The weary, in this case, being the Yankees, who eliminated Cleveland after enduring two rainouts, both at home, prolonging the ALDS to the point where the Bronx Bombers move straight into the ALCS vs. Houston tonight.
The case for Houston:
Dusty Baker's club has had three days to rest after sweeping away Seattle. They beat the Yankees 5 out of 7 in the regular season, which is one big reason why they're the #1 seed, and the Yankees are #2. After losing to Atlanta last year, the Astros are looking at the NLCS, thinking that if they eliminate the Yanks, they could have an easy path to their 2nd title. Emphasize could, with Philadelphia hot right now. Houston won't see Gerrit Cole right away, probably not until game 3 in the Bronx, and Nester Cortes pitched last night, so he's likely for game 5, if there is one, on Sunday, unless Aaron Boone is willing to risk Cortes on 3 days rest on Saturday in game 4.
The case for the Yankees:
Momentum is on their side, having won last night, thanks to Cortes, Giancarlo Stanton, and Aaron Judge, whose bat is finally waking up in the post-season. Revenge is also a factor, considering the controversy surrounding the 2017 ALCS, and Houston's subsequent title win, plus the season series this year favoring the Astros.
The Yanks could bring back OF Andrew Benintendi if they have to replace Aaron Hicks, who left Tuesday's game with an injury. A fresh bat certainly helps. The Yankees have not won a title since 2009, when they thwarted Philadelphia's bid for a repeat. If New York advances, they get a rematch with either the Phillies or Padres, the latter of whom they beat in 1998.
The pick: Yankees in 7.
Of course, I could be wrong.
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