Insights from Major League Veterans on World Series Games 1 and 2
As the World Series unfolded, the excitement was palpable, not just among fans but also among seasoned players who have experienced the highs and lows of postseason baseball. Major league veterans Jameson Taillon, Tucker Barnhart, Max Stassi, and Rob Refsnyder joined The Athletic to share their insights and analyses during the first two games of the series. Their perspectives provide a unique glimpse into the minds of players as they navigate the intensity of the World Series.
Game 1: A Battle of Titans
Pregame Analysis
Before the first pitch, the discussion centered around the formidable lineups of both the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees. Taillon highlighted the depth of the Dodgers’ batting order, noting that both teams possess dangerous hitters. “The Dodgers lineup is super deep,” he remarked. He emphasized the importance of preparation, stating that pitchers must know their strengths and the weaknesses of opposing hitters, if any exist. “Attack good areas for strike one,” he advised, underscoring the need for pitchers to remain aggressive and confident, even in the high-pressure environment of the World Series.
Barnhart, who has faced elite hitters like Shohei Ohtani, shared his thoughts on the challenge of pitching to such powerhouses. He described Ohtani as a player who can make pitchers feel like they’re simply hoping for a lucky break. “It’s important to get him sped up,” Barnhart explained, suggesting that forcing hitters to adjust their timing can lead to mistakes.
Fifth Inning: Gerrit Cole’s Dominance
As the game progressed, Gerrit Cole was on the mound for the Yankees, delivering a stellar performance through five innings. Taillon expressed his admiration for Cole, stating, “When Gerrit is on, there’s nobody like it to watch right now.” Barnhart echoed this sentiment, humorously suggesting that facing Cole when he’s at his best feels like a lost cause. “You should just take the ol’ Roger Dorn in Major League and lean into one,” he joked, highlighting the difficulty of facing a pitcher in peak form.
Sixth Inning: Stanton’s Power
The game took a turn when Giancarlo Stanton, a former teammate of Taillon’s, launched a massive home run, giving the Yankees a crucial lead. Taillon praised Stanton’s unique talent, recalling a moment when Stanton hit a ball with an exit velocity that left his teammates in awe. “He can hit a two-iron trajectory out of the park,” Taillon marveled, showcasing the respect players have for each other’s abilities.
Postgame Reflections: Dodgers Take Game 1
Despite the Yankees’ efforts, the Dodgers emerged victorious with a 6-3 win, thanks in part to a grand slam from Freddie Freeman. Barnhart reflected on the evenly matched nature of the teams, stating, “Every single game could be 0-0 heading into the bullpens in the 6th or 7th inning.” Taillon added that witnessing elite players perform at their best is electrifying, emphasizing the high level of competition in the series.
Game 2: The Stakes Rise
Pregame Thoughts on Momentum
As the teams prepared for Game 2, the conversation shifted to the concept of momentum in baseball. Refsnyder asserted that momentum is indeed real, but emphasized the importance of the Yankees focusing on the present. “I think they realize that splitting the series in L.A. would be a positive,” he noted, highlighting the psychological aspect of the game.
Third Inning: Dodgers’ Offensive Prowess
By the third inning, the Dodgers were leading 4-1, with Freddie Freeman hitting his third home run of the series. Refsnyder praised the Dodgers’ approach at the plate, noting that they had effectively zoned in on the Yankees’ pitching. Stassi echoed this, crediting the Dodgers’ hitting department for their meticulous game planning. “They look for an area that the pitcher gives up slug and they GO,” he explained, illustrating the strategic mindset that defines successful postseason teams.
Eighth Inning: Ohtani’s Injury
The game took a somber turn when Shohei Ohtani injured his shoulder while sliding into second base. Stassi expressed his concern, noting that slide injuries are often unpredictable. Refsnyder shared his sympathy, stating, “I hate it. Hate seeing it.” This moment underscored the fragility of players’ health, especially during such a critical time of the year.
Postgame Analysis: Dodgers Lead the Series
With the Dodgers winning Game 2, the series shifted back to New York with the Dodgers holding a 2-0 advantage. Stassi remarked on the competitiveness of the series, suggesting that both games could have easily gone either way. Refsnyder praised the Dodgers for their game planning and execution, while also acknowledging the Yankees’ potential to turn the tide in their home stadium.
The insights shared by Taillon, Barnhart, Stassi, and Refsnyder during these two games provide a fascinating look into the strategic and emotional elements of postseason baseball. Their experiences and observations highlight the intricacies of the game, reminding fans that every pitch, swing, and decision carries significant weight in the World Series.