Aaron Judge Breaks Dodger Stadium...

 

Aaron Judge (Photo Credit: Harry How/Getty Images)

The Captain makes Game-Saving Catch…

Aaron Judge is known for his monstrous home runs, and he added another one to his collection on Saturday evening, but his stellar defensive play was front and center in the eighth inning when he made a running catch into the right-field bullpen door. The hit by the Dodgers’ JD Martinez looked like it had extra bases on it, with a runner, Max Muncy, at first base. The Yankees were nursing a two-run lead and momentum had appeared to shift to the Dodgers after Gerrit Cole had prematurely exited the game. Yet, Aaron Judge had other ideas, and he caught the Martinez hard-hit fly as he pummeled into the bullpen door, causing it to fly open. Thankfully, Judge was not hurt in the play. 

In a twist of irony, despite the catch, and the immediate relay of the ball back to the infield, Muncy was awarded second base when the umpires ruled that Judge had left the field of play. The Dodgers need to build a stronger, safer wall.  Judge should not have been penalized for making a tremendous catch when a feeble door lost its encounter with the 6’7”, 282-lb superstar. Fortunately, Muncy was stranded, and the shift in momentum stalled for the Dodgers.   

Most importantly, aside from Judge avoiding injury, the Yankees prevailed, 6-3, to even the three-game series at one game apiece.  After Judge’s heroic play, the two earlier home runs by Jake Bauers seemed like an afterthought. 

Jake Bauers (Photo Credit: Ashley Landis/AP)

Judge added a home run of his own (19 home runs for the season), a solo shot in the sixth inning. Owaldo Cabrera recalled earlier in the day after the brief demotion to Triple-A when Greg Allen was placed on the Injured List, also homered in the ninth inning which gave the Yankees an important insurance run. Cabrera was not in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre long enough to “find” himself so I will just go with the thought that he shook the hand of the red-hot Oswald Peraza and channeled some of Peraza’s magic to himself.  Unfortunately, Greg Allen is hurt (hip flexor injury), but I am hopeful Cabrera can rebound from the struggles that had sent him back to the Minors.  The home run is a start.

There was a concern when Manager Aaron Boone pulled Gerrit Cole after six innings and only eighty pitches. The Yankees were up, 5-1, clearly in control when he departed. Wandy Peralta replaced Cole at the top of the seventh inning and was unable to record an out. A single, a triple that scored a run, and a walk ended his brief appearance. Michael King gave up a single, which scored another run charged against Peralta.  Fortunately, King settled down and held the Dodgers in check for the next two innings. After a dropped third strike, a throwing error by catcher Jose Trevino allowed Max Muncy to reach first base to start the bottom of the eighth inning. After being awarded second base because Judge punished the bullpen door and his large foot that stepped off the field of play. Muncy made it as far as third, but King struck out Miguel Vargas to end the threat.

Despite an annoying walk by Mookie Betts, Clay Holmes pitched a scoreless ninth inning to put the game in the win column for the Yankees. Cole’s early departure was blamed on leg cramps which is certainly better news than a potential injury. The Yankees cannot afford to lose Cole (7-0) at the top of the rotation, particularly after Luis Severino’s pathetic performance on Friday night. Peralta’s performance, like Sevy’s, was disturbing. Maybe he had flashbacks from his days as a San Francisco Giant while pitching in Dodger Stadium. Hopefully, reliability and consistency are Peralta’s friends next time out.   

Two home runs by Jake Bauers on Saturday after two home runs by Josh Donaldson on Friday night. I wonder who will hit two home runs for the Yankees today.  Assuming he is back in the lineup, I will go with the sentimental choice, Giancarlo Stanton, a native Angelino. But realistically, let Anthony Rizzo be that guy. 

The Yankees (35-25) are six games behind the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League East and only two games away from the Baltimore Orioles.  The Rays split a doubleheader with the Boston Red Sox yesterday. I find myself pulling for the Red Sox to win today, which is always odd. The Yankees will see the Red Sox next weekend.  As thrilling as it is to see the Yankees-Dodgers rivalry renewed, there is still no greater rivalry than Yankees-Red Sox even if the Red Sox are not the team they once were.

The Injuries

The Yankees received a shot in the arm when Giancarlo Stanton, Josh Donaldson, and Tommy Kahnle were activated this week, but they lost two more players to the Injured List yesterday. As referenced above, Greg Allen was placed on the Injured List after suffering a hip flexor injury in Friday night’s game. Allen’s ill-timed injury was a flashback to last year when the Yankees lost Andrew Benintendi just when it seemed he was making a difference with his outfield role, only to be lost.  Allen filled in admirably for the injured Harrison Bader and had been a threat on the basepaths.  As great as Isiah Kiner-Falefa has been with the roles he has been asked to play, Allen is a better centerfielder.  Hopefully, Bader will be back soon.  The Yankees travel to St Louis at the end of the month, and he should be motivated to play in front of his former fans. 

The other player added to the Injured List was reliever Ryan Weber. Weber has quietly excelled in his lower-leverage bullpen role. After being taken out of Friday night’s game with an elbow/forearm issue, he has been placed on the IL and will not pitch for the next couple of weeks. Best case, he is back after some rest. Worst case, he is gone for the season with Tommy John surgery looming on the horizon.  Here is hoping for the former.  Nick Ramirez was recalled taking Weber’s spot on the active roster. 

He may be a starting pitcher for a rival, but I am saddened to see Chris Sale is dealing with shoulder inflammation. When healthy, Sale has been one of the best pitchers in baseball. Unfortunately for him, good health has not been kind to him in recent years. I always operate under the assumption that to be the best, you must beat the best, so I prefer Sale on the pitching mound and not in a medical unit.  It will be a week before Sale gets a diagnosis. For his sake, I hope it is best case scenario.  Former Yank Corey Kluber was activated from the paternity list to take Sale’s place on the roster, and he will presumably slide back into the rotation after a recent performance-related demotion to the bullpen. 

Former Yanks

Former Yankees were in the news the week.

The biggest was the decision by Aaron Hicks to stay in the American League East.  He signed with the Baltimore Orioles after they lost their elite centerfielder, Cedric Mullins, to injury. Hicks was 2-for-2 in his Orioles debut (before departing with muscle cramps) and he made a highlight reel catch for the O’s last night. I wish Hicks the best. I am glad he is no longer a Yankee, but if he can find success at Camden Yards, good for him. There is a bit of irony in failing with the third-place team in the AL East, only to find a new home higher in the standings.  

Aaron Hicks (Photo Credit: AP)

 

Former Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez signed with the San Diego Padres following his release by the cross-town Mets.  El Gary should have a better opportunity with the Padres given they have less healthy and available (and less talented) catching than the Mets.  I did find it odd that Gary chose to wear 99 on his Padres jersey. He had worn 33 with the Mets.  It is kind of funny that two former Yankees who wore 24 in Pinstripes (Sanchez and Matt Carpenter) are forced to wear different numbers because another former Yank (Rougned Odor) is wearing the number.  If memory serves correctly, Odor was 12 in New York. Carpenter is wearing 14 for the Padres. 

Gary Sanchez (Photo Credit: El Nacional)

Former Yankees reliever Lucas Luetge was designated for assignment by the Atlanta Braves, and he remains in limbo pending his release or trade.  I am not seeking a reunion. His numbers in Atlanta do not inspire confidence he can be the pitcher of old. Instead, he is just an old pitcher.  I had just seen that one of the minor leaguers acquired in the Luetge trade, second baseman Caleb Durbin, all 5’6” of him, had earned a promotion to Double-A. Durbin leads the Yankees organization in stolen bases and plays with Dustin Pedroia-like intensity. I am not expecting him to reach the Majors, but crazier things have happened.

I was quietly hoping Luke Voit’s time in Milwaukee would prove fruitful. Beer City seemed like the ideal place for the husky Midwestern first baseman with the football mentality. However, his time ended when the Brewers released him this week after he had been designated for assignment. It has been a tough road for Voit since the Yankees traded him to San Diego. Hopefully, he can find success at his next stop. Like Luetge, I have no desire to see Voit’s return to Pinstripes. I liked him as a Yankee, but I did not like his glove at first base and the team has too many designated hitters as it is. If he can no longer hit, where is his value?  A strong presence in the clubhouse? As great a guy as he may be, better fits, guys who can bring value on the field, can be found elsewhere.

The weather in Los Angeles is supposed to be beautiful today. Mid-seventies, lots of sun. It seems like a tremendous day for a Yankees victory. 

As always, Go Yankees!

A Grand Yankees Opening and Debut...

 

Anthony Volpe (Photo Credit: Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post)

Yankees win in Volpe’s debut…

Opening Day 2023 was about as perfect as the day could be. Gerrit Cole, in a dominating performance after the opening walk on four pitches, led the Yankees to a 5-0 victory over the San Francisco Giants. He struck out eleven Giants in six innings of work. The first Yankees home run of the season was courtesy of the 2022 AL Most Valuable Player, and the game featured the exciting debut of an extremely talented 21-year-old shortstop.

A good start. Now rinse and repeat for one hundred sixty-one more games. I wish all games could be as non-stressful as the first of the new season.

The next two games against the Giants will prove to be more challenging if for no other reason than Cole is not starting. With no disrespect to Clarke Schmidt and Jhony Brito, the scheduled weekend starters, they are not Cole, a potential Cy Young Award winner if he can continue to shove all season. I have been hoping 2023 proves to be Schmidt’s breakout year and hopefully, it begins today when he takes the Yankee Stadium mound. I am not denying Brito is an exciting young talent, but as the team’s Triple-A emergency starter, I would have preferred the emergency was not the first series of the season. Losing three starting pitchers before the season started is difficult, but in difficulty, there is an opportunity to shine.  Schmidt and Brito can make statements with their performances and prove they can be useful rotation pieces in the years ahead.  Not that one game will define anyone, but you must start somewhere.

I liked Anthony Volpe’s decision to go with number 11 for his Yankees career. It was a classy touch that he sought permission from Brett Gardner, who wore the number proudly from 2008 through 2021. Even better that Gardy gave his blessing. I had no problem with 77 had Volpe chosen to stay with his Spring Training number. Mickey Mantle is one of the greatest legends in franchise history, and seeing his number twice on the back of a jersey was kind of cool. But now that Volpe has taken 11, I like his choice.

1st Major League At-Bat for Anthony Volpe (Photo Credit: Andrew Mills/NJ Advance Media)

I thought it was funny as soon as Volpe relinquished 77, it was snapped up by pitching coach Matt Blake. Manager Aaron Boone, with his Reds number of 17, is the only coach with a number below 60. It is kind of funny there is a movement for managers and coaches to not wear numbers due to the shortage. The Yankees have retired twenty-two numbers, the most in MLB. I feel for future generations who may see triple digits on jerseys. I would go with alpha-numeric characters before adding a third digit.  Give the manager “M1”. His bench coach could be “C1”.  Seriously, I wish the Yankees held the criteria for retiring numbers much higher than they do. Reggie Jackson had a nice five-year run with the Yankees, but it was only five years. Sure, he helped win two World Series, and his three-home run game against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1977 World Series stands out as his greatest performance, but many guys have helped the Yankees win with much longer tenures of success. 

I am not a fan of Alex Rodriguez, but he helped the Yankees win a World Series and had a long Yankees career. Yet, his number is still in circulation, most recently worn by former Yankee Joey Gallo. No doubt his history with PEDs contributed to the decision not to retire the number, but still, he was a good baseball player, every bit as good if not better than Jackson. Mike Mussina pitched eight great years with the Yankees and won twenty games in his final season, yet his number 35 immediately went back into circulation and is currently worn by reliever Clay Holmes. Mussina’s sin is never winning a World Series, but it did not stop the Yankees from retiring Don Mattingly’s number. The Yankees have not re-issued CC Sabathia’s number 52 (or Masahiro Tanaka’s 19 for that matter). I guess the lack of numbers is a problem for the 2173 Yankees which should not be our concern.

New Acquisitions

I had expected Rafael Ortega to make the Yankees’ Opening Day Roster, so I was slightly surprised when he opted out of his minor league contract after the Yankees made the decision not to promote him. The Yankees had their eye on former Boston Red Sox outfielder/first baseman Franchy Cordero who was cut by the Baltimore Orioles after a strong Spring performance. They signed Cordero and he was in uniform on Opening Day.

It is rather humorous that the Yankees could not re-sign Andrew Benintendi, so they signed the guy he was once traded for. Not expecting much with Cordero but it would be nice if the Yankees could tap into some of the potential he once held. He has prestigious power if he could ever learn to hit consistently. Cordero stands out in my mind for a misplayed popup when he was the first baseman for the Red Sox in a game against the Yankees last July. The dropped ball allowed Aaron Hicks to score in a game eventually won by the Yankees, 6-5.

Franchy Cordero (Photo Credit: Mary Schwalm/AP)

Cordero signed with the Orioles through free agency last December. He had a surprisingly strong Spring, slashing .413/.426/.674 (1.100 OPS) in eighteen games, but it was not enough to make the Orioles’ Opening Day Roster. He was released by the Orioles on March 27^th and signed with the Yankees three days later. 

Regardless of past miscues and failed potential, it is a new beginning for Cordero. Maybe the Pinstripes are magical for him. Maybe not. There is only one way to find out.

The other new acquisition is reliever Colton Brewer. Brewer, who spent time with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders in 2017, is another former Red Sock.  He was in camp with the Tampa Bay Rays this Spring after spending 2022 playing for Kansas City’s Triple-A club, and when he failed to make the Rays’ Opening Day roster, the Yankees acquired him for cash considerations. Brewer has subsequently been assigned to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. When he was first acquired, it appeared that it would be for a Major League spot which I did not see as a fit. It seemed like the Yankees would have had to end their love affair with Albert Abreu to make room (or move on from outfielder Estevan Florial). Brewer seems to be a depth/insurance piece to be stashed in Triple-A until if/when the need arises. 

I thought the Yankees would be more aggressive in bringing in a veteran pitcher given the injuries to the pitching staff. Not sure why Aaron Boone said the other day the Yankees were working on a potential deal to add a pitcher to the staff. If Brewer was the pitcher he was talking about, it probably was not worth the mention. Perhaps the potential deal fell apart. Sometimes it is best to say nothing until it happens.

Oswald Peraza, RailRider

I feel bad for Oswald Peraza. I felt like he was ready for the Major Leagues, and at the start of Spring Training, I had thought he would be the starting shortstop for the Yankees. I am not disappointed Anthony Volpe has the job, but I am saddened it cost Peraza a spot on the Major League roster. Peraza started at short on Friday night for the RailRiders in their 2-1 win over the Buffalo Bisons. He was 1-for-4, striking out three times. He had an eighth-inning single and a stolen base. Not a great night for him, but hopefully he stays positive and productive until he gets the call to the Show. 

Oswald Peraza (Photo Credit: Mike Carlson/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Granted, with Volpe making the roster, there was no room for Peraza. I seriously thought Peraza would be the shortstop based on the stronger throwing arm, with Volpe representing the future at second base. Volpe carved his own future to take shortstop, and good for him. So now what happens? I am not ready to part ways with Gleyber Torres, even if I recognize he seems to be the most tradeable asset. If the Yankees are willing to commit to Torres long-term, I would not have an issue with trading Peraza to give him an opportunity elsewhere. If there is no intent to extend Torres, then the Yankees should pull the trigger on a trade when a reasonable offer presents itself to open the door for Peraza. 

Peraza spending the summer in Triple-A proves nothing. His development needs to continue in the Major Leagues. I hope the Yankees can figure this one out without harming the player’s future.

Gary Sanchez to the Giants

Great for Gary Sanchez to get an opportunity with the San Francisco Giants. A minor league deal, with a 30-day opt-out, but it is a chance for him to start anew. Despite the shortage of catching in the Yankees’ system, I did not want a reunion with Sanchez. However, I equally did not want to see him show up in Boston, Toronto, or Tampa Bay. Going to a National League club on the West Coast is best case scenario.

The Kraken (Photo Credit: Dan Fappiano)

I hope he is successful in reclaiming a Major League job. I wanted him to succeed as a Yankee and held my support for him longer than most fans. When the Yankees parted ways, it was time. So even though I do not wish to see his return to New York, I would like to see him find happiness and success so long as it is not with a Yankees rival. 

Speaking of ex-Yankees, Luke Voit signed a one-year deal with a club option for 2024 with the Milwaukee Brewers. I am glad to see him land a Major League job. It has been a tough road for him since leaving the Yankees. San Diego, Washington, and now Milwaukee. Although never a fan of Voit’s glove, I liked the guy’s bat and his personality in general. Armed with the mentality of an NFL linebacker, his home runs were a joy to watch.  Cheers to Luke in Brew City!

He may not have played for the Yankees at the big-league level, but former Yankees prospect outfielder/second baseman Nick Solak was acquired on Friday by the Seattle Mariners. He had been designated for assignment by the Cincinnati Reds. Solak went to the Tampa Bay Rays a few years ago in the deal that brought Brandon Drury to New York from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Solak found some later success with the Texas Rangers. Once a touted prospect, his journeyman status proves GM Brian Cashman was right to include him in a trade. I am always worried that the prospects traded away turn out to be Hall of Famers like Fred “Crime Dog” McGriff.  An unfounded fear, for the most part.

As always, Go Yankees!

Cashman's Swings and Misses...

 

The Week of Questionable Moves…

A week into the return of Major League Baseball and I think some fans were ready to go back into the Lockout. I generally try to stay positive, but the week has been puzzling to say the least.

I get it...these are no longer George Steinbrenner’s Yankees. The days of a passionate owner who wants to win at all costs are over and have been over for more than a decade. The Boss died in 2010 but he had been phased out the last few years of his life. Outside of 2009, Hal Steinbrenner has never been “all in”, at least not to me. I know, the Yankees generally spend more on payroll than most other teams and are consistently at or above the luxury tax threshold. The criticism is mainly how those dollars have been allocated and the times when spending more money made sense, but the team choose the status quo. 

The biggest surprise of the week was the end of the Gary Sanchez era in New York. I had grown frustrated with Gary like most Yankee fans, but I recognized he was well liked among his teammates, and he carries a reputation as a hard worker, so it was not like he was not trying. Many fans have been screaming all winter for Gary’s ouster, and there was frustration each time a speculative catching target was traded elsewhere (such as Cincinnati’s Tucker Barnhart to the Tigers). El Gary remains an offensive threat, a rare quality among catchers. I was ready to support Gary for the coming season despite his defensive lapses. While I thought it was possible the Yankees might move Gary, I was surprised at the news he and Gio Urshela had been traded to the Minnesota Twins for Josh Donaldson, Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Ben Rortvedt. I think my first reaction was ‘why?’

Gary Sanchez / Photo Credit: Nathan Mayberg, Cape Coral Breeze

Josh Donaldson is 36, has had injury challenges in recent years, and is owed $50 million for the next two years which includes a $6 million buyout option in 2024.  Generational free agent talent is available, and the Yankees choose to provide the Minnesota Twins with financial relief. Money that helped the Twins sign the top available free agent shortstop, Carlos Correa, last night. Funny, the Yankees could have used an elite shortstop.

I will start this by saying I like Isiah Kiner-Falefa, the team’s new starting shortstop. He possesses a great attitude and has the ‘I loved the Yankees as a kid’ pic that the fan base always appreciates.

Isiah Kiner-Falefa (right)

The Yankees, one of the wealthiest teams in Major League Baseball, are counting on Kiner-Falefa to be the answer at short until either Oswald Peraza or the prized Anthony Volpe are ready for their Major League debut. The Texas Rangers thought so highly of Kiner-Falefa, they signed Corey Seager to a ten-year, $325 million contract to play shortstop and Marcus Semien, a noted shortstop, to a seven-year, $175 million deal to play second base. Kiner-Falefa, an oft-mentioned name for the Yankees offseason rumor mill, seemed like he would stay in Texas to play third base when their top third base prospect and potential starter Josh Jung had surgery in February to repair the torn labrum in his left shoulder. Jung is expected to miss six months. Yet, it did not keep Texas from shipping Kiner-Falefa to the Twins for catcher Mitch Garver when they had the chance. After acquiring Kiner-Falefa last Saturday, the Twins received a financial gift from the Yankees who took the entirety of Donaldson’s and gladly handed them Kiner-Falefa as part of the deal less than 24 hours later.

Kiner-Falefa was easily moved within the past week by two lesser valued teams to be the starting shortstop for the most storied franchise in baseball history. I am sorry but I view Kiner-Falefa as a super utility guy at best. Betting the farm on top prospects who are still a couple years away does not seem to be a sound baseball decision, especially when you are wasting the prime years of Gerrit Cole, Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton.  If Kiner-Falefa turns out to be more, like Didi Gregorius did when he took over for Derek Jeter, I will gladly eat my words. It just seems to be heavy risk to me, especially when free agents Carlos Correa and Trevor Story were still available. Rather than pay Donaldson, I would have preferred to use the money toward shortstop and keep Gio Urshela as the starting third baseman (or DJ LeMathieu at worst).  Correa is now a Twin, and the Red Sox seem to be potentially connected to Story. 

I hope this decision does not backfire on GM Brian Cashman but unfortunately, I feel there is strong potential for it.

The Rangers grab Mitch Garver, one of the better catchers in baseball and a proven successful student of Yankees catching coordinator Tanner Swanson, and the Yankees get a young catcher with limited Major League experience with Ben Rortvedt. Despite having some serious guns, Rortvedt is better known for his defense, and presently slots into a catching platoon with Kyle Higashioka.

Ben Rortvedt

The days of loving offensive production from the catching position are over (Jorge Posada spoiled us). It is well recognized that Higgy is not a starting caliber catcher. Maybe he performs better in a platoon. I am sure Gerrit Cole will prefer the new catching tandem, but I am underwhelmed. Rortvedt is possibly an uncovered gem, but then again, it is a little bit of a pipe dream to expect more than what he is. 

In the end, I wanted the Yankees to go big at either shortstop or first base. They did neither. I like Anthony Rizzo and I am glad he is back with the Yankees. However, I had really wanted either Matt Olson or Freddie Freeman, both far superior players, but the Yankees had to get at least Rizzo with no disrespect to Luke Voit. The Atlanta Braves shocked baseball by trading for Olson, who was born in Atlanta, and signing him to a huge long-term contract. The jilted Freeman ended up going home too, returning to his Southern California roots to play for the Los Angeles Dodgers. I get Freeman’s decision to play closer to home, but Olson was a clear missed opportunity. Yes, I would have included Anthony Volpe in a trade for Olson if that is what it took. Olson is a young established Major League superstar. I will take that over prospect potential any day. I am not calling for the trade of Volpe, I am excited to see him play for the Yankees one day, but when the championship window is right now, you make decisions for today, not tomorrow. 

It was a little bittersweet to see Luke Voit leave yesterday. Clearly, the handwriting was on the wall that his days in Pinstripes were numbered. When Rizzo was re-signed, keeping Voit, the 2020 home run champion, seemed pointless. He could have played DH, but it would have been a job share with guys like Josh Donaldson and Giancarlo Stanton. I always appreciated his football mentality on a baseball field. Luke should be thankful the Yankees found a good home for him in San Diego, a team that has the potential to rise above the Dodgers in the NL West with its strong young talent base.  There was never any chance the Yankees would score Blake Snell in the Voit trade despite the wishes of many Yankee fans. San Diego needs every one of their elite arms to overcome their hated rival to the north. Many fans scoffed at the actual return; a single A pitcher who has been clocked at 102 mph (20-year-old Justin Lange). I am okay with the trade. Luke needed a change of scenery and the reason he was expendable (health questions and defensive concerns) limited his trade value. Lange was rated as the eighth best prospect in the strong Padres farm system by MLB.com.

Justin Lange

If Rizzo has a strong bounce back year, he could opt out of his contract after the season so we might be looking for a new first baseman this fall but that is not a concern for now. 

So far this off-season, Brian Cashman has seemingly made the wrong moves. I have been waiting for the huge, brilliant move to make the team better, but we have only served to help make other teams better. Meanwhile, there is a beast growing north of the border in Ontario.  The trade rumors for potential pitchers (primarily centered on A’s pitchers Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas) continue to swirl but we have yet to see any trades involving the Yankees. The Yankees, for the most part, seem content to run it back with last year’s squad who were beaten last October by the over-achieving Boston Red Sox. 

Whether it is true or not, the ‘World Series or Bust’ mentality of Yankees Ownership seems to have left the building. Build enough to make the playoffs as a Wild Card entrant and then play the roll of the dice seems to be the new mantra. If the Yankees finish third or fourth in the AL East this year, Brian Cashman should be fired. It is time for change. If Hal Steinbrenner is worried about paying his creditors and partners, maybe it is time for the Steinbrenner family to cash in their chips. I am sure there are plenty of billionaires that would love to hold the most valuable franchise in Major League Baseball and would be willing to provide a very generous retirement package for Hal and his sisters. 

I miss the old Evil Empire days. Oh well, at least Hal can pay his bills. 

As always, Go Yankees!

Coming Soon: Your New York Yankees...

Photo Credit: Getty Images

MLB Baseball is back, baby! …

Finally, the MLB Lockout has ended, and Spring Training is here.

99 days of drudgery and apathy, brought to you by Major League Baseball. It was a frustrating time for all of us. If the MLB Owners and MLB Players Association had started negotiations when the lockout began in December, we might have been able to enjoy a routine off-season. Yet, egos were at play and there is little question the MLB Owners wanted to crush the union.  At the end of the day, the collective bargaining agreement is simply a mechanism for the owners to protect themselves from themselves. Regardless of how we got here, I am glad the lockout is over, and the players are enroute to Steinbrenner Field in advance of Sunday’s reporting date.   

The longer the labor dispute dragged on, the greater potential to drive fans away. I think Major League Baseball hurt itself in more ways than they can imagine, and they will probably feel the repercussions for years to come. I am ready to jump back in to follow the Pinstripes, but the pain of the past three months will not be easily wiped away. Maybe time will help. Five years can pass like a snap of the finger so we could be headed down this path again in 2026.

Not trying to single out Daniel Burch, co-founder (along with Bryan Van Dusen) of The Greedy Pinstripes, but his tweet yesterday summed up the feeling of many fans across the nation:

 

I would be lying if I said that I did not harbor these same feelings. The fans were the least considered party in the labor dispute in the battle for our money.  I am hopeful once the games begin, the fans who left will come back. It would help if the MLB Owners showed some empathy for us, but at least some of the players care.

Luke Voit, who could soon be ex-Yankees first baseman, summed it up best when he said, “They locked us out and took a while for us to get discussions going, which I think was frustrating on our end, but we were ready to go at any point”. Voit went on to say, “The fans are everything in the game and we represent what they want. We put the priority or the product on the field, so we just want to be there for them and I just didn’t want to lose fans”. Luke understands, and players with his mindset will help bring back the forgotten fans. 

Luke Voit / Photo Credit: Cary Edmondson, USA TODAY Sports

The roller coaster of the week was a challenge. Wednesday started with optimism but it was full-scale pessimism by the end of the day which ended with more cancellation of games by the MLB Commissioner. As an outside observer, it appeared the two parties could easily drift apart, which would have brought the tremendously contentious topic of backpay for lost games into the equation. I truly felt if the negotiations had derailed Wednesday night, the labor dispute had the potential to extend into the summer. Fortunately, the two sides kept trying and were finally able to come to an agreement on Thursday. I was concerned when it was reported the eight-member MLBPA executive committee, which includes Yankees Zack Britton and Gerrit Cole and former Yank Andrew Miller, had unanimously voted no against the agreement. Fortunately, it was presented to the team player representatives and passed by majority vote. Including the unanimous player executive subcommittee dissent on the agreement, only four team player representatives voted no as the final vote was 26-12.

The clear winner is Jackie Robinson. April 15^th is Jackie Robinson Day, and his widow, Rachel, is 99 years old. Wiping out the celebratory day would have been such an injustice that could have never been repaired. Honestly, my first thought when it was announced the new CBA had been agreed to, was the protection of Jackie Robinson Day.   

Photo Credit: Harry Harris, AP

While I am glad they will play a full 162-game schedule, I seriously would have preferred the old standard of 154 games for this season rather than try to make up for the lost games with the revocation of days off and addition of double-headers. The shortened Spring Training heightens the risk for injury, and there is little doubt the Yankees will be leaning hard on Scranton/Wilkes-Barre for reinforcements this year. Adding a three-game series at the end of the season (moving Season’s end from Sunday to mid-week), while maintaining the dates for the World Series, will squeeze the expanded 12-team playoffs into a tighter window. Buckle in, players…no rest for the wicked.

The owners rightfully agreed to increase the luxury tax threshold which elevates from $210 million to $230 million for the 2022 season. It will escalate to $244 million by 2026, the final year of the new CBA. Although there was a fourth tier added for the most extreme penalties ($60 million above the initial threshold, or $290 million for 2022), there is no chance Yankees Managing General Partner Hal Steinbrenner will exceed the threshold by that much. It was clearly a shot fired across town at billionaire Mets owner Steve Cohen.  I have mixed feelings. I do not want a hard salary cap like other sports (the creative contracts in the NFL to get under the cap is insane). But I understand the need for competitive balance, which is why the changes to help discourage tanking are important. There is still a chance to reset penalties every few years, so you know that is Hal’s game plan and he is not going to play near the highest tier.  As for Cohen, how can you fault a billionaire who wants to spend to help his team? I wish we had one of those type owners. I jest of course because Hal does spend…just not with the same passion his father did.

The expansion of the playoffs to twelve teams would have allowed the dangerous Toronto Blue Jays to make the playoffs last season. The Yankees failed in a one-game matchup against the dreaded Boston Red Sox, but I think the outcome would have been the same against the Blue Jays. This screams to why GM Brian Cashman needs to build the right lineup before Opening Day.  It takes talent to beat talent.  It is more than that obviously, but the right pieces must be placed in the jigsaw puzzle to maximize the talent of the roster. I am sure some owners will take the stance of why build for a division championship when you can do less and still make the playoffs. I hope that mindset never enters Yankees ownership.

The draft lottery for the first six picks will help, but MLB needs to do more to prevent teams from tanking.

It did seem odd that the topic of an international draft became such a sticking point at the end, but I am glad they were able to kick the can down the road by a few months. The two sides will continue to talk about the international amateur system and direct draft-pick compensation (referred to as the qualifying offer). If the players want the elimination of the qualifying offer which can discourage teams from paying certain high-ranked free agents due to the draft-pick compensation, they will need to agree to an international draft by July 25^th. If not, the qualifying offer remains in place. The Yankees have benefited from no international draft the last couple of years when they spent most of their international pool allotments to sign the highest rated international prospects (Jasson Dominguez and Roderick Arias).  Yet, the international system is fraught with corruption and abuse, and an international draft would help level the playing field. I know the Yankees have benefited in the international market, but I think their ever evolving and improving scouting system will help uncover the gems despite the implementation of a draft.

I expected more of a free agent frenzy on Friday, so it was a bit underwhelming when the first Major League free agent signing was former Tigers reliever Drew VerHagen by the St Louis Cardinals. It was a bit of a gut punch when I saw the San Francisco Giants had signed LHP Carlos Rodon. I had thought he would have been a sneaky good pickup by the Yankees, but I cannot fault the Yankees for not making the two-year, $44 million investment in Rodon.  I suspect Cashman is closely monitoring the pitching market and will swing a trade to bring at least one additional starter into camp. The happiest free agent signing yesterday was when I saw that the Chicago Cubs had signed the most frequently mentioned Yankees “stopgap” shortstop target Andrelton Simmons. Off the market! Nice. I did not want any part of Simmons and would gladly accept a young Oswald Peraza over him. I do not think the Yankees will go into the season with Peraza or Anthony Volpe as the starting shortstop, so it remains to be seen what the Yankees do. 

I try not to think about the potential of adding free agent shortstop Carlos Correa, but the stars do seem aligned for him to sign with the Yankees. The Cubs were the only other team frequently mentioned with Correa and their addition of Simmons seemingly removes them from the equation. New YES Network analyst and former Yankee Cameron Maybin recently said, “If anyone could handle the extra weight the pinstripes carry its @TeamCJCorrea”. Maybin added, “He is really built for the biggest stage and what bigger stage than the boogie down baby!” There is much to be said about the ability to play in New York. It is not for everybody, and New York loves its stars. I know the baggage that comes with Correa (his association with the Astros cheating scandal and his disparaging remarks about Derek Jeter’s defense), but if the Yankees choose to sign Correa, I would be down with it. He is a great player and I feel if he is on your team helping you win, his past indiscretions can be forgiven if he shows remorse. 

Carlos Correa / Photo Credit: Chris Unger, Zuffa LLC

As much as I would love to see Freddie Freeman as a Yankee, it seems like the Los Angeles Dodgers are winning the race to sign the star first baseman. There really has not been any chatter that I have seen to connect the Yankees to Freeman. I probably still prefer Oakland A’s first baseman Matt Olson even if the cost is much greater than simply money. Olson is younger, and he fits the Yankees lineup as well as Freeman would.  But if the Yankees were to make an investment in either Correa or Trevor Story at shortstop, I would be totally down with resigning Anthony Rizzo for first base. Everybody keeps wanting to pencil in DJ LeMahieu at first base and that is such a waste of his talent.  He is a better play at second or third.  If Gleyber Torres struggles again this year, make LeMahieu the starting second baseman until Anthony Volpe is ready. I would play LeMahieu at third base for now and include Gio Urshela in a trade to help improve other areas of the team.

Lastly, I am grateful to hear Miguel Andujar was not seriously injured when he was beaten and robbed of a $7,000 gold chain at his home in the Dominican Republic on Wednesday. There were apparently three shots fired but Andujar was not hit.  He is scheduled to arrive in Tampa this weekend, so I hope he is 100% despite the ordeal. Very scaring news and it certainly could have been much worse. We look forward to your safe arrival in Tampa, Miggy!

Miguel Andujar / Photo Credit: Corey Sipkin, The New York Post

As always, Go Yankees!

Lucky 13...

 

Photo Credit: Jeff Chiu, AP

Yankees continue to roll since the corn field debacle…

The title of the post is, admittedly, misleading. The Yankees aren’t just lucky…they are damn good! Last night’s win gave the team thirteen consecutive victories, the best run since September 1-12, 1961. The 1961 Yankees, powered by Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris, won 109 games, and of course won the World Series. The 2021 Yankees won’t reach 100 wins, but the World Series certainly remains on the table. After the uneven play earlier in the season and the COVID-19 attack on multiple players, I am very proud of the team’s accomplishments since the trading deadline. The balance provided by Joey Gallo and Anthony Rizzo have been great, but this has been a team effort. I love the ‘refuse to lose’ mentality.

Unfortunately, the Yankees have been unable to make up much ground on the Tampa Bay Rays. The Rays, winners of five in a row, are in Baltimore so they’ll win a couple more games before any potential losses. The O’s have not been able to figure out the Rays, falling short in 16 out 17 games this season. Trailing the Rays by four games in the AL East, the Yankees currently hold the top Wild Card slot, three games up on the second Wild Card, occupied by the Boston Red Sox. The Oakland A’s, once the top Wild Card team, continue their fall and are 3.5 games behind Boston. I hold up hope the Yankees can catch the Rays. They end the regular season with three games at Yankee Stadium against Tampa on October 1^st through 3^rd. The Rays and Red Sox will play 7 games against each other in the next two weeks.

After the 1961 team’s 13-gamer, they went 9-8 to finish the season. Obviously, it didn’t prevent the team from reaching its goal, but I am hoping for better regular season results for the 2021 team once the streak ends.  Finishing with 95-96 wins, given the team’s earlier struggles, would be huge. 

Now, the Yankees are tied with the Houston Astros for the second-best record in the American League at 76-52, one game ahead the AL Central-leading Chicago White Sox.  No one could have predicted this in early July.

Congratulations to Gerrit Cole for becoming the fastest Yankee to reach 200 strikeouts in a season. He reached the milestone in 148 innings, breaking Michael Pineda’s previous team record accomplished in 168 1/3 innings (2016).  I like Cole’s response after the game, “It’s not a goal. It’s just my job.” Yeah, Gerrit, just keep doing your job. Life is good. 

Photo Credit: Jeff Chiu, AP

For as much heat as he takes from the Yankee fan base, it’s great to see Giancarlo Stanton on his best run since his 2017 MVP campaign with the Miami Marlins. He has homered in four consecutive games and has been valuable for the current 13-game winning streak. I’ve enjoyed seeing him play in the field again even if I had some initial skepticism. The Yankees are better when they can get Luke Voit’s bat into the lineup as the designated hitter. I remember the 2017 season when it did seem like Stanton was homering every day. It’s nice to see him wearing a better uniform doing it today. 

Photo Credit: Jeff Chiu, AP

I am cautiously optimistic for Monday’s return of Corey Kluber. I am hopeful that he stays healthy and does not suffer any setbacks. It will take him a few starts to raise his level of effectiveness so I am sure Andrew Heaney will have to pick up Kluber a few times before we see any potential Klubot dominance.  Maybe Kluber picks up where he left off, but I suspect there will be some rust to shake. He has potentially five starts to get ready for the October fun. Kluber has shown us he is not done, and hopefully the best is yet to come. Let’s get that man a World Series ring!

Photo Credit: Ken Blaze, USA TODAY Sports

It was good news to hear that Luis Severino has resumed pitching after getting a second medical opinion from noted orthopedic surgeon Neal ElAttrache. I always worry whenever a pitcher visits Dr. ElAttrache but thankfully the trip was positive and productive. It doesn’t seem like there is enough time for Sevy to get ready, but he only needs to ramp up for a bullpen role. After nearly two years away, he is not going to be starting games any time soon but could be a valuable weapon out of the pen if he is able to make it back. I am hopeful we’ll see him in October in some capacity beyond being a bench observer. 

Nice Major League debut for former Yankees prospect Glen Otto. Sent to Texas in the Joey Gallo trade, Otto made his debut in the Show by pitching five shutout innings, allowing only two hits while striking out seven. The Rangers didn’t back up his performance as the Houston Astros prevailed, 5-4, but it was through no fault of Otto.  It’s always a little bittersweet to see former Yankee prospects excel elsewhere, but I certainly want Otto to do well (unless he is pitching against the Yankees, of course). 

Today is Nasty Nestor Day as the Yankees go for Win number fourteen. Sweet Lou Piniella. 

As always, Go Yankees!

Injuries are Un-a-Voit-able…

Injured List claims Luke Voit, opens door for Bruce…

Hopefully, it is a not a case of “here we go again”, but the first major injury of the year occurred when the Yankees announced several days ago that Luke Voit would undergo surgery for a meniscus tear in his left knee. He had been dealing with swelling in the knee after games and decided it was better to take care of the issue now, rather than later in the season. With no baseball activity for the next three weeks, he is expected to be out until May…possibly into June, depending upon how his rehab goes. 

The beneficiary of the Voit news is obviously Jay Bruce who had exercised his opt-out on Thursday and was within the 48-hour window for the team to decide their plans for the veteran outfielder/converted first baseman. If Voit had been healthy, I fully expected Bruce to be handed his walking papers. There was no way the team was going to trade Mike Tauchman (versatility plays, versatility pays). If Tauchman had stunk it up this spring, I would have been all in favor of his trade, but he showed enough flashes of his 2019 version. If he can prove 2020 was the fluke and not 2019, he will play a very vital role for the Yankees this season even if first base is not one of his positions. Maybe he should pick up Luke’s glove. Just kidding…maybe. Meanwhile, Bruce is the one trying to prove he can get better as a first baseman with regular playing time, at least for the foreseeable future. Let us hope Bruce’s defense does not make us miss Voit’s glove, who is not exactly in Don Mattingly’s realm as a superior defender.

Photo Credit: Charles Wenzelberg, New York Post

It is anybody’s guess what happens when Voit returns. Given his linebacker’s mentality, I’d bet the under for his return. If Bruce is playing well, it will be extremely difficult to cut him. I guess that is a question the Yankees will have to address when the time comes. Other injuries will certainly determine present and immediate needs. 

To make room for Bruce on the 40-man roster, the Yankees moved Clarke Schmidt (right elbow strain) to the 60-day injured list.

The loser of the Voit news is Mike Ford. As a choice for Luke’s replacement, he will instead start the season with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. Granted, he will be the first option for help if Bruce has any difficulty at first or gets hurt.  Ford cannot just sit back and wait for the phone call. He has Chris Gittens breathing down his neck. Not that I ever try to read too much into spring stats, but Gittens certainly represents a first base option for the future based on the past few weeks. He played more games this spring than Ford even if he did not get as many overall at-bats. He hit three homers and drove in 7 runs in 20 games while Ford had one home run and 3 RBIs in 11 games. Gittens delivered 6 hits in 19 ABs, while Ford had only one more hit despite 8 more at-bats. At 27, Gittens is a year younger and four inches taller. Not that either factor is meant to imply Ford cannot do the job or that Gittens is better, but Chris has shown flashes he may be ready to help.

I had really wanted Derek Dietrich to make the team, but he has not played well enough to justify it. After his opt-out Thursday, the Yankees gave him his release. I certainly have no issue with the Yankees’ decision. I am only disappointed Dietrich did not show or do more. I suppose there is a chance he could sign a new minor league deal with the Yankees to be a phone call away, but I think it is more likely he will try to catch on elsewhere. 

Lucas Luetge, 34, has certainly proved dreams come true. With improved spin rates, he appears to be a lock for the Yankees bullpen during the absence of the injured Zack Britton. In 10 1/3 innings, Luetge has given up only two runs and two walks while striking out 18.  The strikeouts lead the relievers and are second most on the team behind Gerrit Cole. I have my doubts Luetge will be able to sustain his spring training performance over the course of a long season but for now, he will get to experience life in Pinstripes on Opening Day at Yankee Stadium. That is something no one can ever take from him. 

The clear loser is Tyler Lyons. While Lyons has struck out 13 batters in 7 1/3 innings, he has also given up six runs. Not that the Yankees need to replace a lefty with a lefty, but Lyons goes down as a camp disappointment and lost opportunity as a result.

Of the right-handed relievers, I thought Kyle Barraclough had some potential to open eyes, but he appears to be just bullpen depth to be stashed away in Eastern Pennsylvania. Maybe that is all he ever was. I just try to be a little more optimistic than I should at times. 

I am glad to hear Justin Wilson is making his first steps to return. Despite an unimpressive spring, he will be counted on as a high leverage reliever this season and we need him to round into form. 

I was a little bummed when the Boston Red Sox grabbed Yankees pitching prospect Garrett Whitlock in last December’s Rule 5 Draft and probably a little more disappointed that he has been a camp surprise who has ensured a place on Boston’s Opening Day roster. I guess it is good for him given he probably would not have achieved similar success with the Yankees. At least not right now.  The likelihood the Red Sox will be a division bottom feeder this year probably means Whitlock will be able to stay on the roster for the duration of the season. Perhaps it is just a testament to the strength of arms the Yankees have in their system. It is simply not possible to keep all of them. I would never begrudge Whitlock opportunity to play in the Major Leagues. This is what he has played for, even if he is now wearing the wrong uniform.

Speaking of the Red Sox, the COVID-19 diagnosis for Matt Barnes probably means Boston will open the season with Adam Ottavino as their closer. Look, I loved Otto as a Yankee, but I am glad he is not my team’s closer. When he is on, he is unhittable. But when he is off, balls are going everywhere except into the catcher’s mitt. Good luck with that, Alex Cora. 

Last off-season, I wanted the Yankees to re-sign Masahiro Tanaka. Instead, the team made the decision to use Masa’s money to sign Corey Kluber and trade for Jameson Taillon. It seemed a bit risky given the recent health history for the latter two pitchers. Yet, the healthy pitchers this spring have been Kluber and Taillon. As for Masa, a calf injury will sideline him and delay his return debut for the Rakuten Golden Eagles. For Masa’s sake, I am glad it is just a calf injury and nothing to do with his arm or shoulder. Hopefully, he will be back soon and ready to show Rakuten fans what they have missed while he was away in New York.

It is always tough when former Yankee greats pass. The latest is 96-year-old Dr Bobby Brown. At 96 years, he had a good run. I primarily remember him as the President of the American League, but he did have a successful post-playing career as a cardiologist in Texas. I would say it was a life well served. As a third baseman, Brown won four World Series titles with the Yankees and was the last surviving member of the 1947, 1949 and 1950 World Series champions. Brown was noted for his post-season success. In 17 World Series games and 46 plate appearances, he hit .439/.500/.707/1.207, with five doubles and three triples. I like the story of when he told his wife during their courtship prior to marriage and before he had met her parents. “Tell your father I’m a third baseman for the Yankees. Tell your mother I’m in medical school.” Dr. Brown, thank you for your accomplishments, for your memories, and for your service. You will be missed but never forgotten. Rest peacefully.

As always, Go Yankees!

The Sound of Baseball in Tampa...

  

…is being drowned out by NFL Football…

Lots of activity near Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida, this evening but unfortunately, it is of the football variety. Oh well, soon, Steinbrenner Field will be humming with the return of all players, new and old. Many of the team’s players are already in Tampa and it will be exciting when we can see player interviews as they arrive for Spring Training 2021. 

Photo Credit: Kim Klement, USA TODAY Sports

It was a pipe dream the Yankees would sign Trevor Bauer, I know, but there was a part of me that wanted Hal Steinbrenner to bust the budget to ensure a formidable rotation from top to bottom. Alas, he let President of Baseball Operations for the Los Angeles Dodger, Andrew Friedman, spend the money of Mark Warner, Chairman & CEO, and his partners, for their title defense. Given how active the San Diego Padres have been this off-season, it was time for the Dodgers to do something. They’ve lost a few of their contributors over the past few years. Joc Pederson signed a free agent contract with the Chicago Cubs, and Enrique “Kiké” Hernandez now calls the AL East home after inking a deal with the Boston Red Sox. 

With the Yankees obviously trying to stay under the $210 million Competitive Balance Tax threshold, the Dodgers blasted through it. Their payroll is nearly $240 million, and they still need to decide whether they want to spend more to bring back free agent third baseman Justin Turner. Granted, if the Dodgers win the World Series again, I doubt there’s anyone in the organization that would say it wasn’t worth it so it’s hard to criticize them until/unless they fall short of their goal. 

I guess it boils down to whether the Yankees needed to spend more to compete with the Dodgers or the Padres or in-division against the Toronto Blue Jays, the clear up-and comer to replace the Tampa Bay Rays as the Yankees’ chief rival this year. Honestly, as structured, the Yankees stand as much of a chance to win in October as any other team. The Chicago White Sox are vastly improved, with a young core talent base, yet no team has a distinct advantage in the American League this season. Baseball is not always about the best but rather who is playing the best at the end. The Dodgers can pay Bauer $105 million over three years, but it doesn’t really guarantee they’ll be successful. The Yankees, led by Gerrit Cole, will have a top rotation if Corey Kluber can turn the calendar back a couple of years and if Jameson Taillon, with a fire lit under his butt thanks to the trade to a contender, can deliver healthy, productive innings. But setting them aside, Jordan Montgomery is a good option to have at the back end of a rotation, and I do believe we’ll see a breakout of one of the younger pitchers (the most probable, of course, being Clarke Schmidt). But if not Schmidt, I think another will take the opportunity. If we get into the season and Jhoulys Chacin is starting games, then we’ll know it all went horribly wrong. Until then, I will maintain the usual pre-season optimism the Yankees are entering a championship year. If not now, when? They have the team to do it this year.

I still expect the Yankees to announce a deal to bring back outfielder Brett Gardner for at least one more year. I am not really in favor of it, as I’ve said before. I would prefer to keep the money open for other potential in-season deals. As great a Yankee and leader as Gardy has been, they do not need him. Clint Frazier will be the leftfielder and Mike Tauchman is still hanging around as the fourth outfielder.  Not that I am Tauchman’s biggest fan, but it’s time for the Gardy party to end. It’s a bummer Estevan Florial has developed like we once thought he would. This would be his time if he had continued on his path of potential. At this point, he’s starting to seem like the latest Mason Williams even if some still think of him as an up and comer. Last year seems like a lost year in Florial’s development and I can’t say I am optimistic about his chances. Place that one under the category of “I hope I’m wrong”. I’d love to see Florial flourish at the Major League level.

Given the Yankees have yet to announce reliever Darren O’Day, it does seem GM Brian Cashman is working on something to clear some roster space. It doesn’t mean I am expecting something big. Yet, it seems like it would have been too easy to just cut outfielder Greg Allen or reliever Ben Heller so something else must be in play. Or Cashman’s trying and not succeeding in making the moves he has in mind with Allen or Heller ending up on the chopping room floor anyway. 

With the recent flurry of free agent signings as we get closer to Spring Training, I am surprised the Yankees haven’t been more active. The $210 million must be a “hard salary cap” in their eyes. Reset the penalties and then go after it again next year. I only hope we do not miss out during this championship window as a result. I guess this is where I wish the Yankees weren’t saddled with Giancarlo Stanton’s contract. Regardless of who it is, there always seems to be one player contract on the team that is an albatross. Alex Rodriguez’s final years…Jacoby Ellsbury. Stanton is the latest but someone else will take his place one day (just don’t let it be you, Gerrit!).  I don’t usually like salary dumps because you have to include quality prospects to entice other teams, but Stanton is emerging as a strong candidate, in my mind, if the Yankees could only find a taker. Unfortunately, I think they’re stuck with that one.

I like Luke Voit, I really do, but if the Yankees could trade him and acquire Colorado Rockies shortstop Trevor Story, sign me up. I’ve never been a big proponent of moving DJ LeMahieu to first base (losing his valuable glove at second base as a result), but, IMO, Gleyber Torres is a better second baseman than he is a shortstop. He has time to fix it, but Story would, pardon the pun, build upon the Yankees’ status of the most storied franchise. I’ve long admired Story and now that Francisco Lindor is no longer an option, he is probably my favorite trade target at the moment…even if he doesn’t bat lefthanded. 

I’d love to have another stopper in the bullpen but hopefully one of the young guys can bust through. I am holding out hope it is Nick Nelson who proves he can be a difference maker. It feels like the Yankees will sign another reliever before training camp, but I am keeping expectations low. For all intents and purposes, the pitchers, catchers and position players showing up in Tampa are those on the roster or in camp on minor league deals with training camp invitations. No “OMG, he’s a Yankee??!!!” moments coming up soon. I guess this is to be continued in July.

I am glad we’ll have a full 162-game schedule. I had prepared myself for a shortened schedule and delayed start to the season, but I am happy we can soon watch some baseball. I am hopeful the health and safety protocols will be sufficient to ensure uninterrupted play this season. Watching the Super Bowl with a packed stadium is kind of scary but I look forward to packed baseball stadiums in the not-so-distant future. Once it is healthy and safe to do so, of course. I would hate to go through another entire season with cardboard cut-outs in the stands. I miss the real sound and energy of a crowd and the ability to attend a game in person. I am nearing a year living within walking distance of a Major League baseball stadium and I’ve not been to a game. That is so wrong and not what I expected when I moved to the area.

As always, Go Yankees!