Michael Kay Asserts the Yankees Have “No Excuse” to Not Play World Series After Their Kryptonite’s Exit

New York Yankees fans, gather ‘round! It’s been a long, winding road since their last World Series win in 2009. 15 years since they celebrated that epic victory over the Phillies, but time flies, doesn’t it? Last year, they had their hopes high when the Yankees made it to the American League Championship Series. But the Astros swept them right out of there, 4-0. 

The Astros knocked them out in both 2017 and 2019, but this postseason, they don’t have to worry about them ruining the Yankees’ October plans again. The upstart Kansas City Royals came in and swept the Astros right out of the playoffs in just two games—right in Houston. Play-by-play broadcaster of the New York Yankees, Michael Kay now says that there is no obstacle in their way that should prevent them from winning. 

Michael Kay presses  the Yankees for World Series 

With the Royals’ impressive victory over Baltimore in the AL Wild Card Series Game 2 on Wednesday, they’re officially set to face the Yankees in the ALDS. This matchup has a rich history that might fly under the radar for some fans, but it’s packed with unforgettable moments. With Yankee’s kryptonite – the Astros out of the game the Yankees have a real chance at World Series, and if not it is on them. As put by American sports broadcaster Michael Kay, “ There is no excuse whatsoever not to get to the World Series.” So mark your calendars, Yankees fans! They will play Game 1 of the American League Division Series this Saturday, October 5, in New York. 

The first pitch is planned for 6:38 PM EST. The Yankees have secured home-field advantage by winning the American League East Division title. They’ll have the crowd behind them as they dive into this best-of-five series. The Royals are not to be taken lightly; they tied the Tigers for the final regular season record of 86-76 and fell short of the division-leading Guardians by 6.5 games. Back in the mid-1970s through the early ‘80s, these two franchises faced off in the postseason four times in just five years, creating a rivalry that brought intensity like we rarely see today. 

Yankees’s power-packed performers 

Michael Kay is not wrong! The Yankees should not have any reason to not perform well – Gerrit Cole has been a cornerstone for the Yankees, even after a slow recovery from injury this year. He wrapped up the season with a solid 8-5 record, boasting a 3.41 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP over 17 starts. With an impressive average of 9.4 strikeouts per nine innings, he’s definitely someone the Royals will want to keep off the mound as long as possible. Carlos Rodon also had a strong showing, finishing with a 16-9 record and a 3.96 ERA in 32 starts.  His strikeout ability—averaging 10 strikeouts per nine—makes him a constant threat.

And don’t undervalue Luis Gil, the spectacular rookie! He was 26 years old and had a fantastic 15-7 record in 29 starts with a 3.50 ERA. He has demonstrated that he can pitch with the big boys, with an average of 10.1 strikeouts every nine innings. Speaking about offense, the Yankees, with Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, have a dual threat like no other. With 36 doubles, an astounding 58 home runs, and a.322 batting average all part of Judge’s amazing season, he also recorded an incredible 144 RBIs.  

With good cause, Aaron Judge is most certainly the front-runner for the MVP award in the American League! Juan Soro has also made landmarks – he scored 128 runs, hit .288 at age 25, and had 41 home runs. Now, he will want to make an impression because free-agency will be upon him following the World Series. This explosive pair presents a formidable test for the Royals pitching staff.

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