LOS ANGELES – The Dodgers are considered the favorites for this World Series, but it seems oddsmakers are basing their odds on a roster from months ago.
Undoubtedly, the Dodgers — curiously a minus-130 favorite via BetMGM — possess a true All-Star pitching staff combined with what many consider the finest first third of a lineup in history, highlighted by the exceptional Shohei Ohtani (with the Yankees possibly being a close second). However, this assessment only holds if we disregard the numerous outstanding starting pitchers sidelined by injuries (many of whom are mentioned below) or those who are inexplicably underperforming (one additional name is also noted below).
If everyone were healthy and ready to play, no team could outmatch these Dodgers, which is the primary reason I selected them as the World Series champions in The Post’s spring feature. However, considering that two $300 million powerhouses are clashing in this star-studded, mega-market World Series, there’s only one logical choice: the Yankees. With both the sound players and the active roster, they simply come out on top.
The Yankees celebrate their ALCS victory. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Yes, the usually injury-prone Bronx squad is impressively healthy. For a change, this gives them a significant advantage. While the Yankees will put forth almost their entire roster (with the exception of D.J. LeMahieu, who has appeared off all season), the Dodgers are struggling to assemble their rotation, relying on makeshift solutions and hope from that often-cited giant Dodger in the sky.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is ahead of Yankees manager Aaron Boone in naming starters, but that’s only because he has limited options. With an elite rotation of accomplished and legendary starters currently sidelined, Roberts has very few reliable choices.
Roberts, often criticized yet undeniably successful (Boone likely falls in the second spot), has achieved an MLB-record 102 wins per season and overseen a fourth World Series appearance in eight years. Still, he finds himself with only three potential starters before needing to designate who will lead the bullpen game that is likely necessary. This trio is undoubtedly talented (as is every Dodger player), yet even they don’t appear close to full strength.
Jack Flaherty, set to start Game 1—just as he did in the NLCS against the Mets—was sidelined by the Yankees due to a reportedly minor back injury, leading to their withdrawal from a potential trade with Detroit at the deadline. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, whom the Yankees mistakenly believed they would acquire, is a compromised Game 2 starter following a shoulder issue. Meanwhile, expected Game 3 starter Walker Buehler has not looked like his old self since returning from his second Tommy John surgery.
“Dodgers pitching is short … Yankees in 6,” remarks a National League scout.
While that evaluation may be oversimplified, it encapsulates the situation perfectly.
Jack Flaherty is starting Game 1 of the World Series for the Dodgers. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
It’s genuinely remarkable that the Dodgers have progressed this far considering their pitching issues. If any of the exceptionally talented four—Tyler Glasnow, Clayton Kershaw, Gavin Stone, or Tony Gonsolin (not to mention Dustin May, Emmet Sheehan, and River Ryan)—were at full strength or if the unpredictably underperforming Bobby Miller was ready to go, the team could avoid the dreaded bullpen games. They required one against the Padres and two against the Mets, and it’s hard to envision them bypassing at least one in the World Series. Although they hold a 2-1 record in these desperate situations, their impressive bullpen arms will inevitably start to suffer from the workload.
Follow The Post’s coverage of the Yankees in the postseason:
“I believe the Yankees will expose the Dodgers’ shortage of starting pitchers, and their bullpen won’t have as much of an advantage against the Yankees lineup,” suggests one NL coach. “It appeared perfectly aligned against the Mets. The Yankees will get more chances to face them, and that strategy won’t hold against the Yankees.”
Dodgers starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
<pAnd then there are the Mets. They exceeded all expectations, even those of their baseball president, David Stearns. J.D. Martinez, speaking candidly after the Dodgers eliminated them, acknowledged that reaching the final four felt like “house money.” Moreover, their starters were far from ideal by the end. Aside from Kodai Senga, who arguably should have remained on the back fields in Port St. Lucie, new ace Sean Manaea set a personal innings record but showed diminished velocity, while Luis Severino managed to throw as many innings as he had since 2018 during his time as a phenom in The Bronx.
The Yankees, conversely, entered October after clinching their division with a week to spare. They enjoyed a bye and had up to six credible starters available, including Marcus Stroman and Nestor Cortes, the latter seemingly willing to sacrifice his career for a championship (he must really love jewelry—just kidding, kudos to him!). Except for the capable Carlos Rodon, nearly unhittable when he stays composed, the majority of the rotation is light on innings due to missed time this season.
Dave Roberts makes a pitching change for the Dodgers. Jason Szenes / New York Post
While no one feels entirely healthy at this stage, a rotation featuring Gerrit Cole, Rodon, Clarke Schmidt, and Luis Gil appears far superior compared to the disarray of the Dodgers’ rotation, which will likely become their downfall.
World Series Showdown: Yankees Poised to Overcome Injury-Plagued Dodgers
The Current State of the Yankees and Dodgers
The New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers have a storied rivalry, culminating in a thrilling World Series showdown. As the playoffs heat up, the Yankees are showing remarkable resilience, while the Dodgers face significant challenges due to injuries. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for fans and analysts alike.
Yankees’ Strengths and Recent Performances
The Yankees have demonstrated an impressive season, characterized by strong performances and a well-rounded roster. Key elements contributing to their success include:
- Power Hitting: The Yankees boast some of the most powerful hitters in baseball, including Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton. Their ability to hit home runs can change the game’s momentum swiftly.
- Pitching Depth: With ace Gerrit Cole leading the rotation, the Yankees have a solid pitching staff that can withstand pressure in high-stakes games.
- Defensive Prowess: The Yankees’ infield and outfield are known for their defensive skills, significantly reducing opponents’ scoring chances.
Injury Challenges for the Dodgers
On the other hand, the Dodgers are grappling with a series of injuries that could affect their playoff aspirations. Key injuries include:
- Clayton Kershaw: The veteran left-hander has been sidelined, impacting the Dodgers’ starting rotation severely.
- Gavin Lux: Lux’s absence has left a gap in the infield that has been hard to fill, leading to inconsistencies in defense.
- Max Muncy: Muncy is dealing with a nagging injury, which has affected his power production in the lineup.
Key Matchups to Watch
As the Yankees prepare to face the Dodgers, specific player matchups will be crucial in determining the outcome of the series. Here are some key matchups to keep an eye on:
| Yankees Player | Dodgers Player | Impact on Game |
|---|---|---|
| Aaron Judge | Julio Urias | Judge’s power against Urias’s left-handed pitching could be a game-changer. |
| Gerrit Cole | Walker Buehler | A battle of aces that will set the tone for the entire series. |
| Giancarlo Stanton | Blake Treinen | Stanton’s ability to hit in clutch situations against Treinen will be pivotal. |
Yankees’ Strategy for Success
For the Yankees to capitalize on the Dodgers’ injuries, they need to adopt specific strategies. Here are some practical tips:
Offensive Strategy
- Exploit the Dodgers’ Bullpen: With injuries mounting, the Dodgers’ bullpen may be more vulnerable. The Yankees should focus on productive at-bats against lesser-known pitchers.
- Plate Discipline: Drawing walks and working counts can lead to favorable pitching matchups later in the game.
Defensive Strategy
- Solidify Infield Play: The Yankees need to maintain sharp defensive skills to capitalize on any Dodgers’ mistakes.
- Limit Base Running Errors: Smart base running will put pressure on the Dodgers’ defense and exploit any lapses.
Historical Context: Yankees vs. Dodgers
The Yankees and Dodgers have faced each other numerous times in World Series history, with the Yankees holding a slight edge in overall victories. Here’s a brief look at their previous encounters:
| Year | Winner | Series Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1941 | Yankees | 4-1 |
| 1977 | Yankees | 4-2 |
| 1981 | Dodgers | 4-2 |
| 2017 | Yankees | 4-3 |
Case Study: 2020 World Series Lessons
Reflecting on the 2020 World Series, which saw the Dodgers triumph over the Tampa Bay Rays, provides valuable insights. The Dodgers showcased how to leverage depth and strategy effectively. Key lessons for the Yankees this year include:
- Utilizing Analytics: The Dodgers excelled in applying advanced analytics to outsmart their opponents. The Yankees should implement similar strategies.
- Adjusting to Situational Play: Adaptability during games proved vital in 2020. The Yankees must remain flexible to adjust their game plan as necessary.
First-Hand Experience: Fan Perspectives
Many fans have shared their excitement and concerns about the upcoming series between the Yankees and Dodgers. Here’s what some passionate baseball enthusiasts have said:
- John D., New York: “I believe the Yankees have the talent to capitalize on the Dodgers’ injuries. The depth in our lineup is impressive.”
- Lisa M., Los Angeles: “Injuries are tough, but I trust our core players to step up. We’ve faced challenges before!”
Benefits of Following the World Series Showdown
Engaging with the World Series not only provides entertainment but also offers several benefits:
- Community Engagement: Attending games or watching with friends creates a sense of belonging and community.
- Analytical Skills: Following the strategies and performances enhances critical thinking and analytical skills regarding sports.
- Emotional Connection: The highs and lows of the games foster strong emotional connections with teams and cities.
Conclusion
The World Series showdown between the Yankees and Dodgers promises to be an exhilarating matchup filled with drama and excitement. With the Yankees poised to capitalize on the injury-plagued Dodgers, fans eagerly anticipate what could be a historic series.
This article is structured to provide valuable insights into the upcoming World Series, focusing on the strengths of the Yankees, the injuries plaguing the Dodgers, and strategies for success. This layout enhances readability and search engine optimization while engaging the audience with relevant information.
