too many games...every night, and I can only speak from a minor league experience. You are concerned with 1] winning or losing tonight's game 2] your own stats and performance and at that level at least, depending on the standings and such, not necessarily in that order.
I'd say it's coincidence or more of a factor of the sweep angle [talked about in here yesterday I think] than anything else.
Tonight I would consider when the Yankees arrived at the airport this morning after the night game in Chicago; the drive home; were there any family problems to deal with [guarantee you somebody had some]; Posada probably sitting; things like that. It's a lot easier to check into a hotel and go to sleep then have the wife pick you up at the airport then make the drive home to the burbs and hammer you with family shit. First day home after a road trip can be a bitch. Remember Yanks lost an hour in time zones too. That is something to look at.
I'm sure though that the great rivalries are important [especially the one you mention] but this is still a game where the primary battle is between the pitcher and catcher and does not depend on how hard the grunts in the trenches are fighting it out. It may be 9-1 in the ninth but it's your BA your thinking about. It's just a different game. I've never seen a pro baseball club take tonight's opponent lightly. Nobody ever looked at tonight's opponent as +185 [now we however need to look at them] but tommorrow's as an even money game and played accordingly.
About the Tigers game, I'm passing which doesn't mean it's not a good play. I may pass entirely now that I have a +118 in my pocket and like my other play. Worst case scenario for me if I sit tight is win a few bucks and if game #2 comes in it's a good night. Why risk losing at all? Many will say that is too conservative and I respect that. But that is what I am inclined to do unless something else jumps out at me. There is one at least worth a good look at tonight IMO.
Remember bases is a marathon and not a sprint. GL and remember my opinions are just that and may just be a bunch of bull. I do not profess to be anykind of expert. Protect your unit. That is the main rule.