The postseason is all about momentum, and the New York Yankees seem to have plenty of it as they prepare to face the Kansas City Royals in Game 1 of the American League Division Series. The Yankees’ star second baseman, Jazz Chisholm Jr., is leading the charge with confidence, and his recent comments about The Blue Crew pitcher Michael Wacha show he’s not backing down from the challenge.
Chisholm Jr. made it clear that the Yankees are more than ready for the task ahead. The team’s energy is high, and their focus is unwavering. “I can’t wait, man. These guys are amazing. Every day that comes closer, they’re more hyped up and ready to go. You can see the excitement on everybody’s face. Together, we are just brothers going to war. So I can’t wait,” said Chisholm, capturing the mood in the Yankees’ clubhouse ahead of the series against Kansas City Royals.
When asked about Michael Wacha and what challenges he presents for the Yankees lineup, Chisholm’s tone remained confident, bordering on a warning. “I feel he’s a pretty good pitcher, but we’ve got guys who’ve faced him a lot,” he said, referencing teammates like Anthony Rizzo and Juan Soto, who have a wealth of experience against Wacha.
For Chisholm, the key to neutralizing Wacha is forcing him into the strike zone. “He’s gonna nibble, be around the strike zone, but once we get him in the zone and swing at his pitches, I feel like we’re the most dangerous team in baseball. I think nobody poses a threat to us in that way.” His words suggest that while Wacha may try to work the edges of the strike zone, the Yankees are well-prepared to capitalize on any mistakes he makes.
Chisholm’s Athleticism and Disrupting the Game
Another aspect that makes Chisholm such a game-changer is his ability to disrupt pitchers with his athleticism. He doesn’t just rely on speed to steal bases—he studies the game and takes advantage of every opportunity. “I don’t steal bases because I’m fast, I steal bases because I pay attention to everything that’s going on out there,” Chisholm explained. He credits this attention to detail for his success on the base paths, and it’s a skill he shares with his teammates.
Chisholm mentioned that the Yankees’ ability to steal bases isn’t just limited to him. The team has fostered a culture of collaboration, where players like Aaron Judge and Juan Soto are constantly talking about strategies to get an edge on the opposition. “We’re all talking in groups, we hang out a lot, we talk about baseball a lot. If a pitcher only worries about me, they’ll have a lot more to worry about,” Chisholm added.
The Importance of Yankees Quality At-Bats in the Postseason
For Chisholm and the Yankees, the postseason is about more than just individual numbers. It’s about executing team-based strategies to win games. “In the playoffs, your numbers don’t count anymore. We’re not here trying to hit 50-60 homers, steal 40 bags, or hit .300. We’re here to win games,” Chisholm explained.
This approach highlights the Yankees’ commitment to playing smart, team-oriented baseball. Chisholm added that he focuses on putting together quality at-bats, driving up the pitch count, and getting on base for his teammates. “I’m just trying to get on base with my teammates or at least make that guy throw eight to nine pitches. If it’s a starting pitcher, by the third or fourth inning, that means we’re doing something right.”