4 bold postseason roster decisions Yankees need to make before ALDS

3. Start Oswaldo Cabrera … for as Long as it Goes

Oswaldo Cabrera is the Yankees’ starting left fielder and that shouldn’t change. His bat has heated up with regular playing time and his defensive versatility has made him invaluable. There’s almost no world Yankees fans can envision with Cabrera on the bench for Game 1 of the ALDS.

But beyond that? He still should be playing every day. Whether it’s in left field or right field at third base, second base or shortstop, Cabrera’s switch-hitting bat should be in the lineup for as many playoff games he can physically suit up for. His presence gives the Yankees versatility to use a number of players at DH instead of locking Giancarlo Stanton into that spot.

Cabrera finished the season slashing .247/.312/.429 with a 109 OPS+, 21 runs scored, 6 home runs, 19 RBI and 3 stolen bases in 44 games — his first big-league action. He helps lengthen the Yankees lineup better than most who have tried to play the part. He’s done everything that’s been asked of him and has excelled given the circumstances.

That’s another reason Hicks can’t be here. Aaron Boone cannot have any sort of avenue to bench Cabrera outside of a horrible skid that costs the team on both sides of the ball.

2. Keep Aaron Judge as Leadoff Hitter

Who’s the Yankees’ leadoff hitter right now? Andrew Benintendi isn’t healthy. Neither is DJ LeMahieu. Does anybody else suit the role who we’re not thinking of?

Aaron Judge was the team’s leadoff hitter for most of September and got on base a ton. Without a doubt, that was a direct result of him chasing home run No. 62, which explains his insane .500+ on-base percentage batting in the top spot.

It won’t be the same story in the postseason, but doesn’t Judge hitting first give the Yankees the best chance to win? He’ll get the most at-bats of anybody on the team. He’ll more likely than not set the tone by putting traffic on the bases. Opposing pitchers will be in a bind facing him right out of the gate. Can’t pitch around the first batter of the game! Also can’t give him meatballs! Total mind f—.

OK. Maybe you’d prefer Judge batting second or third to drive in runs. Understandable. But his numbers this year detail how of a world class, all-around hitter he’s been. He leads the Yankees in average and OBP, which is exactly what teams need in their leadoff guy. When LeMahieu was hitting for average and working walks automatically, it changed the entire complexion of the Yankees’ lineup.

We just have a slight role shift here with the times changing. DJLM is ailing. Benny won’t be back until the ALCS (at the earliest). Judge is the next guy who fits the profile. And it also might make the Yankees a better team.

1. Start Nestor Cortes Jr. Game 1

Let’s preface this by saying the Yankees are NOT going to do this. They just won’t. Manager Aaron Boone already hinted Gerrit Cole would start Game 1.

But some might argue this is where the Yankees need to be bold. Nestor Cortes has been better than Cole all year. In fact, one could argue that’s been the case since last season, too!

The big argument here is the pressure factor. Cole seemingly has some issues with that, or maybe it’s just the Red Sox. Either way, pitching Cole in Game 1 and a hypothetical Game 5 puts him in two difficult situations, susceptible to wrath if he doesn’t deliver in both. Do you really want to do that with the $324 million ace, who has struggled with his emotions most of this year?

Let Nestor take it for Game 1. Then Cole can get Game 2 with lower stakes, regardless of whether the Yankees win or lose on Tuesday. This would then allow the Yankees to use Cole again on short rest for Game 5 if needed, and his power arsenal would play much better in that scenario over Nestor’s craftiness.

Then the Yankees can go Nestor/Luis Severino in Games 1 and 2 of the ALCS. If it’s against the Astros, Cole can get Game 3 at home and then be ready for a hypothetical Game 7 (on short rest, again). If it’s not against Houston, Cole should be able to handle Toronto (he has before on the road) and Seattle (1.40 ERA in six career starts at T-Mobile Park and 2.25 ERA in 11 overall starts against the M’s in his career).

Cole’s shown a penchant for blowing up. He’s far from a sure thing. If you want to count the 2020 postseason, fine, but don’t forget there were no fans in the stands. The pressure was much different. Maybe utilizing him differently may yield more positive results. It’s doubtful many would complain with this decision because Nestor is widely trusted over any starter by almost every fan.

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