In ALCS, the Rays embrace ‘urgency of timing’

ST. PTERSBURG, Fla – There’s no secret that the post-season, in any sport, offers unique challenges. This runs the spectrum of emotion, heightened awareness, greater commitment and stronger execution.

There is also the reality of “time.”

No longer do teams have the luxury to address nagging injuries or spotty execution.

For the major league baseball post-season upon us, whether this is best of three, best of five or best of seven, the hour is especially exacerbated and defined. The need to accomplish is almost immediately, and the moment can be lost without recognizing how critical each pitch, time at-bat, ground ball or fly to the outfield.

In the case of the Tampa Bay Rays and Cleveland Guardians and their best of seven ALCS series, the hour is significant. That was apparent when the Guardians picked themselves off the collective mat, reeled off three straight victories against the bewildered Chicago White Sox and advanced to baseball’s final four.

Now, a heightened environment looms as vital in recognition for the task at hand in this ALCS. The Rays, some argue, have the advantage of rest and comfort. The Guardians have the edge, others argue, because of their heightened, emotional state.

“I think there is plenty of urgency in three, five or seven games,” said Rays manager Kevin Cash. “You want to play well at home. We worked hard to have the advantage or being at home for the start of any series.”

If timing is a factor in mental preparation, so are two other critical areas. That was delineated by right-hander Drew Rasmassum, tapped by Cash to start game one of the ALCS.

“This is all about preparation and execution,” said Rasmussen. That’s what this game is about. Right now, we’re feeling prepared. I guess (in game one), well see how well we execute.”

Rasmussen comes into this start as the titular head of the Rays staff.

In his previous post-season start on Oct. 3 against the New York Yankees, he took a no-hitter into the eighth, walked two, fanned 10 and gained a 1-0 win. The 31-year-old native of Washington State acknowledged in a media session prior to starting the ALCS opener, “after we defeated the Yankees (in the ALDS), I immediately went into breaking down Cleveland. I switched my focus to Chicago but then how (game 5 in the Chicago-Cleveland series) was unfolding, very quickly I pivoted back to Cleveland,” he acknowledged.

Identifying Rasmussen as the opening game starter for the ALCS, Cash pointed to his maturity and learning curve.

Explaining when the Rays acquired Rasmussen in a trade from Milwaukee on May 21, 2021, he arrived with essentially a sinker-slider pitcher. In the six years with Tampa Bay, Rasmussen evolved into a more complete pitcher and now approaches hitters with a variety of breaking pitches and strong location on his fastball.

“(Rassmussen) is such a great role model for this team,” said reliever Griffin Jax. “A young player, veteran player; it doesn’t matter. He’s the same guy every single day. He’s great for me and accountable. When I get to the ballpark and in the clubhouse, I think I’m the first one there. He’s already here for an hour or two. It’s just great to hold you to a higher standard. I think everyone in the clubhouse gravitates to that.”

If Rasmussen’s elite character and execution should hold Cleveland at bay, the Guardians believe execution on their part, as well, hold an important variable to success.

One dimension the Guardians are aware of the Rays’ ability to make contact early in counts and avoid striking out. With a record-breaking effort of 21 strikeouts in the ALDS game 5 winner over the White Sox, the Rays present a different challenge with bat contact sand speed.

“Just make our pitches,” offered Stephen Vogt, the Cleveland manager. “It really comes down that that. We know (the Rays). We know they will make contact. They’re going to bunt. They’re going to put pressure on us. Obviously, we had a pretty historic night with those 21 strikeouts. I don’t think we’re anticipating seeing that. Our pitchers execute pitches, our catchers have a great game plan and let’s see what will happen.”

Meet the Guardians starting pitcher for game one … In the ALCS opener, Vogt decided on lefty Foster Griffin, a 31-year-old out of Orlando. Originally drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the first round of the 2018 draft, Griffin underwent Tommy John surgery in 2020 and subsequently Designated for Assignment by the Royals in Nov., 2022. After his Tommy John recovery, Griffin signed a two-year deal with the Yomiuri Giants in Japan but came back to the majors on a one-year deal with Washington. In 2026, he was the Nationals’ All-Star rep and replaced the Reds’ Chase Burns on the NL roster. In early August, he was dealt to Cleveland for four players and that’s where he posted a 3-3 record for nine starts and 5.19 ERA for the Guardians.

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