Part 8/13:
Despite the Yankees’ tough start—marked by a 1-7 record at home—Rodriguez remains optimistic. He highlights the importance of winning the early innings to generate momentum and boost the team’s confidence. He warns against losing hope after setbacks and stresses that in October, momentum and narratives are everything. A single win can change everything, particularly when playing in front of a passionate home crowd.
He notes that the Yankees typically perform better at Yankee Stadium and encourages them to play as "bullies," taking control early to shift the tone of the series. His insight underscores the importance of mental toughness and strategic execution under postseason pressure.