The Inside Pitch: Deep Dive into the Yankees vs. Dodgers World Series
As the 2023 World Series intensifies between the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers, The Inside Pitch podcast brings expert analysis of each game, highlighting pivotal strategies, managerial decisions, and player performances. Hosted by Scott Seidenberg alongside former MLB pitcher Josh Towers, this episode focuses on the Yankees' approach as they head back to Yankee Stadium for Game 3 after two consecutive losses. The hosts discuss both teams’ strengths, the Yankees’ need to overcome a 2-0 deficit, and what it will take for New York to shift the series momentum.
Game 3 Setting: Returning to the Bronx with High Stakes
Scott Seidenberg kicks off the podcast by underscoring the urgency for the Yankees as they face the Dodgers in Game 3 at Yankee Stadium, down 0-2. Seidenberg notes the Dodgers’ dominant home-game atmosphere, highlighted by pre-game entertainment featuring rapper Ice Cube, which energized LA fans and put extra pressure on the Yankees. Towers reflects on this, remarking that the Yankees will need to channel similar energy to leverage their home-field advantage. Seidenberg observes that the Yankees, as Game 3 favorites, must use their home games to regain traction in the series.
Contrasting Player Attitudes: Verdugo’s Relaxed Approach
Seidenberg and Towers then discuss Yankees’ outfielder Alex Verdugo’s relaxed demeanor during pre-game, which Seidenberg describes as “un-Yankee-like” amid the team’s intense focus. Seidenberg criticizes Verdugo’s open enjoyment of the atmosphere, contrasting with the more serious demeanor of teammates like Aaron Judge. Towers defends Verdugo, arguing that maintaining a relaxed state under pressure is essential for players, especially in an intense World Series environment. He draws connections to the relaxed culture often seen on the West Coast, suggesting that Verdugo’s attitude isn’t necessarily a distraction but part of his approach to staying focused.
Aaron Judge’s Slump and Dodgers’ Tactical Edge
Seidenberg shifts the discussion to Aaron Judge’s struggles in the postseason, highlighting his .150 batting average with only two home runs and 19 strikeouts over 48 at-bats. Towers elaborates on why Judge may be struggling, attributing his poor performance to the Dodgers’ strategic pitching. He explains that the Dodgers use a pitching style called “downhill depth” that disrupts Judge’s swing path, emphasizing that Judge’s slump has less to do with his ability and more with LA’s successful tactics. Towers suggests that rather than reordering the lineup, the Yankees should recognize the Dodgers’ strategic advantage and focus on other players stepping up to make impactful plays.
Managing High-Leverage Situations: Nestor Cortez’s Role
The Yankees’ use of Nestor Cortez in high-leverage situations sparks critical analysis from both hosts. Seidenberg presents data showing Cortez’s poor performance in ninth innings, pointing to his 6.75 ERA in these situations as a sign that Cortez should not be used in crucial moments, especially against dangerous hitters like Freddie Freeman. Towers agrees, adding that this strategic oversight may be impacting the Yankees’ overall bullpen effectiveness and suggests that Aaron Boone should utilize other pitchers more suited to high-pressure innings.
Debate on Lineup Consistency vs. Tactical Adjustment
As rumors swirl about changing the Yankees’ lineup, particularly by moving Judge to a different batting position, Seidenberg and Towers weigh the potential benefits and risks. While some fans believe a lineup shift could improve Judge’s performance, Towers cautions that altering Judge’s position could disrupt his established routine and rhythm, which are essential for professional baseball players. Both agree that changing the lineup could backfire, emphasizing the importance of consistency and suggesting the team keep Judge in his usual spot while supporting him with other players capable of high-level performance.
Leveraging Home-Field Advantage: Strategic Insights for Game 3
Returning to Yankee Stadium presents the Yankees with a three-game opportunity to tilt the series back in their favor, with Seidenberg and Towers agreeing that Game 3 is crucial. Seidenberg shares that in the history of MLB, teams that lead 2-0 go on to win the series 77 times out of 92, making this a high-stakes scenario for New York. Yet, Seidenberg and Towers emphasize that the Yankees’ next three home games could provide the momentum needed to keep the series alive, particularly if they capitalize on the psychological and tactical advantages of playing at home. The two suggest that the Bronx atmosphere, coupled with the Yankees’ home-field familiarity, could play a pivotal role in whether the series heads back to Los Angeles for a Game 6.
Betting Insights and Game 3 Predictions
Seidenberg recommends placing a bet on the Yankees for Game 3, as well as betting on the series to go over 5.5 games, given the Yankees’ favored odds for the next three games in New York. He expresses confidence in the Yankees’ ability to secure at least two home wins, emphasizing that Game 3 is effectively a “must-win” situation. Seidenberg suggests incrementally betting on each of the Yankees’ home games, noting that while he doesn’t predict an outright comeback, he sees a clear opportunity for New York to force a longer series if they play well.
Dodgers’ Rising MVP Candidate: Freddie Freeman’s Impact
Freddie Freeman has made an indelible mark on the series, with memorable moments like his game-winning grand slam in Game 1. Towers and Seidenberg agree that Freeman has emerged as a potential World Series MVP due to his consistent clutch plays, emphasizing that his early-swing strategy and ability to capitalize on high-stakes pitches make him a formidable challenge for Yankees’ pitchers. The hosts discuss how Freeman’s performances highlight the Dodgers’ offensive depth, which the Yankees must find ways to counter if they want to keep the series competitive.
MLB’s Documentation Plans and Media Influence
In a unique twist, Seidenberg mentions that MLB and Apple TV are filming a documentary on the World Series, raising questions about whether broadcasters may hope for a longer series for maximum viewer engagement. With recent games attracting millions of viewers, Seidenberg speculates that a Game 6 would not only enhance the storyline but also offer a platform for star players to shine on an international stage. He believes the documentary could also become a more compelling showcase of baseball if the series were to return to LA, lending itself to a climactic showdown that would benefit the MLB’s narrative.
Conclusion
Seidenberg and Towers conclude with a shared optimism for the Yankees’ chances to extend the series as they play in front of a home crowd in Game 3. While the Dodgers hold a strong 2-0 lead, the hosts argue that the Yankees’ historical resilience, coupled with three straight games at Yankee Stadium, provides a significant advantage. With strategic adjustments, improved player performance, and the power of the Bronx crowd, Seidenberg and Towers believe the Yankees can at least force a Game 6, setting the stage for a potential comeback or a memorable series showdown.
Sections
- Introduction: The Yankees return home, needing a win in Game 3.
- Verdugo’s Relaxed Demeanor: A look at player mindsets under pressure.
- Judge’s Slump: Dodgers’ pitching strategy effectively disrupts Judge’s performance.
- Bullpen Strategy: Cortez’s ninth-inning ERA raises questions about Boone’s management.
- Lineup Changes: Risks of altering Judge’s established batting order.
- Game 3 as a Turning Point: Historical context shows the importance of Game 3.
- Betting Strategies: Seidenberg’s suggestions on betting for Yankees’ home games.
- Freddie Freeman’s MVP Candidacy: Freeman’s consistent performance boosts Dodgers’ momentum.
- MLB’s Media Strategy: Hopes for a longer series to maximize viewer engagement.
- Closing Remarks: Key adjustments could allow the Yankees to stay competitive.
Summary of The Inside Pitch Podcast with Josh Towers
In The Inside Pitch podcast, Scott Seidenberg and former Major League pitcher Josh Towers dive into the 2023 World Series matchup between the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers. They analyze game dynamics, managerial decisions, player performance, and strategies as the Yankees attempt to recover from a 2-0 deficit in the series. The speakers debate approaches for both teams, particularly focusing on how the Yankees can exploit upcoming games at Yankee Stadium.
Key Quotes & Analysis
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"The Yankees better step it up... iconic West Coast songs ever" - Josh Towers (0:58)
Towers critiques the Yankees’ energy, contrasting it with the vibrant atmosphere of Game 2 in Los Angeles, where Ice Cube’s iconic performance engaged Dodgers fans. He hints that New York needs to channel similar energy at Yankee Stadium to shift the momentum.
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"Aaron Judge... batting 150 with a 283-25 slash line." - Scott Seidenberg (8:12)
Seidenberg highlights Judge's postseason struggles, batting .150 with 19 strikeouts in 48 at-bats. Towers defends Judge, emphasizing the Dodgers’ precise pitching strategy. He argues Judge’s slump results more from effective Dodgers pitching than personal failings.
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"I think the Dodgers are doing a really good job... on the way they're pitching to him." - Josh Towers (10:22)
Towers commends the Dodgers’ handling of Judge, noting their “phenomenal game plan” which prevents Judge from capitalizing on pitches. He suggests New York should focus on other key players instead of making drastic line-up changes, as the Dodgers’ approach is simply tactical.
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"Cortez, in his career, pitching in the ninth inning... ERA in the ninth inning, 6.75." - Scott Seidenberg (38:33)
Discussing Nestor Cortez, Seidenberg points to Cortez’s weak ninth-inning performance stats, suggesting the Yankees should avoid using him in high-leverage situations. Towers agrees, advocating for a different reliever to handle key moments against players like Freddie Freeman.
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"You should just be able to- Do whatever I want... playoffs to not have the ghost runner" - Scott Seidenberg (21:36)
Seidenberg expresses frustration with restrictive playoff rules, arguing for rule flexibility. He believes the three-batter rule limits managers’ strategic options, particularly in high-stakes postseason games where single outs can alter the series trajectory.
Player and Team Analysis
Aaron Judge
Judge's underwhelming .150 postseason average and 19 strikeouts drew sharp analysis. Towers argues Judge’s mechanics remain strong but acknowledges the Dodgers’ strategy of pitching with “downhill depth” exploits Judge’s swing style, neutralizing his offensive threat.
Freddie Freeman
Freeman’s clutch performances, including a historic walk-off grand slam, reinforce his MVP standing. Towers underscores Freeman's knack for swinging early and his power against Yankees’ pitching, asserting Freeman as a player who thrives under playoff pressures.
Dodgers' Tactical Edge
The Dodgers’ success in pitching and bullpen management is spotlighted. Towers credits Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts for optimizing bullpen usage, especially in Game 2, where Roberts balanced conserving pitchers with securing the lead. Dodgers’ adeptness in this area contrasts with Yankee manager Aaron Boone’s choices, particularly his controversial decision to use Nestor Cortez against Freeman.
Yankees' Key Challenges
The Yankees face mounting pressure. Towers and Seidenberg critique Boone’s bullpen strategy, proposing alternative approaches for handling high-leverage innings and lineup adjustments. Seidenberg stresses that game three’s home-field advantage is vital for New York to remain competitive.
Conclusion
The discussion underscores the tactical depth of the series, especially as the Yankees face both a 2-0 deficit and media scrutiny. With star players like Aaron Judge underperforming, Towers and Seidenberg agree on the need for New York to capitalize on their home-field advantage in Game 3. Towers backs the Yankees to extend the series, arguing that shifting dynamics at Yankee Stadium could allow them to force a Game 6 in Los Angeles. Seidenberg closes by reiterating his confidence in a prolonged series, offering a potential betting edge favoring Yankees wins in New York.
Key Takeaways
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Energy Shift: Towers urges the Yankees to match the Dodgers' Game 2 energy in their home games.
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Judge’s Slump: Judge’s low .150 average in playoffs results from Dodgers' strategic pitching, not merely a loss of form.
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Freddie Freeman’s Impact: Freeman’s standout postseason, especially his grand slam, reinforces his MVP candidacy.
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Dodgers’ Bullpen Strength: Effective bullpen use has been critical for LA’s success; Roberts’ management contrasts with Boone’s.
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Cortez Critique: Cortez’s poor ninth-inning stats highlight the need for alternative Yankee relievers in high-pressure moments.
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Lineup Stability: Towers and Seidenberg suggest that reordering Judge or Soto could backfire, stressing the value of lineup consistency.
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Game 3 Importance: Both agree Game 3 in the Bronx is pivotal, marking a turning point for either team’s momentum.
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Playoff Rule Flexibility: Seidenberg calls for revising the three-batter rule in postseason to allow strategic flexibility.
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Historical Context: Historically, teams up 2-0 often win the series, adding pressure to the Yankees.
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Betting Odds and Strategies: Seidenberg favors betting on Yankees wins in upcoming games, given their home-field advantage.
Summary:
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[0:11] Introduction: Seidenberg and Towers introduce Game 3 and recap LA’s dominant home-field atmosphere.
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[1:14] Verdugo’s Vibe: Seidenberg criticizes Verdugo’s relaxed vibe amidst Yankee tension, sparking Towers’ cultural defense of players’ unique styles.
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[8:12] Judge’s Struggles: Judge’s low average is scrutinized; Towers emphasizes Dodgers’ strategic pitching over Judge’s form.
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[19:38] Cortez vs. Freeman: Towers critiques Boone’s choice to use Cortez against Freeman, citing Cortez’s poor ninth-inning record.
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[21:36] Rule Changes: Seidenberg advocates for lifting the three-batter rule in playoffs to benefit strategic flexibility.
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[27:30] Boone’s Choices: Towers questions Boone’s post-game rationale, underscoring the Yankees’ management issues.
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[29:36] Home Game Strategy: Towers and Seidenberg discuss the advantages of Yankees’ three-game home stretch to shift momentum.
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[40:34] Yankees' Playoff Chances: Seidenberg asserts Game 3 as critical, while also exploring betting strategies to capitalize on Yankees’ home-field odds.
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[43:34] Freddie Freeman MVP Status: Freeman’s postseason power makes him a strong MVP candidate if the Dodgers secure the series.
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[47:24] Wrap-up & Predictions: Seidenberg closes, recommending Yankees as favorites for the Bronx games but signaling the series’ potential to shift back to LA.