There has only been one team who ever overcame a 3-0 deficit. That team was the 2004 Red Sox in the ALCS against, yes, the New York Yankees. Fast forward to tonight, Los Angeles Dodgers sit poised to win the World Series with a commanding 3-0 lead over the New York Yankees, the question arises: can the Yankees claw their way back from this seemingly insurmountable deficit? It’s hard not to draw a comparison to that epic comeback now, though this time, the Yankees find themselves on the opposite side of the equation, faced with a similar near-impossible task.
The 2004 ALCS was one of the most unforgettable chapters in baseball history. It was a David versus Goliath showdown between the cursed Red Sox, who had not won a World Series in 86 years, and the powerhouse Yankees, who were aiming to once again crush the dreams of their long-standing rivals. The Red Sox’s eventual comeback didn’t just reverse the 3-0 deficit; it shattered nearly a century of frustration and heartbreak for their fans, ending the infamous “Curse of the Bambino.” This historical reference stirs even more intrigue around tonight’s Game 4, though the circumstances are a bit different this time around.
Unlike the Yankees’ 2004 collapse, which involved a team stocked with dominant starters and established bullpen roles, the Dodgers are embracing a strategy centered on bullpen fluidity. Their use of relievers in this postseason has been unconventional, largely due to the injuries that depleted their starting rotation depth. As a result, the Dodgers have relied on a “bullpen-by-committee” approach, which allows them to throw any reliever at any point in the game. Manager Dave Roberts has utilized his relievers based on high-leverage situations rather than assigning them predefined roles. Ryan Brasier described the bullpen as a “super-close-knit group” that’s focused, ready, and pulling together in the same direction.
This bullpen-centric approach has been a stark contrast to the standard postseason reliance on aces pitching deep into games. In 2004, for instance, the Red Sox had their top starters, Curt Schilling and Pedro Martinez, lined up for those must-win games after Game 3. This year’s Dodgers, however, have demonstrated a unique resilience and versatility by succeeding without their originally planned starting rotation. The sheer number of relievers who have pitched in high-stakes moments without a set closer demonstrates their depth and flexibility, and it’s that depth that has placed them one win away from another championship. For the Dodgers, going into Game 4 with a “bullpen game” strategy is almost symbolic of their overall season – one that required improvisation and adaptation at every turn.
The Dodgers’ Game 3 victory over the Yankees further underscored their reliance on the bullpen. Despite a patchwork rotation, they still hold a commanding 3-0 lead, a reflection of Roberts’ deft handling of his relievers and ability to manage this fluid bullpen system. He trusts his staff to work effectively in any situation, which has allowed them to make quick adjustments in high-stakes moments. The Dodgers’ strategy embodies a modern-day evolution of bullpen usage in MLB, with Roberts and his staff making the game’s tactical chess match all the more engaging.
While the Yankees are undoubtedly aware of the challenges of coming back from 3-0, they can draw some inspiration from the 2004 Red Sox. Boston’s comeback was fueled by an array of factors: clutch performances, timely hitting, and a bit of good fortune. It’s worth remembering Game 4 of the 2004 ALCS, when Dave Roberts famously stole second base, setting up Bill Mueller’s game-tying single. That game, which the Red Sox eventually won in extra innings, was a catalyst for the momentum shift that ultimately led to their miraculous series victory. For the Yankees to replicate such a turnaround, they’ll need their own version of “the steal” – a defining play or spark that could instill belief and ignite a rally.
Yet tonight, the Yankees are also up against a Dodgers bullpen that seems to thrive in unpredictable situations. Unlike 2004, where the Red Sox starters were able to shoulder much of the load, this year’s Dodgers have relied on a committee approach that has defied traditional bullpen logic. Roberts has carefully balanced the roles of each reliever, deploying them based on matchups and game situations rather than simply entrusting the ninth inning to a designated closer. This strategy keeps the Dodgers’ bullpen dynamic and, in a way, gives them an advantage by preventing the Yankees from getting comfortable with any one pitcher.
Of course, even though the Dodgers have shown remarkable versatility with their bullpen, a long series could expose weaknesses in this approach. Each reliever, no matter how talented, could become vulnerable if the Yankees start adjusting to their patterns. Roberts acknowledged this risk, noting the challenge of overexposing relievers to the same hitters throughout a series. In previous playoff settings, bullpens with a set closer and setup structure might become predictable. But the Dodgers’ rotating cast of relievers has allowed them to mix things up enough to keep the Yankees off-balance, a testament to Roberts’ strategy and the adaptability of his bullpen.
While Boston’s 2004 comeback remains an iconic benchmark in postseason lore, the Yankees must also contend with an added layer of pressure due to their team’s legacy. This series represents a full-circle moment, where history and modern baseball strategies collide. Yankees fans are well-acquainted with the weight of their team’s history, which includes 27 World Series titles. A 3-0 deficit here is a grim reminder of the stakes at play. With each game a must-win scenario, every player will feel the intensity that comes with representing the Yankees brand.
For the Dodgers, tonight’s game could also mark a momentous conclusion to a season defined by overcoming adversity. The lineup of injured starters – a rotation that was supposed to feature top arms like Yamamoto, Glasnow, and, the aging, Kershaw – might have derailed any other team. Instead, the Dodgers have evolved into a squad that embraces unpredictability, a strength that has proven crucial to their playoff success. By leaning into this new bullpen-focused identity, they’ve showcased the adaptability required to thrive in the modern era of baseball.
On the flip side, the Yankees’ challenge is daunting yet not entirely unprecedented. While the odds are heavily stacked against them, baseball is known for its unpredictability. A Game 4 win could serve as the ignition for a spark, allowing the Yankees to stay alive another day and edge closer to an unlikely comeback. The added pressure on the Dodgers to close it out at home could shift the series’ tone if the Yankees can find a way to break through the Dodgers’ bullpen strategy tonight.
Here’s the thing folks: this Dodgers team appears to have the chemistry and tactical edge needed to avoid any collapse. The bullpen’s versatility has been both their safety net and a weapon, an unorthodox style that has kept them in control. With each inning tonight, the tension will mount, and while the Yankees are fighting to stay alive, the Dodgers are on the brink of proving that their 2024 approach to bullpen management could be a championship-winning formula.
With that… we are just a couple hours from tonights game in New York and the stakes are high. The Dodgers are one win from the ultimate baseball achievement, while the Yankees are clinging to the slimmest chance at a comeback that would rival the legendary 2004 ALCS. Baseball fans will be watching to see if the Dodgers can close out their series with the same resilience and adaptability they’ve shown all season, or if the Yankees can channel the spirit of 2004 to pull off a comeback for the ages.
If you cannot play with them, then root for them.