My 2020 IBWAA Awards Votes for AL and NL Managers of the Year

 Aaron Boone is not the American League's Manager of the Year. In fact, I didn't even list him on my ballot (and for good reason). The New York Yankees were supposed to steam roll the entire American League en-route to a trip to the World Series and an eventual 28th World Series Championship for the franchise. All these things could still happen, but it will have to come as the 6th seed in the American League playoffs. To quote the manager that Boone replaced, it's not what you want. 

American League Manager of the Year: Rick Renteria (CHW)

Not many had the Chicago White Sox shocking the world and making the postseason in 2020, but I did, and the reason for much of their success has to start at the top. Their management rebuilt from within and did it the right way, and dividends are starting to pay off for the team, the management, and for manager Rick Renteria. Renteria had the AL's top spot until the final weekend of the season and absolutely deserves the AL's top manager award in my opinion. The only other manager who could give Renteria a run for his money, in my opinion, is Kevin Cash of the Tampa Bay Rays. 

                        National League Manager of the Year: Don Mattingly (MIA)

The National League is a no-brainer for me, and not much needs to be said about it. Don Mattingly led the Miami Marlins, 60-game crazy season or not, to the postseason. David Ross and David Bell would have probably been frontrunners in any other season, but not in 2020. The undefeated (in the postseason) Miami Marlins enter the postseason ready to upset some people, and I am here for it. 

Meet the 2019 Yankees: Tommy Kahnle

The New York Yankees have an amazing bullpen on paper, but could you imagine just how good this bullpen could be if the team were to get back a healthy and effective Tommy Kahnle here in 2019? It’s already borderline unfair for the rest of the league as is, but with Kahnle mowing down batters like he did in 2017… well that’s just filthy. Let’s meet the man that has a lot to prove, but the man that could be a key piece for the New York Yankees this season.

Tommy Kahnle, 29-years old, is a right-handed relief pitcher that was originally drafted by the Yankees, only to see him selected in the Rule 5 Draft. Fate, and a well-timed July acquisition, brought Kahnle back to the Bronx to show off his 95 MPH four-seam fastball, 89 MPH changeup, and 83 MPH slider. Kahnle strikes out a lot of guys when he is effective and generates a ton of swings and misses, although last season the right-hander struggled a lot with his command and control, as well as various injuries.

Tommy Kahnle was born on August 7, 1989 in Latham, New York where he attended Shaker High School. After High School, Kahnle attended Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida where he caught the attention of the New York Yankees who drafted the right-hander in the fifth round of the 2010 MLB First Year Players Draft. Kahnle pitched well in his professional debut with the Staten Island Yankees and earned a promotion to the Charleston Riverdogs for the 2011 season. Kahnle continued his climb through the Yankees system in 2012, reaching Double-A with the Trenton Thunder, and earned an invitation to Yankees spring training camp in 2013. Kahnle was an Eastern League All-Star in 2013 and finished the season with a 2.85 ERA and 74 strikeouts in 60 innings pitched.

The Yankees chose to leave Kahnle unprotected and off of the team’s 40-man roster before the 2014 season and the Colorado Rockies selected him in the Rule 5 Draft. The Rockies stashed Kahnle on their Opening Day roster and allowed him to appear in 54 games and 68+ innings, posting a 4.19 ERA as a rookie. Kahnle spent almost half the season in Triple-A in 2015 and was designated for assignment following the 2015 campaign. The Rockies traded Kahnle to the Chicago White Sox for Yency Almonte on November 24, 2014.

Kahnle rejuvenated his career while with Chicago posting a 2.63 ERA in 2016, although pitching in just 29 games, before truly breaking out in 2017 with the White Sox. Through the first half of the 2017 season, Kahnle posted a 2.50 ERA while striking out 60 batters in just 36 innings of work, while also lowering his overall walk total as well. This led Chicago to sell-high on Kahnle, sending him along with David Robertson and Todd Frazier to the New York Yankees for Blake Rutherford, Tyler Clippard, Ian Clarkin and Tito Polo.

Kahnle was lights out for the Yankees for the remainder of the 2017 season but was up-and-down for the New York for much of the 2018 campaign. Kahnle battled through injuries and inconsistencies as well as trips to-and-from Triple-A. Kahnle will look to be much better for New York in 2019 while sticking with the big-league club as much as possible.

Hello… Bad Teams vs. Playoff Teams

Good morning Yankees family and welcome back to the blog. Listen, I am just as frustrated as the next guy, and I totally understand your issues… but some fans need to chill the hell out. No, I didn’t like the Yankees getting beat by the White Sox on Monday night, and no I didn’t like having to walk off against them on Tuesday night. This team should dominate Chicago much like they did Baltimore over the weekend, but at the same time who is really surprised? And why are you concerned?

The Yankees have a great record against current and potential playoff teams in the American League this season, and those are the teams they will be facing in the postseason. Not the bad teams that they are frustratingly struggling against night in and night out… so chill, and enjoy the rest of the season, because before long it will all be gone, and nothing but empty news days and hot stove rumors will be in its place.

Yankees record against current and potential AL playoff teams in 2018: 20-13

Boston Red Sox, Houston Astros, Seattle Mariners, Cleveland Indians, and Oakland Athletics.

And to my Kari Ann, I love you with all my heart. I always have, and I always will. There is no Dan without Kari. I love you.

Game Thread: New York Yankees VS. Chicago White Sox 8/29

And just like that it is game time here in the Bronx between the New York Yankees and the Chicago White Sox. In the finale of this three-game set the Yankees will send CC Sabathia out to the mound to face off with Reynaldo Lopez for the White Sox. The game will be played at 7:05 pm ET inside Yankee Stadium and can be seen on the YES Network and MLB Network. You can also follow along with the game on MLB TV, with the MLB At-Bat app and by tuning into the Yankees radio broadcast on WFAN with John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman.

Follow us on Twitter, @GreedyStripes, and “Like” us on Facebook, The Greedy Pinstripes, to keep up with us and the team all season long. Enjoy the game, ride the big man to the victory parade, and go Yankees!!

Game Preview: New York Yankees VS. Chicago White Sox 8/29

The New York Yankees and the Chicago White Sox will finish off their three-game set tonight in the Bronx with another interesting pitching matchup. In the game tonight the Yankees will send CC Sabathia to the mound for his second start since returning from the disabled list while the White Sox will counter with Reynaldo Lopez. Let’s get to it here in the Bronx.

Sabathia pitched well in his first start off the disabled list last time out against the Baltimore Orioles. In the start the Yankees veteran left-hander allowed two runs on five hits in six innings of work resulting in a no-decision. Sabathia also pitched well the last time he faced the White Sox on August 7^th striking out 12 in 5.2 innings allowing just one run in another no-decision.

Lopez pitched well in his last start as well, with his start coming at home against the Detroit Tigers. Lopez allowed just two runs in 5.2 innings pitched to the Tigers after allowing 10 runs in his last seven innings combined in his two starts prior. Lopez has faced the Yankees once this season and allowed just one run in seven innings of work in an eventual loss for Chicago.

The game will be played at 7:05 pm ET inside Yankee Stadium and can be seen on the YES Network and MLB Network. You can also follow along with the game on MLB TV, with the MLB At-Bat app and by tuning into the Yankees radio broadcast on WFAN with John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman.

Enjoy the game… it’s the White Sox… come on… and go Yankees!!

Hello… Quintin Berry

Good morning Yankees family and welcome back to the blog. Quintin Berry, welcome to the organization, welcome to the Yankees family, and welcome to coming off the bench and stealing bases as a September call up for the New York Yankees. That’s why he is here, and that’s what he will do. He will likely make the playoff roster as well if he does his job, which there isn’t really a reason why he wouldn’t. Get used to the name, because he is here to stay for a while.

Speaking of staying for a while, will you stay with me for a while? Maybe forever? I hope so, because I love you and I cannot do this thing called life without you, Kari. I love you.

Game Thread: New York Yankees VS. Chicago White Sox 8/28

And just like that it is game time here in the Bronx between the New York Yankees and the Chicago White Sox. In the middle game of this three-game set to kick off the week the Yankees will send Lance Lynn to the mound to face off with James Shields for the White Sox. The game will be played at 7:05 pm ET inside Yankee Stadium and can be seen on the YES Network. You can also follow along with the game on MLB TV, with the MLB At-Bat app and by tuning into the Yankees radio broadcast on WFAN with John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman.

Follow us on Twitter, @GreedyStripes, and “Like” us on Facebook, The Greedy Pinstripes, to keep up with us and the Yankees all season long. Enjoy the game, this isn’t a “big game” so Shields will likely stink up the joint… and go Yankees!!

Game Preview: New York Yankees VS. Chicago White Sox 8/28

The New York Yankees and the Chicago White Sox will continue their three-game set this week inside Yankee Stadium with the middle game of the series. Tonight the Yankees will send Lance Lynn to the mound to face off with James Shields for the White Sox. Three days until the August 31^st revocable waivers trade deadline, so let’s get to it here in the Bronx.

Lynn was once thought of by Yankees fans as a huge acquisition by Brian Cashman at the trade deadline, then reality hit, and Lynn started pitching to the back of his baseball card… just like I said that he would. In Lyn’s last 9.1 innings pitched the Yankees right-hander has allowed 10 runs. Not the ace Yankees Facebook groups made him out to be, huh?

"I once pitched a game THIS big."

Shields has been home run prone this season and that continued in his last start against the Detroit Tigers. Shields allowed three home runs in one inning against the Tigers in a loss. Shields did go at least six innings for the 22^nd time this season though, which is a silver lining for Chicago if they were looking for one.

The game will be played at 7:05 pm ET inside Yankee Stadium and can be seen on the YES Network. You can also follow along with the game on MLB TV, with the MLB At-Bat app and by tuning into the Yankees radio broadcast on WFAN with John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman.

"Bye, Bye Birdie, indeed!"

Enjoy the game, beat up on the cupcake teams, and go Yankees!!

Predicting the 2018 Trade Deadline: Joakim Soria

The Chicago White Sox are not going anywhere here in 2018 and when teams are struggling in the midst of a rebuild they tend to sign veteran players only to trade them at a later time. It happens all the time, and it will likely happen again this summer when the White Sox trade away closer Joakim Soria to a contending team in need of bullpen help. The Milwaukee Brewers will need bullpen help if they want to stave off the Chicago Cubs and the St. Louis Cardinals making them a perfect match for a trade and for Soria’s services.

Milwaukee lost their closer Corey Knebel for a month due to an injury and while he has been solid since his return he is still sporting an ERA north of 4.00 this season. Having an inconsistent closer may win you some games in what many determined as a weak National League Central division here in 2018, but that will not win you many games in the postseason. Soria would give the Brewers the edge they need to not only reach the postseason, but to possibly advanced past the first round of the playoffs if they were to win their division.

Soria would come relatively cheap given that the White Sox are rebuilding in terms of prospects and will likely be atop the Brewers radar here in about a month. It is a foregone conclusion that Soria will be traded, and at this point it is also as close to 100% as you can get that the Brewers will look for bullpen help at the end of the game. Whether that search leads them to Soria, or another veteran closer, remains to be seen, but my money is on Soria pitching for Milwaukee before the end of the 2018 season and adding to his miniscule 2.0 innings pitched in the postseason throughout the 34-year old’s career.

Meet a Prospect: Cody Asche

The New York Yankees felt like they needed a little more insurance and depth in the middle infield after the injury bug has hit the team hard thus far here in 2018, and with that mindset Yankees GM Brian Cashman gave the Kansas City Royals a call. The Royals agreed to trade infielder Cody Asche to the New York Yankees for a player to be named later or cash considerations. The Yankees promptly assigned Asche to their Triple-A affiliate, the Scranton/Wilkes Barre RailRiders so let’s meet the latest member of the Yankees organization. This is Meet a Prospect: The Cody Asche Edition.

Cody James Asche was born on June 30, 1990 in St. Charles, Missouri to Todd and Julie Asche. Cody also has a brother, Tyler, who he can remember playing baseball with in his backyard as early as the age of five. Cody also played football as a child but quit playing during his freshman year of high school at Fort Zumwalt West High School in O’Fallon, Missouri. Asche did play baseball for his high school team though which earned him a scholarship to play for the University of Nebraska. Asche had a breakout year while with the Cornhuskers in 2011 hitting .327 with 12 home runs and 56 RBI as a junior. Asche was named a second-team All-American all while maintaining a 3.407 GPA and a spot on the Honor Roll while at Nebraska. Asche’s brains and ability to handle himself with the bat caught the attention of the Philadelphia Phillies who selected Asche in the fourth round, 151^st overall, in the 2011 MLB First Year Players Draft.

The Phillies moved Asche to second base for his professional debut with the Class-A Williamsport Crosscutters, but he struggled there and was ultimately moved back to third base for the 2012 season. Asche excelled in 2012 back at the hot corner which earned him many honors within the Phillies organization that season including a trip to the All-Star Game and a trip to the Arizona Fall League with the Peoria Javelinas. After the 2012 season Asche was named the Phillies seventh-best prospect according to Baseball America. Asche made his debut at Triple-A in 2013 and made a return trip to the All-Star Game after batting .295 with 15 home runs and 68 RBI. Asche was promoted to the Major Leagues on July 30, 2013 amidst some controversy as many wondered why the team didn’t call up a bigger power option at third base in Maikel Franco.

Asche was the Phillies Opening Day starter at third base in 2014 and Philadelphia fans thought they had their third baseman of the future in the former Cornhuskers star. Asche struggled out of the gate in 2014 before being placed on the disabled list on May 25 due to a strained left hamstring. Asche continued to struggle after his return from the DL finishing with a disappointing 2014 campaign overall. Asche was back at third base on Opening Day in 2015 but the team had plans of working him in as an outfielder to make room for Franco at third base, a plan that came to fruition in 2016. Asche struggled for much of the 2016 season, some of which was due to the fact that he fought through an oblique injury that sidelined him until June of 2016, , and found himself back in the minor leagues until rosters expanded as a part of September call ups.

After the 2016 season Asche hit the free agent market for the first time in his career. Asche struggled to find a major league deal before the 2017 season and ultimately settled for a minor league pact with the Chicago White Sox. Asche spent the 2017 season in Triple-A with the White Sox before signing another minor league offer with the Kansas City Royals before the 2018 season. Now Asche finds himself a member of the most well-known and historical organizations in all of Major League Baseball, the New York Yankees.

Welcome to the organization Cody, and more importantly welcome to the family.

Meet a Prospect: Trayce Thompson

The New York Yankees quickly went from being an offensive juggernaut to the walking wounded here in 2018, especially with their outfield depth. Clint Frazier went down with a concussion, Jacoby Ellsbury strained an oblique and then began dealing with hip issues, Aaron Hicks was later added to the 10-Day disabled list, Billy McKinney lasted an inning in his MLB debut before getting hurt, and the team traded Jake Cave away over the winter. All-in-all the Yankees still have one of the best outfields in all of Major League Baseball with Giancarlo Stanton, Aaron Judge and Brett Gardner but the team felt like they needed some depth and insurance off the bench leading the team to acquire outfielder Trayce Thompson off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Ben Heller was added to the 60-Day disabled list in a subsequent roster move. Let us meet the latest talented outfielder to grace the Yankees active roster this season. This is Meet a Prospect: The Trayce Thompson Edition.  

Trayce Nikolas Thompson was born on March 15, 1991 and is the brother of Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson. Thompson attended Santa Margarita Catholic School in Rancho Santa Margarita, California where he committed to play college baseball for the University of California, Los Angeles, or more commonly known as UCLA. Thompson ultimately decided to forego his commitment to UCLA though after the Chicago White Sox drafted him in the second round of the 2009 MLB First Year Players Draft. Thompson signed and immediately began his professional career with the Rookie level Bristol White Sox. Trayce got 106 at-bats under his belt in 2009 and continued to work his way through the White Sox minor league system through the 2013 season. On November 20, 2013 the White Sox added Thompson to their 40-man roster and by August of 2015 Thompson was at the Major League level and making his MLB debut with Chicago. 

Thompson did enough in his two-month stint with the White Sox in 2015 to garner the interest of the Los Angeles Dodgers who acquired Thompson in a three-team trade. The White Sox sent Thompson along with Micah Johnson and Frankie Montas to the Los Angeles Dodgers while the White Sox received Todd Frazier back from the Cincinnati Reds. The Reds received Jose Peraza, Brandon Dixon and Scott Schebler back in the deal. Thompson made the Dodgers Opening Day roster for the 2016 season and appeared in 80 games hitting .225 with 13 home runs and 32 RBI. Thompson’s season was cut short after being placed on the disabled list with a sore back. X-Rays eventually revealed that Thompson had multiple fractures in his back, an injury that ended his season on July 16, 2016. 

Thompson was back with the Dodgers for the 2017 splitting time between the Minor Leagues and the Major Leagues, but never found the power stroke that he had during the 2016 season. The Dodgers designated Thompson for assignment on March 27, 2018 and the Yankees snatched him up off of waivers this week to fill their outfield depth need. 

Oh, and before I forget. Scott Fiedler wants Golden State Warriors tickets. Make that happen, Trayce. Welcome to the family, enjoy your stay. 

Is Jabari Blash a Part of a Bigger Plan/Deal for New York?

When the New York Yankees traded away Chase Headley and Bryan Mitchell to the San Diego Padres for outfielder Jabari Blash I think most thought that this was simply a salary dump for the Bronx Bombers. The Yankees sent $500,000 in cash considerations along with Mitchell, Headley and the former Yankees third baseman’s $13 million in salary but I don’t think this was simply a salary dump. Why would Cashman take on ANOTHER outfielder, especially an outfielder that is 28-years old and hasn’t excelled at the Major League level to date? I think Blash is part of a much bigger plan and deal and I am wondering if that bigger plan and deal has anything to do with the Chicago White Sox and their presumable acquisition of Orioles third baseman Manny Machado.  

George A. King III reported this week that the Baltimore Orioles owner Peter Angelos would never trade Manny Machado to the New York Yankees, but the Chicago White Sox owner and GM would. The White Sox have been one of the most aggressive suitors for Machado’s services despite being in the middle of a total rebuild. This deal doesn’t make sense for the White Sox as Machado is just one year away from free agency unless one of two things happens, Machado signs an extension, or the White Sox ultimately flip Machado either now or in July before the trade deadline for prospects to speed up the rebuild. I am personally leaning towards the latter being more likely than the former, you have to think Machado wants to hit the free agent market at just 26-years old, and with that thought process and the Yankees need for a third baseman the stars may be aligning.  

Why does it make sense for the Yankees? I mean, besides the obvious as Machado is an incredible talent. Machado is still under a team friendly deal that will pay him an estimated $17.3 million in his final year of arbitration according to Baseball Reference and their estimations. Adding Machado, CC Sabathia for $10 - $12 million on a one-year deal, and Gleyber Torres to second base and the Yankees can still get under the luxury tax threshold while calling it an offseason before Christmas. Not bad for a team that couldn’t seemingly find a suitable manager just a few weeks ago.  

Blash would be just one of the many prospects the Yankees could trade to the White Sox if they were to acquire and then flip Machado to the Bronx. Clint Frazier could be another. I am not an expert on the Chicago White Sox and I am not sure of their needs, but you have to think they will at least ask for Frazier, Chance Adams, Justus Sheffield and others. If the White Sox give up some of their elite prospects to acquire Machado, and they would likely have to give up at least one, then the Yankees would have to compensate them for that in the deal. Would Frazier, Blash and Adams be enough? That’s a good question, I would hope so. I know one thing though, Machado won’t come cheap like Giancarlo Stanton did.   

The kicker here? The Yankees could conceivably trade Machado in July for even better prospects then they will theoretically and hypothetically give up to the Chicago White Sox in a deal while sliding Miguel Andujar into the third base position. This screams Aroldis Chapman all over again and if it happens, especially if the Yankees then turned around and signed Machado via free agency next winter, I will be the first person in line to kiss the feet of Yankees GM Brian Cashman. Something is brewing here; the Yankees didn’t just acquire Blash because they liked him. Stay tuned. 

Yankees Postseason History Recap: Alex Rodriguez in 2009

The 2009 season was a season for the Yankees and their fans that came with a lot of hope but a lot of pressure at the same time. The team had went out and signed huge free agents like CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett and Mark Teixeira while acquiring the likes of Nick Swisher from the Chicago White Sox while their big-money star third baseman Alex Rodriguez started the season on the DL with a hip injury. Alex came back seemingly healthier than ever hitting a home run on the first pitch he saw this season and he ended up with 30 home runs and 100 RBI on the dot after a huge final game of the season.


Alex was riding high into the postseason as he looked to finally break out like a 13-year old boy and while the Yankees searched for the 27th World Series title in the franchise’s history. Alex finished the 2009 postseason with a .365 average, six home runs and 18 RBI but no home run may have been bigger than the one he hit on October 9th, 2009.


On this day against the Minnesota Twins the Yankees DH slugged a two-run home run late to tie the game, a game that the Yankees ultimately went on to win. Without that win the ALCS and eventually the World Series may never have come.

Tommy Kahnle is 2009 Damaso Marte

I told you guys I was feeling all nostalgic this morning and I wasn’t kidding. While I was doing some research for the “So it Seems…” post this morning a light bulb went off in my head when I was looking at the Yankees roster from 2009. There was one name that stood out and not necessarily all for good reasons either. Remember back in 2009 down the stretch when manager Joe Girardi would continue to run out Damaso Marte night in and night out despite him struggling for much of the 2009 season? Many thought Joe was crazy, including myself, until Damaso found the switch in the postseason and became absolutely dominant and unhittable? That kind of sounds like someone else on the 2017 Yankees squad doesn’t it. Remember how bad Tommy Kahnle pitched after being acquired from the Chicago White Sox in a pre-July 31^st trade? Where would the Yankees be right now without Kahnle’s contributions this postseason? Let’s analyze and compare.

Marte’s Regular Season Stats for 2009:

Standard Pitching

Year	W	L	ERA	G	GS	GF	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	SO	FIP	WHIP	H9	HR9	BB9	SO9
2009	1	3	9.45	21	0	6	13.1	15	14	14	3	6	13	5.65	1.575	10.1	2.0	4.1	8.8

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table

Marte’s 2009 Postseason Stats:

Postseason Pitching

Year	Series	Rslt	Opp	W	L	ERA	G	GS	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	SO	WHIP	H9	HR9	BB9	SO9
2009	ALDS	W	MIN	0	0		1	0	0.0	2	0	0	0	0	0
2009	ALCS	W	LAA	0	0	0.00	3	0	1.1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0.000	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0
2009	WS	W	PHI	0	0	0.00	4	0	2.2	0	0	0	0	0	5	0.000	0.0	0.0	0.0	16.9

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table

Kahnle’s 2017 Yankees Stats:

Standard Pitching

Year	W	L	ERA	G	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	SO	FIP	WHIP	H9	HR9	BB9	SO9
2017	1	1	2.70	32	26.2	25	8	8	1	10	36	2.30	1.313	8.4	0.3	3.4	12.2

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table

Kahnle’s 2017 Postseason Stats:

Postseason Pitching

Year	Lg	Series	Opp	W	L	W-L%	ERA	G	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	SO	WHIP	H9	HR9	BB9	SO9
2017	AL	ALWC	MIN	0	0		0.00	1	2.1	0	0	0	0	0	1	0.000	0.0	0.0	0.0	3.9
2017	AL	ALDS	CLE	0	0		0.00	2	2.2	0	0	0	0	0	5	0.000	0.0	0.0	0.0	16.9
2017	AL	ALCS	HOU	0	0		0.00	3	5.0	2	0	0	0	2	3	0.800	3.6	0.0	3.6	5.4

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table

It is like night and day, except these two stat lines are still eerily similar. I mean Kahnle was better than Marte was during the regular season but Kahnle also had a smaller sample size. Kahnle struggled down the stretch and seemingly was close to falling out of favor with Girardi before erupting in the postseason. It is funny how that works out sometimes, huh? If Kahnle wants to be the 2017 version of Damaso Marte back in 2009, more power to him. Just bring me a ring! I thought this was an interesting comparison and I wanted to bring it to you this morning to read. Enjoy and enjoy your Friday!

Is it “Safe” to Eat MLB Ballpark Food?

The title says it all, is ballpark food safe to eat? Now before you immediately click off the post and write me off as someone who is going to talk to you about clean foods, organic choices and healthy living rest assured that I am not. While I enjoy those foods as well I am under no illusions of what I am getting when I step into a ballpark and order a hot dog and a beer. What I and many don’t know is what is going into the preparation of this food before I order and consume it. Local health departments and such are required to do food inspections of these ballparks and Sports Illustrated compiled all the data into one convenient post for all to see. Progressive Field, home of the Cleveland Indians, and Comerica Park, home of the Detroit Tigers, are not on the list after public records requests were unfulfilled before the post went live leaving them off the list. Are you wondering how Yankee Stadium did? I was too so here is the write-up from the SI post.

We will start with the best ballpark to eat at, Safeco Field home of the Seattle Mariners:

1.) SAFECO FIELD – SEATTLE MARINERS

Total violations: 5 | Critical violations: 1
Ballpark Food Safety Rating: .08 | Entities inspected: 72 

Seattle set the league standard, and it wasn’t close. The lone critical violation was for food held at an improper temperature. Two minor violations were cited for utensils stored improperly. We went back to each stand’s 2016 inspection to see if this year was an outlier. Last year's results were worse overall—17 total violations, eight of which were critical—but would've still snagged first place in our rankings. Congrats, Mariners fans. Enjoy your grasshoppers with peace of mind.

We can continue with the home of the New York Yankees, Yankee Stadium:

21.) YANKEE STADIUM – NEW YORK YANKEES

Total violations: 57 | Critical violations: 24
Ballpark Food Safety Rating: 2.19 | Entities inspected: 37

Yankee Stadium led the league with critical violations (62% of its stands), and an infestation of flies highlighted the inspections from late July in the Bronx. Inspectors handed out citations at over a dozen food entities around the ballpark for observation of flies and improper vermin-proofing. The city doesn’t give detailed observations in its reports, but nearly a quarter of the stadium’s violations came from improper maintenance for non-food surfaces. Last year, even without a fly problem, Yankee Stadium would have finished in the same spot in our rankings. The ballpark had fewer overall violations but more that were critical, mostly from the restaurants and suites.

Source: New York City Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene

The team that got the lowest score and the most critical citations was the Tampa Bay Rays and their home stadium, Tropicana Field. I shudder at the thought of me eating at Tropicana Field now. Thanks, SI:

28.) TROPICANA FIELD – TAMPA BAY RAYS

Total violations: 241 | Critical violations: 105
Ballpark Food Safety Rating: 5.58 | Entities inspected: 62

With a staggering 105 critical violations in 2017, Tropicana Field brings up the rear in our rankings. Two food entities (the catering kitchen and the stand outside Section 303) tallied over 20 violations each. Violations ranged from the observed presence of live insects to black mold accumulating inside an ice bin. An employee was observed handling hot dogs and cash without washing hands in between. An ESPN report from seven years ago found that every inspected stand at Tropicana had at least one critical violation. That number has dropped from 100% to about 50%, but the Tampa Bay stadium still leads the way in eye-popping food safety numbers.

A few notable parts of this article that I felt the need to mention are the apparent rat infestation that is going on at Coors Field in Colorado and Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago, the apparent broken coolers at PNC Park that were registering 50 degrees Fahrenheit for things like hot dogs and cheese, mold on the ice machines at Miller Park and expired food that was being served to the fans, and a live roach at Globe Life Park in Texas just to name a few. All those can be seen in the article so go check them out.

To see the rest of the rankings and what the health inspectors had to say head over to Sports Illustrated and check out their post. It’s a long read but it’s definitely a good read. I’m still going to order these monstrosities and my hot dogs and beer but at least I can’t say I didn’t know what I was getting myself into that like person who didn’t know their coffee would be hot from McDonald’s that one time. Pot shot, sorry. Not sorry. Enjoy the rest of your day, the game here in a few hours and your dinner from the ballpark if you’re headed out that way. 

My Thoughts on Todd Frazier Wearing the #21

So if you’ve been living under a rock for the past week you probably missed the blockbuster trade between the New York Yankees and the Chicago White Sox earlier in the week. Actually, I take that back. WIFI reaches about everywhere these days, even under rocks, so you have no excuse. Shame on you. Anyway, I digress. As I tuned into the game on Wednesday, a day game between the Yankees and the Minnesota Twins, I heard that Todd Frazier was wanting to wear the #21 as he made his Yankee Stadium debut. My initial thought was that of shock because that’s Paul O’Neill’s number so I immediately went to Twitter to see if our followers shared the same sentiments and it seemed like they were just as shocked as I was. Now with a day or two to digest the fact that the #21 may be back back in circulation here are my thoughts on Frazier potentially wearing O’Neill’s old number.

Personally I think the whole retiring numbers thing is getting a bit watered down. I know that’s not a popular opinion amongst Yankees fans but it’s mine. Sure, you retire the numbers of Babe Ruth and Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle and the other Yankees legends but there are a few numbers I simply have a problem with. I won’t name Reggie Jackson’s name but there are a few names you could really make an argument against, and for probably as well. Roy White I’m looking at you and the need for a Roy White Day here at Yankee Stadium. The fact that O’Neill’s number hasn’t been retired by now though and the fact that the team held a Paul O’Neill Day at Yankee Stadium suggests that it’s time for the number to be put back into circulation.

O’Neill walked off the Yankee Stadium field during the 2001 World Series never to be seen again in New York as a player, it’s been 16 years folks. O’Neill finished the World Series in Arizona during that season and retired. The Yankees haven’t retired the number and they have given him his plaque in Monument Park. O’Neill was tremendous for the Yankees and was a huge part of the dynasty that brought New York four World Series championships in five years and nothing can take away from that but I reiterate… it’s been 16 years and the number hasn’t been retired. Give it to someone.

So that’s what the Yankees did. If Todd Frazier wears the #21 for the remainder of the 2017 season I’m okay with that. I’m borderline indifferent to be completely honest. It doesn’t bother me to see anyone wear Tino Martinez’s #24 uniform and he was my favorite player growing up so it shouldn’t and won’t bother me to see anyone wear O’Neill’s #21. I’m sorry but it doesn’t. I know, again, that’s not the popular opinion around these parts but, again, that’s mine and only my opinion.  ---

Frankly I’m happy to see the number potentially back in circulation as I have quite a few #21 jersey’s hanging in my closet somewhere that can now be put to good use again. So Todd, talk to O’Neill before heading back to Yankee Stadium like you intend to and enjoy the number if you get his okay. Either way you’ll make us proud. 

Yankees Potential Trade Partners This July

The heat has been turned up and the month of July is now beyond the halfway point meaning the July 31^st trading deadline is drawing closer and closer by the minute. Surely the New York Yankees have done their homework and have identified the potential sellers already at this year’s July 31^st trading deadline but just in case they haven’t I have compiled what is probably an incomplete list. Also, since some still wonder if the team will buy or sell before the deadline, I will also include some potential buyers for the team as well. You know, because they read my content and I know it. Enjoy Cash and make sure to bookmark this for safe keeping. 

If you need any more proof that the Chicago White Sox are sellers than the team unloading Jose Quintana to the Chicago Cubs for four prospects then I don’t know what to tell you. The White Sox have more they may unload including, but not limited to, third baseman Todd Frazier and first baseman Jose Abreu. The Detroit Tigers will also be sellers along with the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Oakland Athletics. Sonny Gray is still being seen as a gamble which is keeping his price tag low for the Athletics while the asking price for Gerrit Cole of the Pirates is said to be “enormous.” The San Diego Padres have a couple relief pitchers that are likely to be traded this July including Brad Hand while the San Francisco Giants are already said to be fielding calls for third baseman and former Yankee Eduardo Nunez. The Phillies will trade Pat Neshek before the end of the trading deadline while they may also trade first baseman Tommy Joseph to really jumpstart the rebuild in Philadelphia. 

The Chicago Cubs are obvious buyers after getting Jose Quintana from the Chicago White Sox but after the four prospect haul they already sent off they may not be serious buyers. The Cubs may buy-low on some players but I think their heavy lifting is done. The Washington Nationals also look to be buyers at this year’s trade deadline and will once again be in the market for a closer after losing Mark Melancon to the San Francisco Giants this offseason. Sean Kelley isn’t cutting it and I could have told you guys that was going to happen. The Miami Marlins have also told teams that they are open for business so expect Justin Bour and basically anyone not named Giancarlo Stanton to at least be available. 

The Yankees lead the “undecided” vote as the team may be waiting to see how this weekend series with the Boston Red Sox goes while the Milwaukee Brewers may also look to stand relatively still at the trade deadline despite their strong first half and lead in the NL Central Division. The Arizona Diamondbacks are also unlikely to do much as the team seems unwilling to trade key prospects out of the farm system while the Colorado Rockies may make a trade for the Reds Zack Cozart and call it a day. The Toronto Blue Jays and Tampa Bay Rays are unlikely to do much at this year’s trading deadline while I also, and this is my pure speculation, cannot see the Minnesota Twins dipping their feet into the deep end of the trade market either. 

The next couple weeks are going to be fun and I truly can’t wait to watch it all unfold. 

REPORT: White Sox Want Torres AND Frazier for Quintana

Oh, hey guys. Sorry for all that empty space, I didn’t know this thing was on and I have been dying laughing for the last 30 minutes after reading the report that the Chicago White Sox want not one but both of Gleyber Torres and Clint Frazier for left-handed starter Jose Quintana. Yeah, no.

According to Jon Heyman the White Sox are “believed” to have asked New York for shortstop Gleyber Torres and Clint Frazier in a trade for LHP Jose Quintana. Don’t get me wrong, Quintana may be worth two top prospects seeing as he has pitched well the last several seasons and is under team control on a team-friendly deal for a couple more seasons but I don’t think the Yankees should necessarily be the one to pay that kind of price.

Long story short, no. I would be reluctant to give up one of them for Quintana although I understand you have to give something to get something. I would definitely not give up them both. Not in any deal. Period.

What are your thoughts? Would you give up both Torres and Frazier for Quintana? Leave your thoughts below in the comments sections.

Game Thread: New York Yankees @ Chicago White Sox 6/29

And for the final time this week and this series the New York Yankees will make the trip to Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago to take on the Chicago White Sox, let’s get to it. In the finale the Yankees will send Luis Cessa to the mound making his third start in place of the injured CC Sabathia while the White Sox will counter with James Shields. Is this a big enough game for the right-hander to earn his nickname back? Stay tuned. The game will be played at 8:10 pm ET inside Guaranteed Rate Field and can be seen on WPIX Channel 11 and MLB TV. You can also follow along in your cars and on the radio by tuning into the WFAN broadcast.

Follow us on Twitter by giving @GreedyStripes and enjoy the game. Go Yankees!!!