INSIDE THE MATCHUPS
For a second consecutive season, the Yankees are looking to win a wild-card game in The Bronx for the chance to play in the ALDS. But instead of playing host to a Minnesota team that won just 85 games, as the Yankees did a year ago, they will have to knock off the A’s, who finished with 97 wins and closed the season on a 63-29 tear. The Post’s Dan Martin breaks down the matchups:
AT THE PLATE
GETTING ON BASE: Both lineups are EVEN deep and powerful. The Yankees’ offense is paced by Aaron Judge, who had terrific overall numbers, but wasn’t the same hitter when he returned from a chip fracture in his right wrist. In a dozen games, Judge had just three extra-base hits. With inexperienced players such as Miguel Andujar, Gleyber Torres and Luke Voit, the Yankees need veteran players such as Andrew McCutchen to make life tough for Oakland. The same could be true of Oakland’s Jed Lowrie and Stephen Piscotty, who have postseason experience, unlike stalwarts Khris Davis, Matt Chapman and Matt Olson. POWER: Both lineups feature five players who hit more than 20 homers, led by EVEN Davis (48) and Giancarlo Stanton (38). Add in the bandbox that is Yankee Stadium, and look out. Stanton stalled in September, but closed with six extra-base hits in his past six games. Of greater concern is Gary Sanchez, who had a horrific year, but did homer twice in his past four games. ON THE BASEPATHS: Neither team relies on speed and this game figures to be decided much more by power than swiftness. EVEN
IN THE FIELD
INFIELD: Andujar and Voit have been tremendous surprises at the plate, but subpar at third and first base, respectively. Neil Walker could serve as a defensive EDGE replacement late in the game if the Yankees are ahead. Torres has cut down on the careless errors he made earlier in the year and Didi Gregorius remains strong at short. Though the Yankees insist they trust Sanchez behind the plate, he finished with 18 passed balls — five more than anyone else in the majors, despite starting just 74 games at catcher. Matt Chapman has developed into a Gold Glove-level third baseman, while Marcus Semien is solid at short and Olson above average at first. OUTFIELD: Depending on the lineup the Yankees go with, EDGE they could have strong defenders in center ( Aaron Hicks) and right (Judge), but McCutchen is still adjusting to the spacious Yankee Stadium left field if he gets the nod over Brett Gardner. Regardless, they figure to have an advantage over Oakland, who likely will have Piscotty in right, Ramon Laureano in center and either
Mark Canha or Nick Martini in left.
BENCH
Brett Gardner and Walker are savvy hitters the Yankees could turn to, as well as dependable defenders.
Adeiny Hechavarria hasn’t EVEN been great as a fill-in since arriving in The Bronx and the Yankees have said they have no plans to sub
Austin Romine for Sanchez late in the game if they have a lead. Matt
Joyce could be a dangerous option for Oakland, as could Canha, depending on the lineup. And Chad Pinder provides versatility.
ON THE MOUND
STARTER: Who cares? Let’s just go straight to the bullpen! The Rays introduced the “opener” this season and both teams at least EDGE toyed with the idea of going in that direction in this game. Oakland will go with right-handed reliever Liam Hendriks and then will use its bullpen the rest of the way. The Yankees settled on Luis Severino over J.A. Happ and Masahiro Tanaka. They hope Severino is better than a year ago, when he retired just one batter in the wildcard game, but even if he is, the Yankees have indicated they likely will go to the bullpen early. BULLPEN: The Yankees showed how effective their pen could be in EVEN this game last
season — although it wasn’t by design, as Severino got knocked out after just a third of an inning. They have some familiar faces such as Dellin Betances,
Chad Green, David Robertson and Jonathan Holder ready to go for this one, as well as newcomer Zach Britton. Britton had a great September and
Aroldis Chapman, who was bothered by knee tendinitis for much of the season, has been superb lately, with a nasty slider helping him overcome diminished velocity. The A’s might not have as many recognizable names in their pen, but
Blake Treinen is coming off one of the most dominant seasons by a reliever in MLB history. Lou Trivino came out of nowhere to become among the top setup men, using a high-90s fastball. They also have veteran relievers including Jeurys Familia, Fernando Rodney and Shawn Kelley. Yusmeiro Petit, Emilio Pagan and J.B. Wendelken also could be factors in Oakland’s bullpen.
MANAGER
Bob Melvin (bottom right) just finished his seventh full season as A’s EDGE manager and he’s gotten them to the playoffs four times. Considering the payroll Oakland is almost always saddled with, it’s been a pretty good run. As for Aaron Boone, he’s mostly avoided any mishaps and lived up to his reputation as a calm, positive presence in the dugout, but the playoffs will be a new test for him.
INTANGIBLES
The Yankees won 100 games this season, the A’s 97. They split the season series, EVEN 3-3, with both teams winning twice at their own park. Only the Red Sox won more games at home than the Yankees this season, but no team finished the season as well as Oakland.