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Yankees 2025 Postseason - Ponderings and Stuff (In progress)


Because of the response I received last year for my ponderings on last year's World Series, I decided to do the same for this year's MLB Postseason run. I'll drop some quick ponderings on the Yankees and their playoff run here. Because, well, I don't do "response videos". 

Yeah, still a words guy. Still a nerd.

Nonetheless, who knows? If the Yankees drop a quick two to the despised Boston Red Sox, this might be a quick wrap-up. Orrrrrrrrrr, we're looking at a collection of thoughts for a World Series title. 

I'll calm down. 

Dropping some ponderings below - thanks in advance for following along...

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Game 1 
Red Sox d. Yankees, 3-1

(BOS leads series 1-0)

And. Here. We. Go. [in your favorite Joker voice]

Yankee fandom is likely going to be in full insufferable panic mode after this loss. I'm expecting the usual takes of "it's Boone's fault" and something to do with Cashman, and other bad takes on why "they trust anayltics too much". 

We just got beat. 

Correction: we got dominated by a Garrett Crochet. 

That's the headline. 

Other thoughts:
  • Call me a Boone apologist, I don't care, Fried definitely showed signs of laboring in his last inning. I don't understand those who believe in pulling a pitcher after he's done, and not being preventative in playoff baseball, by doing so before he hits the wall. 
    • I'm pretty sure Grady Little would have loved in-depth analytics in Game 7 of 2003. Random, I know...
  • Fried was absolutely great, nonetheless.
  • Crochet is fun to watch...you know, when he's mowing down someone else's squad.
  • Crochet is an absolute monster.
  • Luke Weaver leaving that fast ball up after having an 0-2 count isn't getting enough attention.
  • I understand the numbers, but I definitely am in the camp of trying to get the best players in the game in the playoffs. 
    • I understand Rosario for McMahon, but removing Jazz felt like getting too cute.
  • I really thought we were going to win it in the 9th inning. Bases jacked. No outs. Not one run. Ugh.
  • Aroldis Chapman at 37 is still a problem for the league - He's a Hall of Famer. 
  • Short series stink. 
  • I'm confident in Rodon...and Schlittler in Game 3 can be interesting.


Game 2
Yankees d. Red Sox, 4-3

(Series tied 1-1)

The game was different than what we've become used to. They definitely won in a manner that we haven't seen in a very long time: athleticism and pushing runs across on the base paths. 

My biggest takeaway, besides the obvious of Jazz's insane speed, was not even Yankee-related: Cora managed this game like their season was on the line. From removing Bello early to handing the ball to Whitlock for a "go get 'em" appearance, Cora very much knew they stole one in Game 1, and are in trouble in Game 3. 

Other thoughts: 
  • Carlos Rodon doesn't get enough love. It wasn't a terrible start. He's been great all year, and this outing was enough - what you want out of your starters. 
  • Ben Rice might be one of my favorite Yankees players in a very long time. 
  • I don't have much confidence in the Yankees' bullpen right now. 
  • Fernando Cruz getting hype was great stuff. 
  • Jazz's diving play at second was amazing. He's so incredibly dynamic.
  • I'm not sure I understand how Nate Eaton didn't score...he very much should have. I very much thought he was on his way once Rice dropped the ball. How did he not score?!
  • The obvious - Jazz's run reminded me of Griffey running in 1995 on the Edgar Martínez double down the left field line. And...he wasn't running at top speed on the pitch (though he should have been). 
  • Bednar's reliability has been completely unappreciated. Where would this team be without him?
  • Series tied - this series has been fun. 
  • Short series still stink.


Game 3
Yankees d. Red Sox, 4-0

(NY wins series, 2-1)

Wow. I'm not sure words can thoroughly articulate what we just saw! Dominance! Schlittler was absolutely dominant! In my lifetime, there are a few playoff performances that immediately come to mind that are in this stratosphere of lore and legend. Here is my brief ranking (get your own list if you disagree): 
  1. Roger Clemens vs. Seattle Mariners (Game 4 of 2000 ALCS) 9.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 15K
  2. Andy Pettitte vs. Atlanta Braves (Game 5 of 1996 World Series) 8.1 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 10K
  3. Cam Schlittler vs. Boston Red Sox (Game 3 of AL Wildcard) 8.0 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 12K
Other thoughts:
  • Cam Schlittler was amazing. 
  • It isn't discussed enough, but the Yankees won this series with defense, great at-bats, and timely hitting. Very different than the homer-or-nothing offense we've become used to.
  • Austin Wells has put together some great at-bats, which have changed this series.
  • Speaking of gamechangers, how about Volpe's defense?
    • Remember when this fanbase wanted him gone?
  • I might be Giancarlo Stanton's biggest fan (I love the dude) - that double was cringe. Kudos to him for owning up to it. He might've been a little buzzed, too...
  • That's two nights in a row that Aaron Boone went with the feel of the game. 
  • Does Cashman get cred...you know what, too soon.
  • What a euphoric feeling - Cam Schlittler was amazing. Did I say that already?
  • It's a short series, a Wild Card win, but I'm not sure if this fanbase could have taken a first-round exit and yet another playoff loss to the Red Sox. A lot of the joy is because of Schlittler's performance, combined with relief. 
  • Connelly Early paired with Garrett Crochet is not going to be fun for years to come...
  • Blue Jays...here we come.
  • Finally, slaying the Red Sox and Celtics in 2025 has been amazing. Love my teams. Go Knicks!
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