Fansided

5 things the Yankees must do to beat the Twins in the ALDS

By Rucker Haringey

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 03: James Paxton #65 of the New York Yankees reacts against the Texas Rangers during the fifth inning at Yankee Stadium on September 3, 2019 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 03: James Paxton #65 of the New York Yankees reacts against the Texas Rangers during the fifth inning at Yankee Stadium on September 3, 2019 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images) /
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ST. PETERSBURG, FL – SEPTEMBER 25: New York Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres (25) makes a throw to first after fielding a ground ball during the MLB game between the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays on September 25, 2019 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, FL. (Photo by Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ST. PETERSBURG, FL – SEPTEMBER 25: New York Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres (25) makes a throw to first after fielding a ground ball during the MLB game between the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays on September 25, 2019 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, FL. (Photo by Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3. Play solid defense

The Yankees enter this postseason as a much better defensive team than they were a season ago. Gio Urshela may not be a gold glover at third base but he’s miles ahead of where Miguel Andujar was last season. The insertion of DJ LeMahieu into the lineup anywhere in the infield gives the Yankees a big boost.

There are some positions that might trouble Boone when he looks ahead to high-pressure moments against the Twins. Particularly, Gleyber Torres needs to make sure he stays very focused at second base. He’s got the athleticism to make every play required, but he did lead the team with 20 errors during the regular season.

The return of Didi Gregorius at shortstop also gives New York an opportunity to field an above-average infield defense. That could be a big key for the Yankees late in games when guys like Britton take the mound.

In the end, the Yankees don’t need to dazzle the nation with a ton of great plays. They just need to make sure that every routine play is made. Giving the powerful Twins lineup extra outs is a great way for New York to see their postseason dreams crushed before they ever get started.

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