Joe Kelly continually blasting Yankees is perfect Dodgers victory lap

ESPN reporter Buster Olney recently laid into Los Angeles Dodgers players for their criticisms of the New York Yankees after their World Series loss.

On a recent edition of ESPN's "Baseball Tonight" broadcast, Olney said it's wrong for the Dodgers to make fun of the Yankees after their commanding victory. He referenced Chris Taylor's comments specifically, but Joe Kelly was arguably the Yankees' most frequent detractor.

Kelly appeared in multiple interviews and ragged on New York for its breakdown. He said in a postgame interview after the World Series — while still on the field at Yankee Stadium, no less— that LA knew it was only a matter of time before the "Yankee defense" revealed itself. Kelly also later said the Yankees were "the eighth or ninth-best playoff team" in a 12-squad race.

His criticisms may be a bit excessive — especially because he wasn't rostered during the playoffs — but some of Kelly's comments are right. It was reported that the Dodgers' scouting report of their Fall Classic opponent described them as "talent over fundamentals," which, unfortunately for New York, ended up ringing true.

Joe Kelly's comments about Yankees gaffes after Dodgers' World Series win are still hilarious, despite criticism

LA's players may have felt so emboldened to roast the Yankees for their performance for a few reasons. Former Dodger Alex Verdugo previously came for the team's 2020 title and suggested it doesn't count — he was traded to the Red Sox for Mookie Betts just before that season began. Olney argued that Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton wouldn't have "crapped on" the Dodgers, so they should hold their tongues. But Verdugo has already done it, and it could be personal.

A shocking number of Yankee fans also rushed to the defense of the two fans who grabbed Betts' arm in right field at Yankee Stadium. The outfielder was briefly held in the air and could've been injured by their antics, which could've swayed the series' momentum in New York's favor.

While LA's comments may have been excessive or seen as punching down on a team that just lost the Big Dance, the Dodgers still walked away with the hardware. The Yankees' collapse was legendary, and they gifted LA a quick, five-game series win. If the Dodgers had ended up in their position, it's hard to believe the Yankees and their fans would be quiet and respectful about it.