Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees in five games to capture the eighth World Series in franchise history.
Capitalizing on a number of mistakes by their opponent in Game 5, the Dodgers rallied from a 5-0 deficit, going on to win the clinching game by a final score of 7-6. The Yankees put together one of the worst innings in Major League history with all five runs being unearned.
After the dust has settled from the series and celebrations, some chatter about the sloppiness of the Yankees play was an inevitable factor.
Joe Kelly did not appear in the World Series, but revealed how the Dodgers looked forward to playing against the Yankees because of several factors, via the “Baseball Isn’t Boring” podcast:
“It was just a mismatch from the get-go. If we had a playoff re-ranking, they might be ranked eight- or ninth-best playoff team. You’re putting the Padres ahead of them, putting the Phillies ahead of them, you’re putting the Mets ahead of them, you’re putting the Braves ahead of them. The Braves just got unlucky because they had to play that doubleheader.
“The Guardians played like crap, but they played better D and baseball all around. It was just a complete mismatch and kind of the same feeling from 2018 when we had to go play the Dodgers. The Red Sox were just a way better team.
“All we knew is that we had to just play regular Dodger baseball. We didn’t have to do anything crazy, and we were going to win the World Series. It’s facts. Just look at the team, look at the talent. Rerank the teams, and they’re ranked eighth. And they played against the No. 1 seed. Everyone knew.”
The Dodgers’ advanced scouting department played an integral role in their preparation for the Yankees, mainly when and how to push the envelope with aggressive play. Aside from the Yankees’ threat of power, their defense and base running were down-parts of their overall team make up.
Kelly airing out the Yankees is an added note on a Fall Classic that had the star power, but came down to the fundamentals with who came out on top.
Joe Kelly not retiring
Kelly is one of the Dodgers veteran bullpen arms now on the open market.
Posting a 4.78 ERA over 32 innings in the 2024 season, he isn’t expected to have a huge list of suitors. In his 13-year career, Kelly owns a 3.98 ERA with 767 strikeouts and a 1.37 WHIP in 839 innings.
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