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Projecting Yankees’ World Series roster vs LA Dodgers with Gerrit Cole starting Game 1

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Projecting Yankees’ World Series roster vs LA Dodgers with Gerrit Cole starting Game 1

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NEW YORK – When it’s Broadway vs. Hollywood, there’s just something bigger about the World Series.

During his tenure as Yankees manager, there’s been an “underlying craving for that,’’ Aaron Boone said of playing the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Fall Classic.

Around their annual regular-season meetings, “there’s always been that occasional talk about Yankees-Dodgers’’ in October, and now that the stars have aligned, “I think it’s great.’’

“The stars will be out, the eyeballs will be watching,’’ said Boone. “And hopefully we can deliver on a great Series.’’

No surprise, it’ll be Gerrit Cole starting for the Yankees at Dodger Stadium on Friday night, Game 1 of the first Yanks-Dodgers World Series since 1981, and their 12th Fall Classic meeting overall.

Here’s a speculative look at the Yankees’ 26-man World Series roster:  

Yankees’ World Series rotation (4)

Gerrit Cole, RHP

Carlos Rodon, LHP

Clarke Schmidt, RHP

Luis Gil, RHP

Summary: Another upside of Juan Soto’s “at-bat for the ages’’ home run (per Boone’s words) that helped clinch the AL Championship Series on Saturday night was lining up Cole for World Series Game 1.

If the Cleveland Guardians had forced a Game 6, Cole would’ve had that assignment.

Boone wouldn’t publicly commit his rotation beyond Cole, but said there was “a good chance’’ he’d follow the ALCS model, with Rodon, Schmidt and Gil to follow.

That sets up the younger Schmidt and Gil in Games 3 and 4 at Yankee Stadium.

Yankees’ World Series bullpen (8)

Luke Weaver, RHP

Clay Holmes, RHP

Tommy Kahnle, RHP

Tim Hill, LHP

Jake Cousins, RHP

Mark Leiter, Jr.

Tim Mayza, LHP

Nestor Cortes, LHP

Summary: Ian Hamilton’s calf injury during the ALCS opened the door for Mark Leiter Jr., and his moxie and performance in clutch spots should secure him a spot here.

Coming back from a strained flexor, Nestor Cortes is due to throw another simulated session Tuesday against live batters.

“If all goes well,’’ Boone said “there could be a decent chance’’ of Cortes being added to the World Series roster.

Boone didn’t speculate on the staff’s construction, but Cortes’ addition could cost right-hander Marcus Stroman a spot. Stroman was on the ALCS roster but did not pitch.

In the two previous playoff rounds, the Yankees have carried Tim Mayza as an extra lefty reliever. Mayza has appeared in just two playoff games (1.1 innings) but his presence has value.

Yankees’ World Series infielders (6)

Anthony Rizzo, 1B

Gleyber Torres, 2B

Anthony Volpe, SS

Jazz Chisholm Jr., 3B

Oswaldo Cabrera, IF

Jon Berti, IF

Summary: Despite playing in discomfort from the still-healing finger fractures to his right hand, Anthony Rizzo batted .429 (6-for-14) in the ALCS and he’s looking to add to his World Series ring collection (2016 Chicago Cubs).

In the Yankees’ nine playoff games, leadoff man Gleyber Torres has reached safely eight times in the first inning, with three walks, three singles and two doubles, with an overall .400 on-base percentage.

An in his first nine career postseason games, Anthony Volpe is a .310 hitter with an .804 OPS.

Yankees’ World Series outfielders/DH (6)

Aaron Judge

Juan Soto

Alex Verdugo

Giancarlo Stanton

Jasson Dominguez

Trent Grisham

Summary: Raised in Sherman Oaks, Giancarlo Stanton’s turn as the Yankees’ new Mr. October could continue at Dodger Stadium where he watched games in the left field bleachers.

As he clutched the ALCS MVP award, Stanton said: “This ain’t the trophy I want. I want the next one.’’

With five more big home runs in these playoffs (16 HR in 36 career postseason games), Stanton’s October power show will compete with the Aaron Judge vs. Shohei Ohtani storyline.

The likely 2024 MVPs, both Judge (58) and Ohtani (54) led their leagues in home runs.

Yankees’ World Series catchers (2)

Austin Wells

Jose Trevino

Summary: Dropped from the cleanup spot against right-handed starters to No. 8 in ALCS Game 4, Wells broke an 0-for-21 playoff drought with a solo home run.

Boone is likely to continue batting Wells in the lower third of the order. Trevino has started one playoff game (ALCS Game 3) but his ability to stop the running game is a concern.

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