"Dodgers are probably a better matchup" – Yankees analyst favors Shohei Ohtani & Co. as World Series test for Aaron Judge's team
Both the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees are one game away from the World Series. While nothing is set just yet, some analysts cannot help but think of the possibility of a matchup between the two best teams in the league.
On "Pinstripe Territory" on Saturday, host Derek Levandowski gave his take on whether the Yankees would match up better with the New York Mets or the Dodgers in the World Series.
While he picked the Dodgers as a more favorable matchup for New York, he did acknowledge the threat the LA offense poses. (Start at 3:06)
"The Dodgers are probably a better matchup for the Yankees, honestly, but their offense is really, really good," Levandowski said. "Mookie Betts has been moving, Shohei Ohtani, the bright lights of the World Series will be amazing I am sure, Teoscar Hernandez killed the Yankees, he's very clutch, Freddie Freeman he's got a bad ankle, and he can't really run too much."
Levandowski also highlighted Kike Hernandez, who has been hitting .310 with two home runs in eight postseason games.
"You got Kike Hernandez, who the Yankees almost signed this past winter. He said it was down to them and the Dodgers and he chose the Dodgers and he's been clutch as all hell. He's been basically their version of Giancarlo Stanton."
Shohei Ohtani is having a fine debut postseason. While he is hitting just .263, he does have three home runs, nine RBIs and 10 walks. Meanwhile, Mookie Betts has broken out of a prolonged postseason slump and has four homers with 11 RBIs.
Yankees look to seal World Series spot on Saturday
Heading into Game 5 in Cleveland, the Yankees lead 3-1 against their AL Central opponents. Carlos Rodon starts on the mound for New York, opposing Cleveland's Tanner Bibee. The former pitched a successful series opener with 6.0 innings of one-run ball. Bibee's last start earned him a loss in Game 2 of the series.
The action will also be concentrated on the two bullpens who have been producing strong efforts. The Yankees have been boosted thanks to clutch performances from the likes of Tommy Kahnle, Luke Weaver and Mark Leiter. On the other hand, the Guardians have the almighty closer Emmanuel Clase and Joey Cantillo.