Happy Turkey Day, Yankee Fans...

  

Happy Thanksgiving to the Yankees and their fans everywhere…

Wishing you and your families a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday weekend!

Another quiet week in the Yankees Universe aside from the trade of speedy Tyler Wade to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and the releases of Clint Frazier and Rougned Odor. One week to a potential lockout in MLB baseball, and all’s quiet…too quiet…on the Bronx front.

It is kind of funny that there are no true shortstops on the Yankees roster with Major League experience (sorry Gio, you are a third baseman). Everybody expects the Yankees to solve the shortstop vacancy one way or another (of course), but for now, it is a need. The Angels, meanwhile, have collected both Wade and Andrew Velazquez. For Wade, it is a homecoming for the Southern California native who grew up in Murrieta, California, which is close to Orange County. Murrieta is next to Temecula, which has some great wineries. No more cross-country commutes for Wade to attend Spring Training.

Photo Credit: Rob Carr, Getty Images

The loss of Wade was the direct cost for signing lefty reliever Joely Rodriguez so quickly after he was released earlier in the month. I think the Yankees should have either waited to sign Rodriguez or simply went after someone else with comparable skills after the deadline to set the 40-man rosters to keep an open spot for Wade. I get Wade was out of options and as the last man on the bench, the Yankees like the flexibility of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Shuttle. Oh well, I wish him the best in Anaheim. I am sure it is exciting for him to play in front of family and friends, and have Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani, Anthony Rendon and Noah Syndergaard as his teammates. I hear his manager, Joe Maddon, likes versatile players. I am hopeful and optimistic that Oswaldo Cabrera is ready to become the next Tyler Wade on the Yankees roster.

For Clint Frazier, I wish him a full return to good health and the ability to resume his Major League career. It did not work out in New York, but he has the power to rewrite the story elsewhere. This time last year I had genuinely thought Frazier’s time in the Bronx had finally arrived. It turned out to be the road to the end. It will always be disappointing that he was unable to fulfill his early promise in Yankee pinstripes. Even though I am hopeful he can achieve his MLB dreams, it was clear a change of scenery is needed.

As for Rougie, this makes it twice that Joey Gallo has lost his friend as a teammate through release. First, when the Texas Rangers cut Odor and now. I enjoyed Odor’s home runs and the energy he brought to the team but overall, he is just not a good player. But you must believe someone will take a shot on him since the Texas Rangers are paying the majority of his 2022 salary. I would drop to see Rougie drop the need for power and focus on the finer art of hitting.

With teams continuing to appoint new coaches, I wonder when the Yankees will announce the additions to Aaron Boone’s coaching staff. I keep seeing other teams name new hitting coaches, yet it is still a vacancy for us. If the Yankees have offers out, what is taking so long? I know the unsettled managerial vacancy in Queens might be part of the delay as potential candidates (like Eric Chavez) may be under consideration. So much to do, yet so little time with the looming lockout.

Speaking of the Mets, Steve Cohen’s overreaction to the last-minute overnight decision of former Mets starter Steven Matz to sign with the St Louis Cardinals was priceless. Is this what it was like for Mets fans to watch the irrational antics of late Yankees owner George Steinbrenner? Matz owed the Mets nothing, and as a free agent, Matz had to make the decision he felt with in his best interests. Handshake agreements mean nothing. David Wells can attest to that. Nothing is official until the ink has dried on the contract. I have no issue with Matz deciding not to give his former club a chance to match the offer. I will not miss Matz in Toronto and I am glad he is back in the National League. The Yankees could further weaken Toronto’s starting rotation by signing Robbie Ray. Just sayin’…

Marcus Stroman seems like the perfect anti-hero to end up in Boston. I do not dispute his talent, but I have lost respect for the man personally. I would welcome his return to the AL East as a Yankees adversary. To be the best, you must beat the best, so Stroman does not scare me. Maybe the Angels will sign Stroman. They seem to be using the Mets pipeline to rebuild their pitching staff with the additions of Thor and reliver Aaron Loup.

Daniel Burch of The Greedy Pinstripes had this post yesterday about free agent starter Jon Gray. I have long admired Gray and I would like to see Matt Blake and the Yankees pitching instructors work with Gray at sea level. The 30-year-old Oklahoman was a Yankees draft pick in 2011 (10^th round) but he did not sign, opting to attend the University of Oklahoma. Daniel is right, if the Yankees could get Gray on a four-year deal with the $11 million average annual value, they should do it.

Tuesday, November 30^th, looms as a big day for MLB. The non-tender deadline was moved from December 2^nd due to the impending lockout. I fully expect the Yankees to tender a new contract to Gary Sanchez regardless of how many fans are finished with him. There are no great catching options available, and Kyle Higashioka is a backup at best. Even if the Yankees have identified a strong potential alternative, Gary has trade value, which is greatly enhanced if the National League, as expected, adopts the designated hitter rule. I would be incredibly surprised if the Yankees non-tendered him, making him a free agent. It would simply be a bad business decision.

There could be a flurry of activity next week…then silence if a lockout happens. I am hopeful the Yankees can fill at least a need or two before any potential shutdown. Who knows how long a lockout may last? For as exciting as it was to see fans return to baseball stadiums this year, the labor dispute is such a downer for the sport. I wish the two sides were more proactive in settling their differences rather than forcing a lockout to provide the necessary pressure. Greed reigns supreme for all concerned.

As always, Go Yankees!

The Boston Red Sox are Losers...

 

Photo Credit: David J Phillip, AP

Win or go home, Boston chooses the latter…

The Boston Red Sox are home for the holidays, and it is a fantastic feeling. Sure, it is a little difficult to watch the Houston Astros celebrate another return to the World Series, but for one series, they were the lesser of two evils. My only hope now is the National League (either the Los Angeles Dodgers or Atlanta Braves…most likely the latter) crush the ‘Stros in the Fall Classic.

It would have been more difficult to watch the Red Sox advance to the World Series. It is bad enough they have won more World Series this century than the Yankees. On paper, the Yankees were a much better team this season. But sadly, the game is not played on paper and the Red Sox, as disgusting as it is to say, were better than the Yankees in 2021. It is funny that Red Sox fans were chanting ‘Yankees Suck’ during the ALCS. They could not have even celebrated their place in the American League Championship Series without letting the Yankees seep into their minds.

By the time the Yankees announced Manager Aaron Boone had signed a new contract this week to return for three more years, I had reconciled myself to the fact he was coming back. I cannot really say that I like the move but it had become ‘expected’ to me. He seems like he would be a great guy to have a beer with and discuss the intricate details of the game of baseball, but, after four seasons, he has not proven to be an elite manager. If anything, he has regressed. His decisions cost the team multiple games this year, a season when one more victory would have secured home field advantage for the ill-fated Wild Card game or more success against the Baltimore Orioles could have yielded the division crown. I get why the Yankees Universe is upset about Boone, however, there is nothing we can do about it. It is not like Hal Steinbrenner is going to yield to the pressure and force Boone to resign. He is here and we need to make the most of it. He is the manager of our favorite team and as such, he needs our support. If you cannot support Boone, go join the Mets fan base. I hear there are plenty of vacancies to fill.

Photo Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran, North Jersey.com

I remain convinced the Yankees need an extraordinarily strong bench coach, and someone who can challenge Boone’s ideas. He does not need buddies on the coaching staff…he needs guys who can make the team better with singular and collaborative focus. I have seen a few comments that current bench coach Carlos Mendez and Boone are too much alike. That is exactly what the Yankees do NOT need. For awhile after the regular season, I thought Buck Showalter was the frontrunner for the vacant San Diego Padres managerial position, but it no longer is the case. Buck would be an ideal bench coach for the Yankees. He has the right experience, confidence and temperament to be a tremendous sounding board for Boone. Not sure he would take that type of role, but he would be an excellent fit, in my opinion. A good inexperienced option would be someone like former Yankees catcher Jorge Posada. His fire and determination would be a nice counter-balance for the more laid back and jovial Boone. No question Boone needs someone who will challenge his decisions. He may be the final word for in-game strategies but it is critical that he knows and understands the 360˚ view for any choice. Boone’s knowledge of baseball is advanced, having grown up in a baseball family, but there’s room for improvement with his managerial skills.

I am hopeful the Yankees make the right choices for Boone’s catching staff. They have done an excellent job with the pitching instructors they have brought into the organization over the last couple of years, including current pitching coach Matt Blake. They have reinvented hitting education in the minor league system with Dillon Lawson and others. Eric Cressey, on the health and conditioning side of the house, seems to be making a difference. Despite the team injuries this year, Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton remained healthy at the same time for the first time in forever. The hope is for the continued innovative hires for the Major League coaching staff to join the holdovers.

If the right coaches are hired and Boone can show maximization of the talent on his roster, he can regain the support of the fan base. Just win, baby. That is the key ingredient. While Boone has many detractors, I do not feel the fan base dislikes the man. They simply doubt his ability to lead and bring the Yankees back to their rightful place in the game’s most important final series of the year. If he wins, all can be forgiven.

Did I mention the Red Sox are losers and headed home to Fenway Park to clear out their lockers? It was poetic justice that former Yankee Adam Ottavino was on the mound when the Astros broke open a tight game with three runs in the eighth inning during last night’s clincher. Ottavino was GM Brian Cashman’s “poison pill” to ensure the Red Sox would not be successful…wink, wink.

Photo Credit: Tony Gutierrez, AP

The Dodgers have been exceptionally good when their backs are to the wall, yet I am skeptical of their ability to overcome the 3-2 deficit in the NLCS, especially with the series’ return to Atlanta for the final game(s). Losing Justin Turner at such a critical time weakens the team despite their depth. The Dodgers have also announced Max Scherzer will be unable to make the Game 6 start due to a “dead arm”. I fully expect the Atlanta Braves to advance to the World Series to play the Astros, and it could happen as soon as tonight. For the Braves, it would be redemption for the many years they have come so close, only to falter. Even though I want the Dodgers to win, I will fully support the Braves in the World Series if they advance. A Braves championship over the Astros would be justice.

MLB Network’s Jon Heyman is predicting the Yankees will sign Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager and Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Robbie Ray. I think I have cooled on Seager for no other reason than his days at shortstop are numbered, and he will require a move to third base sooner than later. I get the concerns about his defensive skills, but he is a talented player. I guess if you believe Oswald Peraza or Anthony Volpe can be Major League elite at shortstop within the next two years, it makes sense. I am not convinced Peraza and/or Volpe will be great until they prove they can at the Major League level. This is the reason I would much prefer to remove the potential doubt, and sign the better, younger (and understandably more expensive) Carlos Correa despite his role in banging the trash cans. Correa is so talented on both sides of the ball, and he is one of those guys who can make those around him better. Ray makes total sense to me. The Yankees have long admired the pitcher, and with Jameson Taillon scheduled to be delayed next season due to off-season surgery, they could use a guy like Ray to follow staff ace Gerrit Cole. I want to see a strong return by Luis Severino; however, he carries much risk for no other reason than he has not pitched much the last few seasons. I would not want to place the pressure that he must perform for the Yankees to be successful. Remove the pressure, and let Sevy contribute whatever he can in his second year removed from Tommy John surgery. Someone like Ray could be the staff’s workhorse, along with Jordan Montgomery, behind Cole.

Photo Credit: Mark Brown, Getty Images

I hope the Yankees do not go the ‘lipstick on a pig’ route to sign Andrelton Simmons. I want one of the top three available shortstops (Correa, Seager, and Colorado’s Trevor Story) fielding questions from the YES Network’s Meredith Marakovits in Tampa next spring.  I am less concerned about pitching and trust one of the younger arms (Luis Gil, Clarke Schmidt, Luis Medina, Deivi Garcia, etc.) will be ready for a breakout. The sad tale of Garrett Whitlock (lost to the Red Sox in the Rule 5 Draft) is proof positive that tremendous talent only needs opportunity. I would gladly take Robbie Ray or even the San Francisco Giants’ Kevin Gausman but clearly shortstop, first base, center field and catching are the higher areas of need. Gary Sanchez is the strongest ‘in need of a change of scenery’ candidate on the roster, but with no in-house options currently, they need to find a solid replacement. I have long supported Sanchez despite his struggles but at this point, it does seem he will never be the player we once thought he would be. I had really hoped catching coordinator Tanner Swanson could get through to Gary and help him realize his full potential. However, not everything is possible in this world. I am ready and prepared for change.

I am anxious to get the World Series behind us so that the Yankees can start building for a better, stronger and more successful 2022 season.

As always, Go Yankees!

Grabbing the "W" for 2nd Half Opener...

Photo Credit: Frank Franklin II, AP

Always love hearing, The Yankees Win…

The Yankees won the first half but now the real Show begins. Forget the AL East standings, there’s going to be a dogfight to the end of September. Sure, I’d rather be up 6 1/2 games up on the second place team like the Yankees are but no one should count the Boston Red Sox out of this despite their current view, 9 games behind the AL East Leaders. A slump by the Yankees, a red hot streak by the Beantowners and a large lead could evaporate quickly. Bottom line, take nothing for granted and never, ever let up on the gas pedal.  

Last night’s game between the Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays was a terrific way to open the second half of the long season. A great pitching performance by Domingo German, solid bullpen work by Tommy Kahnle and Chad Green, and the bat of Edwin Encarnacion who almost walked the Parrot with his bases loaded (and clearing) double in the bottom of the fifth inning were key to the Yankees’ 4-0 victory. Credit also to Brett Gardner, who I continually write off and who keeps proving me wrong, for putting himself in position to score the game’s first run when he tripled to lead off the fifth. The Machine, aka DJ LeMahieu, brought Gardy home with a ground out before the Yanks filled the bases for EE.  

Photo Credit: Jim McIsaac

With the news about Giancarlo Stanton continuing to be negative (still rehabbing and has not yet begun baseball activities), Gardner simply continues to play at a level where the Yankees have not missed the thunderous bat of Stanton. As many have said, Gardy has played himself into consideration for another one-year deal in the off-season. I still think he should be the fourth outfielder heading into next season but conversely I am certainly fine with his desire to continually prove me wrong. We know we won’t see Stanton in July but I am starting to wonder if August is out too. If he does not return prior to September, I can’t really see him being much of a factor as he’ll need to regain his timing and the playoffs, should the Yankees get there, are not a time for patience. I hope that it plays out so that Stanton is primed and ready for October but I guess we’ll see…eventually.

Starting pitching remains the Yankees’ primary concern. I continue to read those who say the Yankees will get a huge boost when Luis Severino and Jordan Montgomery return. At this point, I think it is best to assume they will not so that anything we can get from them is icing on the cake. I am most concerned about Sevy. Obviously as the team’s ace, he means so much to the starting rotation if healthy but like Stanton, if he doesn’t return until late August or September, how much of a factor will he be? Returning from last year’s Tommy John surgery, I am not expecting anything much at all from Montgomery. I think he’ll be stronger next year but even so, he is not a front-of-the-rotation starter. I certainly wouldn’t let Monty keep me from trying to upgrade the rotation. Every one is getting excited about pitching prospect Deivi Garcia, 20, who was just promoted to Triple A. I think he’ll get a September call up perhaps (he has to be placed on the 40-man roster before this Fall’s Rule 5 Draft anyway) but it’s too soon to consider him a savior.  

The pitching trade rumors, lately, seem to be focusing on Arizona’s Robbie Ray.  He’s not an elite starter but he’s a good pitcher. He was masterful last night in beating the St Louis Cardinals, pitching 6 1/3 innings of two-hit, one-run ball. He struck out 8 Cardinals while issuing two free passes. He could help the Yankees but I think they need more. Ray, a lefty, is under team control for one more year. The 6’2” pitcher, 27, was originally a 12th round selection in the 2010 MLB Draft by the Washington Nationals. In December 2013, he was sent to the Detroit Tigers in a deal for former Major Leaguer Doug Fister. Two years later, the Tigers sent him to Arizona in the deal that brought shortstop Didi Gregorius to New York and sent former Yankees pitcher Shane Greene to Detroit. It’s kind of funny that now both Ray and Greene could be arms of interest for the Yankees this month. I think Ray’s walk rate (4.54 BB/9, 56 walks in 111 innings) concerns me the most but if the Yankees’ analytics team sees something in him that they can correct, I’d be supportive of his acquisition.

Photo Credit: Jennifer Stewart, USA TODAY Sports

Of all the other names out there, Trevor Bauer is probably the most appealing to me but the Cleveland Indians currently hold the second Wild Card slot so it’s doubtful the Indians deal away one of their best starters unless they go into a massive tailspin between now and the end of the month. I like Marcus Stroman but the health concerns and the inconsistency of past years are red flags for me. I think the New Yorker would thrive on the Main Stage but I’d describe my interest in him as cautious at best. I also do not want to see more good prospects go to Toronto. I guess the Blue Jays will get good prospects from someone for Stroman but I’d hate to see former Yankee prospects thrive in the AL East against the Yankees.

Nevertheless, despite all the names that have been mentioned, GM Brian Cashman is notorious for operating in stealth mode and he’ll most likely surprise us all with his deadline acquisition(s) this month. As they say, In Cashman We Trust.

A moment to pay tribute to late Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim starting pitcher Tyler Skaggs who died unexpectedly in Texas earlier this month. The Angels played their first home game in Anaheim, CA last night since Skaggs died. There was a makeshift memorial for the fans as they entered Angel Stadium and the presence of Skaggs was felt everywhere through images and the players’ decision for everyone to wear #45 in honor of their fallen teammate.  

Photo Credit: Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG

Mike Trout had a first-pitch two run homer in the bottom of the first inning, and went 3-for-4 in the game with 6 RBIs. Two Angels pitchers, meanwhile, combined on a no-hitter as the Angels defeated the Seattle Mariners, 13-0. The 13 runs (and 13 hits) were significant as today, July 13th, would have been Tyler’s 28th birthday. Per Angels Manager Brad Ausmus, “That was partly Skaggsy’s no-hitter”.  

Hollywood could not have scripted this any better. For me, it brought back memories of August 6, 1979 when Bobby Murcer drove in 5 late runs with a three-run homer in the seventh inning and a dramatic walk-off two-run single in the bottom of the 9th as the Yankees overcome a four-run deficit to beat the Baltimore Orioles, 5-4. The Yankees had attended the funeral of legendary catcher Thurman Munson in Canton, Ohio earlier in the day before returning to the Bronx for the game with eyes still swollen from the tears. Murcer, one of Thurman’s best friends, gave a performance that I’ll never forget in this lifetime. I am doubtful I’ll forget the play of Mike Trout and his teammates anytime soon.  

Welcome back, Luke Voit! The Yankees are activating the Yankees first baseman today from the Injured List. I am glad to get him back and hopefully he can recapture his play from earlier this season. Like Aaron Judge, I appreciate the intangibles that Voit brings to this team through his personality and infectious energy and positivity. The homers, complete with the home plate hop, are a nice bonus. Breyvic Valera (We hardly knew ye!) was optioned to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to make room for the Yankees’ #45.  

Happy 31st Birthday to The Machine! Like Tyler Skaggs, today is DJ LeMahieu's birthday. Hopefully this is the first of many birthday celebrations for DJ in the Bronx.

Lastly, welcome back to the emoji tweets from Sir Didi Gregorius! When Didi returned from the Injured List, he didn’t bring the after-game tweets with him and no explanation was given. Yet, last night, the below tweet appeared and I couldn’t have been happier.

As always, Go Yankees! 

Game Preview: New York Yankees @ Arizona Diamondbacks 5/16

The New York Yankees have traveled out west and for the first time this season the team will play in an Interleague game inside of a National League park. This time around the Yankees will travel to the desert to take on the Arizona Diamondbacks inside of Chase Field. In the first interleague matchup of the year and in a rematch of the 2001 World Series the New York Yankees will send Chad Green to the mound to face off against the Diamondbacks starter Robbie Ray.

Green will be making his MLB debut tonight in Arizona as the Yankees shake up their rotation a bit. This spot was normally that of Michael Pineda but since Luis Severino went down with an injury Green will take his spot and his turn tonight instead of Wednesday. Green has pitched well in 2016 posting a 1.22 ERA in seven Triple-A starts this season. 

Ray is coming into this start against the red-hot Yankees offense fresh off a not-so-great start last time out against the Colorado Rockies. In that start Ray had allowed five runs, three of them earned, on nine hits in 4.2 innings. In the no-decision Ray struck out nine and allowed three walks for the Diamondbacks. 

The game will be played at 8:40 pm ET inside of Chase Field and can be seen on the YES Network and MLB TV. The three pitchers the Yankees will send to the mound, and to the plate, this week are Michael Pineda, Nathan Eovaldi and Chad Green while the Diamondbacks will send Robbie Ray, Zack Greinke and Shelby Miller. Of course they would send three of their best pitchers to the mound. Of course they would. Oh well, New York has done well against top competition here lately so maybe that's just what they need for another series win.

Go Yankees!