Andres Gimenez is ready to take on Yankee Stadium.
“It’s a state of mind,” the Guardians second baseman said through a translator before Game 1 of the American League Championship Series Monday night.
“We feel like we can do it because we know we can play baseball the right way. »
In the Championship Series for the first time since 2016, the Guardians will send Alex Cobb to the mound against Carlos Rodon of the New York Yankees for a spot in the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers or New York Mets.
The Guardians will try to win the American championship series for the seventh time and a first since 2016. They will also want the opportunity to win a third World Series, after those of 1920 and 1948.
The Yankees will try to win their 41st American title and a 28th World Series. However, they have not lifted baseball’s most prestigious trophy since 2009.
“What the Yankees are all about is winning and winning a World Series,” said New York shortstop Anthony Volpe, who grew up a Yankees fan in Manhattan and New Jersey. .
“I have much better eyesight now than when I was a partisan. Sometimes we sat with our backs against the top row of the upper balcony and it felt like the stadium was going to collapse. »
The Central Division champion Guardians defeated the Detroit Tigers in five games in the second round while the Eastern Division champion Yankees defeated the Kansas City Royals in four games.
While the Mets, Yankees and Dodgers are the top three, in order, in terms of payroll with $266 million and counting, the Guardians are 23rd with $109 million.
“We’re confident in who we are,” Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said. All we can control is us. »
A chill in the air prompted some players to wear tuques for Sunday’s practice.
“I’m sure Yankee Stadium will vibrate tomorrow night,” said Yankees manager Aaron Boone. It looks like the weather is getting cooler for these first two games, so we’re going to be treated to that October atmosphere. »
