Yankees vs Dodgers: A Playoff Preview

 

 

 

The Yankees and the Dodgers are set to compete for the ultimate prize in baseball, the World Series. It is set to be the most-watched final in decades. The two teams last met in the World Series in 1981, 43 years ago. People are already calling it a battle between two generational talents, Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge. The true stars, however, have been 

Giancarlo Stanton and Tommy Edman both won their respected LCS championship MVP awards.

Tommy Edman was acquired by the Dodgers via trade deadline, having not played one game for the St. Louis Cardinals, his former team. Edman went 11-27 (.407) in the NLCS with 11 RBIs and a homer. This tied the Dodgers record set by three other Dodgers: Bill Russell, Ron Fairly, and Maury Wills. So, there's a bit of history there in his performance. This was no surprise because he had always been a reliable and solid player in his career. He is the kind of player with tremendous versatility, able to play multiple positions. Practically anywhere you want him to play.

Edman's transition to the Dodgers must not have been easy. He underwent wrist surgery and while recovering, he was traded in a 3-team trade that also brought his teammate, Michael Kopech, who has been an absolute gem in the bullpen, to the Dodgers. In the limited time he played in the regular season, he managed to get 139 at-bats, garner 33 hits, score 20 runs, and bring home 20 RBIs. Not bad for a guy who was traded unexpectedly.

Giancarlo Stanton's performance was quite different. It was loud. He had 4 hits, all of which were homers, with 7 RBIs and 5 runs scored. Stanton, once an MVP with the Miami Marlins, had underperformed with the Yankees, hampered by injuries. Despite all that, he played through the pain. His teammate, Aaron Judge, acknowledged the former MVP's struggles.

“That guy's been booed so many times, at the stadium, on the road, everything," Yankee Captain Judge said. “He's been battling some tough injuries along the way, but the guy always shows up when we need him.”

All the injuries he went through during his time with the Yankees have made him stronger to persevere and battle. His team is going to need him to battle the Dodgers who have been on an offensive tear, scoring 46 runs in the NLCS, the most ever in any postseason series.

The Dodgers and the Yankees, two storied franchises are poised to make this a World Series to remember. Late in games, the Dodgers have an advantage in the bullpen area, but the Yankees' bullpen has been great as well, led by Clay Holmes and Luke Weaver. The Dodgers bullpen against the San Diego Padres went on a 33 consecutive scoreless inning streak, tying the MLB postseason record set by the Baltimore Orioles in 1966. Blake Trienen, Michael Kopech, and Evan Phillips lead the way, as they try to embark on another challenge from a team known to hit the ball beyond the pole. These bullpen strengths are going to play a major role throughout the series, especially if this series goes all 7 games.

Shohei Ohtani has done his part to contribute, batting .286 in 11 games in the postseason, 12 hits, 21 total bases, 3 extra-base hits, 10 RBIs, 11 BBs, and 3 homers. He, I believe hit the most important home run in the NLDS. When the Dodgers were down 0-3 in the bottom of the 2nd inning with 2 outs, the momentum was on the Padres' side. With 2 runners on first and second base, he came up to the plate and delivered a homer that shifted the momentum. The Dodgers won that game. It was important because the Padres won the next 2 games, forcing the Dodgers to win 2 consecutive games. If not for that homer, the Dodgers might have gotten swept. Game 4 was particularly important because Mookie Betts found his postseason groove, delivering clutch hits throughout the NLCS.

 

Aaron Judge, the sure MVP for the American League, though struggling a bit, seems to be getting more comfortable.  The Yankees are going to need him to get hot to tame the Dodgers' bullpen.

Game 1 is on Friday: Flaherty vs Cole.