The Power of a Good Third Baseman…

Credit:  Associated Press

Blue Jays 3, Yankees 2…

Two great offensive games and two not-so-great, so the Yankees go home with a split in Toronto.  Not the best case scenario with the Boston Red Sox on tap in the Bronx starting Tuesday night.  The Blue Jays used two late home runs to over take the Yankees in the series finale.

It was another good start by Luis Severino.  He was pitching a shutout until Justin Smoak connected for a two-run homer with two outs in the sixth inning to tie the game at 2.  Severino bent but he did not break.  Sadly, that was Tyler Clippard who served up the eventual game-winning home run by Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson in eighth.  For his effort in the no-decision, Sevvy went 7 innings, giving up 6 hits and the aforementioned 2 runs.  He only allowed one walk and struck out 7 while lowering his season ERA to a team-best 2.90 for starters.

Credit:  Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports

As for Clippard (0-3), it is hard to blame anyone who gives up homers to Donaldson.  He has a knack for doing that against the best.  Still, the game might have looked different had Aroldis Chapman been healthy and active as it would have ensured the placement of Dellin Betances in the critical 8th inning.  

The Yankees only offense on this day was provided courtesy of Matt Holliday.  He had a run-scoring double in the fourth, and picked up another RBI in the sixth inning when he hit into a force play at second base that allowed Brett Gardner to score from third.

Credit:  Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports

Sevvy pitched well enough to win.  Through the last run through the rotation, the only weak links were Masahiro Tanaka and Michael Pineda.  Unfortunately, the former is on the mound for the opening game of the Boston series.  It’s sad when the rotation’s ace is the one you trust the least (at the moment).  Severino is starting to pitch like a guy who intends to supplant Tanaka atop the rotation one day.

The Jays have a very good third baseman.  I wish we had one of those…

Credit:  Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports

With Boston’s 7-3 win over the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday, the Red Sox are just two games behind the Yankees (32-22) in the AL East.  The Orioles remain 3 1/2 games back.  

Odds & Ends…

The series finale on Sunday between the AAA-Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders and the Toledo Mud Hens was rained out.  The RailRiders resume play tonight in Rochester, New York against the Red Wings, the top farm affiliate of the Minnesota Twins.  The game will feature the next start for Yankees pitching prospect Chance Adams (3-1).  He will be opposed by Yohan Pino (0-1).  

The RailRiders officially released reliever Ernesto Frieri yesterday after he had exercised a June 1st opt-out of his AAA contract.

The Yankees traded infielder Ruben Tejada, who was on the RailRiders roster, to the Baltimore Orioles for cash considerations.  Tejada was batting .269/.345/.462 with 6 homers and 21 RBI's in 37 games.  Tejada had lost playing time with the arrival of Gleyber Torres and the recent activation of Donovan Solano off the DL.  Granted, Tejada is not the second coming of Cal Ripken, Jr, but I am not sure why the Yankees would want to help the Orioles in any way.  Tejada was assigned to Triple-A Norfolk.

Greg Bird had a run-scoring single (driving in Jorge Mateo) in the High-A Tampa Yankees 9-1 win over the Jupiter Hammerheads.  Prior to the 7th inning hit, Bird’s other three at-bats ended with fly outs.  

Have a great Monday!  Hopefully it’s a restful one for the Yankees as they prepare for the Red Sox tomorrow night.

So It Seems...

Sorry, I know that's a catch-phrase used by and probably trade-marked by Daniel Burch but I'm not feeling too creative on a late Friday afternoon.

A couple of quick updates...

ERNESTO FRIERI

Contrary to earlier reports that Ernesto Frieri had decided not to exercise his opt-out, Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports tweeted earlier today that Frieri has, in fact, opted out of his Triple-A contract.  Heyman feels that Frieri should have other options.  I am not too disappointed.  He didn't bring anything to the table for me, and there was no upside.  I think the Yankees have some very quality relief arms coming up in the system and I'd rather go the "grow your own" route with middle relief.  If there was a dearth of young arms in the system, then I'd be all-in for a veteran reliever.  Clearly, that's not the case.

Credit:  Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders have not yet announced the move on their website.

AARON JUDGE

The little guy in right has been named AL Rookie of the Month for the month of May.  According to the press release, Judge batted .347/441/.642 (33-for-95) during the month.  He had 17 runs, 5 doubles, 7 home runs, and 17 RBI's in 26 games.  Judge led all AL rookies in batting average, runs, hits, home runs, RBI and on-base percentage.  He was second in slugging percentage.  

To the best of my knowledge, he was the only AL rookie to get his own special seating area in his home ballpark with The Judge's Chambers.  

Probably also led AL rookies saying please and thank you.

Congratulations to #99!  This is just another award on his way to a World Series championship(s).

Credit:  Bill Streicher-USATSI

Go Yankees!

Whatever You Can Do, I Can Do Better...

Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-Getty Images

Yankees 12, Blue Jays 2…

Oh, that's the way, uh-huh uh-huh,

I like it, uh-huh, uh-huh.

Forget the Toronto Blue Jays are in last place in the AL East.  This is a dangerous club and one that was predicted to battle the Boston Red Sox for the division championship in most pre-season polls.  They’re a good club and much better than their record might indicate.  They've been very hot recently (winners of 8 of their prior 10 games) and previously injured stars Josh Donaldson and Troy Tulowitzski have rejoined the team.  So, it is that much sweeter to emerge from the first game of the Yankees-Blue Jays series with such a convincing win.

I love the way Manager Joe Girardi said before the game that Gary Sanchez was due to break out and then Sanchez promptly parks one in the second deck in left during the second inning at Rogers Centre for his fifth homer of the season, followed by another shot to left for his sixth round-tripper in the fourth, a two-run blast.  As John Sterling put it, "Gary is scary!".  The two home runs traveled a combined distance of 874 feet.  Now if I could just get Girardi to say that GM Brian Cashman is really close to trading (i.e., dumping) Jacoby Ellsbury and Chris Carter…

Credit:  Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

If you purely looked at numbers between two players, who would you start in center field?

Player 1:  135 AB, 4 HR, 14 RBI, .281/.349/.422, .771 OPS

Player 2:  126 AB, 8 HR, 30 RBI, .317/.437/.579, 1.016 OPS

Let’s just say that I am glad Jacoby Ellsbury was unable to come off the DL when he was eligible to be activated on Thursday.  Aaron Hicks is on fire.  It’s hard to say he was the star of the game when Sanchez smacked two massive home runs, but Hicksie was 4-for-5 with 6 RBI’s to achieve at least co-star honors.  A very impressive performance for the player who was slow to realize his potential but seems to be breaking out with full force this season.

Credit:  Tom Szczerbowski-Getty Images

Aaron Judge, moved up to third in the batting order, singled in the game’s first run.

The Yankees were in control from the start.  They jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning off Blue Jays starter Marco Estrada and never looked back.  

The recent solid run by CC Sabathia (6-2) has been nice.  Backed by superb offense, he pitched into the seventh inning.  He departed after allowing the first Blue Jays run on a homer by Kendrys Morales and subsequently striking out Justin Smoak.  The Blue Jays were only able to get five hits off CC, in addition to the one run.  CC had seven strikeouts and did not walk batter. Chad Green finished the game in relief.  He did allow a solo homer by Ezquiel Carrera but provided length to give the rest of the bullpen the night off.  

Brett Gardner, with a single in the fourth inning, achieved a career milestone with his 1,000th hit of his career.  

This was just a fun game.  The Rogers Centre has been a House of Horrors for the Yankees.  Last year, they dropped 8 of 10 games to the Blue Jays in the ballpark.  So the dominating performance made the win that much more enjoyable.  

The Yankees (31-20) were able to gain a game on the Boston Red Sox in the AL East.  The Red Sox lost to the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards, 7-5.  The Red Sox are 3 games back, and the Orioles remained 3 1/2 games behind.  

Yankees in the News…

Reliever Ernesto Frieri opted not to exercise his opt-out yesterday.  Frieri, currently with AAA-Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, is 2-0 with 3.00 ERA.  Frieri has pitched in 17 games for the RailRiders, covering 21 innings.  He has struck out 24 batters and is currently carrying a WHIP of 1.05.  As the primary closer for the RailRiders, he has 7 saves.  Time will tell if he gets another big league opportunity but you probably shouldn’t hold your breath.

Greg Bird began a rehabilitation assignment with the High-A Advanced Tampa Yankees on Thursday.  Bird played first base in the game against the Charlotte Stone Crabs (you gotta love those unique minor league team names).  Maybe Tampa should be the Anti-Rays.  Bird walked in his first two at-bats showing his eyes are as strong as ever.  He finished the game with a single, in addition to the two walks, in the 6-4 loss. 

Credit:  Paul LoMoglio-Yankees

While Chris Carter was putting up another 0-fer night (hitless in 4 at-bats), Tyler Austin, starting at first base for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, was getting plenty of legwork with a 3-for-4 night that featured a two run home run in the first inning of the RailRiders’ 6-3 loss to the Columbus Clippers.  Carter’s batting average has plummeted to .179 and is making it much easier for the Yankees to eventually decide between Carter and Austin.  

Aroldis Chapman threw from 90 to 100 feet on Thursday.  Girardi said that the Yankees closer will probably throw a bullpen session next week.  The closer is slowly getter closer.

In the first release of All-Star Game balloting, Aaron Judge is currently third with 730,438 votes.  The only players he trails are Washington Nationals’ star Bryce Harper and the Los Angeles Angels’ Mike Trout (who is currently on the DL following thumb surgery).  I am hoping that Harper and Judge are teammates in 2019, but Judge says screw that, I want to be his teammate this year!  Not really but if Aaron gets the call for the ASG, I am okay if he does a little schmoozing with Harper and lets him know how wonderful us Yankees fans are.  

Have a great Friday!  It’s a wonderful time to be alive…and a Yankees fan!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Yankees Likely To Lose Bullpen Option

The Yankees could soon lose one of their options for the bullpen, as Ernesto Frieri can opt-out of his contract tomorrow. I'm assuming that the 31 year old isn't interested in remaining in the minor leagues and will opt out. But who knows? Dwight and the rest of the crew at Dunder Mifflin's Scranton branch seemed to like the place, so maybe it's grown on Ernesto too.

Some of you may remember Frieri as one of the better relievers in the game. At the same time you'll remember that that was back in 2012. Sure, Ernesto saved 37 games for the Angels in 2013, but he relied on the strikeout while giving up his fair share of home runs leading to a not-so-good closer ERA of 3.80.

The last time we saw Frieri in the Majors was in 2015 with the Rays, and he was far from his 2012 self. His strikeout rate dropped from a career-high 13.4 to 7.3, he was walking more batters, and giving up more home runs. At an age when a lot of players are really hitting their stride, Frieri's career certainly was not looking up.

After Ernesto took 2016 off the Yankees made a "what the hell" decision and signed him to a minor league deal, with an opt-out for June 1st. On the surface Frieri looks pretty good in AAA... 2.25 ERA, 0.950 WHIP, 10.4 K/9. But is it enough that I think the Yankees should demote somebody from the current Active Roster to make room for the guy? I don't think so.

That's not to say Tommy Layne hasn't been bad, however Layne is a lefty unlike Frieri. Bryan Mitchell hasn't done much with his 12.1 innings this season, but he's extremely versatile as he can do everything from pitching to one batter to starting a game. I wouldn't call Jonathan Holder "dominant", but I like what I've seen for the most part from the 24 year old.

With how Ernesto has thrown in AAA I'm sure there's some team in MLB that will give the guy a shot in the big leagues again.

Random Thoughts...

A few quick thoughts on Hump Day…

Joe Girardi wants Gary Sanchez to bat second in the lineup.

Say what?  Maybe it’s just me but I think the Yankees are better served by placing Sanchez in the third or fourth spot in the lineup.  I could even buy into fifth, but second?  Girardi must have a lot of faith in the bottom of the order.  Otherwise, it sounds like Sanchez is going to have to count on his own feet for runs batted in.  Seems like a waste for a multi-base hitter like Sanchez.

And Jacoby Ellsbury might bat fifth?  What, was Siberia out of the question?...

Adam Warren, sit down.

Adam Warren has been told by the Yankees that he is slated for bullpen duty, thereby, knocking him out of the competition for the rotation.  So, that means we are down to Luis Severino, Bryan Mitchell, Chad Green and Jordan Montgomery.  No surprise, but glad to see Girardi is reducing the competition.  I've felt all along that Warren's greatest value is as the designated swingman.  

Jon “Arnold Schwarzenegger” Niese.

"I’ll be back…"

As expected, Niese has re-signed a minor league deal to remain in the Yankees organization.  This will allow Niese more time to regain fastball velocity and eventually snag a role in the crowded Yankees bullpen if he is successful.  Or he could represent rotation insurance.  If not, it was a low risk signing.

He’s just a Rookie.

Congratulations to former Yankee Rookie Davis.  Traded to the Cincinnati Reds in the Aroldis Chapman deal, the tall young right-hander has made the Reds starting rotation.  Davis spent most of last year in AA, with some time logged at the AAA level.  I wish him much success in the Show!  He has a chance to be the Rookie of the Year although I am sure his mom has been giving him that award every year since birth.

Dustin time...well, maybe not.

Former Yankee Dustin Ackley failed to make the Opening Day roster for the Los Angeles Angels and will head to AAA.  Baseball has been a tough sport for the one-time second overall draft pick.

Another Rule 5 Returnee.

While I am still waiting to see if C Luis Torrens (Padres) or Tyler Webb (Pirates) come back, the Chicago Cubs returned another left-hander to the Yankees.  Caleb Smith, 25, saw limited action this Spring (6 1/3 innings, 8 hits, 3 earned runs, 2 walks, and 7 strikeouts).  Presumably, he’ll head for AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.  I guess you can never have too many lefties…

Future Yankees Captain?

As the new face of the Yankees, could Gary Sanchez be named as Captain at some point in the future?  Although he uses an interpreter with the media, he has learned English and is able to converse with his pitchers.  He the leader of the new Core and should continue to expand his influence on the team as he moves forward.  If no Captain is named over the next couple of years, I could see Gleyber Torres eventually in consideration.  But at this point, there’s no question this is Gary’s team.

All Good Things Must End…

Masahiro Tanaka’s Spring scoreless streak ended with yesterday’s 6-3 loss to the Detroit Tigers.  Tanaka allowed two runs (one earned) in the first inning before settling down to allow no more runs through five innings of work.  He gave up three hits and two walks, while striking out six.  He finishes the Spring with a 0.38 ERA.  I think he’s ready (in a statement of the obvious). 

Aaron Judge hit a long solo homer in the 7^th inning.

Ernesto Frieri gave up two runs and now has a 9.00 ERA through four innings of Spring work.  I doubt he makes the Opening Day roster and will most likely take the Jon Niese route to the minor leagues for extended spring training.

Jordan Montgomery takes the mound for the Yankees (22-8-1) today in his final Spring performance and long-shot bid for the starting rotation.  The Yankees will be at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium in Dunedin, FL to face the Toronto Blue Jays.  Here’s hoping that Montgomery gives Joe Girardi an offer he can’t refuse.

Have a great day!

The name’s McKinney, have bat, will travel…

Credit:  Reinhold Matay, USA TODAY Sports

It must be odd for Albertin Aroldis Chapman de la Cruz as he looks around training camp, thinking about how things unfolded at the trading deadline last year.

On July 25, 2016, the lives of five players were  forever changed.  Chapman was sent to the Chicago Cubs for ultra-prospect Gleyber Torres, the consummate swingman Adam Warren, talented upper echelon prospect Billy McKinney, and the lesser known Rashad Crawford.  Three outfielders and a pitcher for the flame thrower.

For Chapman, we know how the path developed.  He went to the Cubs and helped them win their first World Series since 1908.  He lived the dream that eludes so many players.  Derek Jeter might not be the best person to ask how hard it is, but I am sure that Don Mattingly can explain.

Now, having re-signed with the Pinstripers, Chapman is back in camp with the familiar interlocking N-Y and putting up his usual one inning of zero’s every few days.  But as he throws his pitches, he is reminded of those he is directly responsible for bringing to New York.  Aside from Warren, the former Yankee who is a better fit for the Yankees than he was the Cubs, and Torres, now the organization’s top prospect, we have Billy McKinney, who might be the forgotten piece to the puzzle.  McKinney was originally a first round selection in the 2013 MLB Draft for the Oakland Athletics.  He ended up in Chicago, thanks to the Jeff Samardzija trade a couple of years ago.

At the start of training camp, I wished the best for McKinney, who was born in the same town, about the same time, as my daughter (in Plano, Texas).  I thought McKinney would get a few at-bat’s and then become one of the early departures for re-assignment to minor league camp.  Yet, here we are on March 19th, and McKinney is still producing for the spring-time Yanks.  He’s played in 15 games, and currently carries a .412 batting average (7-for-17).  Three of those hits have gone for home runs.  He has also driven in 7 runs.  He has walked three times and has only struck out once.  McKinney is showing that he can be part of the Baby Bombers movement and is serving notice to Aaron Hicks that he had better perform if he intends to keep his job.  

I don’t expect McKinney to make the Opening Day roster, but I think he has opened eyes and made people realize why he was once a first-round pick for the A’s.  He becomes the lost man in the Chapman trade, along with Crawford, given so much attention focused on Torres.  It is very possible that the day will come when Chapman will share the major league roster with at least three players he is directly responsible for bringing to New York. 

It’s also within the realm of possibility that McKinney could be setting himself up for yet another trade, given the depth of outstanding young outfielders in the Yankees system.  Regardless of what happens, I am very happy to see McKinney find success.  He is showing that he has a future in Major League Baseball.

Thud.  Just like that, the Yankees lost their latest spring game yesterday when Aneury Tavarez homered off the newly signed Ernesto Frieri in the 9th inning.  The Yanks were unable to answer Tavarez’s homer in the bottom of the frame and the Baltimore Orioles prevailed 5-4.  The Yankees dropped to 16-6 with the loss.

To Frieri’s credit, he did finish the 9th with 3 strikeouts.  

Speaking of losses, Dellin Betances is headed back to Yankees camp.  Thanks to Team USA’s elimination of the Dominican Republic from the WBC, it’s time for Betances to pull back on the pinstripes.  I am sure that he will be a welcome sight in Tampa, along with coach Tony Pena (Team DR’s head coach).  

Congratulations to Team USA for the 6-3 victory!  With no offense to either Betances or Pena, I always love to see the season of Joey Bats ended prematurely.  Team USA will now advance to the WBC semifinals against Team Japan.  

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Next Round of Spring Cuts Are In And…

The latest rounds of spring training cuts are in and the New York Yankees and I have to say that the team is breaking my heart. Keep reading.

The list of players cut from spring training camp on Wednesday includes Chance Adams, Miguel Andujar, Johnny Barbato, Dietrich Enns and Giovanny Gallegos.

Now while I know that none of these four had a realistic shot at making the team the Chance Adams demotion and assignment to minor league camp hurt especially. You know because the longer he stayed in camp the longer there was still a chance, lol, he made the team as the 5^th starter. I also enjoyed watched Andujar, as raw as he is, and I look forward to him coming and knocking Chase Headley off the third base throne in the Bronx.

The Yankees are now down to 49 players and will need to be down to 25 players by Opening Day on April 2, 2017. This includes Ernesto Frieri who is being worked out by the team in hopes of latching on with the club in their bullpen. 

Why not take a Gamble?…

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

In honor of the occasion, I decided to profile a former Irish Yankee...the great O'Gamble!  Well, alright, he wasn't exactly Irish but Oscar Gamble did wear #17.

Younger Yankees fans might not know who Oscar Gamble is.  Most have probably seen the poofy Afro under the Yankees cap, or might know that he played for 7 teams over the course of a 17-year career.  But for me, he was an invaluable Yankee.  

Oscar, an outfielder and DH, played for the Yankees in 1976 and then returned in 1979 for 5 more years.  The Big O was never a full-time player for the Yankees, and his career year came the year after his first stint in pinstripes, while playing for the Chicago White Sox.  That year, 1977, he hit 31 homers with 83 RBI's.  His best year in the Bronx was 1982 when he hit 18 home runs, drove in 57 RBI's, and had a .272 batting average.

Despite minimal full-time starts, Oscar still managed to hit 200 home runs for his career.  I loved his batting style.  He would go into a deep crouch, and would explode on the ball.  There have been just a few Yankees that I truly loved their home run swings.  Darryl Strawberry was probably my all-time favorite, followed by Reggie Jackson, but the Big O was up there too.  I didn't get to see Mickey Mantle swing so that's the only reason he is not in the group.

I had enjoyed Oscar during his first season in New York in 1976.  I was saddened when he was traded to the White Sox at the start of the 1977 season, along with pitcher LaMarr Hoyt, who went on to have a very good career, and a minor leaguer for Russell Earl "Bucky" Dent. So, I was excited when he returned to New York in 1979 in a trade with the Texas Rangers although admittedly I was disappointed to see Mickey "Mick the Quick" Rivers head the other direction.  

Unfortunately, the joy was very short-lived as my favorite Yankee at the time, Thurman Munson, was killed in a plane crash a couple of days later.  Still, it was players like Oscar that helped me cope with that very difficult and devastating time.  

In early 1981 (before spring training began), I had the opportunity to meet Oscar.  Young and stupid at the time, I walked up to his house in Montgomery, Alabama, and knocked on the door.  Oscar answered it and gave me his autograph.  We talked briefly about the Yankees, and he spoke of how excited he was to play with outfielder Dave Winfield, whom the Yankees had just signed as a free agent.  I will forever remember that meeting.  He was such a gracious man and he was so patient with me that day.  I can't imagine walking up to a ballplayer's house today.  I'd probably get shot.  

So, here's to the great Oscar Gamble!  I will never forget your days in pinstripes and still carry your autograph with me to this day.  We go through life and there are certain people that leave a lasting impression. For me, Oscar was one of those people.  If I can go through life and be half the man he is, I will have done well for myself.

Credit:  Jim McIsaac, Getty Images

Also, I'd like to give a shout out to the current #17 so Happy St. Paddy's day to new Yankees designated hitter Matt O'Holliday!  Looking forward to the 2017 season when every day is a Holliday!

As expected, the Yankees signed reliever Ernesto Frieri on Thursday to a minor league contract with an invitation to MLB camp.  Joe Girardi has indicated that Frieri has a chance to make the Opening Day roster, but I think an extended stay in Tampa is the more likely scenario.  Nevertheless, if he pitches as well as he did in his short stint with Columbia (WBC) this month, Girardi could be right.  

In Grapefruit League action yesterday, James Kaprielian made his long anticipated first appearance against Toronto and did not disappoint.  He came on in the 7th and stayed for two innings.  He walked a batter but did not relinquish a hit or run.  He struck out 3 Blue Jays, and picked up the win.  This is just the first step of many before Kaprielian makes his Bronx debut appearance but I am so looking forward to that day. 

The Yankees overcame an early hole to win the game, 11-5, thanks in large part to four home runs.   The Yankees are now 15-5 for the Spring.  

Kaprielian was re-assigned to minor league camp after the game, but as Arnold Schwarzenegger would say, “He’ll be back!”…

Outfielder Mason Williams was also sent down.

Luis Cessa, don’t let the door hit you on the way out to minor league camp when they call your name.  Cessa and his 11.25 ERA are not long for the major league camp.  Most likely, the competition for the #5 spot is down to Chad Green and Bryan Mitchell (Go Mitch!).  Severino has #4 locked up, and Adam Warren’s highest and best use is in the pen.  

Have a great Friday and a wonderful St. Patrick’s Day!

A little Birdy told me…

Credit:  Getty Images

Actually, I have no friggin’ idea.  The question?  How will Greg Bird hit this year?  

‘With a bat’…alright, I set myself up for that one.  But seriously, what results will that bat produce this season for the Yankees new first baseman?

The Yankees have a long history of strong first basemen in recent memory.  Don Mattingly was beloved from beginning to end, but back problems reduced his effectiveness toward the end of his career.  I remain convinced that he would have had a Hall of Fame career if the back problems had not robbed him of crucial years.  

When Donnie Baseball retired after the excruciating loss to the Seattle Mariners in the 1995 play-offs, there was uncertainty over who would fill his shoes.  On December 7, 1995, the Yankees traded third baseman Russ Davis and pitcher Sterling Hitchcock to the Seattle Mariners to acquire first baseman Constantino “Tino” Martinez, along with relievers Jim Mecir and Jeff Nelson.  It set up the chain of successive great first basemen for New York.  

After collecting a truckload of World Series rings, Tino left as a free agent following the 2001 season.  To replace Martinez, the Yankees dipped into the free agent market and snagged the Oakland A’s slugging first baseman Jason Giambi.  After the PED issues and deteriorating performance, Giambi left as a free agent following the 2008 season.  To replace the Giambino, the Yankees dipped back into free agency to pick up Mark Teixeira (the same year they signed CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett, which led to the 2009 World Series Championship).

Like Giambi, but unrelated to PEDs, Teixeira’s performance, as we sadly know, also deteriorated with time.  Injuries, age, his wife’s shopping habits, whatever the cause, it wasn’t pretty at the end.  Teixeira retired after the end of last season which leads us to our new first baseman, Gregory Paul Bird. 

It’s been a long and winding road to get here but nonetheless here we are.  

Since he missed most of last year due to injury, the Yankees haven’t seen Bird since he played 46 games in 2015, hitting 11 home runs and 31 RBI’s to go with a .261 batting average.  Bird represents the youngest first-time, full-time (at the beginning of the year) starting Yankees first baseman since Donnie Baseball.  Mattingly was 23 when he made his first major impact in 1983. He had played 91 games the year before but ’83 was the first full season as the team’s starting first baseman.  I remember when Mattingly was in the minors.  Steve “Bye-Bye” Balboni drew all the raves for his massive home runs.  Mattingly was viewed more as a singles hitter. Yet, Mattingly succeeded and Balboni went to Kansas City for the start of a journeyman career.  It would have been impossible to predict how Mattingly would perform at the major league level based on his minor league stats.  That’s where I am with Greg Bird.  

With Bird, I see a professional hitter.  I have no doubt that he’ll be successful.  I just don’t know how successful.  I clearly prefer Bird under trial and error versus handing the job to Chris “I only hit home runs” Carter or giving the job to Tyler Austin when he returns from the broken foot. 

Bird has big shoes to fill when you look at the inaugural year, as Yankees, for the above-referenced line of Yankees first basemen.

First full year as Yankees first baseman

PLAYER	AGE	GAMES	HR	RBI	BA
Mattingly	23	153	23	110	0.343
Martinez	28	155	25	117	0.292
Giambi	31	155	41	122	0.314
Teixeira	29	156	39	122	0.292

First full year with original team

PLAYER	AGE	GAMES	HR	RBI	BA
Mattingly	23	153	23	110	0.343
Martinez	24	136	16	66	0.257
Giambi	25	140	20	79	0.291
Teixeira	23	146	26	84	0.259

For the purposes of my analysis, I defined the first full year as the first with more than 100 games played.  

If Bird approaches these numbers (in the neighborhood), the Yankees will be very pleased.  My guess, which is absolutely worthless, is that Bird will hit about 20 homers and 70 RBI’s.  He should also hit for average (unlike his backup).  

Obviously, how Bird’s predecessors hit have nothing to do with how he will perform, but you would expect numbers comparable to those put up by Martinez and Giambi during the debut seasons with their original teams.  If he puts up Mattingly’s numbers, we might be talking about how the Yankees beat the Boston Red Sox to take the AL East.   Okay, that statement might be a little overly aggressive but how wonderful it would be if he did.

When the season is done, I think the Yankees will be happy with Bird’s performance assuming he stays healthy.  

A trip down California’s Pacific Coast Highway through Pebble Beach might have been a prettier route to take than the one I just did to get to Bird’s forecast, but what do I know.  I am just a fan.

MiLB.com has released their Top Ten Overall Farm System Rankings.  They have the Yankees at #2, citing Gleyber Torres of the “new face of the youth movement”.  They also referenced Clint Frazier, Blake Rutherford, Aaron Judge, Jorge Mateo, James Kaprielian, Justus Sheffield, and Albert Abreu as reasons for the high ranking.  The Atlanta Braves were the only team rated higher, thanks to a stronger pitching pipeline.

So much for the 53-man NFL roster, the Yankees sent 5 more down to minor league camp for re-assignment. Counting the players away at the WBC, that leaves 48 players in the march to 25. The latest departees are RHP Johnny Barbato, RHP Giovanny Gallegos, RHP Chance Adams, LHP Dietrich Enns, and 3B Miguel Andujar.  I can’t say that I am really surprised by any of the cuts, although I had expected Adams to get more looks during spring training.  He appeared in 3 games for a total of 4 innings, with 2.25 ERA.  However, more walks (6) than strikeouts (5) was troubling.  If he can solve his control issues, there’s a good chance we’ll see him again.  

Wow, that’s the Big Mike I want this year!  I know, I know, spring stats mean zilch (especially with numerous major leaguers away at the WBC), but Michael Pineda put up great numbers (or rather perfect numbers) last night against the Philadelphia Phillies.  5 innings, no hits, no runs, no walks, 8 strikeouts.  

After Aroldis Chapman contributed his usual scoreless inning, Chad Green finished up the game, allowing the only hit and run for the Phillies as the Yankees cruised 3-1.  The Yankees offense was completely Baby Bomber-powered.  A home run by Greg Bird, a run scoring single by Gary Sanchez (who was 2-for-2), and a sac fly by Dustin Fowler.  Phillies starter, and former Red Sock, Clay Buchholz took the loss (his second loss to the Bombers this month).  

Austin Romine left the game after being hit in the hand with a wild pitch from Green, but, fortunately, x-rays after the game proved negative.

Veteran reliever Ernesto Frieri was in the Yankees clubhouse prior to the game and it is speculated that he may sign a minor league contract with the team as soon as today.  Frieri recently pitched for Columbia in the WBC but hasn’t been in the major leagues since 2015.

The Yankees improved their spring record to 14-5.

James Kaprielian will make his long-anticipated first start in Grapefruit League action later today in Dunedin, FL against the Toronto Blue Jays.  

Have a great Thursday!