ALDS Game 3: Yankees Fans Holding Onto These Delusional Beliefs

Yankee fans, and even the players themselves, were quick to attribute “pitch-tipping”, which some believe to be cheating, as the sole reason for their pitchers being shelled. It was seemingly impossible to concede that Max Fried, for example, was not hitting his spots and was serving too many pitches directly over the plate.

Most importantly, it seemed lost on Yankee faithful that the Jays were barreling up so many of Fried’s pitches and simply having quality at-bats. Like Luis Gil in game 1, Fried was not at his best. Neither Yankee starter could compete with a Blue Jays lineup that has the depth, where every hitter is dialed in at the moment. Attributing a shellacking, such as the offensive output displayed by the Jays, to pitch-tipping or “spy-op” type behavior is just plain weak.

“The Blue Jays Aren’t As Good Without Bo Bichette”

Yankee fans were salivating at the thought of Bo Bichette having to sit out for the ALDS, following his knee injury, which occurred at Yankee Stadium in a collision with catcher Austin Wells. Defensive metrics indicate right away that the Jays are a much better team with platinum glove winner Andres Gimenez at shortstop. Second base is operated interchangeably by former gold-glove Isiah Kiner-Falefa and utility-man gold-glove frontrunner Ernie Clement.

In effect, this middle infield, without Bo Bichette, might be the very best in the game. As for the hitting that Bichette would have provided, yes, his absence is felt to some extent. His replacement at DH is an array of options, including Anthony Santander, Davis Schneider, or star outfielder George Springer. All three are capable of carrying an offense. Currently, the Jays might be a better team without Bo in the lineup.

“Carlos Rodon Is The Answer”

Michael Kay, the voice of an entire Yankee fanbase, has repeatedly mentioned that Carlos Rodon has led MLB in opponent batting average. What he fails to mention is the 5.02 ERA that the Yankees’ #2 guy has against the Jays across seven total starts. George Springer, who has had arguably the best year of his distinguished career, has hit two of the five home runs that Rodon has surrendered to the Jays over that time.

Rodon is a good pitcher, but he is not an ace, and the Jays’ lineup has had plenty of opportunities to see him and his repertoire. With a depleted bullpen that has been heavily taxed so far in this series, Rodon now has a great deal of pressure bestowed upon him. History has shown that he tends to get too amped up in these situations. Fans can expect another laser show from Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

End Of Yankees Fans Rant:

The Yankees’ media have raised additional points that make very little sense. For example, the claim that the Jays will have to resort to a “bullpen start” for game 4. In the slim-to-none chance that the Yankees do force a fourth game, the Jays have the option of starting Eric Lauer, who performed exceptionally well, with a 9-2 record and 3.18 ERA over 15 starts this season.

They will harp on the fact that Max Scherzer wasn’t on the postseason roster, suggesting that he, Chris Bassitt, and Jose Berrios are no longer effective. The reality is that those three are still competent pitchers, but the depth of the Jays staff, and their ace in the hole, with Trey Yesavage, suggests that they aren’t needed right now. They can, and will beat the Yankees in a three-game sweep without them.