The Waiting Game...

Aaron Judge & Juan Soto (Photo Credit: NY Daily News)

Yankees make their initial offers for the most coveted free agent…

I wish I knew how these Juan Soto negotiations would turn out. I would like to say that my gut feeling is that he will be a Yankee for the duration of his career, but unfortunately, I do not have that sense. It has not felt to me that he will be a lifetime Yank. This is clearly one of those times where I hope, I pray that I am wrong. Like everyone else, I want the Yankees to sign Soto to a long-term deal. I do not care if he will make more money than the team’s Captain. I honestly do not believe the Captain cares either so long as Soto’s Yankees career continues. Judge wants to win, and he needs players like Soto to do it.

As much as I like Juan Soto, I could never truly embrace him this season despite his heroics and knowing he shared responsibility for Aaron Judge’s MVP season. The sole reason for the restraint was the potential for a one-and-done season with Soto. It was my self-protection against seeing Soto wearing Mets gear next season or some other team’s marginal fabric.

If Soto returns, I will embrace him as part of the team’s latest and most fantastic core. Aaron Judge is a better player with Juan Soto on the team, and Soto makes others perform to higher standards. I do not care if the Yankees must pay $700 million to sign Soto. It is not my money nor our job to protect Hal Steinbrenner’s pocketbook. The Yankees routinely drive the game’s most significant profits, and it is incredible to think how much they have made for other teams. Whatever it costs to keep Soto, it is worth it. He is a young, fantastic, generational player, and the Yankees can never draft these kinds of players because they keep winning too consistently (such a horrific problem!). Soto proved in his one season how much he means to Aaron Judge and the Yankees lineup. There is no Plan B. No combination of Alex Bregman, Cody Bellinger, Nolan Arenado, Willy Adames, or Ha-Seong Kim equals Soto.

I was surprised at how quickly Blake Snell came off the board when it was announced on Tuesday night that he had signed a five-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Especially since the Yankees had been mentioned among his suitors earlier in the day. Snell would have been nice, but I am not losing any sleep about his decision to take the Dodgers’ money and run. I like the early movement in the free agent market, which hopefully jumpstarts activity this offseason. Free agency has become such a slog through long and protracted negotiations, and waiting until February to see where the dust has settled has not been fun. Good or bad, it would be nice to see the acceleration of the Soto negotiations to bring resolution no later than the upcoming Winter Meetings. Even if Plan B does not equal Plan A (signing Soto), the Yankees need the time and the available talent to effect a quality backup plan. Not too many options left if Soto waits until January to sign.

As for Plan B, there are certain positions the Yankees need to restock regardless of whether Soto returns. The team needs a new first baseman. If you believe it can be Ben Rice, good for you. I do not feel the same. I want a more specific, proven commodity for the position. The Yankees need a new second baseman with the likely departure of Gleyber Torres through free agency. If Caleb Durbin wins the second base job, having both Durbin and Rice in the infield is too much youth (if there is such a thing). I would rather see one position learning to play the game at its highest level, not multiple positions. Anthony Volpe has proven you do not just turn on the light switch. It takes time. I have liked Cody Bellinger for the last few years, so I am certainly not opposed to his acquisition if it happens.

Conversely, I have long admired Nolan Arenado, but it does not mean I want to see Nolan as the team’s new starting first baseman. Arenado was a great third baseman, but he has reached the stage of his career where his best days are behind him. Bellinger provides insurance in center field and his proven ability to play first base. He is younger than Arenado, and it simply makes more sense. Arizona’s free agent first baseman Christian Walker represents the best option. I wish we could have gotten Anthony Rizzo earlier in his career. It is the best I have felt about first base in years. But, as Brett Gardner proved, age happens to everybody, and it has crept up on Rizzo. We need better, which can be provided by Walker or Bellinger.

Cody Bellinger

Christian Walker

As for second base, I would prefer Gleyber’s return. I know much of the fanbase would like to see him walk, but I like his job after he was moved to the top of the batting order. Realistically, however, I do not expect him back. If Caleb Durbin gets the job, I hope he proves the front office right. The other option is to move Jazz Chisholm, Jr. to second base (his natural position until the Miami Marlins thought otherwise). Moving Jazz just relocates the gaping hole from second base to third base. Given his recent injury history combined with his age, I have no confidence in DJ LeMahieu’s ability to contribute consistently and regularly. I think he is past his expiration date, at least in terms of wearing the Yankee pinstripes.

Corbin Burnes would be an excellent addition to play second fiddle for Gerrit Cole, but I do not believe the Yankees will pay top dollars for a starting pitcher. If anything, they will go after a young pitcher with potential. Not sure it is the best move, but the Yankees need more out of the other starting pitchers not named Cole. I wish I had faith in the farm system providing the next great arm, but this season did not give me confidence that one of the youngsters is ready to impress on the game’s biggest stage. The Yankees have proven to be very astute about building quality bullpens. It is time to show that level of expertise with the starting rotation.

Speaking of pitching, I was surprised to see assistant pitching coach Desi Druschel run across town to the Mets. There must be more to the story. If the Yankees had wanted to retain him, they would have. Maybe he became drinking buddies with Carlos Mendoza when they coached with the Yankees. Who knows? Matt Blake should bring in a replacement that will complement his daily work. Druschel is replaceable, so his departure is acceptable. If we have Blake, I feel better about pitching.

For as much good as Jose Trevino has brought to the Yankees, I was surprised the team did not non-tender him. It seems like the time for a changing of the guard is upon us, so I thought Trevino’s time was nearing an end. Perhaps it still is. I would be surprised if Carlos Narvaez were not the designated backup for Austin Wells when Opening Day arrives. Given how many catchers the Yankees have protected on the 40-man roster, it is an area of interest. Nothing against Trevino. I appreciate his work with the team; he has been a great Yankee, but time moves on, and it creates opportunities for better, younger players.

I want to avoid seeing the return of Alex Verdugo. I appreciate his ability to make me accept him as a Yankee this season after how much I despised him in a Red Sox uniform, but that aside, I am fine with one and done. He did not perform to the level that screams he needs to be a long-term Yankee. He was better than the circus of clowns the previous year, but the Yankees can improve. The improvement may be Jasson Dominguez. Maybe it is not. Dominguez deserves the opportunity to prove he can be the left-field answer. I'm not crazy about trying to develop a Major League second baseman while doing the same in the outfield, but Dominguez deserves the chance. Let the kid play.

Despite my frustrations during his time as a closer, I am saddened that Clay Holmes will depart. Good Holmes was great. Bad Holmes was awful. He did better when the closer role was lifted from him. If it were up to me, I would probably bring him back, but I think the Yankees will move on. Maybe they will surprise us. We shall see. As stated earlier, the Yankees are good at building bullpens, and I fully expect more of the same with or without Holmes.

I always look forward to the end of Thanksgiving weekend so that the actual Major League Baseball offseason can begin. I love the Winter Meetings even if I am disappointed more years than not. It is the highlight of the offseason. Then, we will wait for the gates to open in Tampa. Of course, this year, the Yankees will be holding Spring Training in the regular season home of the Tampa Bay Rays, the new…albeit temporary…tenant of Steinbrenner Field. It will be weird next season to see the Yankees play a “road game” at Steinbrenner Field and be forced to relinquish the home team’s digs to the Rays.

Oh well, it's time to sit and wait. I want to see the banner headline on MLB Trade Rumors read: Yankees To Sign Soto. C’mon, Hal, please make it happen.

Juan Soto (Photo Credit: @juansoto_25 via Instagram)

Daniel Jones finds a new home…

Many Yankee fans are Giants fans, so I routinely see the posts about the Giants on my X feed. I routinely saw negative posts about Jones while he was still with the Giants. After his release, my Minnesota Vikings surfaced as a potential landing spot, and I don't know how I felt about it. Sam Darnold has done okay as the Vikings’ starting QB after the free-agent departure of Kirk Cousins. How can you fault a man who has led his team to a 9-2 record? But Darnold is a one-and-done player (which seems to be a common theme in this post). He is on a one-year, $10 million deal with the Vikings, and he has increased his worth with his play this season. I do not expect him to return to the Vikings next season, not with young JJ McCarthy ready to hit the field again next year after he recovers from his season-ending injury this season. Nick Mullens is an excellent backup QB, but he is not someone I want to see starting consistently if the starter goes down. Brett Rypien is not his uncle, and despite how much he may know about football, he is replaceable. So, I am willing to take a shot with Daniel Jones.

Daniel Jones (Photo Credit: Cooper Neill/Getty Images/Jeff Speer/Icon Sportswire)

Jones will join the Vikings on Friday after it was announced today that he was joining their practice squad. I see the practice squad as a temporary measure, and Jones will be part of the active roster sooner than later. It is an excellent opportunity for Jones to prove he represents good insurance for McCarthy going forward. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, a former quarterback, has proven to be a QB-friendly coach, and if he can coax better performance out of Darnold, he can do the same for Jones. Maybe Jones has limitations that can never be fixed, but he is an NFL quarterback and has value, at least as a backup QB for a young, promising player. Players like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and TJ Hockenson can make any QB look better.

I am willing to give Jones a chance. Everybody deserves a chance for redemption. It did not work out for Jones in New York, but it does not mean he is forever a failure. A different system. Different players. Different coaches, different schemes. Give it a chance. He will either succeed or fail. The upside is worth it. If it does not work out, move on. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. At this point, his Giants career is in the rearview mirror. Jones has the chance to rewrite the script. Let him.

Lastly…

I want to wish everybody a Happy Thanksgiving! We are thankful for the Yankees and Yankee fans everywhere. The Yankees Universe reigns supreme even if the trophy sits in Chavez Ravine.

As always, Go Yankees!

Opening Day Loses Some Luster...

 

Gerrit Cole (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

Gerrit Cole is sidelined with a right elbow injury…

Some sports weeks are good; some sports weeks are bad. I will place this past week in the latter category even if neither my favorite MLB nor NFL team played a meaningful game this week. “Loss” was the common denominator despite the lack of competition.

In the NFL, the start of free agency means rapid-fire signings for a couple of days. It did not take long for my beloved Minnesota Vikings to lose starting quarterback Kirk Cousins to the Atlanta Falcons.

Kirk Cousins (Photo Credit: Mike Stewart/AP)

Say what you will about Cousins. He is not an elite quarterback, but he is a good one. At the end of the day, he did not take the Vikings to the promised land, and he has that dang aging thing following him with a hurried pace (Cousins will be thirty-six this season). The Vikings did not want to go more than year to year with Cousins, while the Falcons were willing to give Cousins $180 million over four years, including a $50 million signing bonus. Let the Falcons pay him. I do not blame the Vikings for passing (no pun intended). The salt in the wound is the Vikings’ signing of former Jets, Panthers, and 49ers quarterback Sam Darnold. If the Vikings expect Darnold to play like a former third pick in the NFL Draft, they will be as disappointed as the Jets were. Maybe a better cast around him will help (Justin Jefferson is one of the best in the business at wide receiver). Maybe not. I hope the Vikings are not finished looking for veteran help at the position while they attempt to move up in this year’s draft to grab a future franchise QB.

But this is not a Vikings blog so enough about the misery of the purple and gold. The harder news to take was the loss of Yankees Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole. Granted, the loss is only time, and he is still a Yankee...and, most importantly, the time will not be as long as it could have been, but Cole will be absent for the first two months of the season. There is no question it is a huge blow to the team.

Following an MRI on Cole’s right elbow, he met with noted Tommy John surgeon and Los Angeles Dodgers team physician Dr. Neal ElAttrache. I was bracing for the worst when I heard about the visit with Dr. ElAttrache, but, fortunately, surgery is not needed (as one beat reporter put it, “for now”). Rest for 1-2 months means that, realistically, we will not see Cole for at least two months. Even if Cole recovers ahead of schedule, the Yankees move notoriously slow when it comes to player injuries especially when it happens to one of the team’s most valued assets. If Cole can make a few starts before the All-Star break, it is likely the best-case scenario. I cannot see Cole pitching before Memorial Day Weekend.

This was not the news we wanted to hear during the one-season run of Juan Soto as a Yankee. I thought Cole’s injury might spur the Yankees to acquire another starting pitcher, but it truly appears they plan to go with the hand they have been dealt. In other words, all 2024 MLB starters for the Yankees, at least on Opening Day, are presently in-house. With Dylan Cease off the board following his trade from the Chicago White Sox to the San Diego Padres, there are fewer options. There will be no late pillow contracts for Blake Snell or Jordan Montgomery. Even if they were signed, they would not be ready for Opening Day. With reports today that the Houston Astros are interested in Snell, it made me wonder if it is just agent Scott Boras trying to put more pressure on the Yankees to pay his client. It would be disappointing if the Astros do sign Snell and he becomes responsible for ending the Yankees’ season this year. Although there is some talk the Yankees may be interested in free agent RHP Michael Lorenzen, he is hardly a needle-mover. 

Michael Lorenzen (Photo Credit: Mark J Terrill/AP)

Cleveland’s Shane Bieber is probably the best option, and he will not cost the organization a top prospect like Spencer Jones or Roderick Arias. It feels like the Yankees will not do anything about the rotation until the trade deadline later this summer. It will be a long summer if Carlos Rodón continues to pitch like the second coming of Javier Vazquez in Pinstripes, or Nestor Cortes cannot pitch like he did in 2022.

I am excited to see what Clayton Beeter and Will Warren can do at the Major League Level. The downside with rookie pitchers is the inevitable bumps in the road. Very few rookie pitchers take the MLB by storm, and I cannot remember too many Yankee pitchers that did. For the most part, it takes a year or two to ease into the nuances of the game’s highest level. Patience is necessary when it comes to young pitchers. I wish the Yankees had time to be patient. Regardless, we have no choice. So, I guess we must be impatiently patient. I am hoping for the best, yet it must fall on the Front Office if the season falls apart because of starting pitching. The team’s offense should be the best we have seen in a few years. That is why most Yankee fans wanted the team to push their starting pitching staff from particularly good to elite with the addition of another arm. Now, trying to reach ‘very good’ will be a challenge. The bats have a lot of ground to make up.

I am cautiously optimistic it works out for the Yankees. There is no scenario where I would root for them to fail. I want guys to step up. To take advantage of opportunities. Every great player took another player’s job at one point in their respective careers.

Although Michael Lorenzen does not excite me, I would be in favor of his signing in the light that there will be no major moves or signings in the immediate non-greedy Pinstripes' future (pun intended). He could be a placeholder until Cole returns or if/when reinforcements arrive at the trade deadline. If he pitches well, his role could have a longer duration. He would offer some insurance in case of a total Rodón flameout. He is certainly not the same caliber of pitcher as Rodón is/was, but he can win games with Juan Soto and Aaron Judge in the lineup. If the Yankees must use a rookie pitcher, I would rather see it limited to one and not multiple rookies.

With Cole sidelined, the Opening Day gig was up for grabs. The first report surfaced that Marcus Stroman would not alter his current schedule to make the Opening Day start. Honestly, I do not care. I saw negative comments from the fan base, but realistically, none of us were part of the conversations between Stroman and team management. Stroman has the right to decide what works best for him, mentally and physically. It is not our place to decide what is best for him. I thought it was cool that Stroman was scheduled to start the Yankee Stadium opener against his former team, the Toronto Blue Jays. I hope that the schedule does not change. Whether Stroman starts the first game of the season in Houston, or the second or third is inconsequential. The Yankees need wins, and they will need a win on the day Stroman pitches, whatever day that may be.

Friday, it was announced that the Opening Day starter in Houston on March 28 will be Nestor Cortes, Jr. Admittedly, it is surprising, but Rodón certainly has not earned the right. I thought maybe Clarke Schmidt might be the best option, but I have no qualms about Nestor so long as he stays healthy.

Nestor Cortes, Jr (Photo Credit: New York Yankees/Getty Images)

Juan, I know you are a man among boys, but we will need you to step up your game. Seriously, I hope the team’s offense can carry the team until Gerrit Cole can return to help ease the load. This is why they pay Brian Cashman the big bucks, and why he should be held accountable for the results, whatever they may be.

Germán signs with the Pittsburgh Pirates

Domingo Germán has finally found his new home. Well, it is a minor-league contract with a couple of weeks to show he belongs in the Majors, but it is better than nothing at all.

Germán will head to Bradenton, Florida to work out with Aroldis Chapman and the Pittsburgh Pirates. He can make $1.25 million this season if he makes the Major League roster, and there is a club option for $2.25 million in 2025, with performance bonuses mixed in. Honestly, I think all Major League contracts should have lower base salaries, and higher performance-related bonuses, but that is beside the point.

Domingo German (Photo Credit: Noah K Murray/AP)

Good for Germán to find a new opportunity. I am glad he is no longer a Yankee, but I would certainly prefer to see him earn the right to play in the Major Leagues again than to fail. This might be his third chance, but hopefully, this one sticks for his sake. His family deserves better.

As always, Go Yankees!

The Be(a)st of the AL East...

 

Anthony Rizzo & Aaron Judge / Photo Credit: USA TODAY Sports

Yankees roll into May with the division lead…

The World always seems to be a better place when the Yankees are winning. The current seven-game winning streak has Yankees fans feeling joyful and optimistic. Of course, it will end with the next two-game losing streak, but it is quite enjoyable for now. When they are losing, there is no one that hates the Yankees worse than Yankees fans, so it is nice to see happy Bronx Bomber fans while it lasts. Shiny happy people…

In all seriousness, this team is special. Remembering the fun of the 2017 Yankees, there was a huge sense of team camaraderie with the Baby Bombers. They took us deep into October and potentially, if not for the banging of trash cans, might have won a World Series championship. Since then, there has been something missing with each subsequent team (no…I am not referring to Joe Girardi). I am not trying to sell those other teams short, but there is an intangible “it” factor that has been missing.

Aaron Judge, Anthony Rizzo & Giancarlo Stanton / Photo Credit: Instagram

The Yankees’ front office finally woke up to smell the coffee last July when they aggressively acquired Anthony Rizzo and Joey Gallo at the trading deadline. The infusion of much needed left-handed bats into a heavily righthanded lineup. I know Gallo has largely been a disappointment but the recognition that the makeup of the team needed to change was important for this year’s success. Not sure why it took Brian Cashman and company so long to figure out when fans have been clamoring for lefty bats for years. The move that began last July continued into Spring when the Yankees moved out Gary Sanchez and Luke Voit, clear additions by subtraction. Gio Urshela went too but that was more of a consequence in having to add value with Sanchez to make the move with Minnesota, bringing in Josh Donaldson, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and that muscular dude fighting the oblique injury. As much as we wanted an elite shortstop this past off-season, IKF has been a vast improvement for this year’s team. Although more was expected from Donaldson, I think he will hit as the weather continues to warm, his greater value might be the ‘edge’ he brings to the clubhouse. I think it has been a significant contributing factor to developing this year’s team chemistry and the cohesive bond that has developed.

The Dachshund Brothers / Photo Credit: Instagram

Thank you to Anthony Rizzo for all that you do. I am so grateful he is with the team. Quietly, the team MVP thus far, even if Aaron Judge is starting to dominate.

After last night’s 12-2 rain-shortened win over the Kansas City Royals, Judge discussed the team’s diversity. Speaking to reporters, he said “I think that’s what makes this team different from other years, just having that diversity in the lineup.” Again, not sure why it took Cashman so long to figure it out, but I am glad we are here. We will have our times of frustration this season, but it seems there will be more highs than lows, and not quite the roller-coaster that we rode last season.

No doubt that Nestor Cortes, Jr has played a huge role in positioning the Yankees (14-6) atop the AL East. He finally picked up his first win of the season last night but that sells short how invaluable he has been. He compensated for Gerrit Cole’s slow start and now that Cole appears to be rounding into form, it will only get better for the starting rotation…from top to bottom. I suppose it was appropriate to see Frankie Montas get pounded for a couple of home runs in Oakland’s 9-8 loss to the Cleveland Guardians last night. While I still think Montas would be a nice add, last night was a brief reminder that sometimes the best trade is the one never made. While Montas was getting hammered, Cortes, who likely would have been displaced in the rotation had the Yankees acquired Montas, battled the Royals. He gave up only two runs (one earned) despite eight hits scattered over five innings and put the Yankees in position, along with the bullpen, to let the bats do the talking with nine runs in the final two innings. Something to be said for the man who just knows how to pitch.

Nasty Nestor Cortes Jr / Credit: FOX Sports

I know it is early, but it is fun looking at stats. Here is a look at one position.

	G	PA	HR	AVG	OBP	SLG	wOBA	wRC+	WAR
1	18	65	0	.311	.338	.377	.320	113	0.6
2	18	76	1	.217	.289	.304	.274	80	0.1
3	19	84	3	.256	.298	.385	.301	100	0.5
4	16	69	0	.210	.290	.274	.264	68	-0.1

The 2022 salaries for these players, in order from 1 through 4, are: $4.7 million; $35.1 million; $33 million; and $20 million. The best production from the lowest paid player. Thank you, Isiah Kiner-Falefa. I am sorry that I ever doubted you. The others are obviously the “Big 3” from last year’s free agent market, Carlos Correa, Corey Seager, and Trevor Story, respectively. I am sure the stats will normalize as the season progresses, but for now, it is fun to look at.

Isiah Kiner-Falefa

Congratulations to Giancarlo Stanton for his 350^th home run. The slugger formerly known as Mike Stanton hit his first home run, a grand slam, on June 18, 2010, for the (then) Florida Marlins off Matt Garza of the Tampa Bay Rays.

"Mike" Stanton / Photo Credit: Doug Benc, Getty Images

The 350^th came on Wednesday against the Baltimore Orioles when Stanton went yard in the first inning off O’s starter Tyler Wells. 

Giancarlo Stanton / Photo Credit: Frank Franklin II, AP

His 351^st came quickly yesterday, another first inning dinger, this time off Royals starter Kris Bubic. It is always fun when Stanton goes on a roll. I can remember back in the 1980s when Dave Winfield would get hot and throw the entire team on his back for a winning streak. Stanton is that guy. Coincidentally, Alex Rodriguez hit 351 home runs…as a Yankee. Stanton only has 84, so he has some catching up to do.

Congratulations to Aaron Hicks and his wife, Cheyenne Woods (Tiger’s niece), for the birth of their first child. Cameron Jaxson Hicks was born on April 26^th. Weighing in at 8 pounds and 20 ½ inches, he will be on the fast track for the Major Leagues…or PGA. Aaron rejoined the team in Kansas City yesterday after spending parental leave in Arizona. Very cool for Aaron and Cheyenne!

Aaron Hicks & Cameron / Photo Credit: Instagram

Finally, the NFL Draft is always one of the best times of the year. I look forward to the NFL Draft every year, particularly the first few rounds. I know most of you are Giants or Jets fans (terrific drafts so far for both teams), I am a long-suffering fan of the Minnesota Vikings. For as many championships as my favorite baseball team has won in my lifetime, the Vikings are the polar opposite with none. While I respect the new leadership of GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Head Coach Kevin O’Connell, their first two draft day trades were suspect.

The Vikings held the 12^th pick in the first round, but when their pick rolled around, they traded it to the division rival Detroit Lions, dropping down to the 32^nd pick. The Lions selected a talented wide receiver, Alabama’s Jameson Williams. Then, with the 34^th pick they had acquired from the Lions, they traded it to the bitter division rival Green Bay Packers to give Aaron Rodgers a receiving target (Christian Watson of North Dakota State) to help make up for the loss of Davante Adams, recently traded to the Las Vegas Raiders.

I know the Vikings picked up some additional draft picks, but trading with division rivals are painful. Somehow, I suspect both Williams and Watson will be as painful to watch as seeing Garrett Whitlock thrive with the Boston Red Sox. Good thing the Vikings used their first two draft picks on defensive backs (safety Lewis Cine of Georgia and cornerback Andrew Booth, Jr of Clemson). They will need them to defend against the Lions and Packers passing attacks. Hopefully Kwesi, a brilliant mind, learns that it is better to trade outside of the division. The Vikings need to hit on those draft picks they acquired in the trades. Otherwise, these trades will haunt the team for years.

As always, Go Yankees!

Bottom of the Ninth Inning...

  

Negotiation’s approach major deadline without resolution…

Well, here we are. Monday, February 28^th, is the date an agreement must be reached for a new collective bargaining agreement or regular season games will be lost per the MLB Commissioner and resident jerk. Personally, I had hoped for resolution sooner this month and I am hopeful the labor dispute does not extend into March without any agreement. The lockout has lasted longer than it should have, and it is time for the return of America’s favorite pastime.

The MLB Owners and Players Association met every day this week for the first time since this lengthy, unproductive dispute began in early December. Although not much has happened to move the needle, there were reports of some optimism yesterday as the two sides approach common ground on one issue (draft order). There was also the first meeting since the labor dispute began between MLB Commissioner Rob (“Fire him”) Manfred and MLBPA Executive Director Tony Clark. Today and tomorrow are extremely critical days if there is hope for a full 162-game regular season schedule. I do not care what it takes, but the two sides need to work hard over the next 48-72 hours to drive home the winning run to save the regular season in walk-off fashion. “Extra innings” will not be beneficial for anyone except for those who hate baseball.

For a brief aside, I want to express my sorrow and support for the people of Ukraine. The people of Ukraine, facing difficult and challenging odds against the advancing Russian army, have shown resiliency in their protection of democracy. I would rather see the end of the killing in Ukraine over the return of Major League Baseball. I pray for their successful defense and the end of the conflict.

Back to baseball, it seems like every team has expressed interest in Matt Olson. The Oakland A’s first baseman is the favorite acquisition target for everyone. This week, the San Diego Padres, according to reports, are the latest team to express interest. Who would NOT want a 6’5” first baseman who will be 28 years old in a month (the prime of his life) and is one of the game’s most elite at his position? As much as everyone loves Freddie Freeman, Olson makes more sense given his age. Freeman will be 33 in September so any deal for him would take him into his late thirties. There is the valid argument of cost. Olson will cost significant prospect capital whereas Freeman only requires money. Despite new teams expressing interest seemingly every day for Olson, I hope Brian “The Ninja” Cashman can put together a package that brings the beautiful left-handed bat and glove to the Bronx.

Matt Olson / Photo Credit: David Zalubowski, AP

It is unrealistic at this point to expect the Yankees to sign an elite shortstop. Carlos Correa will not be calling Yankee Stadium his home, and it is unlikely Trevor Story will be reunited with his buddy DJ LeMahieu. Without an elite shortstop, the Yankees must strengthen first base. Anthony Rizzo showed what a power lefty bat with a magical glove can do at the position. Imagine what Olson could do at the position Lou Gehrig and Don Mattingly once called home. It is exciting to think about. The Yankees simply cannot slide back to life with Luke Voit at first. I like Luke, I really do, but I appreciate the value of health and the ability to defend the position. A strong lefty bat is a huge plus.

If the owners and players come to an agreement by Monday, the month of March will be a frenzy. After months of no transactions except minor league signings, the transaction wire will be overwhelmed (something like Yankees Twitter when Aaron Boone makes a boneheaded call). It will be interesting to see the players on the Yankees’ opening day roster. Shortstop, first base, center field, catcher, and starting pitching are the positions most frequently discussed by fans. Does Cashman address all these positions, only a couple of them, or worst-case scenario, none at all? We will soon find out if a new CBA can be put in place. Strap in, this should be fun.

The pro writers really seem to be pushing the idea of a Yankee infield featuring Trey Sweeney at third, Anthony Volpe at second, and Oswald Peraza at short. We are a few seasons from that idea blossoming into fruition, but I always wonder how much the team is fueling the propaganda with the press. The trio’s entry into the Major Leagues will need to be staggered. It cannot obviously happen at the same time if the team expects to maintain elevated levels of success. Any trade for Matt Olson will most likely cost one of those guys (Peraza is the most common name mentioned). I expect Cashman’s moves to be immediate (guys who can help now) with the flexibility to allow the entry of the younger prospects when ready. Trade Peraza, sign Story. I would do it, but I seriously doubt it is the Yankees’ plan. For now, I will prospect “hug” Volpe and Jasson Dominguez. Everybody else should be on the table. The time is now for a championship.

I really hope this is the last post I must write with no Major League Baseball. Bring Major League Baseball back to us. We have waited far too long, and the MLB Lockout cannot, should not and must not go on any longer. End it now!

Rob Manfred & Tony Clark / Photo Credit: The Canadian Press

With no baseball, I have focused on pro football more than I would like. I do not think I have ever followed the assembly of a new leadership group and coaching staff like I have with the Minnesota Vikings this year. With all honesty, it has been fun watch new head coach Kevin O’Connell assemble his new staff. He has experience with defensive coordinator Ed Donatell and assistant head coach Mike Pettine. He has promising up-and-comers like offensive coordinator Wes Phillips and special teams coordinator Matt Daniels. Veteran coach and former NFL player Greg Manusky apparently reached an agreement yesterday to be the team’s new linebackers coach replacing former coach Mike Zimmer’s son Adam. Manusky is a former Vikings player. He was on the team from 1991 to 1993 under the second greatest head coach in Vikings history, the late Dennis Green. #Skol Vikings!

The New York Giants received a brilliant gift with their new defensive line coach Andre Patterson. Patterson, who was Mike Zimmer’s co-defensive coordinator last season, was perhaps the most beloved Vikings coach of the prior regime. He was extremely popular with players and fans alike. He has been credited as the coach who developed Danielle Hunter from a project to one of the most feared defensive ends in the game. I wish him the best in New York. It seems to me that new Giants coach Brian Daboll has put together a coaching staff that, unlike its recent predecessors, will have long-term success for the Giants. I recognized it was time for change in Minnesota, but it did not make losing Patterson any easier. He is the coach I will miss the most.

As it turned out, only wide receivers coach Keenan McCardell survived as a holdover from Mike Zimmer’s regime in Minnesota. There is one returnee. Daronte Jones served as the Vikings’ defensive back coach in 2020. He left to serve as defensive coordinator for LSU last season, but he is back in Minneapolis in his old role for the upcoming season.

Some of the new coaches were introduced this week, and I enjoyed listening to Wes Phillips, the new Vikings offensive coordinator. Although he is only 43 years old, he has been around pro football all his life. His grandfather was legendary Houston Oilers and New Orleans Saints head coach Bum Phillips, and his father is former Denver Broncos, Buffalo Bills and Dallas Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips. 

Wes Phillips / Photo Credit: Twitter via @SKORNorth

During this week’s interview, Wes was asked if he was able to see his grandfather coach, but he was only six when Bum resigned in New Orleans in 1985 and did not remember his coaching career. It was funny listening to him describe his grandfather’s comments during football games on TV. Wes served as tight ends coach for the current Super Bowl champions, the Los Angeles Rams, and has been coaching since 2004. This is his first time as an offensive coordinator, but he is ready for the call. O’Connell will call plays for the Vikings next season, but no doubt Phillips will have his imprint on offensive philosophy and strategy (like O’Connell did for Rams head coach Sean McVay) and will help O’Connell make the best decisions for the team. I am happy for Wes. With stars like Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen, Dalvin Cook, and Irv Smith, Jr., it is only a matter of time until Wes becomes a third-generation head football coach in the NFL.

Ukraine, we stand with you.

As always, Go Yankees!

Manfred, Greed, and Arrogance...

  

MLB Owners refusal to play…

I hate baseball. Or to better clarify, I hate Major League Baseball and Commissioner Rob Manfred. My ire is directed toward the MLB Owners and not the MLB Players Association. Look, I love the game of baseball. I love life as a New York Yankees fan. I hate the greed of billionaires that is keeping the beloved professional game from us. Typically, this time of year, we are looking forward to excitement to the opening of Spring Training camps in a couple of weeks. Even though pitchers are catchers are required to report earlier, many position players show up at team facilities early to begin their season preparations. The thrill of watching the Yankees begin workouts in Tampa, Florida after a winter away. The buzz around Steinbrenner Field. This year, there is only a cloud of uncertainty.

Max Scherzer, the filthy rich yet only second-best starting pitcher for the New York Mets, a MLBPA executive subcommittee member, described the differences as “We want a system where threshold and penalties don’t function as caps, allows younger players to realize more of their market value, makes service time manipulation a thing of the past, and eliminate tanking as a winning strategy.”

I know the core economics issues go much deeper than Max’s words, however, this is a start. Why cannot the MLB Owners, in good faith, come to the bargaining table with a genuine desire to find common ground and create the new Collective Bargaining Agreement to end the Lockout? The MLB Owners request for a federal mediator was a slap in the face. It was purposely designed make the MLBPA look bad. They asked for a mediator when they have not shown a willingness to participate in meaningful and productive discussions. I keep hearing words like “contentious” any time the two sides get together. The MLBPA, rightfully and correctly, declined.

 

San Francisco Giants pitcher Alex Wood questioned MLB’s request for a mediator. He took to Twitter to ask “How can MLB request for there to be a mediator from the Federal Government to help with negotiations when they literally haven’t even done any negotiating up to this point? Asking for a friend.”  In another tweet, Wood said “It would probably take 2 weeks just for an ‘impartial’ mediator to get caught up enough to proceed. They’d then use an already broken system/CBA as a guideline toward a new deal. Makes zero sense for anybody. Players are ready to make a fair/mutually beneficial deal!”

Yankees reliever Zack Britton also chimed in, “When attempting to negotiate a collectively bargained agreement… “bargaining” is required.”

At this point, I do not feel it matters that Spring Training will be delayed. The question is how long it will be delayed. So long as Spring Training opens by the first of March, there is the sense the regular season will begin on time. So, that becomes the new deadline. But considering this is only three weeks away, the MLB Owners need to set their egos and greed aside, and work with the MLBPA to settle their differences now. With more talks expected next week, it is paramount progress must be made. So far, there has been none despite a Lockout that is over two months old.

MLB Owners, please hear our pleas. Restore Major League Baseball. Embrace the love and passion all of us hold for the game. Treat the players and fans with respect, and we will continue to line your pockets with an overabundance of cash. There is room for compromise. Return excitement to the lives of baseball fans everywhere. We want baseball now. Oh, while you are at it, please fire Rob Manfred.

While I retain hope the Yankees will sign free agent shortstop Trevor Story to a short-term deal with high AAV, count me among those probably more willing to give the shortstop job to young Oswald Peraza over some of the stopgap names that have been thrown around. A rookie shortstop, as the team is presently structured does not make sense, but if the Yankees can improve first base, center field and possibly catching, they would be better positioned to groom a new young shortstop and survive the growing pains associated therewith. As much as I want Story, it does seem as though Isiah Kiner-Falefa of the Texas Rangers is ticketed for the Bronx once the Lockout ends. If it happens, it increases my desire for Peraza to rise to the challenge and overtake Kiner-Falefa sooner than later. 

I have given up on any hope the Yankees will sign the best available shortstop, Carlos Correa. The Yankees seem more secure just trying to build a team that can potentially make the playoffs than one who can dominate/crush its opponents. I do not want Andrelton Simmons or an encore performance by an aging Didi Gregorius. Peraza may not be ready for The Show, but the Yankees can do better until Peraza or Anthony Volpe are ready to ascend to the Bronx. It does not seem that long ago when Yankees ownership was selling us the late Tony Fernandez as the team’s starting shortstop (a Spring Training injury in 1995 opened for the door for a young lad named Derek Jeter). Cut out the middlemen and go to the future. Hal Steinbrenner loves young, controllable players. If they can play, so do I. Oswald, take Spring Training by storm (if/when it opens). Your time is within your control. Make it happen.

Congratulations to the Los Angeles Rams and the Cincinnati Bengals for their conference championship victories. The NFL playoffs have been very thrilling this year. I will be pulling for the Rams. Like the Dodgers are my second favorite baseball team, the Rams, since their return from St Louis, have been my second favorite football team. I am excited for Matthew Stafford. After so many years of losing in Detroit, he finally gets to play in the NFL’s greatest game and has a chance to grab a Los Angeles championship like his Highland Park, Texas high school buddy, Clayton Kershaw, before him.

Rams Offensive Coordinator Kevin O’Connell will be the next head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, my favorite team. To a degree, I am disappointed. It is nothing against O’Connell. After the failures of two successive defensive head coaches in Minnesota (Leslie Frazier and Mike Zimmer), the job screamed for an offensively minded coach. At 65, Zimmer had grown grouchy and stagnant. O’Connell is youthful (he is only thirty-six years old) and he is recognized as a bright, offensive strategist even if he does not call plays for the Rams. He has worked with new Vikings General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah (they were together in San Francisco in 2016) and was one of Kwesi’s choices for head coach. 

However, Raheem Morris was the best qualified coach. This is not a statement of color, but rather a testament to a man that, despite his lack of success as a head coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers earlier in his career, has gained extensive knowledge and experience, with success, on both sides of the ball and is a known leader of men. I am sorry Raheem was not given stronger consideration. He was a finalist for the Vikings job and had a second interview, like Patrick Graham. But it seems, O’Connell, even with the team’s brief flirtation with Jim Harbaugh, was the choice all along for the Wilf Family. 

I hope Raheem gets the opportunity to be a head coach again. I passionately believe, like Bill Belichick and a few other coaches, he will be more successful the second time around. Time will tell if this is a huge mistake for the Vikings. I hope not, but I will always wonder what could have been.

I honor and respect Bryan Flores for the class action lawsuit he has brought against the NFL for its hiring practices. It is unfortunate the move may cost him another chance in the NFL (he deserves an immediate next opportunity after his dismissal in Miami), but he is helping to open doors for others.

As always, Go Yankees!