What Yanks Must Do to Win
By Frank Russo ~ October 16th, 2009. Filed under: 2009 Playoffs, Frank Russo Rants and Raves.
Mike Silva made some great points in his ALCS preview on Thursday. Rather than repeat the majority of Mike’s points, I figured I would put forth my five things the Yankees must do in order to beat Anaheim.
1. Slow Anaheim’s Running Game Down
Over the past six seasons, runners like Figgins and Aybar have run with impunity on Yankee pitchers. Joe Girardi has already stated that he will be aggressive in this area, calling for more pitchouts and having his pitchers use slide steps and different looks to confuse base runners. Tony Pena will be very crucial in this area, as he has been very adept in figuring out opposing runners moves. Also, Yankees outfielders must be extra quick getting the ball back to the infield.
2. Get Great Starting Pitching
Yankee starters have to be great, not just good. If Sabathia and Pettitte are only average against a team like Anaheim, who had a great record against left handed pitchers this season, then New York has little chance of winning. Also, Yankees pitchers must, I repeat, must, pitch inside to Anaheim hitters. As I have stated in the past, pitching inside to opposing batters, aka “dusting someone off,” has been part of the game for over 100 years. CC, AJ, Andy and the entire bullpen need to “bust” hitters inside to establish the inner half of the plate. Making such a statement will send a message to Anaheim hitters that they will not be allowed to dig in without fear of retribution. One note here: Mike Scioscia has never been afraid to have his pitchers throw inside to Yankee hitters, so turn about is fair play.
3. Better Hitting Through the Lineup
It is absolutely crucial that the Yanks hit better than they did against the Twins. Hitters like Damon, Swisher, Cano and Cabrera have to kick it up a notch and help carry the load. Also, and maybe more importantly, the Yankees must get to Anaheim’s starters, thus forcing Scioscia to go to his bullpen early.
4. Aggressive Base Running
The Yankees need to be aggressive on the base paths. Everyone knows how aggressive Anaheim is, but I have a feeling here that Girardi will try to be almost as aggressive. I’m not talking about just stealing here. I’m also talking about going from 1st to 3rd and starting runners to stay out of double plays. Girardi added Freddy Guzman to the roster on Thursday in place of Eric Hinske, adding another outfielder/pinch running option for the team to go along with Brett Gardner. If Gardner starts one of the games during the series, Guzman will most likely be used as a pinch runner in late inning situations.
5. Keep Home Field Advantage.
The Yankees must keep their home field advantage if they have any chance of winning. Anaheim is a great team at home, as any Yankees player or fan will tell you. If they should somehow manage to take one of the first two games at the “New House,” then it could be a very short series. Retaining home field advantage is a must.
Final Thoughts
For the better part of a decade Anaheim has bullied the Yankees around, winning season series after season series while knocking them out of the playoffs twice, 2002 and 2005. No matter the cast of characters, no matter who has been on Anaheim’s roster, the Yankees just can’t seem to get over the hump. This kind of one-sided rivalry reminds me of a bully who goes up to a victim, spits in their face, and then laughs at them, daring them to hit back.
Most Yankees fans are guardedly optimistic about the ALCS. They know better than to take Anaheim lightly. Neither will Girardi or any of his players. Personally, I believe that for the Yankees to beat Anaheim, something almost historical or magical has to take place. Who knows, maybe this will be the year that “Mystique and Aura” return to help the Yankees finally get the “Rally Monkey” off their backs.
