The Yankees' last 10 postseason appearances didn't end in a canyon of heroes.
So no matter how good the club feels heading into October, or what its potential path to the World Series is, Brian Cashman believes it all comes crashing down in just a few games. I know that very well.
But the Yankees will try again starting Saturday against the Royals in the ALDS, aiming for the franchise's elusive 28th championship.
“I think we have a great shot, but you only get a great shot if you play your best baseball,” Cashman said on a Zoom call Thursday. “We know we have the ability, but at the same time, I want to caution you that we have had that ability many times before. That has to be combined with base running, great offensive at-bats against very tough pitching, and obviously the most important aspect is pitching to the best of your ability.
“I think we have the ingredients here and we have the will to make it happen. We just have to play against a very worthy opponent. They have earned the right to be here and I think we have the will to make it happen. They're a dangerous team, as we saw recently when we played them.”
Cashman spoke a day after the Yankees' annual playoff nemesis (Astros) and recent division nemesis (Orioles) were both eliminated from the playoffs.
Suddenly, only the Yankees and three teams from the AL Central Division (a division the Yankees had a habit of eating up and spitting out as recently as October) were left on the AL side.
However, the Royals, led by Seth Lugo (starting pitcher for Game 3), who is likely to receive AL Cy Young votes, and left-hander Cole Regans (starting pitcher for Game 2), They have a starting pitcher with veteran Michael Wacha starting in the game. It can keep your team up at night.
And given that most of their recent postseason losses were due to a cooling offense, history could be repeating itself.
Again, the Yankees have never had Aaron Judge and Juan Soto in the same lineup in the playoffs, but they'll likely need a supporting cast to step up around them as well.
“I think our players are ready,” coach Aaron Boone said Thursday. “I think they're really focused. I think they're really hungry. And we're excited to get our shots.”
The Yankees held simulated games at the stadium on Wednesdays and Thursdays, held a team dinner after Thursday, and won 5-2 against the Royals during the regular season.
They won three of four games at Kauffman Stadium in June, and won two of three games against the Bronx in the second week of September.
The Royals' three strong starting pitchers in the ALDS and a bullpen that pitched well down the stretch are in danger of being undone in a five-game series.
In the Wild Card Series, Ragans and Lugo started and held the Orioles to one run and 11 hits in two consecutive games.
And earlier this week, the lineup received a boost when slugger Vinny Pasquantino returned from a broken thumb and was able to better protect star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr.
“I think we'll play well against everyone, but I also know that every team scares me and is dangerous,” Boone said. “What we've seen all year from this Royals team is they're very well-rounded and good starting pitchers. … I think it's a scary team, a scary team. They had a big win against a good opponent in the road series and will probably come into this with a lot of confidence.
“That being said, we are excited about the challenge and can’t wait to hit the road Saturday night.”
The Yankees spent parts of the season playing like the best team in baseball, parts of the season like one of the worst teams in baseball, and parts of the season somewhere in between.
But with so much expected starting Saturday, they can't afford to endure such a cold snap.
“My biggest concern is that sports have good times and bad times, great games and bad games,” Cashman said. “In October, you need to make sure you eliminate your mistakes or limit them to the best of your ability. Those who play close to their ability while limiting their mistakes in the series have a chance to advance. Those who make too much will be sent home.”
