Andrew’s One Good and One Bad (Game 1, ALCS)

Andrew’s One Good and One Bad

By Andrew Hefner

October 15, 2024

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Another win, another Juan Soto postgame interview. The Yankees are on an absolute tear right now, and in Game 1 of the ALCS, it seems that everything is fully clicking for this Yankees team. This rematch of the 2022 ALDS means a lot for this team and after getting swept during their last ALCS appearance, this first win is incredibly important. Let’s take a look at one good and one bad for Game 1 of the ALCS.

The Good

Aaron Judge and Juan Soto looked like prime Judge and Soto once again tonight. The dynamic duo finally gave the Bronx a reason to stand up for them, after “struggles” (take that word with a grain of salt), in the beginning part of their 2024 postseason campaign.

Although Judge was certainly not back to the point where he was hitting multiple home runs a game, he showed signs of life, working numerous good counts, getting on base, and driving in his first run of the postseason. Judge has been the only real/deserved complaint from Yankees fans thus far so seeing him so involved last night could mean a lot for this fanbase. I’m confident that the good times will keep rolling as he appeared to have a new approach at the plate last night, and hopefully, he made some good adjustments during a couple of days off. 

Juan Soto gave another reason for Brian Cashman and Hal Steinbrenner to fork out the money as he set the Bronx on fire last night. One homer with 2 hits and a walk is certainly nothing to scoff at against a very strong Guardians pitching staff, and overall he showed his classic Juan Soto plate discipline well last night. If Judge and Soto continue to be hot back to back, the Guardians are going to be in trouble. 

Also, I can’t do the "good section" without giving my flowers to Carlos Rodon. Everything about his start last night had the markings of a classic Rodon outing. Lots of strikeouts, only 3 hits, and no walks are exactly what the Yanks needed out of him. He has learned from his last start and hopefully, he continues this throughout the rest of the postseason.

The Bad(ish)

This is probably the hardest time I’ve had coming up with a bad so far this postseason, so this is not going to be as harsh as some of the others. 

Unfortunately, I’m going to have to effectively copy and paste my “bad” from ALDS Game 4 as once again both Jazz Chisolm and Austin Wells went 0-4. In the last One Good and One Bad, I mentioned that there’s not much to be worried about, just that fans are expecting more from the two of them, especially after their strong regular season. I’ll say it again, a more patient and calm approach at the plate will benefit both of them in a major way. Stanton has been on a tear as well so maybe shaking up the order could be a possibility as well and could give each of them a fresh point of view. Overall, like I said with Judge, there is nothing to be majorly concerned about, it's just worth noting. 

Game 2 will be a great one, as every day that goes by the Yanks seem to be getting stronger and stronger. I want to once again applaud the Yankees bullpen and Luke Weaver, but hopefully, they won’t be needed too much with Cole on the mound for Game 2. The rematch of Naylor and Cole is sure to be fun for any of the fans who watched the 2022 ALDS, so fans should be ready for some fireworks!