LOS ANGELES — With apologies to the cost-effective Guardians and the gutsy, lovable Queens team, this is the World Series we've all been waiting for.
MLB's biggest names won't say it out loud, but let's be real about the high-profile matchup between the Yankees and Dodgers, especially the Ohtani Dodgers! —The World Series is perfect for them.
Ticket prices are already in the thousands of dollars, making it a hit with fans. They want to see the stars even if it means paying money.
Although it was the first time in 43 years, this match has a long history.
There was a Reggie match.
It had perfect writing from Don Larsen.
Jackie was sneaking into the house.
Traditions are great, especially for us old people. But this conference is primarily about the current megastars who are on these famous rosters.
“You're talking about all the biggest stars in the game, they're going to be playing on the biggest stage,” Max Muncy said, basking in the aftermath of the Dodgers' NLCS win over the Mets. spoke. “As a fan, how special is this? This is unbelievable.”
At over $300 million, the Yankees and Dodgers are the two largest payrolls (not counting the Mets' nearly $90 million in “dead money”). They have three of the highest-paid pitchers (Gerrit Cole, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Shohei Ohtani), but Ohtani is said to be highly unlikely to pitch – more on that later. They have two of the highest paid hitters (Aaron Judge and Ohtani). And of course, there's the future highest-paid player (Juan Soto).
The Yankees have three players worth $300 million, and a fourth who is making $700 million (this is the latest figure being whispered about, and also a legitimate $700 million demand). The Dodgers have three players worth $300 million, including the first player in history to make $700 million. man. That's Ohtani, the international superstar who's making everyone money. Rumors are circulating that the Dodgers are actually making a big profit on his record contract, and who doesn't believe that?
Soto (who allegedly declared victory before hitting the home run that guaranteed the Yankees victory), Judge, whose regular season performance seemed dwarfed by everyone else, and Jean, who was an unstoppable force in October. Even with competition like Carlo Stanton, Ohtani is a guy who will do well. This is a worldwide event.
He was a champion of versatility on an extremely adaptable Dodgers team, and a talent so great that he won his third MVP in a year that was limited to hitting (sorry, Frankie, you were great too) is). This might be a better Hollywood fantasy script, but wouldn't something work out if Ohtani could pitch in as a relief pitcher?
“That's not going to happen,” is the unofficial quote from Dodgers officials.
OK, that's enough to make you dream of California.
Follow The Post's coverage of the Yankees in the postseason.
This series is perfect as is.
After leading the Yankees to their first World Series appearance, Soto was virtually guaranteed to beat Ohtani for the actual contract value (Ohtani's amount was $437.4 million, according to players' association files), and that $700 million. He became a free agent after getting an outside chance to reach the dollar mark. He has been at bat for 15 years. And, although this is unknown to the public, Soto actually called a friend that afternoon and said he was ending the series that night. Although he doesn't exactly make shots like Babe Ruth from the field, like Ohtani, Soto has otherworldly ability and an insane competitiveness.
If anyone can beat the Dodgers with power, it's the Yankees. Especially now that the beloved slugger everyone calls G (which apparently stands for a guaranteed home run in October) is actually outperforming Soto. It's still a mystery why the Guardians threw to Stanton, but it's clear now. As Luis Severino famously said, the Yankees have more than “two and a half” good hitters (Severino admitted with a smile on Sunday).
This is pitching that really gives the Yankees an advantage. While the Dodgers are piecing the whole thing together, they have a rotation that's close to what they envisioned. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has done a great job getting them here, as has Aaron Boone with the Yankees, and despite countless critics.
The Dodgers' rotation is frankly a mess, but it's what gives the Mets hope to continue their miracle. They have a bona fide All-Star pitching team, including starters Tyler Glasnow, Clayton Kershaw, Gavin Stone, Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin. Recovering relief pitchers Alex Beshear and Brusdar Graterol will likely be suited up for this series. Remaining in their rotation are Yoshinobu Yamamoto (who hasn't been the same since returning from shoulder concerns) at $325 million, and Jack Flaherty (who the Yankees traded at the trade deadline due to back concerns). ), and Walker Buehler, who has one win in half a season since returning from Tommy John.
With Muncy always on base, Kiké Hernandez in his favorite month, and former National League MVP Tommy Edman becoming a worthy No. 4 hitter, the Dodgers have a depth advantage in the lineup. are. And a lights out bullpen with a great trio of Michael Kopech, Evan Phillips, and Blake Treinen is even better than the Yankees' excellent pen.
Even with all the aches and pains, the Dodgers are deeper. But there's no logical reason why oddsmakers made them favorites. It's a difficult decision, but it's going to be fun either way. I can't wait.
