About the Postseason: Let’s Get This Party Started
By Tim Kabel
October 24, 2024
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The Yankees will open the World Series tomorrow night against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers will have home field advantage because they had the better record during the season. It would be nice to have that advantage but, it only matters if they play seven games. I have some scattered thoughts about the World Series and the Yankees in general while we are waiting for the games to begin.
· The Yankees and the Dodgers have met in the World Series eleven times, more than any other two teams. Yet, this is the first time they have met since 1981, when the Dodgers won. I believe it will be worth the wait, as I envision an exciting series.
· All eyes will be on Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, and the other superstars. Frequently, less heralded players such as Billy Martin, Bucky Dent, Brian Doyle and others rise to the occasion to become World Series heroes. Let's have a little fun and predict which Yankee might have a huge series and make the difference. Alex Verdugo had a disappointing season for the Yankees but as evidenced by that game he had against the Red Sox, he seems to rise to certain occasions. Perhaps playing against the Dodgers, the first team that traded him away, will ignite a spark in him. Maybe he will get hot for a few games and lead the Yankees to victory. Another option would be Oswaldo Cabrera, who made a great defensive play in the last game of the ALCS. It would probably take an injury of some kind for him to get into a game but perhaps he would be a late inning replacement and come up big in some fashion. He has worked hard all season and does anything that is asked of him. It would be nice if he had a big moment. Another option would be Austin Wells. If he gets hot, he could be a force in the lineup and could provide some power. I'm sure there are other options too.
· The seats I normally get, either for myself when I went or for my son, normally cost about $100 each. They are very good seats, and it is worth it. For the world series, they are at least $2400. I'm sorry but as much as I love the Yankees, I can't see spending that much money, even if i had it available. If I did, it would be to send my son because I would never spend that much money to go to a game myself. The point is that the average fan has been priced out of attending a World Series game. Unless you are a season ticket holder, there is virtually no chance to go to a game. I read about one fellow who took $9000 out of his wedding fund to buy World Series tickets. Not to be cynical but, I wouldn't bet the over on how long that marriage will last.
· My biggest concern regarding the Yankees is Aaron Boone’s propensity to over-manage. I can imagine him overworking the bullpen again. This time, he might not be so lucky.
· I was saddened to see that Fernando Valenzuela passed away the other day. That would be sad under any circumstances, but particularly so right before the Yankees and the Dodgers play another World Series. Rest in Peace.
· It would be nice and a bit ironic, if the Yankees had Dave Winfield throw out the first pitch for one of the games.
· Another player who might have a big moment in the World Series if he gets an opportunity could be Jasson Dominguez. At the very least, he is getting incredible experience by being part of this team.
· As I am writing this, the World Series roster has not been set. I read that Nestor Cortes is willing to pitch in the World Series despite the fact that it might worsen his injury to the point where he could miss all of next season. I think it's admirable and impressive that he is willing to do that but, cooler heads should prevail within the Yankees’ organization and he should not be placed in that situation. His career and his long-term health are more important than any possible role he could play in this World Series. What if he gets into one game and injuries himself on the second pitch? It's just not worth it. It's even hard to say that he would do a better job than Marcus Stroman, since Stroman never got into a game in the ALCS. I would go with Stroman and actually use him rather than taking such a risk with Cortes.
· I suspect that Giancarlo Stanton will continue to have a tremendous postseason. He has always played well at Dodger Stadium and was the All-Star game MVP there in 2022. He is also only one of five players to hit a home run completely out of Dodger Stadium. Willie Stargell is the only person who did it twice. Perhaps Stanton will join him this week.
· Based on the comments that Hal Steinbrenner and Brian Cashman have made, I don't know that it's a guarantee that Aaron Boone will be back as manager next season, unless the Yankees win the world series. Neither of them gave him a tremendous vote of confidence or were especially enthusiastic in their praise for him. It seems that they want and expect to win the World Series and if they don't, there might be a change made in the manager. I know this will upset a lot of folks but I'm just going by the reactions of the owner and general manager.
· I read an interesting trade proposal yesterday. It suggested the Yankees could trade a package of prospects, lead by Spencer Jones to the Blue Jays for Vladimir Guerrero, Junior. This would be in addition to re-signing Juan Soto. If the Yankees ever did that, they would be a tremendous force. I would definitely be in favor of that trade, particularly if the Yankees locked Vladimir, Jr. up long-term. Obviously, that's not a priority right now but while we're waiting for the World Series to start, it's something to think about.
· It would be nice if the Yankees had some players from the 1977 and 1978 teams there for pregame ceremonies. I know there has been a falling out between Reggie Jackson and the Yankees but, he would definitely be someone to have there.
· This is the last article I will write before the World Series begins. So, I will make my predictions. I believe the Yankees will win the World Series in six games. Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Juan Soto will all have big moments but, the World Series MVP will be Austin Wells.
I still remember the joke I used to tell after the Yankees won the World Series in 1978 and after Bucky Dent won the World Series MVP Award. Back in those days, the World Series MVP always won, as a prize, a brand new Chevrolet. So at the time, I frequently told this joke:
This is very big news here in Los Angeles. Besides being an extremely popular player for a very long time, after he retired, Fernando Valenzuela became one of the Spanish language broadcasters for the Dodgers, and he broadcasted Dodgers games here for many years, right up to the last month of this current season, when he announced he was stepping away from the broadcast booth to "focus on his health". The Dodgers will honor him during the World Series by wearing a "3…
While it's nice to have unsung heroes (Doyle, Dent and for the 1969 Mets Al Weiss) in a series like this your best players have to be your best players. If they aren't you're going to be in trouble.
If Cortes is on the roster he's going to be there for one reason - to stifle Ohtani in key at bats. He won't throw a lot of innings and will probably be pulled as soon as he faces the 3-hitter minimum or retires (or doesn't) Ohtani whichever comes last.
Axisa points out today the startling split in Ohtani's post-season numbers with and without men on base. The Yankees let the bottom of KC's and Cleveland's orders get on base or…
With Reggie currently working for the Astros, and since he's been there, he hasn't exactly been nice to the Yankees, so forget it. What about Gator, Brian Doyle, Bucky, or even Puff (Nettles)?
Boone doesn't over-manage, the geeks that are in the analytics department have put together all these stats that have him do too many baseball-wise stupid things. Its not that different around MLB, except for which front offices demand that their ideas or more Orders than suggestions. Here they are Orders.
I like the Verdugo or Wells pick. My personal pick would be Jazz, with his combo of power & speed.