Giancarlo Stanton taking the right approach to playoffs

With a 3-1 ALCS lead over the Cleveland Guardians, the New York Yankees are all but guaranteed a trip to the 2024 World Series, right? 

No, says Bombers slugger Giancarlo Stanton.

"It feels like nothing until we get it done," Stanton said, per ESPN’s Jorge Castillo. "As far as I'm concerned, we haven't done nothing."

Double negative aside, Big G is right. A lot of things could still go wrong for the Yankees in the ALCS.

For starters, the Yankees’ Game 5 starting pitcher, Carlos Rodon, is no sure thing. Yes, he seemed to channel his emotions en route to a dominant start in the first game of the ALCS. But his 3.96 ERA (4.39 FIP) and implosion in his first postseason start (four runs allowed in 3.2 innings) indicate he’s always capable of tossing a dud.

If a Game 6 is necessary, presumed starter Gerrit Cole isn’t even a sure thing. Case in point: the ace’s subpar start in Game 1 of the ALDS, when he gave up four runs (three earned) in five innings. Also, opposing teams are batting a robust .297 against him in the playoffs. If he lets the Yankees down, the series would be tied with momentum fully swung toward Cleveland.

However, even if the starters do their jobs perfectly, the Bombers’ bullpen is now human again. After giving up no earned runs over 15.2 innings in the ALDS, Yankees relievers have surrendered 11 earned runs in the ALCS.

Clay Holmes returned to his classic unreliable form over the past two games. And Aaron Boone possibly dealt Luke Weaver’s likely lapsing confidence a death blow by using Tommy Kahnle to close out Friday’s win.

So Stanton is correct. This thing isn’t over until it’s over. Hopefully for the Yankees, the rest of the team agrees with him.