Thursday, August 2, 2018

Bring on The Sox’s 

The Bronx Bombers & Boston Red Sox begin a 4 game tilt on starting tonight in Boston.  
The Yankees' lineup includes the debut of Luke Voit, who was imported last week from the St. Louis Cardinals. To make room for Voit on the 25-man roster, infielder Tyler Wade was optioned back to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The Yankees have also put lefty starter J.A. Happ on the DL and called Luis Cessa from The Rail Raiders. 

Tonight’s Yankee Lineup 

1. Aaron Hicks, CF
2018 stats: .254 average, 299 AB, 54 runs, 76 hits, 14 doubles, 2 triples, 17 HR, 47 RBI, 51 BB, 73 K, 8 SB, 2 CS, .846 OPS, 86 games.


2. Giancarlo Stanton, RF
2018 stats: .277 average, 412 AB, 65 runs, 114 hits, 19 doubles, 1 triple, 24 HR, 64 RBI, 38 BB, 140 K, 4 SB, 0 CS, .847 OPS, 105 games.


3. Didi Gregorius, SS
2018 stats: .269 average, 391 AB, 65 runs, 105 hits, 20 doubles, 3 triples, 18 HR, 60 RBI, 37 BB, 56 K, 10 SB, 6 CS, .803 OPS, 101 games.


4. Gleyber Torres, 2B
2018 stats: .289 average, 242 AB, 34 runs, 70 hits, 11 doubles, 1 triple, 17 HR, 49 RBI, 20 BB, 67 K, 2 SB, 1 CS, .902 OPS, 70 games.


5. Miguel Andujar, 3B
2018 stats: .294 average, 360 AB, 49 runs, 106 hits, 30 doubles, 2 triples, 13 HR, 47 RBI, 16 BB, 67 K, 1 SB, 0 CS, .824 OPS, 95 games.

6. Greg Bird, 1B
2018 stats: .233 average, 180 AB, 17 runs, 42 hits, 10 doubles, 1 triple, 9 HR, 27 RBI, 22 BB, 54 K, 0 SB, 0 CS, .777 OPS, 53 games.


7. Luke Voit, DH
2018 stats: Cardinals, .182 average, 11 AB, 2 runs, 2 hits, 0 doubles, 0 triples, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 2 BB, 4 K, .762 OPS, 8 games.


8. Austin Romine, C
2018 stats: .267 average, 146 AB, 19 runs, 39 hits, 11 doubles, 0 triples, 6 HR, 29 RBI, 12 BB, 33 K, 0 SB, 0 CS, .789 OPS, 48 games.

9. Brett Gardner, LF
2018 stats: .249 average, 353 AB, 64 runs, 88 hits, 14 doubles, 3 triples, 9 HR, 33 RBI, 49 BB, 61 K, 10 SB, 1 CS, .725 OPS, 91 games.

Yankees Starting Pitcher: CC Sabathia: 6-4 in 104.2 IP  3.53 ERA 85Ks 31BBs. 

The Red Sox Lineup 

1. Mookie Betts (R) RF .338/.422/.648 

2. Andrew Benintendi (L) LF .296/.378/.503 

3. Steve Pearce (R) 1B .307/.378/.512

4. J.D. Martinez (R) DH .323/.391/.638 

5. Ian Kinsler (R) 2B .240/.304/.404

6. Eduardo Nunez (R) 3B .259/.288/.372

7. Blake Swihart (S) C .234/.298/.315

8. Brock Holt (L) SS .273/.357/.371 

9. Jackie Bradley Jr. (L) CF .215/.300/.363 

Brian Johnson (LP) goes for The Sox’s as Chris Sale’s replacement.  Big break there.  


Let’s Go Yanks! 


I can be reached at JamesCPalma@Yahoo.Com 



Sonny Gray Out, Lance Lynn In


I guess that will maybe wipe that smug smirk and smile off your face, huh? Enjoy the bullpen, or the bench in the bullpen, while Lance Lynn takes your turn in the rotation every fifth day, ass hat.

An Unforgettable Day in the Yankees Universe...


I’d Like to Forget Yesterday’s Game but Thurman Munson was a bigger loss…

This is always a tough day as I am sure it is for any Yankees fan who grew up with the Bronx Zoo Yankees.  It has been 39 years since the death of my favorite Yankee, a day that I can still so vividly remember. One of those ‘you know exactly where you were’ moments in life.  I’ve had many favorite ball players over the years but none have matched the intensity and passion that drove Yankees Captain and star catcher Thurman Munson. It’s not to say that guys like Jorge Posada or Don Mattingly or Derek Jeter weren’t passionate or intense, they were, but there was something about Thurman that set him apart. Looking back, the early George Steinbrenner Era was so chaotic.  It’s what I grew up with so changing managers every year was the norm. Signing the most glamorous superstars in the off-season was expected. The polarization of players like Reggie Jackson was simply daily life in the Bronx. The one constant was the strength (mentally and physically) of the team’s legendary catcher. I loved that guy and miss him to this day.

My first Yankees jersey was number 15. I wish I still had it even if it had been a child’s size. 

My biggest fear in the late ‘70’s was the eventual departure of Munson from the Yankees. I remember the days when he was talking more and more like a guy who wanted to play for the Cleveland Indians so that he could be closer to home. It was clear how much family meant to him. I selfishly wanted him to stay but in retrospect, I would have gladly taken his presence on the Indians roster for the later years of his career over his early demise.

Thurman, we are thinking of you. We miss you. Your spirit and memory continue to run strong through the fabric of Yankee Stadium even if the current one was not yet built in 1979. I remain forever grateful that you were and always will be a Yankee. You stand tall among the Yankee Legends.



How do you transition from ‘GREAT’ to, as Mike Axisa of River Ave Blues would put it, not so ‘GRAYT’? Sadly, that’s what comparing today to yesterday brings when talking about certain players (specifically excluding the tragic death of one of the most beloved Yankees). 

I am done with Sonny Gray.  He had already reached ‘Sonny Gray Sucks!’ status for me earlier this year, but I foolishly bought into the last couple of starts which were somewhat decent.  I had been hopeful that he was finally turning the corner and headed down the path of promise we once felt he was destined for.  Then he blows up against one of the worst teams in Major League Baseball. By the time Lance Lynn entered the game to calm the troops, the damage had been done.  Gleyber Torres tried to bring the team back with his two home runs but an inability of others to create opportunities when the bases were loaded was too much.  Lots of negatives in the game.  Gleyber’s fielding, the whiffs with run scoring opportunities, the third base coach going off on the team in the dugout for their lackadaisical effort, etc. It was not a good game from any aspect, but at the heart was the pathetic performance delivered by one Sonny Douglas Gray. His smile walking off the mound (regardless of his explanation) was horrific.  Ed Whitson couldn’t pitch in the Bronx, nor could Javier Vazquez. A.J. Burnett flamed out. Following in their footsteps is Gray. I firmly believe that Gray would thrive in a place like Pittsburgh or Milwaukee, but he’ll never be the man in the Bronx. He is incapable of rising to the occasion on Major League Baseball’s Main Stage.  He prefers to be a less pressurized side show in a small community theater. 

The Yankees shouldn’t give up Gray for nothing but they should try to do the humane thing and re-home him to a family that can love and support him. If he stays in the Bronx, I am in favor of euthanasia. Alright, that might be a little harsh, but he’s reached the end of the line for rotation opportunities in my mind. I know the Yankees need to try to rebuild some value before he is traded away (Brian Cashman should have flipped him at this year’s trading deadline), but the time to live or die with Sonny Gray in the starting rotation is over for this season.  I wasn’t excited about the addition of Lance Lynn, but I firmly believe that Lynn should be the starter over Gray for the duration of the season. Make Gray the rotation’s sixth man, with an occasional spot start. Even that scares me to a degree. He’s become the guy I’d want pitching with a ten-run lead but of course he’d still have me pacing the room. 

Too bad the Oakland A’s do not have a return policy for defective merchandise. I’d like my money back. Heck, I’d gladly take Dustin Fowler (demoted to Triple A yesterday by the A’s) back in exchange for Gray.  Let them keep James Kaprielian and Jorge Mateo as “profit”. 

For today’s game in Boston, we know that first baseman Luke Voit and Luis Cessa have been called up.  While outfielder Shane Robinson goes down for Voit, there hasn’t been word yet this morning about who’s spot Cessa will take. The obvious solution is the placement of J.A. Happ, currently battling Noah Syndergaard disease, on the 10-day DL retroactive to three days ago. I’d argue the demotion of Sonny Gray (according to Roster Resource, he has two options left). Losing Gray makes more sense to me than Happ who should be healthy again within a few days.

I kind of feel bad for Luke Voit.  He was a hometown St Louis kid fighting to reach his Major League Dream with his favorite childhood team, but it was extinguished when he was dealt to the Yankees, along with international bonus pool money, in the trade that sent relievers Chasen Shreve and Giovanny Gallegos to the Gateway City. Of course there are worse places to go than the Bronx and I am hopeful that the history and the tradition of the organization appeal to the Missouri kid. Maybe we can get Tino Martinez to stop by and express the advantages of playing for the Yankees over the Cardinals. Seriously, I hope Voit thrives in New York and becomes Brian Cashman’s latest gem. This is a great opportunity for him even if he is destined to return to Moosic, PA in the not-so-distant future. With no offense to Robinson, I am much happier with Voit on the Major League roster. 

This is a big series for the Yankees.  Four games against Boston in the very heart of Red Sox Nation. Mike Francesa tweeted this morning, “We are all going to learn something about this Yankee team this weekend”.  No doubt.  If they play like they did yesterday, the Red Sox will be clearing shelf space for their 2018 AL East Championship trophy. The Yankees need to make a statement and take at least three of four from the AL East leaders. They have the talent to do it. We’ll soon see if they have the heart. They certainly did not yesterday. Red Sox fans are loving life today.  If they are feeling miserable and uncomfortable on Sunday, it will have been a successful weekend. 

Thank God Sonny Gray will not be pitching.

Pinstripers, your mission should you choose to accept it…  Let’s do this. Time to make noise in the AL East.

Go Yankees! 

Fan Time Returns 

Hello there Fans today I sit down with my Friend and Men’s league Softball Teammate Matt Toglia of New Rochelle. Matt is a Left Fielder with an amazing glove, superb defense skills, a solid bat, and all around great knowledge for the game.  


Matt How are you Today ? 

Matt: Doing real well man ready for this Red Sox series!

That is awesome! Before we we get started any thing the Fans should know about you? 

Matt: I’m extremely passionate, love to travel, played ball my whole life and I live breathe, eat, sleep, and drink yankee baseball.

Jay: With that being said and the fans now knowing a little about yourself, let’s jump right into it with this weekends series. 

The Bombers play the Boston 4 games this weekend, how do you see this series going ? Specially with Chris Sale Out. 

Matt: Sale being out is big time and is a game changer. I believe the Yanks will rise to the occasion offensively and have some stellar pitching this series, hopefully Happ won’t miss his start Saturday. I got yanks taking 3/4.

Jay: I tend to agree I see the Yanks garbing 3 of the 4 if not taking all 4. 

How long have you been a Yankee Fan ?

Matt: For as long as I can remember, probably right when I came out the womb. Being a diehard Yankee fan is a lifestyle. You try and watch as many games as you can, you’re locked in during the season and you go through up’s and downs as a fan too, between the excruciating losses and the uplifting, dramatic wins. 

Jay: I’m right there with you. Myself I’ve been a fan since birth, and definitely can relate to gut wrenching loses and those huge uplifting wins. 

First Yankee memory you remember ??

Matt: hmmm.. probably just watching the 1996 world series 

Biggest Yankee memory you have?

Matt: Aaron Boone’s walk off home run. I was on the verge of falling asleep, my father was in the living room, while I was in my room watching the game. When Boone hit the home run we ran towards each other and hugged. Just a great father-son Yankee moment. 

Jay: Great moment indeed. My I was up late watching that game.  I think my dad passed out. Needless to say I woke up the whole house.  

Favorite all time Yankee and Why?

Matt: Bernie Williams is my all time favorite Yankee. I loved how he played the game with class, always hustled, came up in big spots and said all the right things in the media. He was a very likeable player, and ultimately he’s the main reason why I decided to start playing outfield in little league. I always tried to get #51 in little league for Bernie, he set a great example for fans. Sterlings home run call for Bernie was also a classic. 

Jay: Bernie Goes Boom! Burn Baby Burn!!! 

Do the Yankees win the division or Wild Card? Why? 

Matt: Truthfully I believe we win the wild card. While the Red Sox are smoking hot, I do feel like there will be some regression at some point. Even with a little slide they may go on, it will still be incredibly hard for the Yankees to make a comeback. They haven’t beat up on teams they should beat up on and that’s pretty alarming and could have cost them the division. However, still a lot of baseball left to be played and crazier things have happened so I also wouldn’t be surprised if my prediction is wrong.  

Jay: Personally I feel with a Sweep or 3/4 this weekend the Yanks will catch the Sox’s in the final series of the season. Love the dramatics!!! 

In your opinion what’s the Best trade deadline move the Yankees made ?  

Matt: I’d have to say Zach Britton. While you could make the case Happ was just as good because we did need to add a starter, adding another elite bullpen arm ( A lefty nonetheless) will only greater your chances of shortening games in the playoffs with a lead. It’s a luxury not many teams have. Other teams have very solid bullpens, The Yankees have an outstanding bullpen when all those guys are on their game. Britton could slide into pretty much any bullpen role and get outs and will be a huge factor down the stretch. 

Jay: Agreed. While Happ may be big the bullpen is now even stronger. 

How much does the Aaron Judge injury hurt us?  

Matt: Is it a devastating blow? I wouldn’t go as far to say that..but it most definitely hurts us. Arguably our most consistent player all around, and a leader in the clubhouse. Not having his presence on the field is a loss, that’s a big power bat in the number 2 spot. But hopefully once Frazier recovers from reoccurring migraines he can slide into one of the outfield spots and get consistent at bats finally. He’s had some tough luck, but I think we the internal depth the Yankees have we should make out okay in the upcoming weeks. Hope for a speedy recovery for Judgey. 

Jay: What was your initially reaction to the Giancarlo Stanton trade?  

Matt: Shocked. I honestly thought the whole Stanton trade talk was a pipe dream given the fact that I was thinking we would have to give up top prospects like Gleyber or Andujar at the time which would be ridiculous. Because in essence we didn’t really need Stanton. However, realizing the package the Yankees sent for Stanton, it pretty much fell into our laps and it’s a deal you make 10/10 times. So I was incredibly shocked by what we gave up, and I woke up on a Saturday morning ecstatic on a snowy day. I had followed everything on the internet the night before then woke up and heard the deal was about to be final. It was a day I’ll never forget that’s for sure.

Jay: Shock wouldn’t be mine. In a old post before this trade even happened or was thought of I predicted he would become a Yankee. So I was extremely more happy than normal after a trade.  

Who from next years free agent class do you sign ? Why ?  

Matt: If you asked me this question in 2016 I would of told you Harper no question. A LOT has changed since then, the emergence of Judge and the future of outfield seems to be pretty set. While you can’t completely rule Harper out, or Machado for that matter.. I do think we go after a top tier pitcher because we need one to compete in the playoffs. With the way teams are setup these days, you need 2 aces. Maybe someone like Keuchel, or Patrick Corbin who has stated he’s always wanted to be a Yankee. 

Jay: I am still after Bryce Harper!!!! Not just for the player he is, but the Marketing that will come along with Bryce Harper being a Yankee. Also thou I think management is in love with Manny Machado, so I wouldn’t rule that out either. However I don’t see Machado’s right handed bat fitting in unless we sign Bryce or another Lefty. Andújar has been solid in our line up and deserve to stay. I would love to see Corbin in pinstripes. (hint hint Cash)

What is your all time Yankee team using only players you have seen play ? (Tv or live) lineup and all.  Full 25 man roster.....players can’t play out of position.  

Matt: The 1998 Yankees. 

Jay: Lol Good One.  

True or False 

Sonny Gray deserves another start? FALSE

Jay: LMAO

Stanton Hits 50 HRs?  False 

Judge still Hits 40 HRs? False 

The yanks break the record for team Home Runs?True 

Yankees have 4 players with more then 30 Home Runs? False 

Yankees Win the World Series?  False

Jay: 😰

Greg Bird hits 25 Home Runs? False

Sevy Wins CY Young? False

Brett Gardner is a Yankee next Year? False

Jay: Any Final thoughts on the Yankees this year or next ? 

Matt: It’s going to be a tough playoff run this year. There are some great teams that we will have to go up against, the Yankees are a great team and it’s hard to appreciate it at times because they were supposed to be this good. Expectations really change the narrative throughout the course of the season. Last year we were the little engine that could, playing with house money because everyone picked the Yankees winning no more than 84 games. They won 91 and came within 1 game of the World Series. You add Stanton in the offseason, pairing with a Judge and plenty other power bats, and to top it off you add a rookie manager..the stakes couldn’t be higher this year. Pressure is at an all time high to deliver a championship back to the city. The fans get spoiled at times, this is the best Yankee team we’ve seen in 20 years but since were still trailing the red sox in the division it’s hard to appreciate the excellence. What I do know is that the Yankees are setup to be a great team for a very long time. The scary part is, they will be even better in years to come. They keep rebuilding the pipeline in the farm by dipping into the International Market which has already paid off immensely for them. With guys like Sanchez, Andujar, and Severino. They are great at developing players so this team will be great for years to come and will make multiple runs at championships. 

Jay: That about wraps things up. Matt thank you for your time it has been a pleasure. 

Matt: no problem Thanks for having for me!

Jay: It has been my Plesusre. Your Welcome! 

Well Fans there you have it another Fan Time in the books, but don’t worry there is more to come. As always I look forward to hearing from you. I can be reached at JamesCPalma@Yahoo.Com or leave your comments below.  

Thank You! Let’s Go Yankees!!!!