Below is my take, a mixture of admiration, skepticism, and context, on the decision for Paul Goldschmidt to start at first base in ALDS Game 4:
 |
| Paul Goldschmidt |
At first glance, inserting Paul Goldschmidt into the starting lineup at first base in such a high-stakes game seems like a savvy managerial move. Goldschmidt isn’t just any bat, he brings both postseason experience and a known ability to handle left-handed pitching. In a matchup where the opposition has opted for a bullpen game (starting with right-hander Louis Varland), the Yankees’ skipper, Aaron Boone, clearly weighed the matchup advantages and balance of his batting order.
Paul Goldschmidt
Why it makes sense
Matchups matter in October. Boone’s explanation is telling, he wants to avoid giving the opposing manager “good matchups” early, and to preserve flexibility when it comes to pinch-hitting. In a series where every at-bat is magnified, placing a hitter like Goldy against pitchers with whom he can be productive is smart roster engineering. With Toronto going bullpen, the Yankees don’t know exactly what arm they’ll see in innings 2, 3, or 4, and Goldschmidt is a safer hedge.
Track record vs. lefties. Over the regular season, Goldschmidt was especially effective against left-handed arms. His splits were strong enough to support the idea that he gives the Yankees upside in those matchups. Given the uncertainty of bullpen usage, having a bat that handles lefties well is a big plus.
Pressures on the bench bats. Ben Rice, the alternate first base option, had been doing well in certain stretches, but his ALDS numbers (2-for-11) lagged in this series. In a do-or-die environment, relying on form and favorable splits can eclipse loyalty or past performance. Boone’s decision reflects a “what’s best now” mindset, rather than being beholden to earlier results.
But it’s not without risks or criticisms
Defensive tradeoffs. Goldschmidt has mostly built his career at first, but inserting him as a regular in a series carries inherent risks, a misplay, poor reaction, or even just a lapse under pressure can be magnified. Those defensive innings might not be flashy, but one error in the postseason can haunt a team. The question is whether the Yankees believe Goldschmidt is sufficiently sharp defensively at this point.
Momentum & rhythm. Rice had been contributing, and taking him out of the field in a key game may disrupt his timing or confidence. Sometimes continuity, letting a player ride his hot streak, can deliver unexpected benefits. Boone’s prior hesitation (e.g., his decision not to start Goldschmidt against Connelly Early in Game 3) hints at his concern for such dynamics.
Psychological weight. For a 38-year-old star like Goldschmidt, every swing in October comes with weight. If he doesn’t produce, critics will second-guess the decision intensely. If he does, his status is elevated all the more. Boone is effectively placing a big bet that Goldschmidt comes through.
My verdict
On balance, I believe the decision is justified and wise. In postseason baseball, especially around bullpen strategies, your ability to micromanage matchups is often the difference between winning and losing. Boone’s move is an invitation to maximize those margins. It signals that he is thinking proactively, not defensively, about the next three to four innings. You don’t just react in October, you set traps, force the opponent’s hand, and hope your roster construction matches your vision.
That said, opening the door always comes with the danger that the opponent counters. Suppose Toronto brings in a lefty earlier than expected, or puts a tough reliever on sooner. Then Goldschmidt could find himself mismatched, or Boone might have to deviate from the script. But that’s the nature of postseason chess.
In a more poetic sense, there’s also symbolism, Goldschmidt, a veteran, being trusted at this juncture underscores how the Yankees view him not just as roster depth but as an integral, trustworthy piece in their October plans. It’s a gesture of confidence. If he comes through delivering key hits, building pressure, making the routine plays, the decision will seem obvious in hindsight.
October is a grind of small advantages. Starting Goldschmidt is one calculated shove in that direction. If he handles his role cleanly, this could be the leverage swing the Yankees need. If not, it will be a talking point in postmortems. But from where I sit, Boone’s logic aligns with the imperatives of playoff baseball, you play your best matchups, you tilt odds in your favor, and you trust your player who can still deliver.
by sunysam