Hell-Bent for a Championship...

 

Yankees Manager Aaron Boone (Photo Credit: Reid Hoffman/AP)

Wishful Thinking by Yankees Manager…

I desperately want to experience another Yankees World Series Championship in the not-so-distant future (like any true Yankees fan), but I had to chuckle when Aaron Boone remarked “We’re hell-bent on being a champion. We understand very well that last year was not anything anyone in this organization wants, demands, or expects.” Granted, I believe that acquiring outfielder Juan Soto was a HUGE move in the offseason, but I remain skeptical they have done enough to shorten the gap between them and the game’s best teams. ‘Hell-bent’ would be acquiring a strong number two starting pitcher to pair with ace Gerrit Cole. Marcus Stroman is nice, but if he is the definition of ‘hell-bent,’ then the Yankees clearly love taking Octobers off. Stroman will be a good pitcher for the Yankees, but whether he will be the difference-maker come playoff time remains to be seen if the Yankees make it that far.

Lately, it seems every post I write revolves around the Yankees' inability to pull out all the stops to bring championship baseball back to the Bronx. T. It is the product, or the hazard, of not winning since 2009. For as many World Series championships as we have experienced in our lifetimes (some more than others), there are fourteen-year-old Yankee fans who have never experienced a Pinstriped championship. I would be quite surprised if any fifteen- or sixteen-year-olds had a recollection of the 2009 World Series Champions. It saddens me that they live in a world where the Boston Red Sox have won championships and the Yankees have not.

I will let it go. I am happy and excited that baseball is back. It is quite enjoyable to see the players return to George Steinbrenner Field this week, participating in group training activities and giving on-camera interviews. I am looking forward to the first Spring game which is a week away.

It is impressive to see position players who have arrived early with the pitchers and catchers although I am still trying to get used to Alex Verdugo with no facial hair or the fact that he is even a Yankee. That should change once he takes the field in Pinstripes and when he delivers his first home run or game-winning hit. Regardless of who I wanted for the outfield when the offseason started, Verdugo is an upgrade over the players who patrolled left field last season. Like Juan Soto, I am not convinced Verdugo’s stay will be long. Verdugo will be a free agent after the season and if there are any missteps by Verdugo during the season, it seems like he will be allowed to walk away. I was recently talking with a Red Sox fan who seemed relieved that Verdugo was no longer with the Sox not because of on-the-field play but rather the challenges he represented in the clubhouse and the stormy relationship with Red Sox manager Alex Cora.

Alex Verdugo (Photo Credit: New York Post)

Despite my concerns, Verdugo deserves a second chance. The problems in Boston do not automatically mean there will be problems in New York. There is a greater potential for problems than with your average player, but I am convinced that Verdugo learned from the Boston experience, and he will be a better man for it or at least I hope that is the case. Incredibly, the Yankees could lose two-thirds of their current outfield to free agency after the season even if Jasson Dominguez will be 100% healthy entering next season (hopefully). Man, I want to fully embrace both Soto and Verdugo, but the potential ‘one-and-done’ aspect holds me back a little. I guess a World Series championship would cure any hesitation.

I am cautiously optimistic about Carlos Rodón who reported to camp with no moustache and is throwing much harder than he did this time last year. He seems focused on proving who he is and showing us that last year was simply a bad aberration. Given the failure to sign Yoshinobu Yamamoto, pursue a top free-agent pitching target, or trade for an upper-end starter, the Yankees need Rodón to be the pitcher they thought he was, the guy who dominated in San Francisco. As a fan, I want to have the same elevated level of confidence when Rodón takes the ball as I do when Gerrit Cole is on the mound. Rodón is not Cole, but he can shove if he pitches like we think he can and he knows he can. If Nestor Cortes suffers any setbacks, the Yankees need all they can get from the front-end starters. So, as it stands, Rodón is the key to the rotation. Cole will be dominant, Stroman will be consistent, and Schmidt will continue to blossom. Rodón can make this a great starting rotation rather than a good one.

I keep hoping the Yankees sign one of the top free agents, Jordan Montgomery, or Blake Snell, but I recognize it is a pipe dream. The Yankees will not add that amount of money to the already high payroll. I am a little surprised they remain on the market, but the cost remains high. Not trying to prospect-hug, but I would rather see the Yankees spend money to upgrade the rotation over parting with elite prospects to bring in a strong young controllable starter. I know the latter option represents the best financial decision for the organization, but spending the money keeps elite young talent in-house better. With no further additions, it seems inevitable that Luke Weaver will be thrust into the starting rotation at some point. If not Weaver, then Clayton Beeter or Cody Poteet.

There are lesser free agents available, such as Hyun-Jin Ryu and Mike Clevinger. Neither of those names excites me even if we are starting to hear Ryu’s name more closely linked to the Yankees. I have liked Ryu over the years, but good health has never been his friend. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2022 and did not return until last August. He turns thirty-seven before Opening Day, and the thought of an older pitcher with an inability to stay healthy (the health concerns date back to his days with the Los Angeles Dodgers) seems like a poor investment choice regardless of how good he is. Mike Clevinger is not the pitcher he once was for the Cleveland Guardians. He is three months younger than Gerrit Cole, but Clevinger gets a ‘meh’ from me. I barely remembered that he pitched for the Chicago White Sox last year after a couple of years in San Diego. He was 9-9 with a 3.77 ERA for the White Sox, making twenty-four starts. I want to see better upside from any pitching additions if there are any.

With so many questions remaining, ‘hell-bent’ is not exactly the right word for the Yankees. I think the Los Angeles Dodgers have purchased the rights to ‘hell-bent’ although they probably deferred the dollars for the purchase. Juan Soto, with the limited other upgrades, seems like a Hail Mary Pass with the hope that all other Yankees can play to the back of their baseball cards.

I remain hopeful the Yankees can prove me wrong.

This Week’s Transactions

The Yankees have certainly been quite busy this offseason with waiver claims. I cannot remember the last time they were this active. On a side note, I saw that the Baltimore Orioles claimed brief off-season Yankee Diego Castillo on waivers. After he was designated for assignment by the Yankees, the Philadelphia Phillies claimed him. However, his stay in the City of Brotherly Love was brief and he hit the waiver wire again this week. I hope for his sake he has better luck in Baltimore. He has certainly landed with a good young team.

Earlier this week, the Yankees claimed infielder Jordan Groshans off waivers from the Miami Marlins. Recognizing that Groshans has failed to fulfill his potential as the twelfth player taken in the 2018 MLB Draft (by the Toronto Blue Jays), there is always cautious optimism that the Yankees see something they feel they can fix. I am not optimistic, but there is hope. At worst, he is depth for Triple-A. At best, he is the latest iteration of Gio Urshela who found new life as a Yankee. Groshans is only twenty-four, so he still has some time on his side.

Jordan Groshans

I am worried about DJ LeMahieu’s ability to stay healthy, which is magnified since he has been designated as the team’s starting third baseman, after the nagging injuries he has had for the last couple of seasons. Groshans can play third base so if he defies the odds to become Brian Cashman’s latest ‘lightning in a bottle’ acquisition, he offers some insurance although you would expect Oswald Peraza to be the first call for help at third base. If Groshans is starting third base for the big-league club, you know that either he blossomed beyond expectations or things have gone horribly wrong—nothing in between.

The cost for Groshans was a roster spot for LHP Matt Krook who finally lost his seat at the table when he was designated for assignment. I am surprised Krook made it this long. It must be a bummer to be within days of reporting to Spring Training, only to get a call to tell you to postpone your travel plans.

Seeking more pieces for bullpen consideration, the Yankees swapped a lower-level pitching prospect (RHP Joshua Quezada) for Milwaukee Brewers reliever LHP Clayton Andrews. Andrews, 27, only made four MLB appearances for the Brewers last season, spending most of the season in the minors. Like Groshans, maybe the Yankees see something that can be corrected. Looking at Andrews, there is one thing that stands out to me. He is Jose Altuve-small (5’6”). I get this image of him standing next to Aaron Judge and his head barely reaching the Captain’s waist. If he can get outs, I guess it does not matter how tall (or in this case, short) he is but he is certainly not going to have an imposing presence on the mound. Heck, that would be like me standing on the mound.

The Yankees also re-signed reliever RHP Lou Trivino who continues his recovery from Tommy John surgery. He should be ready to join the team later this summer. Once Trivino was firmly secured on the 40-man roster, the Yankees claimed reliever RHP McKinley Moore on waivers from the Philadelphia Phillies. In the corresponding move, Trivino was moved to the 60-day Injured List to open the spot for Mount McKinley (6’6”, 225 lbs.). Now that is the size of the relievers I want to see on the mound! Booyah!

As always, Go Yankees!

Yankees & the All-Star Injury List...

 

Carlos Rodón (Photo Credit: David J Phillip/AP)

Yankees player (insert name) will miss time…

In the famous words of Mad Magazine’s Alfred E. Neuman: What, Me Worry?

The Yankee injury news this week felt like a gut punch.

So much for my excitement to see Carlos Rodón make his home debut at Yankee Stadium in the regular season’s second game against his former teammates, the San Francisco Giants. GM Brian Cashman gave the somber news this week that Rodón will not be ready for Opening Day due to a brachioradialis strain in his multi-million dollar left arm.

He will not pitch for seven to ten days and will have to restart his season’s preparation, a process that will take at least six weeks. He should be ready by late April. As cold as it can be during the season’s first few weeks, Rodón gets a pass on the fickle New York weather. This could have been worse news. Rodón had Tommy John surgery in 2019, but fortunately, his ulnar collateral ligament is strong. The fear, of course, is that the forearm strain could lead to further problems down the road.

Rodón commented if this had occurred later in the season, he may have pitched through it. He dealt with the same type of strain last season with the Giants and did not miss any time. Hopefully, the Yankees dodged a bullet and Rodón will be a force in the starting rotation in the not-so-distant future. 

Sadly, Rodón is not the only player who will see time on the Aaron Hicks Honorary Injured List. The Yankees have also announced Harrison Bader will miss time with a left oblique strain. The injury occurred during Wednesday’s game while swinging during an at-bat.  Core injuries are concerning given how difficult it can be to avoid re-injury.  Hopefully, Bader will miss the least amount of time and will be patrolling center field before Rodón returns.

When Spring Training opened, the worst injury news was Nestor Cortes, Jr’s hamstring strain and how it might delay his season. Now he is looking like one of the healthier players on the team. We already knew that Frankie Montas will miss most of the season after shoulder surgery. Now comes word that the other player received in the dreadful deal with the Oakland A’s at last year’s trade deadline, Lou Trivino, will miss time with an elbow sprain. The Yankees truly gave up their top pitching prospect, plus a few others, for guys who will provide nothing for the Yankees in the foreseeable future. Trivino is not expected back until May, but if he needs surgery, it could be longer. 

The bullpen has taken a hit with the temporary loss of two valuable veterans. In addition to Trivino, Tommy Kahnle is out with biceps tendinitis. Late March had appeared to be the possible end of the line for the latest Yankees chapter of Albert Abreu, but the injuries increase the likelihood he will make the Opening Day Roster. Jimmy Cordero is probably a beneficiary as well. The season has not yet started, but we are already playing the latest ‘Next Man Up’ round. 

Trying to run down the list of injured Yankee players is kind of like trying to keep up with all the 2023 celebrity deaths.

While Kyle Higashioka is away at the World Baseball Classic, catching has suddenly become a rare commodity in camp. Ben Rortvedt had a procedure for an aneurysm in the posterior artery of his left shoulder, Austin Wells has a fractured rib, and Josh Breaux will miss a few weeks with an elbow injury. When the injuries occurred, some fans feared the potential signing of former Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez, which is never going to happen. Instead, the Yankees pivoted to former Tampa Bay Rays catcher Nick Ciuffo. Ciuffo is a former first-round draft pick (chosen twenty-first overall by the Rays in the 2013 MLB Draft), but he has never developed into a Major League hitter. 

Nick Ciuffo (Photo Credit: Smiley N Pool/The Dallas Morning News)

I think Mike Axisa referred to Ciuffo as a ‘poor man’s Rob Brantly’. He is right (as usual). Ciuffo, only 28, has played for four other organizations since his release by the Rays in 2019. After making his Major League debut in 2018, Ciuffo has only played in 21 Major League games, batting .188/.259/.292 (.246 wOBA and 54 wRC+). Yet, with Higgy away and Rortvedt out, Ciuffo holds the valuable backup role behind Jose Trevino. At one point, I wanted the Yankees to trade Higgy and acquire a catcher like Sean Murphy before he was dealt to Atlanta. Now I cannot wait for Higgy to return. Ciuffo is only an injury away from seeing time in the Bronx. Yikes! Here is hoping that Yankees catching coach Tanner Swanson can work his magic with Ciuffo.

Last week, I was wondering if Domingo German or Clarke Schmidt would win the fifth spot in the starting rotation and now both will be in the rotation. It is an opportunity for Schmidt to prove he is the long-term answer. 

Opening Day is under three weeks away. Hopefully, the Yankees can keep the remaining healthy players on the field. Not sure I can take more injury news. 

Farewell Estevan Florial

Estevan Florial is a Yankee as of this post, but his time is coming to an end. While Spring stats are generally meaningless, Florial is a guy who needed to play like his career depended upon it because it does. Unfortunately, the former top prospect continues to hit like an outfielder’s version of Nick Ciuffo. In ten Spring games and twenty at-bats, Florial is hitting .150/.227/.200 (.427 OPS).  Sadly, those numbers point to his Yankees exit.

Whether it is a trade for a low-level prospect (if another team feels it can unlock Florial’s potential) or simply a release, Florial is not making the Opening Day Roster. Out of options, the Yankees have no room for him, and it is time to say goodbye. Rafael Ortega and Willie Calhoun are more capable options for the reserve outfielder role. 

I am disappointed with this one. I had high hopes for Florial. I once believed he was a long-term solution for center field, and then later, left field. In the end, he was not a solution at all. He has become the latest chapter of Jesus Montero. An overhyped Yankees prospect who fizzled out. 

For Florial’s sake, I hope he can find success at his next stop.

Anthony Volpe Time

With the disclaimer that I did not personally hear it, Michael Kay said on yesterday’s The Michael Kay Show that Anthony Volpe has a real shot to make the team.

I continue to believe he will open the season in Triple-A, but I certainly would not be disappointed if he heads north with the team later this month. My fear with Volpe is the hype and expectations. It seems if he is anything less than Derek Jeter, fans will be disappointed. I believe Volpe will be a good player in his own right, but I will never try to compare him to anybody other than to hope he is better than Isiah Kiner-Falefa. I will be happy if Volpe makes the team but conversely, I will not be disappointed if he gets sent down. When Volpe is ready, the Yankees will make room. I do firmly believe that Volpe will make his Major League debut in 2023 and I look forward to it. I want to see the player he can become. 

Anthony Volpe (Photo Credit: Gerald Herbert/AP)

Both Volpe and Jasson Dominguez have been major revelations this Spring. Sure, they are the top prospects in the organization, but they have shown they belong. I wish Dominguez was closer to the Major Leagues as he would look beautiful in left field. Patience, Young Grasshopper. Volpe first, and then Dominguez. Hopefully, the two men can win a few World Series together. 

I have seen a few articles calling for Volpe to choose a lower number. I have no problem at all with 77. I think there is magic in double-Mickey Mantle. Maybe it did not work for a red-haired flameout, but Volpe can make the number work to his advantage. I would like to see him keep it over dropping down to say 11, 14, or 18. 

I guess we will soon find out about his number choice. Sooner than I expected if Michael Kay is right.

Passing of Jesús Alou

I was saddened to hear former Major Leaguer Jesús Alou has died at age 80. Alou was part of the famed Alou brothers, which include Felipe and Matty. Felipe is the father of Yankees third base coach Luis Rojas and a former Yankee (1971-1973). Felipe is also the father of former Major Leaguer Moises Alou, half-brother of Luis.  

Left to right, Jesús, Matty, and Felipe Alou (Photo Credit: MLB.com)

Jesús Alou had been a scout for the Boston Red Sox since 2002. During his fifteen-year career, he played for the Houston Astros, Oakland Athletics, New York Mets, and San Francisco Giants. He won two World Series championships as a bench performer for the A’s. 

The Alou name is baseball royalty. Even if he was working for the wrong organization, Jesús Maria Rojas Alou will be missed. My condolences to Luis Rojas and his family for their loss. 

As always, Go Yankees!

While We Wait for (the) Judge's Decision...

  

Aaron Judge and Friends (Photo Credit: @MLB via Twitter)

Aaron Judge, 2022 AL MVP…

Aaron Judge is the King of New York.

With 28 of 30 first place votes by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, Aaron Judge became the American League’s Most Valuable Player for 2022. The two non-votes were courtesy of Los Angeles area writers who opted for the multi-talented Shohei Ohtani.

While I have no issue with the two writers who chose to vote for their hometown star, a player they followed every day, there is no question Aaron Judge was THE MOST VALUABLE PLAYER in the American League this year. The focus was on the home run count (62, an American League record, eclipsing the great Roger Maris by one). However, Judge’s dominance did not stop there. He had a Major League best 11.4 fWAR. By comparison, the NL MVP, Paul Goldschmidt, had a 7.1 fWAR. Baseball Reference lists Judge with 10.6 WAR but regardless of how you score at home, Judge crushed it. Judge led the American League with On-Base Percentage (.425), Slugging Percentage (.686), On-Base Plus Slugging (1.111), Runs Scored (133), Total Bases (391), Runs Batted In (131), Bases on Balls (111), Extra Base Hits (90), and Times on Base (294). Stats courtesy of Baseball Reference. Judge’s batting average of .311 was second in the AL. 

Aaron Judge may never have another season like this one, and it was a fun year to be a Yankee fan despite the disappointing ending. During the pre- and post-Award win interviews, Judge handled himself with the utmost grace, unseen since the days of Derek Jeter. It is the same Judge we see after games, and anytime he faces the public. He is the consummate professional and made for New York. There was little doubt Judge would win when the MLB Network brought former tallest MVP Giancarlo Stanton on-screen to announce the winner.

The experts continue to point toward free agent Judge signing with the Yankees. I hope they are right. There was a bittersweet feeling watching Judge win MVP, knowing that he could depart for another team in the coming weeks. The Yankees are saying the right words, and they have submitted an upgraded offer to Judge according to GM Brian Cashman. It seems there will be no resolution until at least the Winter Meetings next month. The fear is that this drags out and prevents the team from making other upgrades despite the team’s assurances it will not. I want Judge back in Pinstripes. I know his age, and concerns about such a large man aging well as he moves through his thirties. Some guys are meant to wear only one uniform in their career and Judge is one of those guys.  The Captaincy of the Yankees awaits, as does a future date in Monument Park.

I do not want to lose Aaron Judge. We do not want to lose Aaron Judge. He is ours. The power is within Managing General Partner Hal Steinbrenner’s control. Make Judge happy with wealth which, in turn, will provide us with a wealth of happiness.

Aaron, please stay.

The return of Anthony Rizzo.

It was music to my ears to hear the Yankees had re-signed Anthony Rizzo to return as their brilliant first baseman for the next two years. As we know, Rizzo had exercised the player option on his previous contract to opt out. Tagged with the qualifying offer, Rizzo rejected it but no sooner than you could say the words “The Houston Astros are interested in Rizzo”, the veteran first baseman had re-signed with your favorite baseball team.

Rizzo’s new deal calls for $17 million in each of the 2023 and 2024 seasons. There is a team option for $17 million in 2025 or $6 million buyout. So, the contract is worth at least $40 million and could be worth as much as $51 million. Rizzo has limited no-trade protection and can block deals to six clubs annually. 

I am very happy Rizzo chose to return to the Yankees. In retrospect, it is clear Rizzo had no desire to go elsewhere. He did not speak to other clubs, and after signing the new contract, he expressed his love being a Yankee. Rizzo, rest assured, we love you as a Yankee too. 

Anthony Rizzo, Yankee

The left-handed balance, the timely hits and home runs, the protection he provides the lineup, his brilliant defense at first base (saving countless runs), his elite clubhouse leadership, there are so many reasons that Rizzo is right for the Yankees.

The problems Rizzo encountered last season with the back spasms are a concern. Rizzo is no Spring Chicken; he is 33 years old. But let the record show he is nearly two years younger than NL MVP Paul Goldschmidt. There is hope he will benefit from the elimination of the shift next season, and I hope they can find the right treatment to limit any issues or concerns related to his back. Despite the concerns, I would rather have Rizzo on the team than not. 

Welcome back, Anthony!

Yankees re-sign Key Player.

Okay, the title is misleading…at least in my opinion. After the Yankees had announced they had signed infielder (I refuse to call him shortstop) Isiah Kiner-Falefa to a guaranteed 1-year, $6 million contract for the 2023 season, I saw an article that declared the Yankees had re-signed a key player. Um, excuse me? Most of the fan base wanted IKF non-tendered. So, there was a collective groan in the Yankees Universe when the news of the signing surfaced. 

IKF is not a bad guy. He is not “unlikeable” (like a certain third baseman who plays to his right). There are positive factors about his play, both offensively and defensively, but he should not be the starting shortstop for the New York Yankees. I did not really see the Yankees non-tendering IKF although I would not have been disappointed if they had. He has value as a utility man given his ability to play the left side of the infield and can even catch if necessary.  Maybe that role is not worth $6 million, but it is not my money.

Although IKF is presently a Yankee, there is no guarantee he will be when the team takes the field on March 30^th.  There is always a chance the Yankees find a trade partner. The Minnesota Twins liked IKF well enough last year to send their starting catcher to the Texas Rangers for the infielder. As they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder so there is always a chance another team sees the value IKF can bring to their team. He strikes me as a player would thrive away from the Main Stage of Major League Baseball. I think he is a good guy, and I would like to see him have success. It does not mean that I think he should be a Yankee. I am hopeful for a trade, although I will support him if he is on the Opening Day Roster so long as he is not the starting shortstop.

Although it is possible Anthony Volpe could absolutely kill it in Spring Training (ala Greg Bird and Kyle Higashioka), I think it is more likely the Yankees break camp with Oswald Peraza as their starting shortstop. Volpe will have his chances, but I think it will be closer to summertime before he makes an impact for the big-league club. Until they are signed, there is always a lottery chance that Trea Turner, Carlos Correa, or Dansby Swanson could be Yankees although they seem unlikely. 

Cody Bellinger to the Yankees?

In a surprise to no one, the Los Angeles Dodgers non-tendered former NL MVP outfielder Cody Bellinger. Fans immediately began clamoring for the Yankees to sign the new free agent, son of a former Yankee. I like Cody. He is good defensive player and can play all outfield positions, plus first base. The problem is his bat.

Bellinger has declining production since his MVP year of 2019. In 2022, he hit .210/.265/.389, with .284 wOBA and 83 wRC+. He played 144 games, hitting 19 home runs and drove in 68 runs. He also stole 14 bags.

Cody Bellinger (Photo Credit: Carole Brehman/EPA, via Shutterstock)

The Yankees do not need another hitter who cannot hit. Maybe the Yankees see something they can tweak to return Bellinger to his 2019 glory, but I would rather have more of a sure thing. Realistically, I think the Los Angeles Dodgers will strike a new deal to bring Belli back to Chavez Ravine. His production did not warrant the $18 million he would have cost next season, thus, the non-tender. However, it does not mean he is not wanted in Los Angeles. I would hate to see him re-surface in Toronto or Boston and find his prior success.  I am hoping for his return to the Dodgers.

As for the Yankees, my left field favorite remains Andrew Benintendi. Brandon Nimmo would be ideal; however, I think Benny is the more reasonable target for Hal Steinbrenner’s wallet. I would really like to see Benny for a full season in the Bronx. He was starting to make a difference when he suffered the broken hook of his hamate bone last season. I know many people love Oswaldo Cabrera, and he did a fine job replacing Benny last season. However, I feel he is best used as a regularly playing super-sub, capable of playing both the infield and outfield. Keeping guys fresh for the long haul of an arduous season is paramount for a team’s chances in October.

Roster maintenance.

The Yankees chose to vacate Stephen Ridings’ spot on the 40-man roster. Whether or not, they thought he would pass through waivers, he did not. The New York Mets were the beneficiaries of Ridings’ slide through waiver claim priority. Clearly many teams passed before a 101-win team in the other league claimed the 6’8” reliever.

I would say the loss of Ridings is bittersweet. You always wonder what he could have been if healthy, but then again, can he stay healthy? The Mets will find out. I wish Ridings the best, and I certainly do not want him to fail even if he is now a Met.

The Yankees added right-handed pitcher Randy Vasquez to the 40-man roster this week, as expected. Rosters had to be finalized in advance of next month’s Rule 5 Draft. 

Randy Vasquez (Photo Credit: Somerset Patriots, via NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

I guess the surprise was other strong prospects who were not protected. It guarantees there will be Yankee prospects chosen by other teams next month, which of course is the case every year. Having too many good players is a nice problem to have. The bright side is Rule 5 players tend not to stick with their new teams and are returned. Boston’s Garrett Whitlock and Cleveland’s Trevor Stephan are the exceptions to the rule, but they are a clear minority. I would rather not lose catchers Josh Breaux or Anthony Siegler, or pitcher Matt Sauer, but if they are lost, there will be other guys to replace them.

The Yankees also avoided arbitration with reliever Lou Trivino. While some were suspecting that he would be non-tendered, the Yankees announced they had signed Trivino to a one-year, $4.1 million contract for 2023. It was reported the Yankees did not non-tender any of their arbitration-eligible players. The arbitration-eligible list includes Wandy Peralta, Frankie Montas, Gleyber Torres, Clay Holmes, Jonathan Loaisiga, Domingo German, Lucas Luetge, Kyle Higashioka, Nestor Torres, Jose Trevino, and Michael King. I thought Higgy might be a non-tender candidate. It seems like his half of the catching platoon is ripe for upgrade, but he lives to see another day as a Yankee. 

As always, Go Yankees!

To Close or Not to Close...

 

Clay Holmes / Photo Credit: Corey Sipkin, NY Post

Bullpen blows another close game…

Yankees lose again. A ten-inning walk-off, 3-2, by the Boston Red Sox. It is never fun to write after a Yankees loss, especially a game they controlled…until the end. Clay Holmes has lost my trust as the closer and it is frustrating. I wanted him to have the job earlier in the season when Aroldis Chapman began misfiring. He started the season so dominant, and it looked like Pitching Coach Matt Blake was a true pitching whisperer. Yet, now, no lead is safe when Holmes comes into a game. Maybe you feel secure with a five-run lead…maybe.

There was a point I was done with Chapman as the team’s closer. He is a free agent at year’s end and the Yankees are highly unlikely to pursue him in the free agent market.  I was ready to move on, and Holmes looked like the next best man for the job. The problem replacing Holmes is no real solution for the job. Even though Chapman has looked better of late, there is no guarantee he will not revert to the sweaty, control-challenged mess he was earlier this season. Wandy Peralta is not a closer and I have no desire to see him try to close games. He did well to replace Holmes last night after the Red Sox had tied the game with two crucial outs, including a strikeout, but Peralta is much better suited for setup. Lou Trivino is a closing option, but of course, he was on the mound last night when Tommy Pham hit the game-winning single in the bottom of the tenth inning for the Red Sox. 

For Holmes, it was his fifth blown save of the season. In his last five appearances, totaling four innings, he has allowed seven runs and has walked four hitters while striking out only three.  This is not the same guy who earned the All-Star nod earlier this year.  I think we are starting to see why Pittsburgh fans were frustrated with Holmes. I hope, for his sake and ours, he figures this out, finds his control, and becomes the dominant reliever he had been. October is drawing closer so soon he will be running out of time to recapture his dominance.

Lou Trivino had ten saves for the Oakland A’s this season and twenty-two saves last year. However, he has surrendered forty-nine hits and seventeen walks in thirty-six and one-third innings in 2022. He gave up five home runs in twice the innings pitched last season and has already matched that number this year. While Holmes’ ERA has risen from 0.47 to 2.36, Trivino’s ERA is an unsightly 5.70.

Manager Aaron Boone needs to figure this out. If the Yankees continue to blow winnable games, it does not bode well for an extended run in October. 

Honestly, I would give Chapman a few trial runs as the closer to see if he can recapture what he once had. If he implodes, then other options should be considered. It kind of sucks the Yankees demoted one of their best relievers, Ron Marinaccio, simply because he had options. I understand the reasons. If the Yankees had not demoted Marinaccio, someone would have been DFA’d. The most obvious candidate is reliever Albert Abreu who has already been DFA’d by two teams, Texas and Kansas City, this season. If it was simply a question of, who would I prefer, Marinaccio or Abreu, there is no question the pride of Tom’s River would still be on the active roster.  I want Abreu to succeed but I also want the twenty-six BEST players in the organization on the MLB active roster and that is not the case right now. 

Team chemistry should not be underestimated. Whether it is football, basketball, or baseball, I have always believed team chemistry plays a significant role in team success. The trade deadline was eleven days ago, and I am still in disbelief the Yankees dumped Jordan Montgomery in the deadline’s final minutes for an outfielder we “might” see in September or October.  Monty was close to guys in the clubhouse and loved being a Yankee, the only organization he had every known. He was good friends with Jameson Taillon, and his world revolved around New York City. Right or wrong, GM Brian Cashman sent Monty packing, a move that left an entire fanbase shaking their collective heads. Even the players in the locker room were confused. The team’s 1-8 record since the trade deadline sums up the impact of this year’s moves and I am convinced the Montgomery trade has played a role in the latest tailspin.   

Yadier Molina & Jordan Montgomery / Photo Credit: Christian Gooden, St Louis Post-Dispatch

I liked Jordan Montgomery. I never thought he was a dominant pitcher, but he kept the team in games and was consistent. Exactly the type of guy you want in the middle to back end of the rotation. It keeps getting said that he would not have pitched in October and the move was made about October. Injuries certainly could play a part in whether Monty would have been an October starter, but I know that I would rather have him on my team than not. Maybe we will feel differently when Harrison Bader is healthy and patrolling center field with his newfound short hair.  Deadline deals are supposed to energize teams, but the Montgomery trade was a royal deflator. 

As for Montgomery, he is thriving for St Louis. After holding the Yankees scoreless last week, he pitched six scoreless innings last night against the Milwaukee Brewers to help power the Cards to a 3-1 victory. He is the first Cardinals pitcher since 1966 to win his first two starts without allowing a run.  For the good moves Cashman has made, this was a bad one and time will tell if it is worse.

46 home runs, 100 RBIs, .305/.400/.688, .450 wOBA, 7.6 fWAR. Is that good? With all seriousness, Aaron Judge is having a truly unbelievable season. Unlike the Yankees as a whole, Judge has continued his brilliant year and is the consensus AL MVP leader. I hope, I pray the Yankees re-sign him in the offseason. To lose Judge after such a dominant season would be upsetting. He should be a Yankee for life, and he should be the next Captain.  Owner Hal Steinbrenner must be as aggressive pursuing Judge in free agency as he was a few years ago with Gerrit Cole. Conversely, if I was a rich owner of another team, I would be loading up trucks overflowing with cash for Judge.  I wish Judge and the Yankees could have come together on an extension before free agency. It sets us up for potential disappointment. If he re-signs with the Yankees, it will be a heavy relief aside from exhilaration. If he does not, sorry, I do not want to think about that…

Aaron "MVP" Judge / Photo Credit: Corey Sipkin, NY Post

Hal, please PAY THE MAN.

Despite pleas from fans, Isiah Kiner-Falefa is the 2022 New York Yankees shortstop. For better or for worse. It is apparent the Yankees made their bed with IKF and have no plans to promote shortstop prospect Oswald Peraza or utilityman Oswaldo Cabrera. I find it hard to believe the Yankees have chosen not to promote Peraza because it would start his service time clock, but they obviously have their reasons for believing Peraza is not ready for the Major Leagues. Whether I think he should be promoted or not is irrelevant. The Yankees know better than we do.  Outwardly, it might not make sense, but I will give the team the benefit of doubt on this one. As for 2023, regardless of what happens this season, IKF should be in a utility role at best, not the team’s starting shortstop. He is one and done in the position once held by the great Derek Jeter.

On a side note, the ugly social media posts directed at IKF’s family are disgusting and unacceptable. While I may not be enthralled with his play on the field, IKF is a human with feelings and a good guy. He is trying his best to help the Yankees win. I do not wish ill will on any player, regardless of the jersey he wears. Separate the man from the player and keep it on the field, fans. We can do better. We must do better.

Here’s hoping for a quick recovery by Matt Carpenter who fractured his foot in Seattle. I hope a possible September return proves to be the realistic outcome. Carp has been such a terrific inspiration in 2022 and I hope there is more to his Cinderella story in October.

Matt Carpenter & Aaron Boone / Photo Credit: USA TODAY Sports

Lastly, I was shocked to hear about the suspension of Fernando Tatis, Jr by Major League Baseball for using a banned substance. Tatis, Jr, one of the game’s young greats, had yet to play in 2022 due to an off-season motorcycle accident, and the 80-game suspension ensures that his 2023 appearance will be delayed.  Tatis is claiming he inadvertently took the performance-enhancing substance (Clostebol) while taking medication to treat ringworm but has dropped his appeal and has begun to serve the suspension without pay.

For as negatively as the trade deadline ended for the Yankees with the trade of Jordan Montgomery, the San Diego Padres were widely hailed as the Deadline champions for their acquisitions of Juan Soto, Josh Hader, and Brandon Drury. Yet, they were swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers in a subsequent series, and the Dodgers have simply decided never to lose again.  The Dodgers have won eleven consecutive games and lead the Padres by sixteen games in the NL West.  So, if it was not bad enough for the Padres, they lose one of their great young players for their Wild Card pursuit.

Tatis will miss the first 33 games of the 2023 season although the number could be reduced by the number of games the Padres play in the 2022 postseason. Mike Clevinger summed up the team’s feelings with his post-game comments last night, “You hope he grows up and learns from this and learns that it’s about more than just him right now.” True, I hope Tatis learns from this, and he can be the player he was meant to be. A sad day for baseball.

As always, Go Yankees!