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The Windup Newsletter ⚾ | This is The Athletic’s daily MLB newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Windup directly in your inbox.
Here’s the latest on the Championship Series: New York, New York. By the time we reconvene Monday morning, we’ll know the opponents for both the Mets and Yankees. I’m Levi Weaver, here with Ken Rosenthal. Welcome to The Windup!
Enjoyed It While It Lasted: Yankees advance to ALCS
Yankees 3, Royals 1: While we respect the Royals — whose 2024 season was genuinely impressive after finishing 2023 with a 56-106 record — this outcome felt somewhat predetermined.
As Ken mentioned about a week ago, if the Yankees fail to reach the World Series this year, they have no one to blame but themselves. Last night, Gerrit Cole was instrumental in eliminating any excuses, showcasing the ace potential he has demonstrated in the past. He pitched seven innings, allowing only one run on six hits, while striking out four and not issuing any walks.
In addition, Giancarlo Stanton continued his resurgence this October, going 2-for-3 with a walk, including a crucial sixth-inning single that brought in the Yankees’ final run of the night.
It wouldn’t be a Royals-Yankees postseason clash without at least one bench-clearing incident. That tradition was upheld last night when Maikel Garcia received an Anthony Volpe forearm to the upper body during a late slide. (Yes, Jazz Chisholm Jr. was involved, albeit indirectly.) The brief confrontation resulted in the Royals finally scoring their first run of the game, as Vinnie Pasquantino hit a single that allowed Bobby Witt to cross home plate.
For the Royals, it was an admirable season. While no one enjoys having their season end, this instance might be one of the few times the disappointment isn’t overwhelmingly painful. The turnaround they achieved was truly remarkable.
On the other hand, the Yankees will have a few days to rest while they await the identity of their next opponent for Monday.
Additional Royals-Yankees Notes: Joba Chamberlain, who has World Series rings with both Kansas City and New York, was in attendance to witness his former teams compete yesterday.
Ken’s Notebook: Unraveling the Darvish Mystery for Game 5
Although we love diving into statistics, baseball doesn’t always fit into tidy numerical patterns. Nonetheless, as the Dodgers gear up to face Padres right-hander Yu Darvish in tonight’s Game 5 of the Division Series (8:08 p.m. ET, FOX), two distinct sets of stats provide them with some hope.
Darvish was exceptional against the Dodgers in Game 2, surrendering just one run on three hits and facing a 12-minute break when fans at Dodger Stadium threw baseballs and beer cans onto the field during his last inning.
That outing occurred after he had eight days of rest. Tonight, at 38, he will pitch on a typical four days of rest. In four starts this season under those conditions, his ERA was 6.43, and his opponents posted“`html
ERA in 32 1/3 innings, counting his Game 2 start. The Dodgers have not managed to find a solution for him this season, whether in the regular season or postseason. In three appearances against them, Darvish boasts a 1.59 ERA and has limited them to a .426 OPS.
This is why they play the games, right? In Game 5, something has to give, with the Dodgers set to start right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto, followed by a series of relievers. On paper, Darvish appears to hold the advantage. Or perhaps not.
Another Game 5: Guardians still in it
Guardians 5, Tigers 4: Guardians manager Stephen Vogt faced criticism for his early pinch-hitting choices in Game 3. However, one of the same substitutions in Game 4 proved pivotal.
Cleveland seemed to be in a difficult position at the bottom of the sixth. Wenceel Pérez’s RBI single had given the Tigers a 3-2 advantage, with only nine outs remaining between them and the ALCS. Yet in the top of the seventh, following a single by Steven Kwan, Vogt executed the same strategy he had employed in the earlier game: left-handed hitter Kyle Manzardo was replaced by right-hander David Fry.
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch also made a left-right switch, bringing in Beau Brieske to take over for Sean Guenther. This time, however, the strategic move went in favor of the Guardians. Fry hit a two-out, two-run, pinch-hit home run that put them ahead.
Another similarity between Game 4 and an earlier matchup in the series involved Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase. He had given up the dramatic three-run homer that accounted for all the scoring in Game 2 and was once again called upon in the eighth inning to secure a longer-than-usual save. While he did allow one run in the ninth this time, a safety squeeze executed by Fry earlier in the inning had granted Cleveland a two-run lead.
This proved to be the deciding factor in the game, and with their one-run victory, Cleveland earned the chance to compete in a deciding Game 5 at home. Tomorrow, Detroit will send their ace Tarik Skubal to the mound against a pitcher currently referred to as “TBD” (8:08 p.m. ET, TBS).
Big Deals: Twins for sale?
In 1984, Carl Pohlad acquired the Minnesota Twins for $44 million—about $667,000 more than Max Scherzer or Justin Verlander earned in 2023. The franchise was passed to Carl’s son, Jim, in 2009 after the elder Pohlad’s passing, while grandson Joe took over daily operations just under two years ago.
Recently, it was announced that the next owner will be the first in 40 years with a different last name: the team is up for sale.
The Pohlads are likely to see a significant return on their investment, with estimates of the team’s value ranging from $1.46 billion (Forbes) to $1.7 billion (Sportico). The new owners will need to exceed that if they hope to satisfy the fans, as the team’s payroll has become a contentious issue in recent years and likely contributed to the team’s surprising collapse that led to their absence from the postseason this year.
Some might argue that not all blame lies with ownership. The Twins were among those heavily impacted by
Championship Series Preview: Yankees Dominate Royals, Guardians Keep Hope Alive, and Twins Hit the Market
Yankees Dominate Royals
The New York Yankees have shown relentless performance as they gear up for the Championship Series, firmly establishing their dominance over the Kansas City Royals. With a combination of strong pitching and explosive batting, the Yankees have positioned themselves as serious contenders for the title. Let’s dive into the key aspects of their recent successes.
Pitching Prowess
- Ace Performance: Yankees’ ace pitchers have consistently delivered, with strikeouts and low ERA (Earned Run Average) dominating the stat sheets.
- Relief Depth: The bullpen has performed admirably, holding leads and minimizing scoring opportunities for opponents.
Offensive Explosion
- Power Hitters: Players like Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton have been hitting home runs at critical moments, driving in runs and boosting team morale.
- On-Base Skills: The Yankees’ lineup has excelled in getting on base, leading to increased scoring chances.
Game Highlights
| Game | Score | Key Player |
|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | Yankees 8 – Royals 2 | Aaron Judge |
| Game 2 | Yankees 5 – Royals 1 | Gerrit Cole |
Guardians Keep Hope Alive
The Cleveland Guardians have fought fiercely to keep their playoff hopes alive, showcasing resilience and skill as they prepare for their next matchup. Here’s what has contributed to their renewed optimism:
Key Players Rising to the Occasion
- Jose Ramirez: The Guardians’ third baseman has been crucial with clutch hitting and exceptional fielding.
- Pitching Surges: Young pitchers are stepping up, demonstrating that they can compete at high levels under pressure.
Defensive Strength
- Solid Defense: The Guardians’ defense has been a bright spot, preventing runs with great fielding plays.
- Smart Base Running: Aggressive but smart base running has allowed the Guardians to create scoring opportunities.
Recent Matchup Results
| Match | Result | Impact Player |
|---|---|---|
| Match 1 | Guardians 4 – Opponent 3 | Jose Ramirez |
| Match 2 | Guardians 6 – Opponent 5 | Shane Bieber |
Twins Hit the Market
As the season progresses, the Minnesota Twins are making headlines by exploring significant roster changes. With potential trades on the horizon, here’s what fans and analysts need to know:
Trade Rumors and Speculations
- Star Players on the Block: The Twins are rumored to consider trading away players who could bring in future prospects, including some of their star pitchers.
- Market Dynamics: The MLB trade market is active, and the Twins could capitalize on teams looking to strengthen their rotations for a playoff push.
Potential Trade Targets
Analysts are keeping an eye on several players who might attract interest:
- Starting Pitchers: Some teams are looking for veteran pitchers who can provide stability.
- Utility Players: Versatile players who can fill multiple roles are always in demand.
Benefits of Following the Championship Series
Staying updated with the Championship Series not only enhances your viewing experience but also provides the following benefits:
- Strategic Understanding: Analyzing team strategies can help fans appreciate the intricacies of the game.
- Enhanced Fan Engagement: Knowing player stats and game highlights fosters a deeper connection to your team.
- Future Insights: Trade discussions and player performances can offer insights into future team dynamics.
Case Studies: Success Stories in the Championship Series
Looking back at past Championship Series, several teams have made remarkable comebacks and strategic plays that defined their seasons. Here are a few notable examples:
Historic Comebacks
- 2016 Chicago Cubs: Overcoming a 3-1 deficit in the World Series showcased the importance of resilience.
- 2004 Boston Red Sox: Breaking the “Curse of the Bambino” required strategic trades and player development.
Player Development Success
- San Francisco Giants: Their focus on player development and scouting has led to multiple championships.
- Atlanta Braves: Investing in young talent has transformed the team into a perennial contender.
First-Hand Experiences: Fan Perspectives
Engaging with fellow fans offers unique insights into the emotional aspects of following a team through the Championship Series. Here are a few experiences shared by fans:
Memorable Games
- Playoff Atmosphere: “Attending the 2017 playoffs was electrifying; the energy in the stadium was unmatched!”
- Community Spirit: “Watching games with friends and family creates unforgettable memories, especially during crucial moments.”
Support Through Thick and Thin
- Enduring Loyalty: “No matter the outcome, I support my team because it’s about passion and shared experiences.”
- Celebrating Wins: “The thrill of a playoff win is something every fan lives for—it’s a shared victory!”
Conclusion and Looking Ahead
As the Championship Series unfolds, the stakes are higher than ever. Every play counts, and the dynamics among teams like the Yankees, Guardians, and Twins will continue to evolve. Fans should stay tuned to see how these narratives develop and what surprises the postseason may hold.
