Yankees Second Round Playoff Predictions
Pinstripe Alley
Going into this year's new MLB playoff format as a Yankee fan is both the most exciting and nerve wracking I have ever been. As someone who never wants baseball season to end, I am looking forward to the longer format. Specifically, how the MLB is about to embark on its first ever twelve team playoff race and with a three game series to determine the Wild Card round winners. This postseason will be one to remember for all baseball fans as this season of record breaking statistics continues.
After a historical regular season where St. Louis Cardinal Albert Pujols became the fourth major league batter to crush over 700 home runs and New York Yankee Aaron Judge setting the American League single season home run record with 62, going into the playoffs the Yankees and their fans have one thought in mind: beat the Houston Astros. But first, the Yankees and Astros would both have to make the ALCS. But we should start by looking at the two potential matchups the Yankees could play in their first round.
The Tampa Bay Rays will be taking on the Cleveland Guardians in a best of three Wild Card series. The Yankees had a winning record against both clubs during the 2022 regular season, posting a 5-1 record against Cleveland and an 11-8 record against Tampa Bay. Even though the Yankees had a better record against the Guardians, most fans, and possibly players, would rather play the Rays since the Guardians have the ability to neutralize a lot of the Yankees strengths. The New York Yankees have been known this season for two things, home runs on offense and strikeouts on defense. The team will hit more home runs than their opponent and then strike out hitters on the other side.
The Cleveland Guardians don't give up very many home runs, though, and have been very successful in putting the ball in play, without striking out. I am still confident in the Yankees to take a series over either one of these teams by riding the momentum they used to finish the regular season, especially on the coattails of Aaron Judge and ace pitcher Gerrit Cole.