The New York Yankees were knocked out of the ALDS by the Tampa Bay Rays, and it was completely justified based on their performance throughout the regular season. Tampa Bay was phenomenal, playing small ball and also beating the Yankees at their own game, focusing on the home run.
The Yankees had a tumultuous 2020 season, losing star players Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Gleyber Torres for sizable chunks, in addition, they also lost starting pitcher James Paxton and Luis Severino. That is not to mention relief pitcher Tommy Kahnle. The Yankees simply can’t find a way to avoid the injury bug on a yearly basis, so reserve options had to step in and fill the void.
Nonetheless, Yankee slugger Luke Voit was one of the more consistent options for the Bombers, as he played in 56 games, battling through a foot injury.
However, Voit gave some insight into the Yankees’ loss to the Rays in the ALDS, stating:
“They are a feisty bunch of hitters. They kind of play small-ball, find a way to get guys over, bunt and going first to third,†Voit said, via the New York Post. “Their pitching depth is unbelievable. You have to give them some credit. They will bring their closer in the fourth inning just to get through the part of our lineup. It’s a different philosophy, but it is working.
“They took it to us, but you know what? We are going to be back next year and get after it. But at the end of the day, you have to tip your cap even though it is frustrating and not what we want as Yankee nation.’’
Tampa Bay is a scrappy team, focused more on analytics than dumping money into high profile athletes. They have seen some of their homegrown talents emerge, willing them to the World Series this year. It is quite impressive to see what they have done, and overcoming a strong Houston Astros team was the perfect way to avenge the MLB after their cheating scandal and cement themselves as one of the best teams in the league.