It’s west coast vs. east coast as LA and New York prepare to do battle. Our writers have their say on Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge, and the rest.
As baseball fans gear up for the World Series 2024 showdown, the Yankees and Dodgers stand ready to deliver a classic clash filled with intensity and grit. The Yankees, often dubbed the Evil Empire, may enter as marginal underdogs with a 48% chance of winning according to bookmakers, but their determination to end their World Series drought dating back to 2009 could make this one of the most compelling MLB stories in recent history. Even with a bigger payroll and being perceived as quasi-underdogs, they’re still fighting for the city’s pride, especially in light of New York’s latest trauma around the indictment of mayor Eric Adams, making a victory a much-needed psychological boost for fans.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers, no strangers to competitive edge, will need to keep an eye on baseball’s best boy, Shohei Ohtani, and Tim Hill, a bullpen legend with a rags-to-riches story who’s contributed greatly to the Yankees’ improbable success this season. This matchup has it all: ultra-tight ballgames packed with juice and bad blood, Dodgers throwing inside to Aaron Judge, and Jazz Chisholm never missing a beat with his trash talk and confidence on the field. Of course, who could forget the Bronx bleacher creatures who’ll taunt the Dodger right fielders? Anticipate late-inning heroics and the nostalgia of a Fall Classic reminiscent of the Cubs’ title drought-ending win in 2016.
From my perspective, having watched the Yankees’ improbable success transform the team this season has been inspiring, especially knowing Tim Hill’s journey from the White Sox castoff to playoff hero. This series promises a level of excitement rarely matched and brings back memories of past MLB battles, creating an electric atmosphere for fans of both teams.
What the Yankees Need to Do to Prevail
For the Yankees to prevail against the Dodgers in this anticipated heavyweight showdown, a mix of tactical discipline and consistent execution will be essential. Their primary advantage lies in their ability to walk – leading baseball with a 10.8% walk rate and 4.22 walks per game. With Gleyber Torres and Juan Soto setting a high standard in the early innings, the Yankees need to apply pressure on opposing teams to secure better pitch opportunities for Judge, especially when there are men on base.
Though the Dodgers present the Yankees’ toughest test yet, a strong on-base percentage and frequent first-inning contributions from Torres could give New York the edge they need. However, the Yankees’ rotation arms must stretch through at least the fifth inning – a hurdle they struggled with in the ALCS games against the Guardians. If their starters wear out too soon, they’ll depend heavily on manager Aaron Boone’s back-end bullpen trio of Tommy Kahnle, Clay Holmes, and Luke Weaver to protect any lead they manage to secure.
Offensively, the Yankees must also expect Judge to step it up alongside Soto and Giancarlo Stanton, who will need to hit with more consistency if they’re to challenge Dodger hitters. The Dodgers boast a long lineup that can wear down pitching staffs, and hitters like Freddie Freeman complicate matters with their ability to excel in clutch moments, even with limited opportunities.
Watching Gerrit Cole bring dominance in critical games could be the Yankees’ best chance to finish this postseason strong. As a fan, seeing Cole anchor the team in this series would be nothing short of thrilling and could be the defining moment that carries the Yankees over the finish line.
What the Dodgers Need to Do to Win
For the Dodgers to secure victory in this intense series against the Yankees, they’ll need their pitching to hold strong through crucial games. Both Jack Flaherty and Yoshinobu Yamamoto have had shaky postseasons, despite impressive regular seasons with 3.17 ERAs and 3.00 ERAs, respectively. A bounce-back performance from either would set a solid foundation, yet Walker Buehler remains consistently inconsistent and could put LA’s bullpen under pressure especially with recent injuries to key pitchers.
If the Dodgers capitalize on the short porch at Yankee Stadium with power hitters like Ohtani, Max Muncy, and Freeman, they could quickly put the Yankees on the ropes. Offensively, a step up from Teoscar Hernández and Will Smith could make the Dodgers truly lethal. Tommy Edman showed he can cover offensive slack as Freeman recovers from an ankle injury, but rest and perhaps some luck are still needed to keep everyone in groove.
The Dodgers’ lineup must work to wear out the Yankees’ starters and add innings to New York’s bullpen workload, especially by exploiting defensive gaps when they can catch the ball cleanly. Strategically, Dave Roberts needs to outmanage Boone it’s mandatory in this series where his experience could make all the difference, given Boone’s reputation is no Miller Huggins.
As someone who’s followed these intense matchups, the anticipation of these strategic moves feels like an opportunity for the Dodgers to showcase their full potential, making every game edge-of-seat thrilling.
One Bold Prediction
As the World Series 2024 approaches, there’s a strong chance we could witness MLB’s 22nd combined no-hitter; the last decade has seen a marked willingness from coaches to pull starters early during those close playoff games, which makes it rare to see a pitcher face the lineup a third time through the order. The well-rested and healthier Yankees seem more likely to capitalize on this strategy. Meanwhile, it’s predicted that at least three games will go into extra innings, with the makeup of these two teams and their respective strengths in pitching portfolios making it easy to envision the Dodgers taking leads and the Yankees storming back.
The new baseball rules will keep fans glued to their screens into the wee hours of the night. In a twist, Ohtani might have a mildly down series, as the Yankees plan to start Carlos Rodón twice, a southpaw who’s tough on lefty hitters. As a baseball fan, I can’t help but think that the beauty of the game often lies in its cruelty; even the greatest ballplayer can deliver a mediocre performance.
Picture this: it’s Game 7, deep into extra innings, and the Dodgers are running out of options. Just when it seems all hope is lost, Ohtani jogs from the dugout to the bullpen could this be the moment that surprises everyone? Watching the drama unfold brings back memories of thrilling games that left jaws dropped when unexpected heroes emerged.
As the World Series unfolds, all eyes will be on Gerrit Cole, who must outlast Flaherty in critical encounters like Game 1 and Game 4 to steer the Yankees towards victory in both games. His ability to shine in this tight series could clinch him the coveted MVP title, particularly if one of the big bats can catch fire and support his efforts. Having witnessed firsthand the intensity of postseason performances, I know how pivotal each player’s role can become in these high-stakes moments.
On the flip side, Shohei Ohtani continues to astound as the greatest player on the planet, excelling in clutch situations this postseason with a stellar 6-for-9 record with runners in scoring position. His monumental three-run homer in the second inning of the NLDS against the Padres set a defining tone for the Dodgers’ playoff run. It’s electrifying to see a player elevate his game under pressure, reminding me of classic playoff moments that change the course of a series.
Mookie Betts, a generational right fielder, has also stepped up, even with Freeman’s contributions in the batting order being somewhat muted. If Freeman can get some early knocks and rattle the Yankees, it could shift the dynamics in favor of the Dodgers. Additionally, players like Teoscar Hernández have a chance to emerge as key figures, especially after his lackluster showing against the Mets in the NLCS, where his OPS was a disappointing.391 a clear sign that he’s due for a breakout. Watching the playoffs has taught me that every at-bat can be crucial, and it’s this unpredictability that makes the quest for the MVP so thrilling.
Your World Series Winner Will Be
Dodgers 4-3 Yankees
The Dodgers have the edge in this anticipated matchup. Their healthy and well-rounded lineup poses a threat that is hard for the Yankees to counter, especially with Ohtani leading the charge. While the Yankees may boast more pop in their batting order, they also experience a downturn in the back half of their starting lineup, which could be critical in close games. The Dodgers excel at avoiding strikeouts and maintaining pressure, making them a formidable opponent who can turn the tide when it matters most. Ultimately, their ability to stay adept at making adjustments during the series could give them the upper hand.
Yankees 4-3 Dodgers
However, it’s not all smooth sailing for the Dodgers. The Yankees, with their depth in starting pitchers, have a solid chance to capitalize on any weaknesses. This series is a true blockbuster where both teams are evenly matched, but the Yankees might have the slight advantage of being a more seasoned squad when it comes to crucial playoff moments. With their powerful lineup and the ability to deliver in big spots, they could very well surprise the Dodgers if they find their groove early in the series. If one of their big bats goes on a roll, it could very well swing the ratings-friendly matchup in their favor.
Dodgers 4-1 Yankees
In another scenario, the Dodgers could completely wipe the floor with the Yankees, securing the series 4-1. The flawed lineup of the Yankees relies too heavily on a few key players, which can be their downfall against a team as balanced as the Dodgers. If the Yankees’ record seems artificially inflated from their quick start in a bad league, they may find themselves outmatched by a team that consistently executes well. The Dodgers’ depth and power perspective could easily lead to a series filled with blowouts, dominating their opponents and showcasing their skills on the big stage. A two-, sometimes three-trick pony at best, the Yankees could struggle to keep pace in this showdown.
Having followed both teams throughout the season, I’ve seen firsthand how ratings-friendly matchups like this one can unfold. The excitement, unpredictability, and sheer talent on display make for thrilling baseball, reminding fans why they fell in love with the sport in the first place. As an expert in baseball dynamics, I can’t help but relish the drama that will ensue in this World Series clash.