Kaufee's 2024 World Series Thread

Quote Originally Posted by Kaufee:

Game 5:   I was impressed with the Yankees last night. They got down early and could have quit, but instead they had an offensive onslaught. Although, what can we really take away from that performance? After Volpe hit the grand slam, Roberts pretty much conceded the game. In what was supposed to be a bullpen game, he only brought in 4 arms and all 4 were straight off the B team bus; Casparius, Hudson, Knack, and Honeywell..... C'mon, really?  What that tells me is Roberts was clearly saving all of his weapons for tonight.   My guess is Jack Flaherty will have to be absolutely dialed in to get through the lineup more than twice. The first sign of weakness, Roberts is going to the A team. And the Yankees haven't proven they can hit these guys. Why should we expect that to change tonight?   On the other side, the Dodgers will have to face one of the game's best in Gerrit Cole. I didn't like doing it, but I faded Cole in his last start and it worked out. Although, I should be thanking Aaron Boone for that, he pulled him after 88 pitches, giving up just 4 hits and 1 run. If he's on, you have to think that Boone will ride him for as long as he can. However, that's IF he's on. Let's not forget that in addition to being the #1 offense in baseball, 1/3 of LA's lineup (including Freeman) historically own Cole. (Prior to Postseason) Mookie Betts (17 ABs): 412 AVG/471 OBP/471 SLG/915 OPS Freddie Freeman (20 ABs): 350 AVG/409 OBP/650 SLG/1.059 OPS K. Hernandez (21 ABs): 381 AVG/480 OBP/667 SLG/1.147 OPS   In conclusion, Gerrit Cole has started 6 win or-go-home postseason games. His teams have only won 2 of those starts. I think the Dodgers can hit him a bit, but Cole will likely pitch well enough. However, his track record indicates he can't do it alone. I don't think the rest of the team will do enough.   I'm on the Dodgers to close out the World Series at +131