Charge On! With Carlos Rodón…

  

Carlos Rodón (Photo Credit: Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)

Yankees sign FA Top Lefty Starter…

The man was destined for Pinstripes. Although Gerrit Cole remains the staff ace, the Carlos Rodón signing has greater impact than Cole because of how much it helps the rest of the rotation, Cole included. Cole no longer must carry the weight of the World, and the other starters move down to the lesser pressurized three through five spots. You can argue that Nestor Cortes, Jr was the Yankees’ best starter last season, but there is a chance for regression. Nasty Nestor is exactly the guy I want as the third starter. Placing high expectations on him come Spring may have had an adverse effect. Now he can just be who he is, and I think he will excel.

No doubt the greatest beneficiary is Frankie Montas. He was unfairly labeled as a disappointment by the fan base, but we truly never saw the pitcher he was in Oakland and who he can be for health reasons. As the fifth starter, he is afforded the opportunity to reset expectations and I feel he will be better for it.  Signing Gerrit Cole was a must, and he filled a huge void, but Rodón helps everybody else and that is the difference maker. Plus, he is a damn good pitcher (much better than James Taillon or Jordan Montgomery, and, sorry, Masahiro Tanaka). 

I was fearful the Los Angeles Dodgers would lie in the weeds and swoop up to grab Rodón at the last minute, but they have been quiet this offseason (despite the acquisition of Noah Syndergaard). Whether it is the unknown for how much Trevor Bauer will cost them pending a Judge’s ruling or a payroll reset as the Dodgers prepare for a huge run at free agent-to-be Shohei Ohtani next offseason, it is good the Dodgers sat this one (Rodón signing) out. I am glad Uncle Steve was able to get Justin Verlander, Jose Quintana, and Kodai Senga since it took the Mets out of play. Competition between the Yankees and the Minnesota Twins for Rodón?  Yeah right, if the Yankees wanted their man (and they did), they were going to get him.

I am curious what number Rodón will wear with the Yankees. He wore 55 with the Chicago White Sox. When he signed with the San Francisco Giants last year, the Giants have not retired 55 but it has been held out of circulation since two-time Cy Young Award Winner Tim Lincecum last wore it in 2015. So, Rodon chose 16. He will not get 16 with the Yankees since it is retired for the Chairman of the Board, the late Whitey Ford.  He has the money so he can certainly attempt to buy 55 from Domingo German or the Yankees can generously trade German, who has been bumped from the rotation, to free up the number. Granted, Rodón can just approve another number, but my preference is 55 because the number was so prominent on his back when he first made us notice how good he is.

Clarke Schmidt’s name comes up frequently as a potential trade candidate given the surplus starters, but I would prefer to see the exit of German who has not been one of my favorites. I like the thought of Schmidt as the long man in the bullpen, capable of spot starts if necessary. I think we may see Will Warren sometime in 2023. I get the idea that you can never have too many starters, but I do not think it is necessary to have both Schmidt and German on the roster.  There are other options available. 

Back to Rodón, I am happy he is a Yankee. He is the starter I wanted and felt the Yankees desperately needed. I watched his last 2022 start yesterday. It was on September 29^th when he faced the Colorado Rockies at Oracle Park in San Francisco. He was so efficient in that game, attacking the hitters. Nothing cute. He held the Rockies to two hits and no runs over six innings. He struck out ten batters, or 50% of the guys he faced in the game. The Giants bullpen almost blew the game in the ninth, but they held on to win which improved Rodón’s record to 14-8. He finished the season with a 2.88 ERA. As an aside, the San Francisco TV announcers are so dang boring. It really makes me appreciate Michael Kay, Ryan Ruocco, David Cone, and the others at the YES Network plus John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman. When the Giants announcers used the typical “Outta here!” call for a Giants home run, I could not help but think how boring Aaron Judge home runs would have been at Oracle Park if he had joined them (compared to the dramatic Yankee calls).  

I look forward to Spring Training in two months when Carlos Rodón takes the mound at the Yankees’ training facilities in Tampa. Even better when he makes his start against the San Francisco Giants at Yankee Stadium next April.  

Welcome to the New York Yankees, Carlos! We have been waiting for you.

Former Yankees in the news

I was disappointed yesterday when I heard the news that brief Yankee Andrew Benintendi had signed a five-year deal with the Chicago White Sox. I liked Benny, and I wanted him to return. If the fifth year was the deal-breaker for the Yankees, I have no problem with their decision to pass. There is some concern about how long it will take Benny to recover from the hamate bone removal. It was a risk I certainly would have taken, but there are other options. If the grumblings are true that Benny wanted to return to the Midwest (his home is in St Louis), then I get it. I personally would prefer playing for the Yankees over the White Sox but of course I am biased. 

Not sure where the Yankees go from here. Brian Reynolds is everybody’s favorite choice but despite his trade demand, there is no indication the Pittsburgh Pirates are motivated to trade him. If the only way to get Reynolds is to include Anthony Volpe in the deal, I would not want to see it. Not trying to prospect-hug, but Volpe is on the verge of becoming the best homegrown Yankee to debut since Aaron Judge. He is the future of the infield, whether it is shortstop or second base (where most expect him to move).  I like Jasson Dominguez, but he is a prospect I would consider in a deal for Reynolds, or any other Yankee prospect not named Volpe. 

Brian Reynolds (Photo Credit: Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)

I am with the Yankees crowd that does not want Max Kepler in Pinstripes. A trade that would send, say, Domingo German and Isiah Kiner-Falefa to Minnesota is appealing, but I would prefer other left field options. Kepler is a right fielder so it would be a position switch, but the biggest issue is that he is just not a good hitter. The Yankees need a good contact hitter for the position. One of the Arizona outfielders (Daulton Varsho, Alek Thomas, and Jake McCarthy) might make sense. I cannot say that I am excited about a guy like Michael Brantley (seems like it is a few years too late) but he could hold the position until one of the younger prospects is ready to take the role (I hate stopgaps!). Too bad the Red Sox overbid for Masataka Yoshida. He might have been a good option. Michael Conforto would be a good fit on a short-term deal. 

It is possible that GM Brian Cashman is working on a left fielder no one is talking about since that is what he likes to do. Until then, we can only speculate until Cashman surprises us. Hoping for a pleasant surprise before Spring Training opens.

Former Yankees outfielder Joey Gallo has found a new home. He is the latest ex-Yankee to join the Minnesota Twins. Gio Urshela (Angels), Jake Cave (Phillies) and Gary Sanchez (free agent, will not be re-signed due to Twins’ signing of Christian Vazquez) are no longer there, but I suspect Gallo will rebound at Target Field. The elimination of the shift should allow him to at least get back to being the .200 hitter he was in Texas. I wish him the best. We may not have enjoyed his production, or lack thereof, in New York, but there is no question the guy has an exemplary personality. I hope he is successful in Minneapolis. Well, except for their games against the Yankees. 

Former Yankees infielder Hoy Park, acquired this offseason by the Red Sox from the Pirates, is on the move again. After being designated for assignment by the Sox, Park has been traded to the Atlanta Braves where I am sure he will flourish enroute to Cooperstown (kidding, of course). Speaking of the Red Sox, they have designated both Jeter Downs and Eric Hosmer for assignment in the past week. With Jeter Downs, the Mookie Betts trade looks worse and worse by the day. I am glad to see the Jeter namesake will no longer be in Boston. His prospect shine has certainly dulled. Maybe he can recapture some of his promise elsewhere. Hosmer was basically free for Boston since the San Diego Padres pay his salary above minimum wage, but he was considered expendable to help clear the first base lane for Triston Casas. Hosmer has time to find a new home before Spring Training. Maybe he should go back to Kansas City since the Padres are paying. 

Minor League Contracts

As TGP’s Daniel Burch likes to say, there is no such thing as a bad minor league deal. The Yankees have certainly been active in this market.

Here are some of the signings according to the Yankees website (a few names I have never heard before).

RF Michael Hermosillo

RHP Mariano Salomon

3B Adrian Gonzalez

Niurby Asigen

RHP Michell Chirinos

RHP Dari Brito

SS Ovandy Frias

RHP Ryan Weber

LHP Tanner Tully

LHP Nick Ramirez

RHP James Norwood

DH Jake Bauers

RHP Zac Houston

RHP Demarcus Evans

C Rodolfo Durán

RHP Art Warren

LHP Lisandro Santos

2B Jamie Westbrook

I saw that minor league catcher Max McDowell left to join the Phillies, so I am glad to see Durán stayed to provide catching depth in the farm system. Always need those extra catchers in Spring Training.

Art Warren, the former Reds reliever, had elbow surgery last month so he will spend 2023 in rehab and preparation for the 2024 season. 

Norwood, a native New Yorker, is intriguing. 

James Norwood (Photo Credit: Joe Nicholson/USA TODAY Sports)

He is 28 and has not been successful in five seasons with the Cubs, Padres, and Phillies (he finished last season in the Red Sox organization). He fastball averages 97 mph and he is in the 90^th percentile in the entire league according to Baseball Savant. If the Yankees can help him learn control and figure a few things out, he might be able to help. He is in the right organization if he is looking to become the best he can be. Same can be said for Zac Houston.

As always, Go Yankees!

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

  

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

Aaron Judge, 2022 AL MVP…

Aaron Judge is the King of New York.

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

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

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

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

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

Aaron, please stay.

The return of Anthony Rizzo.

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

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

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

Anthony Rizzo, Yankee

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

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

Welcome back, Anthony!

Yankees re-sign Key Player.

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

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

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

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

Cody Bellinger to the Yankees?

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

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

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

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

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

Roster maintenance.

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

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

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

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

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

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

As always, Go Yankees!

Undies' EDITED Offseason Plans for 2023

I've looked at my original offseason plan a number of times and it just didn't sit right with me. I wasn't sure what it was for a while, but it turns out the problem was Carlos Correa. It's not that I don't like Correa, it's that I don't see it necessary to give someone that size of a contract. Of course, that goes back to Hal's freakin' budget, which my signing of Carlos was to say "screw Hal's budget". But I'm reminded of Sheldon telling Leonard that you don't screw the roommate agreement, the roommate agreement screws you. In that vein, you don't screw Hal's budget, Hal's budget screws you. 

Yes, what I propose the Yankees do instead actually leads to a higher team payroll, but the length of contracts and spreading out the money makes the spending make more sense.

I'm still letting the same guys go to free agency. I'm also still signing Aaron Judge and Anthony Rizzo. While this move already happened, I would have also still picked up Luis Severino's option. Finally, I'm also making the same three trades. But, besides not signing Carlos Correa, here are the differences...

1. I'm trading Domingo German. I decided not to look at a separate deal, as he could be added to the Donaldson or Hicks trade so the Yankees wouldn't have to kick in as much money. Heck, I have the Yankees taking back over $14 million for 2023 in the Hicks trade, so German going to LAA in that deal as well might be the way to go.

2. I actually am going to bring back Andrew Benintendi. But after reading around a bit more I think he can come a little cheaper, so instead of 3 years and $54 million, I'm bringing Andrew back on a 3-year/$48 million deal (I'm okay with a 4th-year option if necessary).

3. I completely understand a lot of Yankees fans wanting a new starter, but I didn't think that was necessary so I left the rotation as is for 2023. However, after reading about this guy I wanted him. Now, he's not someone that would go toward the top of the rotation like Carlos Rodon would, but I think he'd be a very welcome addition. 

I'm signing Chris Bassitt to a 3-year/$54 million deal (perhaps with a 4th-year option).

Here's what Keith Law has to say about Bassitt, "he doesn’t throw hard, but he limits hard contact, gets ground balls, and doesn’t walk too many guys. His sinker was one of the most valuable in baseball in the last two years, with 62 percent of balls in play off the pitch hit on the ground."

The stats back up Keith on this, too. Furthermore, Chris has been relatively healthy since 2019. I noticed that his slider wasn't very effective last year while his curveball was, so changing his repertoire up a bit might help make him even better. Plus, he knows what to expect in NY as he's said that he believes hearing the boos and such made him tougher. And we all know some guys do well and then fail in NYC, so I feel good about Chris.

This plan means Oswaldo Cabrera moves back into the infield, and actually moves to second base where he played the most in the minor leagues. Not that I didn't think Oswaldo could handle LF but seeing a middle infield of him and Peraza is pretty sweet.

So here is where I'm at as far as what I'd like to see the Yankees do now...

LF Andrew Benintendi* ($16m)
RF Aaron Judge ($38m)
1B Anthony Rizzo* ($17m)
DH Giancarlo Stanton ($25m)
3B DJ LeMahieu ($15m)
CF Harrison Bader ($5.2m)
2B Oswaldo Cabrera# ($.75m)
SS Oswald Peraza ($.75m)
C Jose Trevino ($2m-A1)

BE Ben Rortvedt* - C ($.75m)
BE David Fletcher - MI ($5.833m)
BE Estevan Florial* - OF ($.75m)
BE Ryan LaMarre - OF ($.75m)

SP1 Gerrit Cole ($36m)
SP2 Nestor Cortes* ($3.5m-A1)
SP3 Luis Severino ($15m)
SP4 Chris Bassitt ($18m)

SP5 Frankie Montas ($7.7m-A3)

RP Jonathan Loaisiga ($2.1m-A2)
RP Clay Holmes ($2.9m-A2)
RP Wandy Peralta* ($3.1m-A4)
RP Ron Marinaccio ($.75m)
RP Mike King ($1.2m-A1)
RP Lucas Luetge* ($1.7m-A2)
RP Hunter Harvey ($1m-A1)
RP Aaron Loup* ($8.5m)

MISCELLANEOUS SALARY INFORMATION
Money from Miami for Giancarlo Stanton: -$3 million
Paid to Washington for Josh Donaldson: $12.5 million
Paid to Los Angeles (AL) for Aaron Hicks: $3.33 million
Player Benefits: $16.5 million
40-Man Players in Minors: $2.25 million
0-3 yr bonus pool: $1.667 million

TEAM PAYROLL
$262.48 million ($259.31 million in 2021)

Headed to Cleveland in Search of Wins...

 

Aaron Boone / Photo Credit: Seth Wenig, AP

Momentum favors the Game 3 Winner…

And then they were tied… So much for home field advantage. The New York Yankees lost ALDS Game 2, disappointingly and with way too many men left on base (eleven), as the Cleveland Guardians tied the series at one game apiece with the 4-2 victory.

Whether you believe bringing Jameson Taillon into the game in the tenth inning was right or wrong, he was not the reason the Yankees lost the game. I really thought the stage was set in the eighth inning when Giancarlo Stanton walked, and the Yankees inserted Tim Locastro to run for Stanton. A stolen base by Locastro, and subsequent walks of Josh Donaldson and Isiah Kiner-Falefa sandwiched around a strikeout by Oswaldo Cabrera had the bases loaded with two outs. Kyle Higashioka had the opportunity to be the star of the show (really wanted Spring Training Higgy in that moment), but he lined out to end the threat.

I get the decision to pull Stanton for the speedy Locastro in that situation, but Manager Aaron Boone’s decision to allow Locastro to bat against Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase in the bottom of the tenth, trailing by two runs, was a bonehead move. As much as I have been down on Aaron Hicks, this was the time I would have preferred Hicks to take the swings against Clase. Not one of Boone’s finer moments. It felt like a ‘tossing in the towel’ moment.

Oh well, the Yankees need to regroup quickly for Game 3 in Cleveland later today. The Yankees need to win at least one of the two games in Cleveland to get the series back to Yankee Stadium for a potential Game 5, but I would prefer a sweep in Cleveland to end it there. A sweep by the Yankees, not the Guardians, as if I needed to say that.

Friday was not a good day for any of the favorites. Both NL’s remaining 100+ win teams lost. The defending champions, the Atlanta Braves, were hammered by newly named permanent manager Rob Thomson’s Philadelphia Phillies, 9-1, and the Los Angeles Dodgers (who won 110 games in the regular season) lost a close one to the San Diego Padres, 2-1. Their circumstances are more dire than the Yankees as both of those teams trail their respective series, two games to one. The Phillies and Padres could advance to the NLCS today with victories. For the Dodgers, it would be 110 wins and all they got was this lousy t-shirt.

Hopefully, the Yankees can win today so they do not have their proverbial backs to the wall. Luis Severino is on the mound, but he will face Cleveland’s outstanding young Triston McKenzie. It does not seem like there will be very many runs scored today. If the Yankees can cross the plate more times than the Guardians, all will be good in the Yankees Universe. A loss will most certainly send anxiety through the fanbase.

The booing of Aaron Judge does not help. I realize some fans may be frustrated with Aaron Judge. Seven strikeouts in eight plate appearances can lead to nicknames like Mr. May, but after Judge’s season, he deserves the benefit of the doubt. I would rather take my chances with than without Judge. If anything, Judge needs our support and our belief that he can produce when the stakes are the highest. The boos at Yankee Stadium and the rips on social media serve no purpose. If you want to create an environment where Judge feels he might be better appreciated in other markets and fan bases, keep it up. We need Judge today, tomorrow, and next year.

Aaron Judge / Photo Credit: Frank Franklin II, AP

As for Judge’s pending free agency, Jon Heyman of The New York Post polled four agents this week, and they predicted Judge’s next contract will be:

• $350 million, $400 million maximum.
• $315 million to $360 million.
• Eight x $37.5 million for $300 million.
• $300 million ($277 million with deferrals).

I do think the contract will be north of $300 million but the question will be how high the Yankees will go. I cannot say I am overly confident the Yankees will retain Judge. They need him, he needs the Yankees, and I do believe that his legacy would be the strongest by staying in Pinstripes. Somehow, the thought of Judge playing in San Francisco with games playing when most of the East Coast is headed for bed will leave him as an afterthought in the minds of many. Judge’s value to the Yankees cannot be underestimated. I hope the Yankees ensure he remains a Yankee and he becomes the next Captain. The NFL has the franchise tag they can place on pending free agent superstars. The MLB may not have one, but it is clear Aaron Judge is the franchise player for the current New York Yankees and deserves to be paid like it. I am excited about the Yankees playing October baseball, but it is hard to deny the sickening feeling that these may be Judge’s final days wearing baseball’s greatest uniform.

Hal, pay the man.

Better news on the injured front. It is premature to think about the ALCS since the Yankees need to win the ALDS first, but it was promising to hear Aaron Boone say Andrew Benintendi, Frankie Montas and Ron Marinaccio will be working out in Tampa under live game conditions to prepare their potential readiness for the next round.

A healthy, producing Benintendi may have been the difference-maker in yesterday’s game. Watching Matt Carpenter strike out in his pinch-hit appearance yesterday shows that return does not always result in immediate success, but I am hopeful Benny can help next round if the Yankees make it. I know Oswaldo Cabrera has done a superb job, but I would rather see the Yankees re-sign Benintendi to play left field next season and use Cabrera in the super-utility role. But I digress, I think Benny can help this year if he is given the opportunity.

Andrew Benintendi / Photo Credit: Sarah Stier, Getty Images

I am indifferent about Montas. He will not start, and I am not certain how effective he can be as a reliever. He seems like a ‘better luck next year’ candidate.

The Yankees need a healthy Marinaccio. Using starters in unfamiliar relief roles underscores the current state of the Yankees pen. Getting back one of their best relievers would be huge for the Yankees in the next round…if they make it.

Hall of Fame Closer passes away. I was saddened to hear the news of Bruce Sutter’s passing yesterday, While Sutter, 69, is probably best remembered for helping the St Louis Cardinals win the World Series forty years ago, I will always think of him as a Chicago Cub. Growing up in the Midwest in the 70’s meant watching a lot of Cubs games on TV, and Sutter stood out with his split-fingered fastballs.

Bruce Sutter

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred issued the following statement: “I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Bruce Sutter, whose career was an incredible baseball success story. Bruce ascended from being a nondrafted free agent to the heights of baseball by pioneering the split-fingered fastball. The pitch not only led him to the Major Leagues, but also made him a Cy Young Award winner with the Cubs and a World Series champion with the 1982 Cardinals. …Bruce will be remembered as one of the best pitchers in the histories of two of our most historic franchises. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my condolences to Bruce’s family, his friends and his fans in Chicago, St. Louis, and Atlanta and throughout our game.”

Sutter always makes me think of the late Bobby Murcer since both were my favorite Cubs on those late 1970s teams. Not sure why I was never a Cubs or Cardinals fan, but the pull of the Yankee Pinstripes was too strong. Nevertheless, Sutter’s loss hurts. May he rest in peace.

The end of Aroldis Chapman’s Yankees career. Good riddance. I cannot say that I have ever seen a player bail on his teammates like Chapman did when he missed a mandatory workout prior to the start of the ALDS and the announcement of the team’s roster for the series. I was ready for the Yankees to designate Chapman for assignment in September as I had lost any trust or confidence in him despite some sporadic success. However, his behavior prior to the ALDS was inexcusable and unacceptable. Just when you thought Chapman could not set the bar lower, he does.

Aroldis Chapman

The Yankees took a chance on Chapman when other teams, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, would not. Despite their efforts, Chapman bailed on the Yankees because his feelings were hurt over the possibility of being left off the ALDS roster. In a way, I am glad Chapman made the decision easy for the Yankees. While there is a chance that he could be activated for the ALCS…if they make it…I hope not. I am done with Chapman and look forward to the end of his Yankees contract soon.

Scott Effross, we hardly knew ye. Unlike Chapman, I was saddened to learn Scott Effross would not make the ALDS roster but was stunned by the further news he needs Tommy John surgery. A torn ulnar collateral ligament most likely means that we will not see Effross on the mound again until 2024. He is under Yankees control until 2028 so it is not like we will never see him in Pinstripes again, but this is a sad way to lose Effross for the near future. Here is hoping for a quick and successful return to good health for Effross and his arm.

Scott Effross

I wonder if this means the end for Chad Green. He is scheduled to become a free agent at the end of the year. The Yankees historically do not wait around for Tommy John recipients on expiring contracts. Nathan Eovaldi and Michael Pineda stand out as recent examples. Someone will sign Green to a two-year minor league contract to allow time for recovery. Maybe it is the Yankees, maybe it is not. The Yankees cannot tie up multiple 40-man roster spots for guys out for extended periods.

As always, Go Yankees!

 

“We play today, we win today, das it…”

--Former Yankees second baseman Mariano Duncan

Play Today, Win Today...

  

Aaron Judge & Oswaldo Cabrera / Photo Credit: Getty Images

Time to start a winning streak…

The Yankees’ Great Collapse of 2022 continues. It is hard not to look at the New York Yankees with a ‘glass is half empty’ lens.  Since the Trading Deadline (August 2^nd), the Yankees are 10-20. A five-game winning streak in late August that included a two-game sweep of the New York Mets and the first two games of the series in Oakland, things had started to look better. It was a façade. The Yankees proceeded to lose the last two games of the four-game set with the A’s, then dropped three of four in Anaheim, and barely avoided being swept in Tampa this weekend. 

The Yankees return home today to play Gary Sanchez, Gio Urshela and the Minnesota Twins. The Yankees have handled the Twins with ease for years but if there was ever a year for the Twins to get revenge, this is it. Minnesota has had their own struggles, but the Yankees would be foolish to underestimate the Twins given the state of their current play. The Twins are 68-64, which is good for a first-place tie in the AL Central with the Cleveland Guardians. The Twins and the Guardians are currently five games out of the Wild Card chase, so the pressure is on the Twins to win the division if they have October aspirations. In other words, I fully expect the Twins to be ready to play. Former Yank Mike Ford was slugging like Babe Ruth when the Yankees were in Anaheim (okay, not really, but it seemed like it). No doubt former Yanks Sanchez and Urshela would love to do the same. 

Gary Sanchez & Gio Urshela

The Yankees desperately needed a win yesterday to keep the Rays from pulling within two games in the loss column. They may have won the game, 2-1, after thwarting a Rays rally in the bottom of the ninth, but the Yankees got away with one when Clay Holmes’ 3-2 pitch to Yandy Diaz, slightly below the zone was a called third strike with the excellent glove work by Jose Trevino who brought his glove up quickly on the reception. If it had been called a ball which is what it really was, the Rays would have had the bases loaded against a reliever they clearly had on the ropes. The stage was nearly set for a Rays walk-off which would have been agonizing. 

Regardless of how the Yankees (80-54) got the win on Sunday, they stand five games up on the Rays (74-58) entering play today (four games in the loss column). The Toronto Blue Jays and the Baltimore Orioles are six and eight-and-a-half games back, respectively. The Orioles trailing by only single digits. I type those words in disbelief, yet sadly they are true. The Orioles are a success story, and I am not excited they stand in the Yankees’ path the last week of the regular season when the teams play at Yankee Stadium for three games starting Friday, September 30^th. The Yankees’ last homestand of the year (they head to Arlington, Texas for the final regular season series), could have playoff implications for both teams. The Boston Red Sox seemingly have a stranglehold on the AL East Cellar as they have a five-game lead on the O’s for worst record in the division, and Baltimore seems content to let Boston reign as the bilge water of the division. 

The Rays get the Red Sox at home for three games starting today before they head to New York to play the Yankees again. It is imperative the Yankees hold ground against the Rays to protect the five-game lead heading into play on Friday. It sucks the Rays get the soft Red Sox, but their schedule gets noticeably tougher as the month progresses. They have nine games against the Blue Jays (those teams could cancel themselves out in division play), six against the AL’s winningest team, the Houston Astros, and three against the AL Central co-leader Cleveland Guardians. By the time they get through those challenging teams, a three-game pillow at Fenway Park awaits them to end the season. Hoping the season does not come down to which team, Yankees, or Rays, does better in their final regular season series.

Hopefully the Yankees can play winning baseball again this month. Last month was hard. The injuries have not helped, and they lost another valuable player in Andrew Benintendi whose injured wrist has landed him on the 10-day Injured List. Hoping Matt Carpenter and Harrison Bader are back soon to help the lineup. The Yankees must figure out the bullpen. Clay Holmes’ near meltdown yesterday is a reminder that his struggles have not gone away. I look forward with cautious optimism. I know the team, despite its challenges, can win. Unless they get some guys back, I cannot say I am so optimistic about October, but we will cross that bridge when it comes. The focus today should rightfully be on securing the AL East championship and gaining a first-round bye. The dog days of summer are over so no more time for lackluster play. Yankees, you got this!

Andrew Benintendi has been shelved. It was not a good sign when there was a ‘pop’ heard from Benny’s wrist during an at-bat against the Rays. Even though the early test results were negative, the sound alone was cause for concern. Turns out it was an indicator of greater problems as Benny was diagnosed with a broken hook of the hamate bone.

He will undergo surgery and we await his timeline. There is still hope he could be back for the playoffs, but time will tell. It is not like he can roll out of bed one morning and start hitting .300 again. Who knows how much time he will have to get ready…if he is ready at all. With typical rehab entailing three to four weeks of immobilization, there will not be much time to get back into baseball shape. Look at Giancarlo Stanton, he left his bat at the All-Star Game, and it has not rejoined him on the active roster yet. 

Although his Yankees career started slowly, Benny was rounding into form as a much-needed consistent source of hits. Since he was acquired from the Kansas City Royals on July 27^th for minor league pitchers Chandler Champlain, T.J. Sikkema and Beck Way, Benny has hit .254/.331/.404 with .734 OPS. He was four of five in stolen base attempts, and had hit two home runs, nine doubles, and a triple while walking thirteen times in 33 games. Can Aaron Hicks match that production? Not sure I would hold my breath on that one.   

I like Benintendi and what he brings to the team’s offense. I just wish the other guys not named Aaron Judge were hitting better. Hoping for a swift recovery and Benny’s return as a source for extra base hits.  The offseason free agent focus will be Judge, however, I hope the Yankees do not lose sight of Benintendi and bring him back for next year. Or trade for Ian Happ, that would work too. 

Anthony Rizzo’s back! I wish that meant he was back in the lineup but unfortunately it is the continued back problems that have caused Rizzo to miss extended time. After receiving an epidural for his back pain, there is hope he will be ready to play in a couple of days. He is needed now more than ever. With the injuries, Rizzo plays such a huge role in the lineup and the diversity of his left-handed bat in a predominantly right-handed batting order, worsened by the loss of Benintendi, is essential.

Anthony Rizzo / Photo Credit: AP

I have mixed feelings about bringing Rizzo back next year. I love the guy for how he plays and the leadership he brings to a clubhouse, but chronic back trouble is not a favorable sign. It will continue to be an issue for him moving forward, and that alone would give me pause to spend millions of dollars to keep him in Pinstripes. It really sucks to say that, but I am trying to be a realist. Austin Wells is frequently mentioned as a player who will eventually switch from catcher to first base, but he is still a few seasons away. There are no immediate or obvious first base solutions for next season beyond Rizzo.  I am sure this will be a topic of discussion for the team’s offseason rebuild strategy.

As for Rizzo’s epidural, let's hope he gives birth to an AL East championship.

The Roger Maris Watch. The historic season for Aaron Judge continues. His 53^rd home run yesterday in the first inning of the Yankees’ 2-1 win was accomplished in the Yankees’ 134^th game. Roger Maris, the American League record holder with 61*, did not hit his 53^rd until his 135^th game. So, Judge remains slightly ahead of the pace. I feel bad for Maris. The conditions he played under while in pursuit of Babe Ruth’s record must have been unbearable. I have heard the stories of the stress he endured while chasing a legend. The hate he received, the hair loss, etc. Judge, for the most part, does not get the same level of scrutiny since the fans…and more importantly, the media…are cheering for his success.

Aaron Judge / Photo Credit: @Yankees, via Twitter

I am glad it is a Yankee assaulting the AL home run record. Records are made to be broken, and even if the Maris record falls, his name and image have received tremendous attention this season. His 1961 season will not be forgotten regardless of what Aaron Judge does. I would love to see Judge hit 61 home runs in 154 games to eliminate the asterisk, but regardless, Judge has earned the right to stand next to the legends.

As always, Go Yankees!

Note to Yankees: Score More Runs...

 

Gerrit Cole / Photo Credit: Noah K Murray, AP

Team continues its offensive malaise as AL East Lead shrinks…

No question the first half of the 2022 season was more enjoyable than the second half. Since the All-Star Break, the Yankees are 9-19. The sluggish play quickly eliminated any comparison of the Yankees to the 1998 Yankees or the 2001 Seattle Mariners. Once armed with the best record in MLB, the Yankees (73-48) are now behind the three National League teams, Los Angeles Dodgers (83-36); New York Mets (78-44); and Atlanta Braves (75-47); and in the American League, the Houston Astros (77-45). In the rear-view mirror, the Toronto Blue Jays are larger than they may appear. The Jays (65-54) have closed within seven games and are only six games behind in the loss column. The Tampa Bays (64-55) are only one game behind the Jays. Heck, even the Baltimore Orioles (62-58) are just ten and a half games back. Things have certainly tightened and the AL East Championship, which once seemed firmly in the grasp of the Yankees, is now opening for the taking. 

Logically, I keep trying to tell myself the Yankees will stop the losing and will start winning games again. Guys like Giancarlo Stanton, Luis Severino, Zack Britton and hopefully a better version of Clay Holmes will soon be back. Yet, for pessimism’s sake, the team has not shown they can win for the past two months so there is nothing that leads me to believe anything will change. If the slide continues, it will be one of the most colossal collapses I have experienced in any sport in my lifetime. The tale of two seasons, part 1998 Yankees (114-48) and part 1990 Yankees (67-95). 

The trade deadline was a huge swing and miss by GM Brian Cashman. He had a chance to make a good team better and did not. I like Andrew Benintendi and he is certainly more valuable than Joey Gallo, but not surprisingly he has taken some time to warm up playing in Pinstripes. I think he will be fine by the end of the regular season, and it was a good trade. Maybe not well enough to ensure that he gets a new contract for an encore performance in 2023 but he serves a present purpose and if the Yankees expect to do well in October, they need Benny moving runners, getting on base, and providing elite defense. Nevertheless, regardless of what he does, Benny is not an impact player. He is a nice accessory. 

Andrew Benintendi / Photo Credit: Barry Chin, Boston Globe

Sadly, the trade results elsewhere are less favorable. While I remain of the opinion that Frankie Montas will be better Jordan Montgomery on a long-term basis, there has been a huge contrast in their respective performances thus far, with the scale weighted very heavily in Monty’s favor. My preference would have been to retain Monty for the starting rotation, forcing Montas to pick a different number, but sadly the Yankees’ Front Office did not phone a friend for advice. Monty’s loss still gnaws at me. It left such a huge negative feeling on August 2^nd and has not dissipated. Maybe if/when Harrison Bader shows up and starts making sterling plays in center, the negative feelings will erode. For now, it still hurts, and I cannot help but think it factors into the team’s current slide.

I doubt Montgomery would have pitched as well for the Yankees in his last three starts but for the St Louis Cardinals, he is 3-0 with 0.54 ERA. He has given up just one run and has struck out 17 batters in 16 2/3 innings. It seems like he may have been able to be a stopper for these losing streaks at the very least. But of course, as Aaron Boone reminded us yesterday, “If we don’t score, it’s tough to win.” Cashman’s idea of making a trade for October at the sacrifice of today, in retrospect, feels a little arrogant, over-confident, premature, and foolish.

When the Yankees fell behind the Tampa Bay Rays 7-4 in the tenth inning on Thursday night, I did not think the Yankees had a chance. They had shown no signs of life in recent days and scoring a single run had become so arduous. So, when the Yankees loaded the bases in the bottom of the tenth, I certainly was not expecting Josh Donaldson to hit a grand salami to send the Yankee Stadium faithful home with smiles on their faces (a rare feat these days). Glad he did. He has been one of the most maligned players since the departure of Joey Gallo even if his glove has not failed him. Yet, any hope the home run would spark the team or mark an offensive resurgence by Chapman was quickly vanquished by the Toronto Blue Jays who have taken the first three games of a four-game set to start a new losing streak. Wins are so hard to come by the wins are starting to feel like aberrations. The Isiah Kiner-Falefa game, the Donaldson grand slam. There have been no ‘we’re better than you’ type of games, the kind of games where the Yankees bludgeon the opponents by ten runs or more. 

Cashman should have identified how much Stanton’s bat protected Aaron Judge, prior to the deadline, and sought to find a player who could have provided the necessary insurance for Stanton’s health to keep teams from avoiding Judge in the lineup. If we truly believed this was a special team at the deadline, the Yankees should have done what it took to secure Luis Castillo instead of Frankie Montas. The cost would have been high, but it is the old adage, ‘you get what you pay for’.  Maybe Brian Cashman recognized that the first half success was a façade and was unwilling to part with the necessary resources to bring the better players to New York. Who knows, but time is running out to give Cashman the benefit of the doubt. Yet, if Hal Steinbrenner were to cut Cashman loose, another team would make him their general manager within ten minutes. I think Cashman is the GM for as long as he wants it so while I think he should be fired if the season ends in failure, the truth is he will not be axed. Something must change but regrettably, as long as Hal Steinbrenner owns the team, nothing will. Making money is more important than winning (although you would think more of the latter would help the former). I do not miss George Steinbrenner, but I do miss his passion and intensity for winning.

George Steinbrenner / Photo Credit: Getty Images

The Yankees can change this. The power is within their control. Start winning now. An extended winning streak (I always love those of the ten-win variety) would go a long way toward reinforcing the AL East lead. We know the players can do it; we have seen it. Oswaldo Cabrera has been a breath of fresh air for the Yankees. He makes me remember what it was like with the Baby Bombers of 2017 when the youthful enthusiasm was so refreshing. For as good as he has been, Oswald Peraza is better which makes me wonder when/if Peraza will get his chance. The Atlanta Braves have certainly not been shy about reaching into their farm system this season for reinforcements and they have a better record than the Yankees to show for it.

A win today would help everyone, but it will not be easy. Nasty Nestor Cortes Jr (9-4, 2.74 ERA) will be on the mound today and he will be opposed by the extremely talented Alek Manoah (12-6, 2.71 ERA. With Max Scherzer and Jacob deGrom looming on Monday and Tuesday, the road remains wrought with extreme challenges. Win today, and then let’s worry about Monday tomorrow. One win at a time, that is all it takes to start a new winning streak despite the dire odds. 

Paul O’Neill Day at Yankee Stadium. Paul “The Warrior” O’Neill will be immortalized today in Monument Park when his number 21 is retired. O’Neill becomes the 23^rd Yankees player or manager to have his number retired. He spent nine of his seventeen MLB seasons with the Yankees and left a lasting mark on the hearts of Yankees fans. 

Paul O'Neill / Photo Credit: Getty Images

Personally, I have never been a big fan of retiring numbers. I know, that is probably sacrilegious to some Yankee fans. It seems weird to me that nearly 25% of the available numbers from 0-99 will never be worn again and the percentage will continue to grow for future lifetimes. I am not trying to begrudge O’Neill, he has earned and deserves his day, so I am not critical of removing his number from circulation, just the overall practice of why we do it to begin with. For Babe Ruth, his number was simply his order in the batting lineup. There are better ways to honor and recognize the legends than to put their numbers on moth balls. Honestly, if I were Ruth or Lou Gehrig, I would love to see young players wearing my number in the game today to remember those who once wore the number. Kind of the way everyone wears #42 on Jackie Robinson Day and remembers one of the game’s all-time greats. Every time I see #35, now worn by Clay Holmes, I still think of Hall of Famer Mike Mussina. 

That is just my opinion. No one is bigger than the game. Aside from that, congratulations, Paul, and enjoy your day at Yankee Stadium!

Dellin Betances calls it a career. I was first sad to see the news that the Los Angeles Dodgers had released Betances from his minor league contract this week, but further saddened when I saw the news that Betances was retiring.  Only 34 years old, injuries derailed the gentle giant who was once one of the most dominant relievers in all of baseball. I am sorry that he was never able to get that one HUGE free agent contract that would have set him and his family up for their lifetime. His late start (26 when he became a regular part of the Yankees bullpen), the years of arbitration that held his salaries down, and then his final walk year (2019), he was hurt and pitched in only one game for the Yankees. What should have been a huge free agent contract had he been healthy, was a one-year $10.5 million “prove it” contract with the New York Mets. He was able to exercise a player option that gave him a second year with the Mets for $6.8 million.  Injuries prevented Betances from making any impact with the Mets, and he signed a $2.5 million minor league contract with the Dodgers this year. Unfortunately, 19 minor league appearances with a 10.26 ERA signaled the end of the road for Betances.

I am sure financially, he will be alright, but it is a travesty that he was never rewarded for being truly elite at his craft for his dominant run with the Yankees from 2014 to 2018.  He retires with 633 strikeouts in 394 1/3 innings (374 games). His career ERA is 2.53.  I never thought Manny Banuelos would outlast both Andrew Brackman and Betances.  I wish Dellin the best in his post-playing career. I hope he is a future participant at Old Timer’s Day even if it will be a while before he is an “old-timer”. Dellin, job well done. Thank you for your contributions for the Yankees. You made a difference.

Dellin Betances / Photo Credit: Charles Wenzelberg, NY Post

As always, Go Yankees!