Andrew’s One Good and One Bad (Game 4, ALCS)

Andrew’s One Good and One Bad

By Andrew Hefner

October 19, 2024

***

For the second night in a row the Yankees had me on the edge of my seat… and not in a great way. Many opportunities weren't taken advantage of, pitch locations were missed, and managerial mistakes were made...yet the Yanks still won.

Game 4 featured a new lineup and new starter, which I believe in the long run will continue to help this Yankees team succeed. Without further ado, let’s look at one good and one bad from Game 4 of the ALCS.

The Good

The new lineup gave the Yankees balance that otherwise was missing so far in October. Boone finally decided to mix and match a bit and I believe that without him making this decision, this game result would have been very different. 

Austin Wells, now batting 8th, immediately made an impact early on in this game, hitting a solo shot for only his second RBI this postseason. I mentioned a lot in the past couple of “one good one bad” articles that Wells needs to be moved down in the lineup because the cleanup spot was not working for him. In 7 games he had 12 strikeouts and was sporting a .077 average. It is good to see him showing off his power once again. Of course, his defense is nothing to scoff at either as once again he showed that he is plenty capable behind the plate with some nice framing jobs. 

Giancarlo Stanton was back in the fifth spot and showed his postseason power off again, mashing a 3-run homer to add to the Yankees lead. On this swing, Stanton also tied Babe Ruth’s career total postseason home runs at 15, adding himself to a very selective and historic list. Let’s hope Big G can keep up this insane run and power the Yankees onwards. 

Anthony Rizzo also had two hits last night and it’s great to see him back in the lineup and finding ways to get on base. The same can be said for Gleyber Torres and Anthony Volpe who have stepped up this far and have been integral to the success of this offense. If everyone keeps doing their part, there will be no problem in Game 5.

The Bad

I feel that this section will be very similar to the previous "one good one bad" but it’s certainly still important to write.

Clay Holmes is not the answer. It’s as simple as that. Aaron Boone needs to realize that putting Holmes in after giving up the game-winner the day before, and with other capable relievers in the pen, is not smart. He is too erratic and not reliable, and although he has looked good this postseason, it's not great to throw him into a game the day after losing one and expecting better results. Fans have witnessed this same cycle all season, and just now when it seems to be getting better, the cycle restarts, and fans are left with “Cardiac Clay” again.

Although Jake Cousins ended up with two of the earned runs, that's only because Holmes is not the guy to put in to finish an inning for someone. There are plenty more reliable options, and if I were Cousins, I would not want Holmes to be trying to get out of a jam for me. The bullpen structure needs some reevaluation because in a potential World Series scenario none of this nonsense is going to fly. 

Kahnle for Closer: 2024! 

Overall, it was, at times, a rage-inducing game, but by the end I was proud of what this team was able to put together and accomplish.

Carlos Rodon bump day is next up, tonight, and with only one game left to clinch the pennant, the Yanks are surely going to be going all out!