The Tampa Bay Rays face the New York Yankees in the ALDS after finishing with the American League's best record. Our Rays Roundtable breaks down Drew Rasmussen, the Game 2 pitching decision, Kevin Cash and predictions for the best-of-five MLB playoff series.
The Tampa Bay Rays prepare to face the New York Yankees in the American League Division Series.
After posting the best record in the American League, Tampa Bay is looking to build on their season and win their first-ever World Series title. On this week's Rays Roundtable, the staff discusses the five-game series between the Rays and the Yankees and offers predictions on who will advance to the ALCS.
The Rays will face the Yankees in the ALDS. What are your initial thoughts heading into the five-game series?
Michael Brauner: The Yankees certainly looked every bit the part during their dominating handling of the Red Sox. It seems up in the air whether or not Aaron Judge returns, but it's the Yankees pitching which will be the real test. Tampa Bay must avoid cold bats to have any real chance here.
Christian Rauh: The Yankees' pitching is impressive, and obviously, when you look at their offense, you think it might stumble without Aaron Judge, but it certainly didn't in the wild card round against the Red Sox. Ben Rice is turning into a superstar in front of our eyes and is fighting with Junior Caminero for AL MVP votes. This is going to be a really fun matchup.
Drew Rasmussen was named game one starter. Was this the right decision?
Michael Brauner: Not only was it the right decision, it was the only decision. Rasmussen has earned it, and he is this team's ace.
Christian Rauh: Yeah, there was never a doubt, especially after he clinched the AL East from the Yankees just a few weeks ago. Kevin Cash has completely let Drew Rasmussen off the leash, and I expect him to provide length in Game 1 as well.
Who would you hand the game ball to in Game 2: Freddy Peralta or Nick Martinez?
Michael Brauner: Nick Martinez. Peralta has turned things around nicely after a rough start to his time with the team, but Martinez has had the better year.
Christian Rauh: I'll actually say the opposite and go with Peralta. Riding the hot hand in the playoffs is always a good thing. Yes, he was shaky at the start of the season, but Tampa Bay did exactly what they expected: they turned him around and made him pitcher of the month in September. It also gives you versatility for Game 3 with pitchers like Griffin Jax and Ian Seymour behind Nick Martinez.
What is your confidence level in Kevin Cash making the right calls in the postseason?
Michael Brauner: Full confidence. This is one of the best managed teams in all of baseball, and it's because of Cash.
Christian Rauh: Tis the season when Rays fans are reminded about the managerial moves of postseasons past when it comes to pitchers like Blake Snell and things like that of Kevin Cash. But that was long ago, and Kevin Cash has my full confidence. I'm making the right moves this MLB playoffs.
Series prediction between the Rays and the Yankees?
Michael Brauner: Rays in 5!
Christian Rauh: This one certainly feels like a series going the distance, so I'll agree: Tampa Bay in 5 games.
