The New York Yankees find themselves back in the World Series for the first time since 2009, facing off against the formidable Los Angeles Dodgers. As excitement builds among Yankees fans, the anticipation of a potential championship parade fills the air. However, the path to victory may not be as straightforward as hoped.
Despite the fanfare, the Yankees enter the series as slight underdogs, a situation that could raise concerns. Much of the pre-game chatter is likely to focus on the star players: Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman for the Dodgers, versus Juan Soto, Aaron Judge, and Giancarlo Stanton for New York. However, if the Yankees fall short in their quest for a 28th championship, it may not solely be due to the performance of their opponents’ stars.
One significant issue for the Yankees has been their bullpen’s inconsistency throughout the season. While they managed to advance past the playoffs, the World Series demands a different level of performance. The success of New York’s pitching staff in crucial late-game situations, especially after the sixth inning, will play a vital role in their ability to compete. Unfortunately, their current roster may lack the depth needed to effectively challenge a team like the Dodgers, known for their ability to wear down pitchers.
During the postseason, Yankees’ starters have struggled to pitch deep into games, often failing to make it past the fifth inning. This has forced manager Aaron Boone to rely on a bullpen that is, at times, untested and unreliable. Although pitchers like Tim Hill, Tommy Kahnle, and Mark Leiter Jr. have shown promise in the American League Championship Series (ALCS), the ongoing strain on their arms is a cause for concern. Boone has leaned heavily on his relievers, which raises questions about their durability as the series progresses.
Adding to the uncertainty, the Yankees may be able to count on Nestor Cortes, who is anticipated to join the World Series roster after recovering from an elbow injury. His return could provide a much-needed boost to the bullpen or serve as a strategic option for pairing with starters like Luis Gil or Clarke Schmidt. However, the confidence in traditional relievers remains shaky, particularly with Leiter, whose regular-season statistics indicate vulnerability against a powerhouse offense like the Dodgers.
The challenges don’t end there; reliance on pitchers like Luke Weaver presents its own set of problems. Despite his overall performance, Weaver’s usage raises eyebrows, especially with the Dodgers’ batting lineup. Historical data suggests that batters perform better against pitchers they face multiple times within a series. The need for Boone to utilize relievers extensively against a strong hitting team could lead to unfavorable matchups and increased scoring opportunities for the Dodgers.
Ultimately, for the Yankees to secure a World Series title, they must find ways to extend their starting pitchers’ effectiveness and manage their bullpen strategically. With standout players on both sides, the series promises to be intense, and New York’s ability to navigate its pitching challenges could very well determine their fate. If the Yankees are to emerge victorious, they will need to execute their game plan flawlessly and hope for a stroke of luck long the way.