SSTN Mailbag: Stars of the Series, Ohtani, and First Base!

The last games of the season are finally here, and for the first time in what feels like forever, the Yankees will at least take part in the last game of the season. For something that seemed so familiar in my youth, I'm finally beginning to realize just how long it's been since the Yankees played in a World Series. I've explained to my 2-year old daughter what it means that the Yankees are playing in the World Series, and she is beyond excited to see even some of a game. In fact, I've even been my daughter's lead advocate, pushing to send her bedtime back just a bit so that she can see the first pitches of the World Series.

In having this discussion with my wife, I blurted out that nothing in life is certain, and it could be another 15 years before the Yankees play in another World Series. The response to my comment was a much-deserved eye roll (though my wife, being perfectly in-tune with everyone's needs, is open to pushing back bedtime for the World Series), but the fact that I made such a comment at all speaks to just how much I've missed seeing the Yankees play late-October baseball. Realistically, it's been 5 years since I genuinely believed the Yankees would reach the World Series.

I don't think I fully realized how I felt about the Yankees' draught until that conversation with my wife. Realizing and admitting to those feelings help me understand just how badly I want this team to win it all. It is a really fun group of players, more so than we've seen in recent years. There has been so much talk about whether the best teams this season lack "greatness" or whether depressed records at the top-end of the league represent the depth of talent in MLB right now, but the truth is I'm tired of those arguments. MLB players represent the best-of-the-best; whatever you think about the manner in which the MLB game is played, there is very little doubt but that the talent pool has never been greater. I wish we could focus less on arbitrary definitions of "greatness," and focus more on enjoying the game we're about to witness.

For the first time in a long time, I think you could argue that the 4 best position players in the entire league are playing each other in the World Series: Judge, Ohtani, Betts, and Soto. Gerrit Cole was last season's Cy Young winner, and has one of the best playoff records in the history of the game. Both teams have deep lineups with enough pitching to get their jobs done. There is also a significant amount of history backing a Yankees/Dodgers World Series.

For baseball fans, this World Series is truly a dream. I plan to enjoy it as a fan; I want to hang on every pitch; I want to cheer on gutsy performances, like the one(s) I'm hoping Nestor Cortes will deliver; I'm looking forward to celebrating critical contributions from guys who aren't stars, but make huge impacts in a short series all the same; and yes, I'm hoping to have the game's best players make my jaw drop. I am not one who is interested in star power, but this World Series has something for every baseball fan. I can't wait.

As always, thanks for the great questions and keep them coming to SSTNReadermail@gmail.com. In this week's SSTN Mailbag, we'll predict the players who will star on the game's biggest stage, debate the relative merits of allowing Shohei Ohtani to pitch, and we'll again discuss the Yankees' plans at first base! Let's get at it:

Nathan W. asks: What is your prediction for who will come up big in the World Series for both the Yankees and the Dodgers? Will it be the stars or the role players?

The beauty of a short series is that contributions that would seem very minor in the regular season take on much greater meaning in the playoffs. There are more situations in which playing for 1 run makes sense, so a sac fly, hitting behind the runner, making contact, drawings walks, working long at-bats even if they don't result in hits, making smart baserunning decisions, and playing clean defense all matter more.

Given that fact, I think an argument can be made that some role players will be key to winning the World Series. That said, I don't think we should overthink a question like this. While we will remember fondly the performance of some role players (the way Yankee fans remember Charlie Hays, Joe Girardi, Jim Leyritz, and Aaron Boone), I think we all know that neither team has a chance of winning unless one or more of the team's stars steps up to the plate and has a big series.

For the Yankees, I really do expect "Murderers Row, Part II" to have a big series. Juan Soto was made for moments like this; Giancarlo Stanton becomes a monster in the playoffs, and he'll be playing in front of his home crowd on the West Coast; and Aaron Judge is simply the best offensive player in the game (and I think he is really close to breaking out). I hope we'll remember some big moments from role players, but I expect at least one of those three guys to shine.

As far as the Dodgers are concerned, Shohei Ohtani might be the best overall player in baseball, and any time he is on the field, he can do something that we've never seen before. Mookie Betts has played in the World Series before and knows what it takes to win; I have no doubt but that he'll bring his "A" game.

No matter who shines, expect some fireworks and intense moments.

Brian asks: If you were the Dodgers, would you have let Ohtani pitch in the World Series? The rumor is that Ohtani has pushed to pitch on a limited basis during the playoffs. It's not an apples-apples comparison, but the Yankees are likely allowing Nestor Cortes pitch with an injury that could very well lead to TJS. What are your thoughts and how would you manage that situation.

Yankee fans know that flags fly forever. There are some that would throw caution completely to the wind, and if Ohtani's stuff was good enough to help, particularly with a pitching staff stretched thin due to underperformance and injury, some would be inclined to let him pitch. Frankly, an additional high-octane arm for either side could tip the balances in this series, on paper at least.

However, there is significant context to consider. The Dodgers will employ Ohtani for more than a decade beyond this season, and as good as he is offensively, much of his overall value is tied up in his ability to be one of the best pitchers in the game in addition to being a difference maker offensively. There may come a time at which Ohtani becomes a hitter-only, but that time is not now. The Dodgers owe it to themselves and Ohtani to allow him to try to make a comeback on the mound, and letting him pitch 6+ months ahead of schedule in the most adrenaline-packed games of the season just isn't right.

The situation is different for the Yankees and Nestor Cortes. They have only retained his guaranteed services for another year. In that scenario, it's really up to Nestor whether or not he's comfortable giving it a go.

If the Dodgers continue to build teams that are competitive, Ohtani should get other chances on the mound. If I'm the Dodgers, I have to trust my ability to build rosters. If not, I haven't done my job. Painful and tempting though it is, I think the Dodgers are making the right call by saying Ohtani will not be available in the World Series this year.

Michael G. asks: I know that I'm going to sound like a broken record, but what would you do at 1B in the playoffs? Rizzo is clearly diminished.

I've long stated that I would start Oswaldo Cabrera at 1B right now, given all of the options. However, Rizzo clearly has a plan at the plate that is very different from the one he employed during the regular season. He is choking up on the bat and slapping the ball to ensure that he makes contact and gets on base. While over the course of the regular season, this would not achieve consistent results, it's perfect in the playoffs where the team needs baserunners any way they can get them in front of Judge and Soto (or behind them, as the case may be). I give Rizzo tons of credit for playing through injury and doing everything he can to be a productive player for the team, especially his ability to adapt his approach, which is incredibly difficult.

So, given the current evidence, I would start Rizzo at 1B. However, Rizzo has looked bad defensively and I don't trust him against left-handed pitching, so I would use Oswaldo Cabrera against lefties and as a late-inning defensive replacement, as his hands and instincts are fantastic.

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PS - As a reminder, I predicted that the Yankees would defeat the Dodgers in 6 games, and I stand by it. Beyond anything else, let's enjoy the next few days, no matter the outcome.