The Inside Pitch with Josh Towers and Scott Seidenberg - Game 3 World Series Analysis
This episode of The Inside Pitch podcast, featuring former MLB pitcher Josh Towers and analyst Scott Seidenberg, breaks down Game 3 of the World Series between the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers. With the Yankees down 0-2, Seidenberg and Towers dissect gameplay strategies, managerial choices, player performances, and critical moments, bringing a layered perspective to the series' pivotal game.
Analysis of Key Quotes and Commentary
Opening Overview and Game 3 Setup
[Scott Seidenberg, 0:11 - 0:55]
Scott sets the stage for the discussion, explaining the Yankees' disadvantage after losing two games in Los Angeles. With a betting line favoring the Yankees at -155 and a total set at 8.5 runs, he underscores the importance of Clark Schmidt pitching for New York against Walker Buehler for L.A. He hints at assessing earlier games in L.A. to understand the Yankees' standing.
Quote Analysis
This quote highlights the betting dynamics at play and hints at the high stakes for the Yankees, now playing at home and needing to capitalize on this change. Scott's mention of "not just for this game but for the next several games" underscores the long-term strategy in play for the Yankees, who must rebound to stay competitive.
Non-Baseball Highlights and Atmosphere
[Josh Towers, 0:58 - 1:14]
Towers shares an entertaining moment from Game 2 in L.A., where rapper Ice Cube performed, energizing the Dodgers’ crowd. He suggests the Yankees need to "step it up" to keep pace with the Dodgers' intensity both on and off the field.
Quote Analysis
Towers' comments illustrate the mental and atmospheric challenges the Yankees face. Ice Cube’s performance exemplifies the Dodgers’ home-field advantage and the intensity of the playoff atmosphere, a critical factor that the Yankees must adapt to as they enter Game 3 at home.
Yankees’ Mentality and Alex Verdugo’s Attitude
[Scott Seidenberg and Josh Towers, 1:14 - 3:05]
Scott criticizes Yankees player Alex Verdugo’s relaxed, “vibing” behavior during Ice Cube’s performance, feeling it was “very un-Yankee-like,” as other players watched with more focused attitudes. Josh disagrees, suggesting players need to find personal ways to manage the stress and stay loose, and he recalls similar moments in his career where small rituals helped relieve the pressure.
Quote Analysis
Scott’s comments reflect the “Yankee standard” of stoicism, contrasting it with Verdugo’s casual approach. Josh’s counterpoint sheds light on how players use individual tactics to manage high-pressure moments, an insight into the psychological preparation essential for the playoffs.
Critique of Aaron Boone’s Managerial Decisions
[Scott Seidenberg and Josh Towers, 5:36 - 7:07]
Discussing Game 1, Towers and Seidenberg critique Yankees manager Aaron Boone for prematurely pulling successful pitchers like Garrett Cole. Towers emphasizes that experienced starters can go longer, providing stability and conserving the bullpen.
Quote Analysis
This exchange delves into Boone’s strategy, with both agreeing his quick pitching changes undermined New York’s bullpen effectiveness. Towers argues the importance of “setting the bullpen up better” and maximizing starters’ strengths, which is critical for the Yankees to control later games in the series.
Pressure and Legacy of the Yankees Franchise
[Towers, 7:07 - 7:58]
Towers notes the immense pressure the Yankees feel, stating, "The Yankees are only known for winning." He contrasts the current team with past Yankees dynasties and the stress from not having won a World Series since 2009.
Quote Analysis
Here, Towers highlights the unique pressure faced by Yankees players due to the franchise’s storied history. This expectation of excellence amplifies the stress and makes minor failures more consequential, especially in the playoffs where each game affects the Yankees’ reputation.
Aaron Judge’s Struggles and Dodgers’ Pitching Strategy
[Scott Seidenberg and Josh Towers, 8:12 - 10:17]
Scott discusses Aaron Judge’s batting slump, revealing his low playoff stats: a .150 average with two home runs and 19 strikeouts in 48 at-bats. Towers praises Judge's swing but acknowledges that the Dodgers’ pitching strategy effectively exploits Judge’s weaknesses.
Quote Analysis
The Dodgers' approach of pitching "downhill" to create depth effectively counters Judge’s swing, as noted by Towers. He suggests this is less about Judge’s struggles and more about the Dodgers executing a solid game plan against him. This analysis underscores the strategic adjustments required to face star players like Judge.
Player and Team Statistics Analysis
Aaron Judge and Yankees’ Offensive Struggles
Judge’s playoff batting average of .150, with only two home runs, highlights his slump, especially as he is known for his high-scoring potential. The Dodgers’ targeted pitching style has limited his effectiveness, impacting the Yankees’ overall offense. Towers explains that while Judge is underperforming, other players must step up to balance the lineup.
Dodgers’ Effective Pitching Game Plan
The Dodgers have skillfully adapted their pitching, specifically employing depth and “downhill” throws to disrupt Judge’s swing mechanics. This effective counter showcases L.A.'s meticulous preparation, and their execution on the mound is a major factor in their lead.
Historical Playoff Dynamics
Scott points out that in the 92 MLB postseason series where a team has gone up 2-0, 77 have gone on to win. This statistic gives context to the Yankees' uphill battle, needing to become only the 16th team to reverse a 2-0 deficit.
Managerial Strategy and Decision-Making
Boone’s Choice to Pull Nestor Cortez
[Seidenberg and Towers, 17:43 - 20:47]
Towers and Seidenberg discuss Boone’s decision to bring Nestor Cortez into a high-stakes relief role. Seidenberg believes that if Boone had used a specialist like Tim Hill, it could have better matched L.A.’s lineup, particularly against players like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman.
Quote Analysis
This critique of Boone’s choice illustrates the complexities of bullpen management. Using Cortez, not a specialist, backfired and ultimately gave the Dodgers an opening, showing that Boone’s approach lacked adaptability in critical moments.
Betting Analysis and Odds
Yankees’ Betting Potential and Series Extension
[Seidenberg, 33:01 - 34:35]
Scott suggests betting on Yankees wins per game, emphasizing the Yankees’ -155 odds in Game 3. He advises a bet on “over 5.5 games” for the series, confident the Yankees will force a Game 6 back in L.A. Towers tentatively agrees but maintains skepticism about betting on a Yankees series win.
Quote Analysis
This analysis highlights the strategic shift in favoring the Yankees for individual games rather than a series outcome. The betting advice focuses on the Yankees’ potential at home and allows bettors to capitalize on the anticipated resurgence without committing to a full series victory.
Notable Contracts and Player Value
Juan Soto’s Potential Contract with the Yankees
[Seidenberg and Towers, 52:41 - 53:06]
The hosts speculate on a possible multi-year contract for Juan Soto with the Yankees, comparing his potential deal to Shohei Otani’s recent high-value contract. Scott feels Soto has earned a “career Yankee” status, and the Yankees are expected to retain him long-term.
Quote Analysis
This exchange reflects Soto’s significant value to the Yankees and reinforces the team’s strategy of securing key players. The anticipation of a substantial contract illustrates the Yankees’ commitment to building a roster that can reclaim their dynasty status.
Conclusion
This episode provides a nuanced look at the Yankees' Game 3 situation, including Scott and Josh’s criticisms of Aaron Boone’s bullpen management and the effectiveness of the Dodgers’ pitching. Their discussion of Aaron Judge’s batting struggles and the Yankees’ home-field advantage underscores the complexity of playoff baseball and the psychological and strategic factors that influence game outcomes. Both hosts believe that although the Yankees face an uphill climb, they have the potential to push the series back to L.A., contingent on Boone’s decision-making and the team’s ability to rally in the Bronx.