Astros vs. Yankees Preview with Chris “Mad Dog” Russo

LAKE COMO, NEW JERSEY - JULY 26: Chris "Mad Dog" Russo speaks at SiriusXM's Chris "Mad Dog" Russo Broadcast From Bar A at The Jersey Shore Bar Anticipation on July 26, 2024 in Lake Como, New Jersey. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for SiriusXM) | Getty Images for SiriusXM

One of the more authentic and colorful personalities in the media landscape steps into the Crawfish Boxes batter’s box to talk Yankees in advance of their upcoming series at Daikin Park.  Here’s today’s Q&A with Chris “Mad Dog” Russo.

Q:  Are the Astros and Yankees still one of the best rivalries in baseball?

A:  I actually think it’s dissipated a little bit.  The Astros aren’t that good.  I would put Yankees-Bluejays and even Yankees and Red Sox ahead because they are more significant at the moment.  I think rivalries with teams outside of the division depends on how good you are at the time, and the Astros didn’t even make the playoffs a year ago.

Q:  How big has Ben Rice been thus far for the Yankees setting the stage each night?

A:  Rice is a good player.  He can hit; he plays multiple positions and takes advantage of that short porch in right field.  The Yankees offense revolves around Judge, so any offense they get around Rice is a major plus.  He’s done a good job overall.

Q:  Do you think Gerritt Cole is back in the mix by Memorial Day?

A:  Yes.  Absolutely.  The Yankees are being cautious, they’re not going to push him, but I think you’ll see him early June and I think he’ll be very good.