Monday, October 31, 2016

Mark Teixeira 2016 Highlights


Mark Teixeira will officially be retired here in a few days now that the 2016 season is over for the Yankees and now that the desire to play for the Yankees first baseman is gone. Here are the highlights from his final season in the Majors and from his career as a whole.

Happy Monday and Happy Halloween. Enjoy your night.

ICYMI: Baseball America's Top 10 Yankees Prospects List




It's the most... wonderful time... of the year. No, not Christmas, although you couldn't tell that if you have been to a Wal Mart this week, but it's the time of the year where a bunch of post-season top prospects lists begin getting released and Baseball America usually starts it off. Well BA has released their list and while I can't give you the write ups, they are behind a pay wall, I can give you the complete list and let you guys fight it out on the comments section. So without further ado, let the fighting begin.


1. Gleyber Torres
2. Clint Frazier
3. Blake Rutherford
4. Jorge Mateo
5. James Kaprielian
6. Aaron Judge
7. Justus Sheffield
8. Chance Adams
9. Dustin Fowler
10. Domingo Acevedo




And go.....

Most Popular Article of the Week: Yankees Potential Trade Partners: Los Angeles Dodgers



The New York Yankees need starting pitching and pitching of any kind this winter if the team wants to compete for a playoff spot again in 2017. As we look at a list of potential trade partners for the team I wanted to focus on that first before I start thinking about any potential additions to the offense or the bench because pitching wins championships and pitching is what the Yankees lack most. The team has a ton of depth, don’t get me wrong, but the team lacks that starting rotation that can scare teams in a best-of-five or best-of-seven series in October. Could the Los Angeles Dodgers be of some help to the Yankees in this department?


The Dodgers have a lot of good-to-great pitchers but their problem is they haven’t been able to rely on many of them as much as they could have wanted due to injury. Clayton Kershaw battled a bad back this season and when the team was eliminated from the postseason they did so without three of their more high-paid pitchers in Scott Kazmir, Brandon McCarthy and Hyun-jin Ryu. Would any of the three be dangled this winter in trades and would the Yankees be interested?


The last thing the Yankees need is another injury-prone or risk in their starting rotation but with the free agent market as barren as it’s ever been the team might be able to use that logic and acquire one of these guys for less than their values because of the injury. Ryu has two years left and $14 million on his contract with McCarthy, a former Yankee who is working his way back from Tommy John surgery, has two years and $20 million remaining on his deal. Kazmir has a larger deal but can opt out this season leaving two years and $32 million on the table. Interesting.


Honestly I don’t believe the Yankees would be interested in Ryu and I personally don’t put much stock into what McCarthy did while with the Yankees a few seasons back but Kazmir is an interesting option if he decides to opt out this winter. Kazmir pitched poorly with the Dodgers last season and for much of this season while he also missed a month with a neck injury and many inside the Dodgers organization have speculated that Kazmir may want to leave the team. How it all works out will decide it all though. If Kazmir opts out the Dodgers could offer him a qualifying offer which means, assuming he rejects it and all signs seem to point to that he would, he would be linked to draft pick compensation. I’m not comfortable with giving up a draft pick that early in the first round for Kazmir but if he stays and doesn’t opt out I’d love to have him and his salary for a smaller prospect package.





We’re monitoring this one closely. Stay tuned. Kazmir has three days from the end of the World Series to opt out.

Top Halloween Costumes from 2016 and the New York Yankees


A quick Google search of the "Top Halloween Costumes from 2016" brings you to a website called Pop Sugar. I have a feeling if I searched multiple options I'd find a similar list and this was the first one on the list so I went with that site in search of the top Halloween costumes in hopes of having a little fun and seeing what Yankees player would wear that costume tonight when you answer your door to hand out some Halloween candy. Here is the list, who I think will wear that costume and of course why. 

Let's have a little fun with this. I have put the costume, the Yankee I think matches it and the writeup from PopSugar below. See the original post here and have some fun with it. 


Pokemon GO Trainer: Brett Gardner

Major moments: This is the year that Pokémon Go took over the world, and as the most popular mobile game in US history, nearly 10 million Americans have tried to catch 'em all. While on the ground at Comic-Con International, POPSUGAR editors spotted numerous Pokémon-inspired cosplays and quickly called out Pokémon as a top costume trend for 2016. But here's the real question: which Pokémon Go team will have the most representation? (We've got our bets on the highly popular Team Mystic!)

Brett Gardner gets the nod because he doesn't have to catch them all, he just does.



Harley Quinn: Dellin Betances

Major moments: Eccentric Suicide Squad front runner Harley Quinn was the most talked-about part of the film, which was one of the most profitable movies of the Summer. After raking in $300 million at the box office, Suicide Squad became a bona fide part of 2016's pop culture; specifically, Harley Quinn's daring look and quirky attitude made her appealing to a broad group of women. We saw countless cosplayers emulate Harley’s look at Comic-Con International and other cosplay events, which usually indicates Halloween costume trends months in advance, and makeup tutorials inspired by the character are all over YouTube. We're anticipating Harley-ween being a popular movement come Oct. 31.

So who is a bad ass that will destroy everything put in front of him but so childish and attractive while he or she is doing it? Sounds like Dellin to me.



Bill Clinton and his balloons: Didi Gregorius

Major moments: Former President Bill Clinton became a kid again when celebratory balloons dropped at the DNC this year, and it was the lightheartedness the internet needed during this contentious election. Our editors who were in Philadelphia for the convention noted Clinton's hilarious reaction to the balloons, and Twitter couldn't stop buzzing about it afterward. The former president and his balloons became an instant meme, and they'll make a simple and hilarious Halloween couples costume this year.

Didi Gregorius just has fun out there every single day. Period.

Quick Hit: Happy Halloween



Happy Halloween everyone! I know I give the MLB schedule makers a lot of grief throughout the season but who would have thought to put Halloween on a Monday? Like come on guys, plan better next time :) All joking aside I hope everyone has a great day today and stays safe with their loved ones.

I have a Bonnie (Five Nights at Freddy's) and a dinosaur to walk around tonight and I couldn't be happier about it. Enjoy your day and Happy Monday!

Weekly AFL Check In: Greg Bird


Another week, another slate of games for Yankees first baseman Greg Bird down in the Arizona Fall League with the Scottsdale Scorpions. Bird is still healthy, knock on wood, and he's hitting home runs now alongside future teammates Gleyber Torres and others. This is all a great sign statistically and in the fact that Bird is still healthy. Keep it going Greg!



Photo and stats courtesy of MLB.com and their Arizona Fall League tab.

This Day in New York Yankees History 10/31: Stuck in the Middle with A Rod


On this day in 2009 Alex Rodriguez hit a long fly ball in right field at Citizen's Bank Park in Philadelphia that resulted in being the first instant replay call in World Series history. Originally the fly ball was called a double but the play was overturned and ruled a home run in the Yankees favor. If you can remember back that far this was the ball that hit the camera on the fence in right field and bounced back into the field of play.

Also on this day in 1957 Yogi Berra ruffled a few feathers when he admitted that the Yankees returned money to their players from fines collected in the Copacabana fight. Players like Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford, and Moose Skowron to name a few were involved in a brawl while celebrating Billy Martin's 29th birthday in May. This obviously garnered some unwanted publicity for the storied New York Yankees franchise so the fines handed down were supposed to calm the waters until Yogi blew the lid off of the whole ordeal.

Sunday, October 30, 2016

The Offseason: The State of the Yankees


Watch... and enjoy. Have a great rest of your weekend Yankees family. 

Gary Sanchez 2016 Yankees Highlights


Gary Sanchez had a hell of a season in 2016. Not only did he do well in Triple-A  this season but he also came up to the Major Leagues and took the league by storm hitting home run after home run after home run. Sanchez became the quickest player in MLB history to hit 19 home runs and had 20 home runs in just about a third of the MLB season. It was simply amazing so let's relive that all over again... shall we?


Brett Gardner a AL Gold Glove Finalist


Major League Baseball has released their finalists for the American League and National League Gold Glove Awards and one Yankee made an appearance, Brett Gardner. Here is your complete list including Gardner in the outfield. Also check out a game saving catch from Gardner during the 2016 season. Enjoy!


American League

Catcher
James McCann
Carlos Perez
Salvador Perez

First Base
Chris Davis
Eric Hosmer
Mitch Moreland

Second Base
Robinson Cano
Ian Kinsler
Dustin Pedroia

Shortstop
Jose Iglesias
Francisco Lindor
Andrelton Simmons

Third Base
Adrian Beltre
Manny Machado
Kyle Seager


Left Field
Brett Gardner
Alex Gordon
Colby Rasmus

Center Field
Jackie Bradley Jr.
Kevin Kiermaier
Kevin Pillar

Right Field
Mookie Betts
Adam Eaton
George Springer

Pitcher
R.A. Dickey
Dallas Keuchel
Justin Verlander


Meet a Prospect: Matt Wivinis


The New York Yankees made a couple of minor league signings this week according to Matt Eddy of Baseball America. One was for an oft-injured but uber talented pitcher named Jose Pena and another will be the focus of our Meet a Prospect series this afternoon, Matt Wivinis.

Wivinis went undrafted out of Eastern Illinois University before hooking up with the Evansville Otters of the Independent Baseball League. Wivinis is a starting pitcher by trade but pitched out of the bullpen some for the Otters during the regular season posting nice strikeout numbers overall.

This is more than just a "fill out your roster" type signing for the Yankees in my opinion. With the World Series still going on and the winter ahead of us the Yankees must see something in Wivinis that others teams haven't yet. Maybe it's his durability or his impressive strikeout numbers but either way the deal is now official.

Wivinis finished the regular season with a 4-0 record and 1.52 ERA in 39.2 innings with 43 K's while he pushed in the postseason posting a 2-1 record with a 3.92 ERA in 18 innings as a member of the Otters. Welcome to the family Matt!

Baseball America's Top 10 Yankees Prospects List


It's the most... wonderful time... of the year. No, not Christmas, although you couldn't tell that if you have been to a Wal Mart this week, but it's the time of the year where a bunch of post-season top prospects lists begin getting released and Baseball America usually starts it off. Well BA has released their list and while I can't give you the write ups, they are behind a pay wall, I can give you the complete list and let you guys fight it out on the comments section. So without further ado, let the fighting begin. 

1. Gleyber Torres
2. Clint Frazier
3. Blake Rutherford
4. Jorge Mateo
5. James Kaprielian
6. Aaron Judge
7. Justus Sheffield
8. Chance Adams
9. Dustin Fowler
10. Domingo Acevedo


And go.....

Recapping Joe Girardi's Tenure in Pinstripes


This morning on our daily "This Day in Yankees History" post we learned that it was on this day in 2007 that the New York Yankees said goodbye to manager Joe Torre and hello to manager Joe Girardi. It's never easy replacing a legend and Girardi had big shoes to fill from Mr. Torre so let's see how he has done as a manager of the New York Yankees and let's see if the Yankees made the right decision. (Spoiler alert, they did).

Games managed: 1458
Wins/Losses: 819 - 639
First Place Finishes: 3
World Series Wins: 1
Missed Playoffs: 4
Total Season: 9
Binders: 1
Fans Annoyed: Too many to count

This Day in New York Yankees History 10/30: Joe Replaces Joe


On this day in 2007 the New York Yankees signed manager Joe Girardi to a three year deal worth $7,500,000 to replace longtime manager Joe Torre. Girardi was coming off of a Manager of the Year award with the Miami Marlins in 2006 and beat out coaches Don Mattingly and Tony Pena for the job. Girardi would be the Yankees 42nd manager in their storied history.


Also on this day in 2001 President George W. Bush became the eight President to attend a World Series game and the first since Dwight D. Eisenhower to throw out a ceremonial first pitch. This all obviously came on the heels of the September 11th terrorists attacks. Bush brought the nation back together with his thumbs up and his perfect strike off the mound. 'Merica!

Saturday, October 29, 2016

This Day in New York Yankees History 10/29: Jeter Wins Clemente Award


On this day in 2009 Derek Jeter would win the Roberto Clemente Award which is given to the player who best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, and community involvement. Jeter would be the 3rd Yankees to ever win the award, Ron Guidry and Don Baylor the other two, and would join 13 Hall of Fame players with the award.


Also on this day in 1991 the Yankees hired Buck Showalter to replace Stump Merrill as the Yankees manager. In four seasons, including the strike shortened 1994 season, Buck would compile a 313-268 (.539) record as a 36 year old manager. Buck would win the American League Manager of the Year Award and the AL East title in 1994 and would lead the Yankees to the playoffs in the first Wild Card series in 1995.


Finally on this day in 1920 the Yankees hired ex-Boston Red Sox manager Ed Barrow to be their General Manager. Over the next quarter of a century the Yankees would see 14 American League pennants and 10 World Series Championships while Barrow would see a Hall of Fame induction.

Friday, October 28, 2016

World Series Game Three Thread: Cleveland Indians @ Chicago Cubs


Here we go ladies and gentleman, Game Three of the 2016 World Series between the Chicago Cubs and the Cleveland Indians. The Indians were not able to protect home-field advantage, not that this is a huge deal in Major League Baseball in my opinion, and head into Chicago for the next three games with the series tied at a win each. The Cubs will send Kyle Hendricks to the mound tonight looking to take the team to the next step in breaking the Curse of the Billy Goat while the Indians will look to break their own personal World Series drought with Josh Tomlin taking the mound looking for a victory. The game will be played at 8:08 pm ET and it can be seen on FOX.


Enjoy the game everyone! 

Joe Girardi & The 2010 Offseason That Could Have Changed Everything

The New York Yankees went into the offseason of the 2010 season after failing to defend their World Series crown and with an early exit in the postseason. The Yankees faced much uncertainty that offseason, much like they do most winters mind you, but this winter was a little different as their manager Joe Girardi was set to become a free agent.

Girardi was hired for the 2008 season on a three year deal to replace the popular and legendary Joe Torre and promptly snapped the Yankees skid of 13 straight seasons of making the postseason. This was not exactly the way the Yankees wanted to say goodbye to Yankee Stadium and goodbye to Joe Torre but the team bounced back in 2009 to win the World Series. The Yankees were back in the playoffs in 2010 but failed to defend their crown leaving Girardi unsure about his job security.


The Chicago Cubs pursued Girardi hard and heavy this offseason but ultimately on this day Girardi signed a new three year deal to stay with the club. What would the state of the Yankees be in today if Girardi had not signed on with New York and went back to Chicago where he spent some of his playing career? Would the Yankees have made the playoffs in 2011 and advanced past the ALCS in 2012? Would the Yankees have missed the postseason in 2013 and 2014? Does the team win the AL Wild Card Game in 2015? What about 2016? Who knows! One thing I do know is that if he had not signed on with New York on this day in 2010 Joe Maddon would probably be donning pinstripes right about now.


It’s something to think about anyway as we head towards a long and cold, dark winter.

World Series Game Three Preview: Cleveland Indians @ Chicago Cubs


It’s Game Three of the World Series already? Wow. The series began in Progressive Field in Cleveland and as the series shifts to Chicago for the next three games expect the crowds at Wrigley to be absolutely insane. The Cubbies, like the Indians, are three wins away from a World Series but this means so much more to Cubs fans I think. It means so much more to baseball too for the Cubs to win in my opinion but maybe that’s just the historian in me speaking. Anyway tonight the Cubs will send their Game Three starter Kyle Hendricks to the mound to square off against Josh Tomlin of the Indians.

Tomlin has two good starts already this postseason for the Indians and will look to deliver a third tonight in Chicago. All told Tomlin has allowed just three runs in 10.2 innings pitched this October for Cleveland.

Hendricks gave the Cubs a huge Game 6 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers last time out and will start tonight looking to somehow improve on his 1.65 ERA in 16.1 innings this October. In that NLCS start Hendricks allowed just two hits in 7.1 innings pitched in the victory.

The game will be played at 8:08 pm ET inside Wrigley Field and can be seen on FOX. Good luck to both teams.


Rob Manfred Wants to Change the Indians


The logo of teams like the Washington Redskins of the NFL, the Cleveland Indians of MLB and others have always been controversial, especially over the last 10-or-so years, and it seems like Commissioner of Major League Baseball Rob Manfred wants to change that. Whether he can or not remains to be seen but news was reported this week that Manfred plans to meet with Indians owner Paul Dolan following the 2016 World Series to discuss the Indians longtime mascot and logo Chief Wahoo.

Manfred said in an interview this week that the Native American chief is “offensive to some people and all of us at Major League Baseball understand why.” The Indians, under pressure from outside sources and presumably the league, dropped Chief Wahoo as their primary logo three seasons ago replacing it with a generic “C” on their jerseys and uniforms but there are still some logos seen with Wahoo’s face on it. Some groups want it completely gone, including Manfred.


Eventually Chief Wahoo will be completely gone from the game and the Cleveland Indians organization, we all know it’s coming, and 2016 might just be the year that this happens. Stay tuned. 

This Day in New York Yankees History 10/28: A Rod Opts Out


On this day in 2007 in the middle of Game 4 of the World Series between the Boston Red Sox and the Colorado Rockies we heard the news that Alex Rodriguez had opted out of his contract with the New York Yankees. The timing of the announcement as well as being a no show to receive the Hank Aaron Award, which honors the best offensive player in the league, did not sit well with MLB, Bud Selig, the fans, or the Yankees.


Also on this day in 1979 Dick Howser replaces Billy Martin as the Yankees manager. Howser would lead the Yankees to a 103-59 record with an American League East championship although he was fired by George Steinbrenner when he was swept in the playoffs by the Kansas City Royals.


On this day in 1953 Red Barber quit his job as the broadcaster of the Brookyln Dodgers and would find a new job with the New York Yankees. The man nicknamed "The Old Red Head" was upset with Dodgers owner Walter O'Malley over money and lack of support.

Thursday, October 27, 2016

What Was the World Like the Last Time the Cleveland Indians won the World Series?


The Cleveland Indians have not been suffering for nearly as long as the Chicago Cubs have but Cleveland sports, especially in baseball, have been in a lull for quite some time. The last time the Indians went to the World Series was that 1997 heartbreaking loss to the Miami Marlins while the last time the Indians faithful were able to watch their players lift the World Series trophy over their head was back in 1948. The world had just seen the end of World War II not too long ago and the country was just beginning to return to normalcy. Let’s hit the high notes and see what the world looked like back in 1948 the last time the Cleveland Indians won a World Series.

Coincidentally, like the last time the Cubs won a World Series, 1948 was also a leap year. This is very interesting as 2016 is also a leap year.

The Constitution of the Italian Republic goes into effect in 1948 while Burma gained its independence from the United Kingdom. Mahatma Gandhi also began his fast-unto-death in 1948 in Delhi to stop violence in his country of Indian. Gandhi would later be assassinated by Nathuram Godse in New Delhi.

Orville Wright of the Wright Brothers also died on the same day as Gandhi.

NASCAR is founded on February 21, 1948. So were the Hells Angels though, the motorcycle gang.

President Harry Truman issues only the second peacetime military draft in United States history amid increasing tensions from Soviet Russia in the Cold War. Truman also signed an executive order ending racial segregation in the United States Armed Forces in 1948.

The 1948 Summer Olympics were held in London, the same place the Olympics were held when the Cubs won the World Series in 1908. 

Babe Ruth died in his sleep at age 53 on August 16th.  

Harry Truman defeated Thomas E. Dewey in the Presidential election. 


RICK JAMES was born on this day in February. RICK JAMES. So was Alice Cooper and Billy Crystal. 

What About JD Martinez?


The New York Yankees have a vision for the 2017 season. The vision includes watching more products of their farm system meet the Major Leagues and be successful but it also includes competing for at least a Wild Card position in the American League. If the team wants to reach both goals they will have to rely on their farm system but they also may have to fill in some gaps from the free agency and trade markets as well and one name that I keep seeing mentioned around Yankees blogs and the internet is that of Detroit Tigers position player J.D. Martinez. Could he be had and would he be a good fit for the Yankees in 2017?

As recently as the 2015 season Martinez slugged 38 home runs with 102 RBI in a very pitcher friendly park in Comerica and while he took a step back in 2016, 22 home runs in just 120 games, his right-handed power is not something that you see become available every day. His power is especially rare when you consider his 2016 triple slash of .307/.373/.535 showing that he is a well-rounded player that can hit for average, take his walks and slug when he has to. The Yankees would presumably be interested in adding the outfielder to the fold based off these numbers alone but you have to wonder if there will be room.

The Yankees, at least this is what they are telling everyone, will give Aaron Judge every opportunity to fail in 2017 at the right field position and the team also has roster spots currently occupied by Brett Gardner, Jacoby Ellsbury, Tyler Austin and Aaron Hicks. On paper a deal doesn’t make sense but it begs the question, would it be worth trading Brett Gardner in a separate deal to make room for Martinez? Would it be worth it to trade Judge in a deal for a starting pitcher to make room for Martinez? Yes and no. Trading Gardner to make room for Martinez hurts less than losing Judge for Martinez because of the sole reason that Martinez is a free agent after the 2017 season. Trading Gardner in a deal that could bring back a pitcher though, that could work.


Having Martinez in the Bronx for one year could give players like Judge and Clint Frazier to name a few the time they need to develop and ultimately succeed at the Major League level while the Yankees outfield production gets a big shot in the arm. It’s a win, win and could be a triple “win” if Gardner brings back a young starting pitcher. Cashman, are you reading?

What Was the World Like the Last Time the Chicago Cubs won the World Series?


I did this last year with the New York Mets and the Kansas City Royals and since tonight is the first off night of the World Series I figured today would be a great day to do it for these two teams. We’ll start with the Chicago Cubs who have not won a World Series since the 1908 season. The world must have been a completely different place back then, no? Let’s hit the high spots from the year 1908 and see what the world was like the last time the Chicago Cubs won a World Series.

1908 was a leap year, which I always find interesting since 2016 was also a leap year, and it also marked the first time a long-distance radio message was sent from the top of the Eiffel Tower. Paris also held the first around-the-world car race that year as contestants began a race from New York to Paris in February of that year.

The 1908 Olympics were held in London with the Summer Olympics happening in July and the Winter Olympics happening in October.

Henry Ford produced his first Model T automobile at the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant in Detroit, Michigan on September 27, 1908.

William Howard Taft defeated William Jennings Bryan in the 1908 election after Theodore Roosevelt declined to run for a third term.

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid were supposedly killed in Bolivia on November 6, 1908.

The University of Pittsburgh was organized in 1908. So was Madison College, the precursor to James Madison University.

Grover Cleveland passed away.


And the Chicago Cubs won back-to-back World Series championships… and their last… until maybe 2016. 

This Day In New York Yankees History 10/27: 1999 Yankees Win!




On this day in 1999 the Yankees completed a sweep of their second consecutive World Series beating the Braves in four games. Roger Clemens led the Yankees to the 4-1 victory in Game 4 that ended the Fall Classic. The Braves become only the second team in World Series history joining the 1910-1919 New York Giants to lose four World Series in one decade.

Also on this day in 1954 Joe DiMaggio and his wife Marilyn Monroe decided to get a divorce after just 274 days as a married couple. This was a disaster waiting to happen from the beginning as this was well known to be a stormy marriage. Marilyn filed the papers citing mental cruelty as the reasoning. Say it ain't so Joe.

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

"It's Not What You Want" Podcast Brought to you by The Greedy Pinstripes: Episode 3



My apologies for the delay but Jacob Westendorf and Matt Bove are back for episode three of the "It's Not What You Want" Podcast brought to you by The Greedy Pinstripes. Check it out and give it a listen before Game Two of the World Series goes live. Enjoy and have a great night.

World Series Game Two Thread: Chicago Cubs @ Cleveland Indians


Here we go ladies and gentleman, Game Two of the 2016 World Series between the Chicago Cubs and the Cleveland Indians. Tonight's pitching matchup should be a good one as the hometown Cleveland Indians send Trevor Bauer to the mound to square off with the Cubs age and 2015 NL Cy Young Award winner Jake Arrieta. The game will be played at 8:08 pm ET inside Progressive Field and can be seen on FOX.

Good luck to both teams as time is running out on the series and the 2016 season as a whole.

The Thought of Edwin Encarnacion in Pinstripes & How Toronto Closed the Door


The New York Yankees, depending on the Brian McCann situation and what happens with him this winter, may or may not have an “open” slot at the DH position in 2017 and many have already begun to speculate that the team should fill that spot with Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Edwin Encarnacion. Encarnacion does not fit in with the Yankees new youth movement nor does he fit in with the team’s austerity plans presumably but if you needed one final nail in the coffin the Toronto Blue Jays organization may have just given it to you with the news that the team plans to extend both Jose Bautista and Encarnacion qualifying offers after the World Series ends this season.

The Yankees as it stands right now have the 17th overall draft pick in the upcoming 2017 MLB Draft so you have to judge any and all potential free agent signings by that if they have draft pick compensation attached to them. Remember, and this is probably the exception and not the rule but it still happened so stay with me, the Yankees landed a potential Top 10 or even Top 5 pick last year in Blake Rutherford due to signability concerns with the 18th overall pick and there is no reason to think that possibility doesn’t still exist for 2017 as well. Is an aging and presumably expensive Encarnacion really worth the 17th overall pick plus whatever contract demands that come with him?

If the Yankees planned on competing for not only a playoff spot but potentially a World Series spot in 2017 then yes, you sacrifice the draft pick for the one missing piece and hope for the best. The Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians both did it this July acquiring Yankees relievers Andrew Miller and Aroldis Chapman and it has seemingly worked out well for both. The Yankees, though, are not at that level yet in their rebuild. They may compete for a playoff spot in 2017 but only because of the Wild Card and 2nd Wild Card. As it stands right now this is not a team that is going to make a serious run at a World Series in 2017 so for that reason, among others including aforementioned points about the cost of Encarnacion and the fact that he does not fit in with the new youth movement in the Bronx, I cannot see the Yankees inking a deal and bringing the slugger to the team.

So if the Yankees and their fans had plans and hopes of signing Encarnacion to fill their DH and occasional first base positions the Toronto Blue Jays may have just closed the book on the whole ordeal, and that’s not exactly a bad thing.


Tampa Yankees nominated by FSL for 2016 Charles K. Murphy Patriot Award

Tampa, FL - Directors and General Managers of the Florida State League have nominated the Tampa Yankees for the Charles K. Murphy Patriot Award. The award recognizes a team for their outstanding support of and engagement with the United States Armed Forces and veterans, both at the ballpark and in the community.

One overall winner will be selected prior to this year's annual Baseball Winter Meetings in National Harbor, Maryland, December 4th-8th. All 15 Minor League Baseball Leagues will have a nominee. The Charles K. Murphy Patriot Award is named after the late Florida State League President, "Chuck" Murphy.

Every Saturday home game, the Tampa Yankees hosted "Salute to Service Members Saturday" where active and retired military received a free game ticket. The team also honored an active member of the military and their family from MacDill Air Force Base on the field during each game.

Prior to the 2016 season starting, the Tampa Yankees mascot, Blue, and staff were present at MacDill Air Force Base for the annual Air Fest celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the base. The team returned to the Air Force Base multiple times throughout the season for different events like the Youth Baseball Opening Day, Back to School Fair, and Family Appreciation Picnic. In July, players and members of the front office staff were invited to try out the BOOM Simulator and learn about refueling a plane in the air. Afterwards, the players signed autographs at the Base Exchange.

The Yankees Foundation partnered with the Tampa Bay History Center to offer free admission to all military at the History Center for one day in April. For Memorial Day, Blue and the street team went to the Armed Forces History Museum Family Fun Fest.

The Tampa Yankees also worked with other local organizations who support the United States Armed Forces. In May, TY players went to Operation Patriot, a veterans nursing home in Land O'Lakes, Florida. The players went room to room to visit the residents and their families, pass out hats, sign autographs and then stayed for their BBQ lunch.

2016 marked the Tampa Yankees 10th annual Bark at the Ballpark and this year, the team worked with a new charity called K9s for Camo - an organization that provides service dogs to veterans that have returned from serving our country with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Tampa Yankees game day employee, Dallas McClain is a student at Sickles High School and a proud member of the JROTC. He and his color guard presented the flags at one of our Saturday home games. Dallas was very proud to wear his uniform during his regular work shift that night.

On July 4th, the team supported a local charity, Everyday Heroes USA; "Everyday Heroes USA" is dedicated to assisting the current and past men, women and families of the fire department, law enforcement and military through a series of programs designed to connect them with charities, businesses and volunteers willing to help. Every year, "Everyday Heroes USA" hosts, sponsors and participates in multiple events, with proceeds benefiting local heroes.

Players & Coaches wore custom jerseys that had the Declaration of Independence running through the pinstripes of the jersey. Fans bid on the jersey's in a silent auction at the game and online to raise money for Everyday Heroes USA.

During a pregame ceremony, members of the US Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, Air Force, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, Tampa Police and Tampa Fire were each honored with a short bio read as they took the field with the team for the National Anthem. Two flag presentations were done between innings to honor two mothers of fallen soldiers through My Warrior's Place, a Retreat Center for Veterans, Military Service Members, First Responders, Gold Star, Blue Star and Silver Star Families.

As a part of the annual Tampa Yankees H.O.P.E. (Helping Other Persevere & Excel) Week initiative, the team invited military families through the USO out to the ballpark for a morning where they could play catch, take some swings and mingle with the players. Everyone that attended the morning portion was given a ticket to attend the game that night. Over 250 people attended the morning event.

The Tampa Yankees are the Single A-Advanced affiliate of the New York Yankees. For more information you may contact the Tampa Yankees offices at (813) 673-3055or visit www.tybaseball.com.

World Series Game Two Preview: Chicago Cubs @ Cleveland Indians


Here we go ladies and gents, we’re back for Game Two of the 2016 World Series. Tonight Game Two will be played inside Cleveland’s Progressive Field with Trevor Bauer taking the mound for the home team while the Cubs counter with Jake Arrieta. The game will be played at 8:08 pm ET and can be seen on FOX. Let’s take a look at the pitching.


Bauer saw his last start end early after a pinky injury forced him to leave just after 0.2 innings pitched. Whether the extra rest will help or hurt Bauer remains to be seen so tune in tonight to find out. 



Arrieta is also well rested entering this start as he has not pitched since his Game 3 loss on the NLCS. Again the extra rest could help or hurt the pitcher tonight so stay tuned to see who is sharp and who may hand their team a loss. 



Tune in and see which World Series drought comes to an end all series long. This is the last baseball we have before the long, cold winter ahead. 

Yankees Potential Trade Partners: Los Angeles Dodgers


The New York Yankees need starting pitching and pitching of any kind this winter if the team wants to compete for a playoff spot again in 2017. As we look at a list of potential trade partners for the team I wanted to focus on that first before I start thinking about any potential additions to the offense or the bench because pitching wins championships and pitching is what the Yankees lack most. The team has a ton of depth, don’t get me wrong, but the team lacks that starting rotation that can scare teams in a best-of-five or best-of-seven series in October. Could the Los Angeles Dodgers be of some help to the Yankees in this department?

The Dodgers have a lot of good-to-great pitchers but their problem is they haven’t been able to rely on many of them as much as they could have wanted due to injury. Clayton Kershaw battled a bad back this season and when the team was eliminated from the postseason they did so without three of their more high-paid pitchers in Scott Kazmir, Brandon McCarthy and Hyun-jin Ryu. Would any of the three be dangled this winter in trades and would the Yankees be interested?

The last thing the Yankees need is another injury-prone or risk in their starting rotation but with the free agent market as barren as it’s ever been the team might be able to use that logic and acquire one of these guys for less than their values because of the injury. Ryu has two years left and $14 million on his contract with McCarthy, a former Yankee who is working his way back from Tommy John surgery, has two years and $20 million remaining on his deal. Kazmir has a larger deal but can opt out this season leaving two years and $32 million on the table. Interesting.

Honestly I don’t believe the Yankees would be interested in Ryu and I personally don’t put much stock into what McCarthy did while with the Yankees a few seasons back but Kazmir is an interesting option if he decides to opt out this winter. Kazmir pitched poorly with the Dodgers last season and for much of this season while he also missed a month with a neck injury and many inside the Dodgers organization have speculated that Kazmir may want to leave the team. How it all works out will decide it all though. If Kazmir opts out the Dodgers could offer him a qualifying offer which means, assuming he rejects it and all signs seem to point to that he would, he would be linked to draft pick compensation. I’m not comfortable with giving up a draft pick that early in the first round for Kazmir but if he stays and doesn’t opt out I’d love to have him and his salary for a smaller prospect package.


We’re monitoring this one closely. Stay tuned. Kazmir has three days from the end of the World Series to opt out. 

Quick Hit: Yankees to Renovate Yankee Stadium, Add Social Gatherings


Good morning ladies and gentleman and Happy Wednesday to all. This news is a couple days old but in case you missed it I wanted to touch on it for a minute. Renovations are coming to the new Yankee Stadium and, as shocking as this is to say, it is coming at the expense of capacity in the stadium. You mean Hal Steinbrenner and company actually listened to their fans and sacrificed empty seats that they “could” sell to make the fans happy? Say it ain’t so.

The Yankees will see Yankee Stadium’s capacity reduced by 2,100 seats so that they can bring in seven new social gathering spaces in the stadium. A children’s zone with an artificial surface and mini baseball field will be created in the right field upper deck and playground equipment will be included as well as a replica World Series trophy as well as open-air spaces added to the left and the right of the restaurant in center field. This alone will add a new family dynamic to the stadium while also removing obstructions from the bleacher seats. You can even charge your phones in this open-air space. Always a plus.


Bars, sports lounges and other amenities will be added and it looks like a bunch of other cool stuff. Things like this make me happy, when the organization actually listens to the fans. Plus removing obstructed seats never hurt either. Good job Yankees. Good job indeed. 

This Day In New York Yankees History 10/26: Don Zimmer Retires




On this day in 2003 Yankees bench coach Don Zimmer resigns from the position. The reason given was George Steinbrenner, which is enough said in that department no? Zimmer would join the Tampa Bay Rays as a Senior Baseball Adviser for the 2004 season.

Joe Torre would become the fifth manager in World Series history to win four World Series championships on this day in 2000 as well joining Casey Stengel (7), Joe McCarthy (7), Connie Mack (5), and Walter Alston(4). The Yankees would win their fourth World Series in five seasons on this day when they beat the Mets 4-2. This would be the Yankees 26th championship in their storied history. Luis Sojo had a ninth inning two out hit off Mets pitcher and former Yankee Al Leiter to win the series after Mariano Rivera closed the door. On this day in 2000 Derek Jeter became the first player to ever win the All Star Game MVP and the World Series MVP in the same season. Jeter finished the World Series with a .409 average and had nine hits including two doubles, a triple, and two home runs. The Yankees beat the Mets in the Subway World Series in five games.

Also on this day in 1999 Chad Curtis hit a home run leading off the 10th inning in Game 3 of the World Series with the Atlanta Braves. The Yankees would take a commanding 3-0 lead and would finish off the sweep the next day. Curtis would become only the 11th player in World Series history to end a game with a home run.

Also on this day in 1996 the Commissioner's Trophy finally came back to where it belongs in the Bronx for the first time since the 1978 season as the Yankees beat the Braves in Game 6 to capture the title. This will be the first of four titles in five years under Joe Torre and the Cour Four.

Finally on this day in 1950 Phil Rizzuto would win the American League MVP as a member of the New York Yankees. Scooter would take home 16 of the 23 first place votes beating out Boston's Billy Goodman for the award. Just as an FYI on what stat line got you the MVP award back in 1950 Rizzuto finished the season with a .324 batting average with seven home runs and 66 RBI's.

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

World Series Game One Thread: Chicago Cubs @ Cleveland Indians 10/25


Here we go ladies and gentleman. World Series 2016 time between the Chicago Cubs and the Cleveland Indians, get excited and get pumped. Both teams will look to end respective World Series droughts tonight with the beginning of the series. Who takes it home? Is it Game One starter Corey Kluber and the Cleveland Indians or is it the Chicago Cubs and their ace Jon Lester? Only one way to find out, tune in tonight at 8:08 pm ET on FOX.


I try to leave my bias out of posts like this but this is history…. GO CUBBIES!

My 2016 World Series Predictions


The pitching matchups are in, the lineups have been set and the contenders are ready. Who wins the World Series? Do the Cleveland Indians bring home their first World Series title since 1948 in their first trip to the Fall Classic in 19-years or are the Cubs, who are scoffing at the Indians 58-year wait as they read this, finally set to make history and reverse the curse?

Every bone in my body wants to go with the Cubs and who am I to resist my gut feeling. The Cubs are going to do it. It may take four games, it may take seven games or anything in between but I think the Cubs do it. They might make it interesting and they may add a little drama and flair to the whole experience like the Boston Red Sox did in 2004 with the 3-0 come-from-behind victory against the Yankees but the Chicago Cubs get it done.

Theo Epstein will forever go down in history as the man who broke every curse in Major League Baseball. Hey the Yankees haven’t won a World Series since 2009. That’s close to being a curse, isn’t it?


Cubs in 7. Also isn’t it ironic that the two closers in this World Series were both Yankees a few months ago? Do we get a World Series ring or something for trading them away? I think we should. Just saying. 

World Series 2016: Corey Kluber vs. Cubs Offense


Jon Lester and the Cleveland offense had their fair share of trash talking this morning when we looked at what Michael Brantley and company had done against Lester in their career's so it's only fair that we take a look at what Corey Kluber has been able to muster up in a small sample size against the explosive offense of the Chicago Cubs. All stats are courtesy of ESPN.com.




World Series Game One Preview: Chicago Cubs @ Cleveland Indians 10/25


Here we go ladies and gentleman, the 2016 World Series kicks off tonight inside Progressive Field with the Cleveland Indians playing host to the Chicago Cubs. Who had these two teams reaching the World Series in 2016 before the season? I had the Cubs but I don’t think many outside the Ohio area had Cleveland in the World Series before the season began. If you did, kudos to you. Tonight it all begins. Will the Cleveland Indians win their first World Series since 1948 or will the Chicago Cubs finally break the Curse of the Billy Goat? Let’s find out. The starting pitchers for tonight’s Fall Classic opener will be Jon Lester for the Cubs and Corey Kluber for the Indians.

Lester is no stranger to the postseason or the World Series and will bring his 2.50 career postseason ERA with him into the start tonight. Lester has seen Cleveland plenty as a member of the Boston Red Sox and has a career 7-1 record against them with a 3.03 ERA, these are not those same Indians though.


Kluber takes the mound for the first World Series game in Cleveland Indians history since their loss to the Florida Marlins in 1997. Kluber has not been shy about his first postseason appearances this year posting a 0.98 ERA in three games including two shutouts so it’s unlikely that the bright lights bother him too much at home tonight for the Indians.


The game will be played at 8:08 pm ET inside Progressive Field and can be seen on FOX. Tune in to watch.

Position by Position Breakdown for the 2016 World Series


It’s the World Series Game One day so we’re going to focus a lot on the head-to-head matchups and comparisons between these two teams before the game tonight. I wanted to take the opportunity of a slow news day in Yankee land and take advantage of the beginning of the World Series to take a position-by-position look at these two teams to see who, in my opinion, gets the edge at every position. All this and 15 bucks can get you a beer tonight inside Progressive Field but it’s still fun to look at anyway. Let’s get to it.

Chicago Cubs @ Cleveland Indians


First Base:

Anthony Rizzo vs. Mike Napoli



Second Base:

Ben Zobrist vs. Jason Kipnis



Shortstop:

Addison Russel vs. Francisco Lindor



Third Base:

Kris Bryant vs. Jose Ramirez



Left Field:

Jorge Soler vs. Rajai Davis 



Center Field:

Dexter Fowler vs. Tyler Naquin



Right Field:

Jason Heyward vs. Lonnie Chisenhall



Catcher:

Miguel Montero vs. Roberto Perez



Bench:

Chris Coghlan, Albert Almora Jr., Javier Baez, Tommy La Stella, David Ross and Wilson Contreras 
vs.
Brandon Guyer, Coco Crisp, Michael Martinez, Carlos Santana, Chris Gimenez and Yan Gomes. 

(Can I say push? Both are pretty solid in my opinion but Javier Baez is the tiebreaker for me)



Starting Pitching:

John Lester, Jake Arrieta, Kyle Hendricks and John Lackey 
vs. 
Corey Kluber, Trevor Bauer, Josh Tomlin and Mike Clevinger



Bullpen:

Hector Rondon, Pedro Strop, Aroldis Chapman, Justin Grimm, Travis Wood and Mike Montgomery
vs. 
Andrew Miller, Bryan Shaw, Dan Otero, Jeff Manship, Cody Allen and some guy named Andrew Miller.



BOLDED player gets advantage in my opinion *

World Series 2016: Jon Lester vs. the Indians Offense


Jon Lester gets the ball in Game One for the Chicago Cubs against a tough Cleveland Indians offense. Who has the upper hand on paper tonight? Let's find out. All stats and photos courtesy of ESPN.com



This Day in New York Yankees History 10/25: 2009 Yankees Reach World Series


On this day in 2009 the Yankees would win their 40th American League pennant in their storied history with a victory over the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. This will end a six year drought in the World Series for the Yankees as they would take on the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2009 Fall Classic. This would be the Yankees first World Series win since their victory over the Mets in the 2000 Subway World Series.

On this day in 2000 Mike Piazza, yes I know a member of the Mets, became the first player in World Series history to hit a home run in both Shea Stadium and Yankees Stadium. Piazza hit the home run off of Yankees starter Denny Neagle in a 3-2 Mets loss in Game 4.


On this day in 1939 Joe DiMaggio would win his first MVP award of his career. DiMaggio beat out Jimmy Foxx and Bob Feller easily for the American League award with 15 of the 24 first place votes. DiMaggio would also win the award in 1941 and 1947 as well.

Monday, October 24, 2016

Recapping Yankees Postseason History: 2003


Set the scene. The New York Yankees had just had their World Series in the ALCS against the Boston Red Sox. The Yankees and Red Sox played seven epic games in that American League Championship Series including the epic come-from-behind win against Pedro Martinez and eventually Tim Wakefield. You know the one, the Aaron Boone walk-off home run that went sailing into the left field stands at Yankee Stadium sending the Yankees back to the World Series.

The Yankees had their emotional World Series so when the Florida Marlins came strolling into the Bronx you would think New York might have not noticed. Six games later they were going home and the Marlins had their second World Series title while George Steinbrenner and the Yankees faithful were sent home with their hats in their hands.

It was epic, but it sucked at the same time.

ICYMI: Yankees Potential Trade Partners: The Atlanta Braves


The Atlanta Braves had a miserable campaign in 2016 as the team looked to rebuild towards their new ballpark in 2017 and the future of the organization. The Yankees took a similar stance in 2016 as they jump started their rebuild with a few midseason trades for prospects that stockpiled their farm system. The Yankees are at the beginning of this long path towards rebuilding while the Braves are more towards the end presumably which leaves me wondering if these two teams are potentially trade partners this offseason. I mean, you have to think so right?


The Atlanta Braves have most notably been interested in Yankees catcher and former Braves product Brian McCann but who could the Yankees be interested in if a hypothetical trade were to go down? Who else, if anyone, could be involved in a potential deal?


The Atlanta Braves have shown that they are willing to take on a bad contract if it means they get prospects or draft picks in return. See the Matt Kemp trade for a recent example of this. Could the Yankees package together maybe McCann and Chase Headley, Jacoby Ellsbury or Brett Gardner in the deal and pull some of those key prospects away? Atlanta has said they need star power to attract the fans to the new stadium, could the Yankees maybe sneak in a bad contract with McCann for that reason? Honestly the Braves are so unpredictable lately I have to think that there’s at least a chance of them saying yes to the deal.


So who do the Braves give back? The Yankees need pitching and one name is floated around more in Atlanta trade rumors than any so why not ask for Julio Teheran? Teheran’s stats don’t jump off the page at 7-10 with a 3.21 ERA in 188 innings but his sabermetrics tell a completely different story. Teheran was an ace on a bad team that pitched well and could continue to pitch well in the Bronx being to the Yankees what Michael Pineda was supposed to be for all these years. Teheran is just 25-years old and is controlled through the 2020 season including a club option for that final year.


Brian McCann, an outfielder (more along the lines of Jake Cave or Mason Williams and not Aaron Judge) and a third prospect or one of Headley/Gardner (which would lead Atlanta to including more in the deal to even it out) for Teheran? I make that deal 10 times out of 10. Would the Braves? I don’t think they would immediately hang up and that’s how every trade starts every single offseason. Make the call Cash, all the Braves can say is no.

Most Popular Article of the Week: Yankees Potential Trade Partners: Arizona Diamondbacks


The Arizona Diamondbacks are one of those teams that I’m not entirely sure even they know what direction the team is going. The team gets younger and starts to build a core before they trade Dansby Swanson, first overall pick Dansby Swanson, for Shelby Miller and before handing Zack Greinke huge money on the free agent market. To be completely honest I don’t know if the Diamondbacks will be coming or going here in 2017 but if they are looking to move a few pieces as they progress either way I think the Yankees have to at least be listening.


Unfortunately the bigger named pieces like Shelby Miller, Zack Greinke, AJ Pollock and Paul Goldschmidt are likely off the table but what about their third baseman Jake Lamb? If the Yankees move Chase Headley, and they could seeing as he does not have a no-trade clause written into his contract, the team could fill the gap with 26-year old Lamb. Lamb is a left-handed hitter who somehow found a way to hit 29 home runs and drive in 91 RBI without anyone on the East Coast taking notice. Lamb comes with his issues of course, his .249 batting average and 154 strikeouts lead that list of concerns, but in the era of sabermetrics you take that for driving in runs and hitting it over the fence any day.


The Yankees would lose a step or defensively in the hypothetical Lamb for Headley swap but Lamb is still at least two years from entering his prime while Headley is at least three years from his which could make up the difference in the long term. Lamb is not arbitration eligible for two more years which means he is going to cost a ton. How much is a ton? Well suddenly the once shortstop heavy Diamondbacks need middle infielders and it has been speculated already that the team would move Jorge Mateo in a deal this winter. I don’t want to give up on or give away Mateo but for a 26-year old power hitting lefty like Lamb you always make the deal, especially for a player who has never seen Double-A.


Arizona also needs a catcher and the Yankees have three on their 40 man roster with Kyle Higashioka soon to be added per the team. Why not include Austin Romine in the deal and bring back a prospect or two in the deal while Brian Cashman is at it? This is one of those “too good to be true” sounding deals for New York but you never know until you ask so Cashman, ask.

Happy Birthday to the BYB Hub


The BYB Hub. What can I say about the BYB Hub here on its second year in existence? The Hub started out as an idea from Robert Casey and Bleeding Yankee Blue as an opportunity for newer blogs or lesser known blogs to get free exposure all in one central hub and it's done that and more. So here we stand two years later still going strong. Still fighting, still clawing our way to the top. And that climb and that fight and that struggle is made so much easier thanks to the Hub.

So Happy Birthday to the Hub and once again, and I can't say it enough, thank you to Mr. Casey and the crew over at BYB.

Weekly AFL Prospects Check In w/ Greg Bird


Another week in the books already, where does the time go? I'm not sure it's the same way in the world of an MLB player but the work week seems to drag only for the weekend to fly by. It's not right and it's borderline not fair but I digress. This morning rather than discuss things we cannot fully understand nor things we cannot change I'd rather just check in with Greg Bird and see how he is doing down in the Arizona Fall League. 

Remember the stats are not as important as his health. Greg Bird is playing in his first live game action since his shoulder surgery back in Spring Training of this season. 

.231/.355/.385/.739 with six hits, four doubles and three RBI in 26 at bats. 

Cubs vs. Indians 2016 World Series Schedule


The 2016 field is set for the World Series and it will be the Cleveland Indians and the Chicago Cubs going at it head-to-head. The Cleveland Indians will have home-field advantage throughout this series after the American League won the 2016 All-Star Game inside Petco Park while the Cubs don't care where they win it as long as they can reverse the Curse of the Billy Goat. Let's look at the schedule for this upcoming series.

Game 1 - Tuesday October, 25th
Chicago Cubs @ Cleveland Indians

Game 2 - Wednesday, October 26th
Chicago Cubs @ Cleveland Indians

Game 3 - Friday, October 28th
Cleveland Indians @ Chicago Cubs 

Game 4 - Saturday, October 29th
Cleveland Indians @ Chicago Cubs 

Game 5 (if necessary) - Sunday, October 30th
Cleveland Indians @ Chicago Cubs 

Game 6 (if necessary) - Tuesday, November 1st
Chicago Cubs @ Cleveland Indians

Game 7 (if necessary) - Wednesday, November 2nd
Chicago Cubs @ Cleveland Indians

All games are 8:08 pm ET and all games can be seen on FOX.