Bleeding Yankee Blue: YANKEE PLAYOFF THOUGHTS

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

YANKEE PLAYOFF THOUGHTS

Sept. 14, 2017 - Source: Abbie Parr/Getty Images North America)

Boston has played an unbelievable 17 extra inning games this year. They have gone 14-3 in those games, including winning 6 in a row since July 29th. They are very, very good. That being said, I have not yet given up on the New York Yankees winning the AL East!

But look, I think realistically, it is time to start thinking about the Wild Card. At least the Yanks will be going back to the playoffs! Right? I mean, come on, many did not expect that, so it is exciting when you think about it.

(Photo: Getty Images)

It's my opinion looking forward that the Yankees will lose the 1 Game wild card playoff to the Twins or Angels based on an 8th inning blown 1-run lead by Dellin Betances (all on walks/hit batters/wild pitches). In fact, I fear that. But if the Yankees make it through that wild card game, I think things get interesting in the ALDS vs. Cleveland.

Photo: Getty Images

I assume the Yanks will set things up to have Severino pitch the 1 game wild card playoff. After all, he is scheduled for Wednesday night, tomorrow, which sets him up for one more start next week vs. Tampa. If they are still alive for the Division, Sevy could start last game of the season on October 1st. Otherwise he will start the wild card game on October 3rd. This means that if the Yankees win the wild card, they need to decide who (aside from Severino) will start Game 1 vs. Corey Kluber. Honestly, the choice is between Tanaka or Gray.

(Photo: Getty Images

Now, I assume the Yankees will use Tanaka and Gray in Game 1 and Game 2, although it will be interesting to see who they use in Game 1. The Game 1 starter is lined up to also start Game 5. I think I would go with Tanaka over Gray in G1, but it’s a close, close call. Oh yeah, and Severino will come back to start Game 3 on regular rest.

Photo: Getty Images

Game 4 could be crucial. The Yanks will either be facing elimination at home or will be trying to close out the Indians and avoiding a trip back to Cleveland. Would the Yanks use the Game 1 starter on 3 days rest? Or will they use CC Sabathia? Or how about Jaime Garcia?

I would expect CC to start Game 4, but not impossible for the Yanks go in a different direction. Please, there are other things to think about. Would the Indians use Kluber on 3-days rest in this game? What did they do last year?

(Sept. 16, 2017 - Source: Ron Schwane/Getty Images North America)

The Yankees probably need to win this series in 4 games if they want to win it, as I do not like their chances in Game 5 in Cleveland against Kluber.

Also... side note as we appear to be heading to the playoffs in some capacity. It will be interesting to see how the Yankees deal with some of the guys coming back from injury.

Photo: Getty Images

When Aaron Hicks and Clint Frazier both got hurt, it put Ellsbury back into the starting lineup and he's actually played well. Now, Frazier is back and I hear Hicks should be back by next week. I wonder who starts in the OF and who DH's in the playoffs.

Photo: Getty Images

Also, with Todd Frazier playing third, it appears Chase Headley is now in a platoon with Greg Bird at 1B. Headley could also play DH instead of Holliday, so, the bottom line, the Yanks have options.

Whatever the case, I hope my ramble put some stuff into perspective as we inch closer. This season has gone far better than many expected. I just hope the Yanks can hold on and do something great in October!