JOSH FEELING NO PRESSURE

Josh Hamilton said something yesterday that should make the Yankees very nervous.

Of all the postseason glory the Bombers have experienced, Hamilton brought back memories of past Octobers that weren't kind to the 27-time world champions.

"There's no pressure on us," Hamilton said. "Nobody expected us to go this far anyway. We just set out to reach our goals as a team, where we want to be and how we want to play to win this thing."

And with that, Hamilton crystalized what the Rangers have in common with most of the teams that have beaten the Yankees in the postseason since 2001.

Hamilton and the Rangers were relaxed and comfortable during yesterday's workout at Yankee Stadium. Players smiled, laughed, took time to joke with the media and watched NFL games on clubhouse televisions.

Contrast that with the Yankees' clubhouse, which, aside from the goofy Joba Chamberlain, carried its typically stern atmosphere and was populated by players who spoke words of confidence but sounded like they were trying to convince themselves.

The no-pressure vibe radiating from the Rangers is reminiscent of the 2001 Diamondbacks, 2002 Angels, 2003 Marlins and 2006 Tigers.

Those were all underdog, under-the-radar clubs expected to fold when stared down by the mighty Yankees in the postseason. But they all beat the Yankees thanks to great starting pitching, which the Rangers have, and a helpful dose of a carefree attitude on the diamond.

"People haven't really recognized the way we play," Ian Kinsler said. "If people want to take notice, that's fine with me. But if they don't, we're gonna continue to play the way we are."

That attitude has been good enough to lead the Yankees for 15 1/2 of the 17 1/2 innings played in the ALCS, which is tied 1-1.

It also enabled the Rangers to rebound immediately after squandering a 5-0 lead in Game 1.

"We're resilient," said Hamilton. "Forget about every game that's over with. Either go on or go home."