The Yankees are set to begin the ALCS against the Guardians on Monday night, a team they dispatched in a decisive fifth game of the ALDS two years ago.
Four wins separate the Yanks from their first pennant in 15 years, and while many believe the Bombers are the overwhelming favorite, Sal Licata says it will be a much tougher series than some believe.
“They’re way better than anything the Yankees will have faced this year,” Sal said of Cleveland. “The bullpen, the defense, even the lineup, while it’s not as deep as the Yankees, it’s far better than what the Yankees saw with the Royals. So they’re gonna face their toughest challenge.”
Sal did not hide the fact that he was not impressed with the Yankees’ ALDS win over the Royals, and believes the Guardians could be a bad matchup given how the Yanks have gone out in recent playoffs.
“They’re gonna be dangerous,” Sal said. “And, the bigger issue, what have the Yankees shown that gives you confidence that they’re gonna bypass anybody? I don’t think they looked particularly good against Kansas City.
“They don’t have the starters that Kansas City had...but the Yankees don’t hit in the postseason! That’s been the given. I wish I could say I was encouraged with the first four games of the Yankees postseason...but the Guardians can pitch and play excellent defense, and I don’t think they’re gonna be intimidated at all by the Yankees. This is gonna be a very difficult series...I think the Guardians can win this series very easily.”