Don’t miss the first game of the series between the Guardians and the Yankees from 7:38 p.m. on RDS2 and RDS.ca.
SPECIAL COLLABORATION
The New York Yankees’ last appearance in the World Series dates back to 2009. Fifteen years later, only the Cleveland Guardians stand before them to return. Since the 2010 season, the Yankees have spent US$3 billion on payroll, so they certainly won’t want to miss out this year. All the elements seem to be falling into place for 2024 to finally be the year for a 28th World Series victory.
Aaron Judge had an exceptional season, but it hasn’t translated into the playoffs yet. The guy is too good to keep it that way. I expect a performance from the man against Cleveland. Juan Soto is Juan Soto. Constant and confident. Giancarlo Stanton is a true Yankee. Because a Yankees player is usually evaluated by what he does in the playoffs. This is when it really counts. It must be admitted that after another ordinary season including a long stay on the injured list, Stanton has once again become the formidable power hitter. Even Glyeber Torres looks good as the leadoff hitter in the offensive role. Anthony Volpe stabilizes the defense in the infield, a crucial element of a team’s success, just like Austin Wells behind the plate.
Of all the remaining teams, the Yankees’ starters are second to none and the combination of Clay Holmes and Luke Weaver also compares to other teams. The weak link in the team will remain the replacement on the left side. Tim Hill and Tim Mayza will be used as an emergency measure only or at very specific times. Very happy to see Anthony Rizzo back in the lineup. Even if the stick is less present, his defensive play is first rate.
For Cleveland, the main objective is to end the longest current streak in Major League Baseball since their last World Series conquest, in 1948. They came very close in 2016 against the Cubs. How can they beat the Yankees? Winning one game in New York in the first two and wishing to win two of the three in Cleveland to lead the series with games six and seven in New York. Even if the path seems clear for the Yankees, the Guardians will put up a good battle.
Steven Kwan is one of the best leadoff hitters in an offensive role and his defensive play in left field, especially in New York will be a benefit to Cleveland. If we rank the best combined players on both teams, it could be debated that José Ramirez is in the top-3. And if Judge has not yet unlocked on offense, the same could be said for Josh Naylor. The addition of Lane Thomas at the deadline perfectly filled a real need among the Guardians and gives them a perfectly credible attacking core. Andres Gimenez and Brayan Rocchio finished the series against the Tigers strong in attack and their defensive play was impeccable.
The Guardians no longer have the starting pitching staff that intimidated every team, but their backup has been the best in baseball in 2024. In other words, Cleveland won’t go down easily in battle.
Prediction : Yankees in 6
In the Nationals, the Los Angeles Dodgers started the series strong with a convincing 9-0 victory. But don’t think this will be an easy series for the Dodgers. The New York Mets certainly have the ability to bounce back. However, the Dodgers machine seems well-oiled with a tough and merciless attack. We won’t change a winning combination, but the fact that Shohei Ohtani has no hits without a runner on base, but a 16-for-19 performance with runners in scoring position makes me question the relevance of have him hit in the front row.
A big challenge for the Mets pitchers, but certainly not the biggest challenge. The Dodgers tied a baseball record with 33 innings without allowing a run dating back to the series against the San Diego Padres. So, double challenge for the Mets! Preventing Ohtani, Mookie Betts and the Dodgers offense from scoring and taking an early lead, but more importantly, finding a way to score.
I am confident that the Mets offense can find a way to overcome the Dodgers pitchers, however, less confident that we can slow down their offense.
Prediction : Dodgers and 6
