The World Series is upon us

Here’s what I have on my mind.

Welcome to the World Series! As the stage turns to Dodger Stadium for Game 1 between the Yankees and Dodgers tonight, let me tell you what I’m thinking about.

Embracing history

There are a few reasons that playoff baseball gives me butterflies. First off, the sport means a lot to me not only on the field but also with respect to baseball history and popular culture. Also, growing up watching the Yankees dynasty of the ’90s cemented a rooting interest that my father instilled in me. Furthermore, playoff moments just stick with me. I’ll never forget being at the Oakland Coliseum in 2001 when Bernie Williams broke open Game 4 of the ALDS with a two-run double. That sent the series back to New York after Game 3 featured Derek Jeter’s famous flip play to nab Jeremy Giambi at the plate. I will forever remember how I witnessed CC Sabathia dominate the Angels in a 10-1 win in Game 4 of the 2009 ALCS. I fondly remember riding Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner back home with a bunch of fans from San Diego.

I was also in the building when the Dodgers took Game 3 of the NLDS to sweep the Cubs back in 2008 thanks in part to a clutch two-bagger by James Loney. Speaking of history, the Hall Cup championship trophy below was won by the New York Giants in 1888.

Updated rosters

Probably the most significant change to the Dodgers’ roster is the absence of reliever Evan Phillips, who got hurt at the end of the NLCS. Especially for a team that has sometimes employed bullpen games during the postseason, that hurts Los Angeles. However, Alex Vesia will return to the bullpen and infielder Miguel Rojas will be available for the World Series. Outfielder and defensive specialist Kevin Kiermaier was also not included.

The Yankees opted to drop Jon Berti, who actually started Game 3 of the ALCS but is dealing with a hip issue. He also found himself in the lineup for two games during the Division Series when Anthony Rizzo missed time due to his own injury. Instead, they will have the services of Nestor Cortes, who could be used as a long man rather than a starter. There’s no word on whether he will deploy the quick pitch or crazy leg kick in a World Series appearance.

Keep calm and enjoy the ride

It’s much easier said than done for me to remain even-keeled during the most important series of the entire season. With that said, I am trying to remember something Jomboy said on the Talkin’ Yanks podcast. He urged fans to take it all in, read every article, and watch every interview. As talented as some Yankee teams have been in recent years, they haven’t actually played in the Fall Classic since claiming the 2009 title. I was spoiled during my formative years as the Yanks steamrolled their way to a dynasty, but this has still felt like a long time coming. Even though the ALCS only lasted five games, many of them were tense. The Dodgers won it all in 2020 but haven’t done so in front of a home crowd since 1988. My goal, but not my expectation, is to feel the adrenaline without so much anxiety.

The injury bug

I read one series preview giving New York the edge at first base. As well as Rizzo hit against the Guardians, Freddie Freeman would certainly be considered the better hitter if he were totally healthy instead of nursing a sprained ankle. In a series where every small factor counts, the strong Dodger lineup looks even more potent when Freeman is himself. Nevertheless, Yankee pitching will have its hands full with the likes of Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani, and Max Muncy as well as the surging Tommy Edman.

Rizzo himself is playing with fractured fingers, which shows you how much players want to participate when the postseason rolls around. Aside from very long term injuries, the Yanks are relatively healthy other than DJ LeMahieu. The infielder was unlikely to crack Boone’s lineup anyway. Relief pitcher Ian Hamilton is also unavailable.

The Dodgers have an entire starting rotation on the shelf which includes several former All-Stars. That means Walker Buehler has been relied upon to start behind former Tiger Jack Flaherty and prized acquisition Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

Mystery box

Jasson Domínguez is one of the most heralded prospects of the last decade, but he has mostly found himself on the bench for this playoffs. Not only did he receive relatively little major league experience this season, he’s coming off injury woes of his own and Yankees manager Aaron Boone is skeptical of his defense at this juncture. Could he end up pinch hitting in the late innings one game? Will third baseman Jazz Chisholm’s bat wake up behind sluggers Juan Soto, Aaron Judge, and Giancarlo Stanton? Can Austin Wells build on the home run he smashed to help eliminate Cleveland? Will hurler Clay Holmes prove to be a reliable option alongside Tommy Kahnle and Luke Weaver? Lots of media outlets from New York, Los Angeles, and Japan will be following along.

On the West Coast side, can Brusdar Graterol play a role out of the bullpen after not pitching for a month? Will home run derby winner Teoscar Hernández continue his charmed season? Is another big October moment in store for Kiké Hernández? Behind the dish, is Will Smith recapturing some of his first half magic?

Most importantly, will I be parading around the office in pinstripes or hastily switching to hockey gear? Stay tuned.