Just two months ago, the majority of New York Yankees fans were crying foul over the trade that sent pitcher Jordan Montgomery to the St. Louis Cardinals for outfielder Harrison Bader. I was not part of it.
It’s just that Montgomery probably wouldn’t have had a place in the playoff roster for the Bronx Bombers. Also, adding a Golden Glove recipient to the outfield was no luxury in a slightly outfield corps. shaky.
Yes, Bader was on the disabled list, but we knew he was coming back and the Yankees could afford to wait. And that would put Aaron Hicks on the bench, he who has been anemic throughout the campaign.
Time has proven General Manager Brian Cashman right – and more. After four playoff games against the Cleveland Guardians, Bader has already catapulted three homers, driving in four runs. He had hit just five home runs in 313 regular-season appearances.
The Yankees need this version of Bader if they want to go further this fall, the one who contributed significantly offensively to his team’s two wins, in addition to continuing to shine defensively.
And it starts tonight in the ultimate game against the Guardians. For this crucial clash, Jameson Taillon will face Aaron Civale. We can therefore expect to see points on the board and the bottom of the lineup, which includes Bader, will have to produce when the time is right.
Gunnery management will also be key, with the Guardians having a clear advantage in both the health of their pitchers and the depth of the bullpen. The winner of this duel will then face the Houston Astros on Wednesday.
- Rain could be expected tonight.
- The playoff format could have been a bit different.
