Cautiously pessimistic about America’s greatest franchise…

 

Ben Rice and Aaron Judge (Photo Credit: Heather Khalifa/AP Photo)

Can the Yankees win when it matters? T.B.D…

Granted, the 2025 MLB Season has had its fair share of great Yankees moments; it has also been littered by uneven and inconsistent play that has turned wins into losses. The poster children for what ails the Yankees are former closer Devin Williams and fraudulent starting second baseman Anthony Volpe. Put a big shit-eating grin on Aaron Boone behind them, and you have the trifecta for what ails the New York Yankees.  

I wanted Volpe to succeed with the Yankees. Who does not wish for a New Jersey kid to grow up to wear the famed Pinstripes of his favorite childhood team? It makes for an incredible story if the player can walk the walk. Unfortunately, with ample time to decide, the jury has seen enough. The Yankees can do better. They can do better this season by benching or inventing a phantom season-ending injury for Volpe and inserting Jose Caballero as the starting shortstop for the duration of the season. Based on potential, Volpe is the better player, but Caballero is the easy play.

I am grateful the Yankees made the deadline deal to acquire former Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar. Given how many games Devin Williams has cost the Yankees this year, they needed to find a different solution. Williams is a one-season Yankee, and I couldn't care less about him. I hope he finds success elsewhere, so long as it is not in the AL East. Williams’ defining moment in Pinstripes will forever be his role in getting the Yankees to drop their prohibition against beards. Everything he has done on the mound is forgettable.

I wish I felt optimistic about the Yankees in the coming weeks (and months?), but they are a one-and-done playoff participant if they make it. Aaron Boone’s decisions are too much to overcome. I know the decisions belong to the Analytics Department, but Boone is the representative who could say no. The Yankees will make poor decisions that will cost them the potential to advance. That is the status quo for the 2025 Yankees.

I write all this hoping the Yankees can prove me wrong. Please.

This has been a weird season. Everyone knew the Yankees needed a true third baseman at the start of the season, yet the Yankees waited until the trade deadline to pick up a good glove, not a great bat, guy. I am not trying to diss on Ryan McMahon. The Yankees have been better at third since his arrival, and he has had a few clutch hits. But waiting for a half-season to address a significant weakness was a failure on the Yankees’ part. A better focus in the off-season could have landed a better option. Again, not trying to diss on McMahon. I appreciate his presence on the roster. Something is better than nothing.

I never dreamed starting the season that I would love Ben Rice as the Yankees’ starting catcher over Austin Wells, but here we are. Rice has proven his worth with the bat, and you must find a way to keep him in the lineup. I wish Wells had blossomed, and maybe he will. Despite his great career, Paul Goldschmidt is another one-season Yankee. Rice is a potential first baseman for next season unless the Yankees can re-sign Cody Bellinger. I hope and pray the Yankees sign Bellinger, but I am not optimistic. I pray his love for the Yankees will be the difference-maker. We shall see. If Belli returns and takes first base, catcher seems to be the spot for Rice, sacrificing Wells, and his potential—tough decisions ahead for Brian Cashman and his cast of analytic idiots.

I am glad that Max Fried has rebounded from his slump. I like Fried and do not regret the Yankees’ signing him. A front three next season featuring Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, and Fried, with support from Luis Gil and Cam Schlittler, is damn good. The Will Warren factor leads to off-season speculation that one may be moved.

There have been times I have missed Gleyber Torres, but second baseman Jazz Chisholm, Jr. has been a more exciting option. Playing Jazz at third to start the season was foolish, but letting the man perform at his natural position has helped offset the loss of Torres. One of Brian Cashman’s better under-the-radar moves in recent years. I wish all of them could fare as nicely.

If the Yankees exit early this season, they must consider making a managerial move. I know there is more that ails the Yankees than Boone, but we have seen enough of this story. It's time for a new bench cheerleader. Steal Kevin Cash from the Rays. As much as I did not want a ‘been there, done that’ return to Joe Girardi, Binder Joe is a better option than Boone. 

The Yankees have made many good decisions in recent years, but they still let foolish choices prevent them from being the best they can be. At some point, GM Brian Cashman needs to be held accountable. If Hal Steinbrenner is not man enough to axe his long-time executive and his father’s hire, I hope Cashman finally decides that it is time to try something new. Nothing changes with the team until the GM seat is refreshed. 

I want the Yankees to succeed in October and win their first World Series since 2009. I wish I were confident, but I am not. Please, Yankees, prove me wrong. I implore you to dig deep and show the World what you are capable of.

As always, Go Yankees!

Can the Yanks Make the Necessary Halftime Adjustments? ...

  

Max Fried (Photo Credit: Jason Szenes/New York Post)

Hanging on to AL East second place by a thread…

When the season started, I was cautiously optimistic. Despite losing their ace, Gerrit Cole, to Tommy John surgery, they had signed Max Fried as a free agent in the offseason. It looked like a great 1-2 punch at the time of the signing. As it turned out, Max would take the throne as the rotation’s ace. I thought Max would be good, but he turned out to be better than expected.

You cannot hold the blister issue in Fried’s last start when he lasted only three innings, giving up six hits, four runs (three earned), and three walks, in the 5-2 loss to the Chicago Cubs on Saturday. Despite the struggles against the Cubs, Fried finishes the first half with an 11-3 record in twenty starts. His WAR is 3.3, and his ERA still sits below 3 at 2.43.  He racked up 113 strikeouts in 122 innings pitched. I cannot imagine where the Yankees would be without Fried. For as much as we have trashed GM Brian Cashman, the decision and the ability to sign Fried was one of the best moves of Cashman’s lengthy career. It helps that Carlos Rodón answered the bell to provide a substantial number two for Fried. Every pitcher occasionally throws a clunker, so I will not hold Rodón’s poorer games against him. Overall, he has been effective and is what the Yankees need.

I digress when the point was early-season optimism, with some caution. The Yankees are 53-43, after their struggles since May have caught up with them. They are two games behind the Toronto Blue Jays after holding down first place for most of the first half until the recent sweep by the Blue Jays. They can make up ground in the second half with the correct deadline moves. The Yankees MUST fix their weaknesses. The failure to address third base in the offseason is a colossal mistake. It has cost them several potential wins converted to losses through errant play or trying to play players out of their normal positions. I have no doubts the Yankees would be ahead of the Blue Jays at the half if Cashman had not stopped short, leaving the gaping hole at third. Jazz Chisholm, Jr. is a talented guy who did not embarrass himself but is a better second baseman. As much as I loved DJ LeMahieu early in his Yankees’ career and as gifted as he was with a glove at second base, it was too obvious he was not the player he once was. His misplays at the position would have been easy outs for Chisholm had he been the team’s second baseman. I am glad the Yankees finally did the right thing by moving Jazz back to second base.

As for LeMahieu, I am saddened his Yankees career ends with a designation for assignment, followed by his release the next day. Saddened, but it was the right move. Watch LeMahieu sign with the Blue Jays or the Los Angeles Dodgers and make a game-winning hit in the World Series for his new team. I enjoyed his time in New York, but all good things must end. I wish LeMahieu the best in the future, but regardless of how he plays for his next team, Cashman made the best move for the 2025 Yankees (as it relates to LeMahieu).

DJ LeMahieu (Photo Credit: New York Yankees/Getty Images)

If you had told me the Yankees would be 53-43 at the All-Star Break before the season, I would have welcomed it. After the miserable play of the last month and a half, it does feel like the Yankees were exposed as an early-season fraud.

The past month/month-and-a-half events prove the Yankees do not have the right combination of players on the roster. They need a third baseman (Oswald Peraza is not the answer). I have given up hope for a player like Eugenio Suarez. I do not feel the Arizona Diamondbacks will trade him, and if they do, they are looking for an overpay. Do not give up Spencer Jones or George Lombard, Jr., for a rental player. Ryan McMahon of the Colorado Rockies rates my best-case scenario, although I would gladly take Ke'Bryan Hayes for his glove. I wish Hayes had a better stick, but he can help the Yankees. I have moved from Nolan Arenado. The Cardinals were foolish for not offloading him last offseason. In retrospect, I am glad they did not.

The Yankees need a starter with Clark Schmidt’s Tommy John surgery this past week. Given that they needed one before Schmidt’s injury, they need two unless they believe Cam Schlittler can contribute at the back end of the rotation. No aces or near aces will be available for trade, so solid number three is the best the Yankees can hope for. A strong third would help enhance chances to reach October and provide a solid third for the duo of Fried and Rodón. The tricky part is how much prospect capital will cost to secure a strong starter. It is a double-edged sword. You must believe that you have a chance to reach the Fall Classic to let go of elite talent. If there is doubt, tough decisions must be made, which may not bode well for the immediate future.

Again, I keep digressing. To get back on course, I feel the Yankees have had a successful first half of the season, albeit tinged with disappointment. They are within striking distance, which is all you can ask. The Boston Red Sox are doing well, winning ten consecutive games, and they sit just one game behind the Yankees. The Yankees are the better team, but this reinforces why they need to address their weaknesses now.

I appreciate the job that JC Escarra has done for the Yankees as a backup catcher, but trading him makes sense given Ben Rice’s ability to catch. Roster Construction is the key. Opening Escarra’s roster spot allows the Yankees to strengthen the bench in other areas. Escarra is also a late bloomer and does not represent the future. The Yankees have strong young catchers coming up in the farm system. They are better with Austin Wells and Rice as the catching tandem because they can build a stronger bench.

I am glad that Cody Bellinger has proven to be a reliable Yankee. I never lost patience with him in April when he got off to a slow start. He is not Juan Soto, but he fits the Yankees' roster. I hope the Yankees see his long-term worth and work to secure him for a longer tenure. He wants to be a Yankee and has performed at the level necessary to ensure his fan support. Hopefully, Cashman and his cast of nerds are watching.

Cody Bellinger (Photo Credit: Wendell Cruz/Imagn Images)

We have established that the Yankees need a third baseman and a starter. Lastly, they need bullpen help. A managerial change is a need, but regardless of how we feel, Aaron Boone will be the Yankees' manager throughout the 2025 season and most likely longer. I had hoped that a seasoned manager as a bench coach would help Boone, but while Brad Ausmus may be good at what he does, Boone has not noticeably improved. Yet, the calls to fire Boone, even though he is not my favorite, lead to the question of who is available and who is better? The options are limited. This season is Aaron Boone, whether we like it or not.

As for the bullpen, the Yankees have proven to be bullpen wizards in recent years, but they have had their challenges this season. Devin Williams got off to a horrific start as the Yankees' closer and lost his job until a Luke Weaver injury put him back at the end of games. He has performed better and is starting to play like a guy the Yankees should consider re-signing at the end of the season.

I do not know what to think about Jonathan Loaisiga. He was always at risk of injury, but has been awful this year. He has become a guy, and I cringe when he enters games. I am not sure the Yankees can turn him around. Given his injury history, is he worth holding onto to find out? I am starting to lean to the side of letting him go.

The Yankees should have made a small deal by now as a prelude to the coming days leading up to the deadline. So far, nothing but crickets. Is this the year the Yankees shock us with their moves, or will it be another deadline that passes with an underwhelming feeling?

If the Yankees do nothing, fail to make the playoffs, or get bounced in the early rounds, if they do, Managing General Partner Hal Steinbrenner must finally stand up and make a change in the general manager and manager seats. He has the money; he needs to bring the brightest and the best to the team’s most sacred managerial roles (the general manager and the field general).

I am not sure what to think about the second half. There will be more disappointing games if we stay with the status quo. Making a return trip to the World Series seems like a long shot without shoring up the team’s weaknesses.

I am grateful Aaron Judge is a New York Yankee. Seattle’s Cal Raleigh is having an incredible (and historic) season, but Judge remains a step ahead.

Aaron Judge (Photo Credit: Brad Penner/Imagn Images)

Sunday’s only run was on a Giancarlo Stanton home run. It would be nice if he found his groove for the second half. The Yankees need him.

Like the first half, I go into the second half cautiously, emphasizing what the Yankees do at the trade deadline to determine whether optimism becomes pessimism. If the Yankees can add a strong starter, a reliable bullpen weapon ( a Circle of Trust kind of guy), and an elite defensive third baseman, the AL East can be the Yankees if they choose to take it.

No pressure, Brian Cashman. You, sir, are on the clock.

The MLB Draft has finally arrived. Congratulations to Eli Willits, the Washington Nationals' first selection of the 2025 MLB Draft. Willits, 17, a shortstop from Fort Cobb-Broxton (OK) High School, is the son of the former Yankees first base coach Reggie Willits. I did not like watching the pitcher with the highest upside fall to the Boston Red Sox for the fifteenth selection when they chose Kyson Witherspoon, RHP, Oklahoma.

The Yankees did not have a first-round selection. With the thirty-ninth (compensatory) pick, the Yankees have chosen shortstop Dax Kilby, Newnan High School (GA). A polished bat, according to the guys on MLB Network. They also said Dax was Buck Showalter’s favorite during the MLB Combine. After all the shortstops taken in recent years, I would have gone in a different direction. The Los Angeles Dodgers got an intriguing prospect in LHP Zach Root, Arkansas, immediately after the Yankees’ pick. I would have chosen Root over Kilby because you can never have too much good pitching. Nevertheless, welcome to the Yankees family, Dax!

Dax Kilby

Back to the Yankees: Brian Cashman is the key to the second half. Can he fix the roster and give the Yankees their best chance of success in the October race? I wish I had better confidence that it would happen. Color me a skeptic. I want the Yankees to win, and I hope they win. The current roster says otherwise, so make the moves. Ensure the lights of Yankee Stadium shine brightly deep into October.

As always, Go Yankees!

Just When It Was Safe To Feel Good Again...

 

Will Warren and Austin Wells (Photo Credit: Harry How/Getty Images)

Yankees make the best of a bad weekend…

A series loss is a series loss; any way you slice it. I am trying to find the positives in the weekend thrashing by the Los Angeles Dodgers, who took two of three games from their World Series rival and our beloved men in Pinstripes. Winning the getaway game on Sunday at least gave the team some sliver of hope after Saturday’s massacre and Friday’s loss despite an ace on the mound. It is not enough to make up for losing two of three games, but it is something. The downside is the injury news related to Luke Weaver and his hamstring, which could potentially land him on the Injured List, and the contusion on the left thumb of Jasson Dominguez.

The Yankees cannot afford to lose Luke Weaver for an extended period. The severity of the injury will obviously dictate the length of his absence so we can only hope and pray for the best. His absence would put Devin Williams back in line for his original Closing role. Williams has much to prove to give us any optimism that he can be the great Airbender he was in Milwaukee. I would like to see him succeed, but I am not confident he can. Some guys are not made for New York, and so far, Williams seems to be one of those guys who shy away from the brightest lights. I would like to be wrong, and maybe his Pinstriped start was just a product of learning life on America’s greatest stage. I want him to succeed, but it seems to me that he will exit the stage for a new and smaller city as soon as his contract expires this Fall, and free agency opens. Nevertheless, he gets another opportunity to prove he can finish what he starts.

Devin Williams (Photo Credit: SI.com)

I am concerned about losing Dominquez, but not as much as Weaver. To back up Dominguez, the Yankees could call up Everson Pereira, who certainly deserves another opportunity. Now twenty-four, Pereira is batting .275/.355/.504 with .859 OPS. He has nine home runs and twenty-three RBIs. He has swiped five bags while getting caught stealing only once. If Dominguez misses any time, I will have no qualms about bringing up Pereira to replace him. Pereira is one of those guys. He has nothing left to prove in the minors.

I was feeling good about the Yankees until the Dodgers series. Losing two games in early June is not really a big deal in the grand scheme of things, but after all the trash-talking the Dodgers did about the Yankees after the World Series, I did want a better outcome. At least the Yankees took the last game to prevent a sweep. I like challenges such as that series because it helps the Front Office identify clear and present needs (as if they do not already know). It shakes the belief to just stand pat with the present hand. The Yankees do need reinforcements and effective ones at that. Too often, GM Brian Cashman’s deadline acquisitions underwhelm. They proved they were not worth the cost. Every now and then, he hits a winner, but he errs more than he succeeds.

I know the Yankees will soon see the return of Giancarlo Stanton. It will be good to have him back, but it is hard not to wonder how the roster will be constructed when they must make room for him on the active roster. I am worried that the loser will be Ben Rice, who has proven he is a Major League baseball player. Long term, I would rather have Rice over Stanton,  so I do not want to see Rice suffer because of Stanton’s return. We are within the last few years of Stanton’s Yankees career. He is getting older…it happens…and he is not suddenly going to become an injury-free player. Stanton will get hurt and he will miss time (lots of it). I love the guy’s home runs, but with all sincerity, I would rather have a younger player (Rice) who has played consistently since the start of the season.

Ben Rice (Photo Credit: Newsbreak.com)

When the Yankees signed Ryan Yarbrough in the offseason, I thought it was just another scrap heap move. Of course, I thought the same when the Yankees signed Luke Weaver, but it is nice when Cashman and his cast of cronies catch lightning in a bottle with one of their low-risk signings. I hated it when Yarbrough pitched against the Yankees. I did not look back at the stats, but it seemed like he was always keeping the Yankees away from reaching home plate with his soft pitches. The guy who looks like he should be hittable but is not. There is no scenario I had pictured Yarbrough in the starting rotation, and yet, I do not want him to lose his current spot. He cannot sustain his effectiveness, but I am not sure the Yankees can do better at the deadline. It is not like frontline aces will be available for hire. Credit to Max Fried and Carlos Rodon for easing early concerns about the starting rotation. Fried, despite his disappointing start against the Dodgers a few days ago, has been a Godsend. Gerrit Cole is irreplaceable, yet Fried has held the door. Fried is, by far, my favorite free agent signing of the past few years, and the most unexpected.

I like Yankees manager Aaron Boone despite frustrations with him at times. I continue to see posts on social media that say the Yankees cannot win with Boone as the manager. I am not sure that I agree. I think, surrounded by the right players, Boone can lead the Yankees to the promised land. When people bash him, I always think, who is out there who could do better? I am sure Buck Showalter would get a few votes, but if he were so good, why is he not currently managing? Same with Joe Girardi. I like Joe, but I do not feel he is better than Boone. Rob Thomson has proven to be a better manager than Girardi in Philadelphia. If anything, the Yankees should have given Thomson a stronger chance for the Yankees' post before he left after Boone was hired.

Ironically, I feel better about the coaching staff on my favorite NFL team, a team that has NEVER won a championship, the Minnesota Vikings, than the Yankees. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell is an offensive genius, and defensive coordinator Brian Flores is an elite defensive mind. I wish I had that confidence with the Yankees coaching staff. Outside of pitching coach Matt Blake, there is not really anyone who stands out. I temper it with who is out there (available) that can do better? I cannot find the answer to the question.

DJ LeMahieu had a nice game on Sunday. Thank you. But I am not buying into the belief that he will be a difference-maker. His age and his recent challenge with injuries place him in a high-risk category, and I do not want to pin any hopes on his health and ability to succeed. It sucks because I really liked LeMahieu when he was younger, but sadly, age happens. It does not help when a recent history of injuries accompanies it. It only gets worse from here. The talk is that Jazz Chisholm will be the third baseman upon his return, which would keep LeMahieu at second base. I do think second base is the best place to maximize LeMahieu’s talents, but for no other reason than age, I would prefer Jorbit Vivas. If the market dictates the availability of a better second baseman than third baseman who can help at the trade deadline, I think the Yankees should move on from David John LeMahieu. Heck, even if they did land a third baseman who can be a difference-maker, pushing Jazz to second, I would move on from DJ.

Why do people still talk about Juan Soto? He is a Met and will be for an exceedingly long time. I have moved on from him, and I do not care what he does (or does not do) with the Mets. Soto is not a Yankee, and he does not deserve any discussion in the Yankees Universe. That ship has sailed. It was Soto’s decision to leave. I have read people saying Hal Steinbrenner failed to keep him. Hal made an incredibly competitive offer, and Soto would have been a very wealthy man by staying with the Yankees and putting his name among the game’s all-time greats. It was his choice to leave. C’est La Vie.

I am a little annoyed that the Yankees keep giving the Boston Red Sox valuable pieces for their roster. Catcher Carlos Narvaez is obviously the latest example. I like JC Escarra, but I would have stayed with Narvaez as the backup for Austin Wells. I am old enough to remember when the Yankees would send talented catchers to the Pittsburgh Pirates. I wish they had done that with Narvaez (or just kept him). The Red Sox have benefited more from Yankees-developed talent than the Yankees have from Red Sox natives.

Hopefully, the Yankees can shake off their Dodgers series and return to their winning ways. The last thing the Yankees should do is let the Red Sox reignite hope in their lost season. Hopefully, every Yankee can bring their A game this weekend when the Yanks face their dreaded rival.

As always, Go Yankees!

May the Yankees Find Their Way...

   

Carlos Rodon (Photo Credit: Corey Sipkin/NY Daily News)

Making the moves to retain control of the AL East...

I should go on record for saying that I like Giancarlo Stanton, but with the passage of time, I prefer younger players. I would hate to see Ben Rice lose his place when/if Stanton returns. For the benefit of the player and the team, it would be best for the Yankees to find a new home for Stanton when he is ready to play. I would have liked to have seen Stanton put a Yankees World Series Championship ring on his finger, and I appreciate the time he gave us. He was never really the World Crusher that he was in Miami during his MVP year, but he earned his pinstripes. It is a shame that so much time has been spent on the injured list during his time in New York. Moving Stanton would help the Yankees improve in other areas, like third base. 

As far as the AL East goes, I love the Yankees in first place, but I am amazed at the collapse of the Baltimore Orioles. The team has a pipeline of talent ready to be infused at the game’s highest level, but the front office’s decision to stay clear of premium pitching talent has thrown a monkey wrench into the machine. I thought the new Orioles ownership would be effective, but it has not. At the end of the day, the best AL East rivalry is the Yankees versus the Boston Red Sox. I may be a bit biased, but those tend to be the best games in the division.

Max Fried is a god. When Gerrit Cole went down for the season, losing the team’s ace seemed devastating. Yet, Fried promptly stepped into the top role and has delivered. Fried represents one of the greatest Yankees free agent signings of all time. It also rates highly as one I did not see coming. I am grateful for Max Fried and glad he is a Yankee.

Jonathan Loaisiga is back in the Bronx. I love Johnny Lasagna, but the injuries are inevitable. I am glad he is back, but it is hard not to wonder when the next trip to the IL awaits. I wish him good health, and I know the Yankees need him in the pen. I would love it if we could put the injuries in the rear-view mirror. I am glad he re-signed with the Yankees in the offseason, but staying healthy is on him. I wish him the best for good health as we move forward. I feel bad for Tyler Matzek, who was designated for assignment. But I would rather have a healthy Loaisiga on the roster than Matzek. I wish him the best for the future, whether he is selected by another team on waivers or if he is outrighted to Triple-A.

Luke Weaver, Closer. In retrospect, the Yankees should have stood pat with Weaver as their closer in the offseason. Devin Williams has been a disappointment, and so far, he has shown that he is not cut out for the Bronx. The fact that Nestor Cortes Jr has underwhelmed Milwaukee is of little comfort. I hope Williams can shake the Carl Pavano jitters and become a solid force in Pinstripes. If not, I would prefer the Yankees ship him elsewhere by the Trade Deadline. Send him to the Cubs to spice up the Cubs-Brewers rivalry as if it needs more spicing. I am disappointed Williams has become the latest Ed Whitson/Carl Pavano, but he has time to right the ship. I am hopeful the Airbender becomes a thing in the Bronx rather than just another failed acquisition shipped elsewhere. Meanwhile, I have no qualms about Weaver as the backend guy. 

Juan Soto, Luke Weaver, and Austin Wells (Photo Credit: Corey Sipkin/NY Daily News)

I was shocked to hear that Pete Rose and other deceased players like Shoeless Joe Jackson were freed from their lifetime suspensions. I saw Rose play, and there is no doubt he was an All-Star talent on the field. Yet, Rose, the man, was a sorry excuse for a human being. I wish he had admitted his guilt for betting on baseball games while he played. I had always said that it was okay for Rose to make the Hall of Fame after he died, and I continue to hold the opinion. Pete Rose, the player, is a Hall of Famer. Pete Rose, the guy? I could not care less. I do not find fault with MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred’s decision to free the deceased. Ultimately, they should be judged for their performance on a baseball field, not what they represented in everyday life. But if Rose does make the Hall of Fame, I think Barry Bonds, while living, should be there too. The cases are not related, but they both crossed ethical lines. Not saying that everybody who crossed an ethical line should be admitted, but I feel Bonds, without steroids, would have been a Hall of Famer. He was a talented baseball player with tremendous hand/eye coordination. The steroids may have boosted the bulk and the power, but not the ability to hit a baseball. You can get into more reasons why Bonds’ crimes are less severe than Rose’s indiscretions, but suffice it to say, I think Bonds should be in the HOF before Rose.

Barry Bonds

This post is not long, but I have experienced “life happens.” I moved from sunny Southern California, which I loved, to New Mexico. No doubt New Mexico would have never been at the top of my list of places to move to (if not for family), but I love my new home in Albuquerque. This past Wednesday, I became a grandfather for the first time, and the opportunity to live ten miles from him is exciting. The little guy is beautiful. I have found most babies to be ugly, but my grandson avoided that tag. Love the little man. He is quiet, except when he is hungry (hey, he took after me!), and my son is beyond proud of his son. It is great to see the continuation of the family lineage.

Sadly, there are no Major League sports in Albuquerque. The best sporting events are the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes, the top farm club of the Colorado Rockies. I wish the Dodgers and their former farm club, the Albuquerque Dukes, were still here, but they are not. The second sports venue is the University of New Mexico basketball team. Go Lobos. I intend to check out some of the games. My daughter-in-law, the mother of my grandson, is a Lobo. My children are Arizona Sun Devils, but I will try to embrace the local Lobos.

Albuquerque will get a hockey team in 2026 when the ECHL expands. It is not the NHL, but it is the next level. I will certainly be supportive of the local hockey team.

Yesterday, I saw the Yankees traded minor league pitcher Rob Zastryzny back to his former team, the Milwaukee Brewers, for cash considerations. I have not been following him, and I know he is in the later stages of his career, but I am sorry it did not work out for him with the Yankees. Hopefully, he finds late career success in the Beer Capital. The Yankees also took a minor league flyer on former Giants/Reds pitcher Anthony DeSclafani. I am not expecting much from the acquisition. The veteran right-hander is now thirty-five, and he last pitched in the Majors in 2023 for San Francisco.

I look forward to making some meaningful trades to help the team in the weeks and months before the trade deadline.

Unfortunately, the Yankees have lost Oswaldo Cabrera for an extended period due to his broken ankle and subsequent surgery. I wish him the best with his recovery and triumphant return to the Majors when he is ready. Even if he had not been injured, the Yankees would need an upgrade at third base. DJ LeMahieu is not the answer, and I always prefer to keep Cabrera in his utility role to play multiple positions. 

Oswaldo Cabrera (Photo Credit: AP)

I hope to write more in the coming months, but the move has occupied my time. This has been one of my most complicated moves despite moving from multiple cities over the past decade. I look forward to a prolonged stay in the Land of Enchantment with my young grandson. I plan to take him to a few baseball games and introduce him to America’s greatest sport.

As always, Go Yankees!

The New Season is Upon Us...

 

Aaron Judge

Life is good when there is Yankees Baseball every night…

I am happy the 2025 season is firmly underway. Unfortunately, it coincides with a move from California to New Mexico, so I will take a sabbatical for most of this month as I wrap things up in sunny Southern California and move to the Land of Enchantment. On the downside, there is no Major League Baseball in Albuquerque. Baseball is represented by the top farm club for the Colorado Rockies, the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes. I have never been to Isotopes Park in Albuquerque, but that will change this summer.

Isotopes Park, Albuquerque, New Mexico

I have always enjoyed Minor League Baseball. Fewer crowds create a more intimate setting for the games and the chance to see great young talent as they journey to the Major Leagues. Years ago, I was fortunate to see Cal Ripken, Jr. as a Double-A player. I have never forgotten that game. You knew he was going to be a star. It was just a matter of time. He was just one example. Seeing young guys play before they achieve Major League stardom is exciting. 

Phoenix will probably be the easiest city to catch Major League games, but I have no desire to see the Arizona Diamondbacks. A little further, but not much, is Denver, Colorado. As a former Denver resident, I will travel north to Coors Field. For the record, I am a former Phoenix resident, too, but I have never forgiven the obnoxious D-Backs fans for their behavior outside of the ballpark in Phoenix during the 2001 World Series. I have a better feeling about the Rockies and their fans. Plus, after the Isotopes play, seeing the guys who graduate to the Major Leagues at Coors Field will be nice.

My hope is that Albuquerque will be the final stop for me. I have lived across the country, and New Mexico will be the eleventh state I have called home. I have no interest in chasing all fifty states or even twelve. I do not need a dirty dozen to make this complete. In recognition of Brett Gardner and the horrific tragedy that he and his family suffered recently, eleven sounds like a good stopping point. To step aside, I am so sorry for Brett’s loss. I cannot imagine how horrific it would be to lose a son on the cusp of the start of a tremendous and impactful life. There are no words, actions, or anything we can do to ease the pain for Brett and his family. They are in our thoughts and prayers.

Weirdly, some of the latest celebrities have involved New Mexico residents. Gene Hackman and Val Kilmer. I did not know that either man lived in New Mexico until they had passed. New Mexico is not necessarily a state I chose by preference unless you are discussing family. My son and his wife live in Albuquerque, and being at his home within minutes sounds nice. Well, better than that, it was an overriding factor in where I wanted to be. My son is a good man, and I am proud of him. There is literally nothing better than to hear my son call to ask if I want to go grab a beer. I am looking forward to spending more time with him and his family. 

But enough about me and my move.

I am excited about the New York Yankees' 2025 season. Sure, it would have been nice if Juan Soto had decided to take a few million dollars and some extra benefits to stay in Pinstripes, but it is what it is. He chose the money, and it was his right to do so. I have moved on. I wish him luck with the Mets, but at this point, he is just another Met—guys I do not think much about.

Back problems aside, I am glad to have Cody Bellinger on the Yankees. He is not Juan Soto, but he does not need to be. The Yankees could improve in other areas with the money they would have used to re-sign Soto. I like Cody’s swing, and it will be fun to see him develop a close and intimate relationship with Yankee Stadium. He seems like a good dude, and I am glad he is there for the other guys.

Max Fried will be good. I know things have not been perfect initially, but I am not concerned. The way he embraced being a Yankee bodes well for his future. He has talent, and he will persevere. As the elevated ace of the staff, I have no qualms about Fried being the guy until Cole returns next year. I am glad he is a Yankee.

Max Fried (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

Last year, we always thought Trent Grisham was worth more time in the field, time he never got. He has taken advantage this year, much to our benefit. Grisham will never be an elite player but does not need to be. Play his role, which is the ask. So far, so good. Three home runs and seven ribbies after seventeen at-bats are not bad. Suitable for 0.5 WAR. OBP is .571, and SLG is 1.059…not sustainable, but Grisham shows he can help.

It is funny how the Torpedo Bat got so much attention when the Yankees came out slugging to start the season. It made it seem like the Yankees were the only team playing with the Torpedo Bats. If the bat is legal, let the boys play. Yankees Hate is a powerful thing.

I do not understand the Yankees and reliever Adam Ottavino. No disrespect to the childhood Yankees fan and respected Major League reliever (hard to believe that he will be forty years old after the season ends). When the Yankees signed him to replace Devin Williams, temporarily placed on the paternity list, another reliever might go when Williams returned. There was a financial commitment to Ottavino, so they were unlikely to cut him loose when Williams returned, but that is precisely what they did. When Williams was activated, Ottavino was designated for assignment. It seemed odd since the Yankees could have called up a minor leaguer to cover for a few days while Williams was out without spending much money.

A bigger surprise was tonight. First, it was reported that Ottavino had rejected a minor league assignment and was once again a free agent. Fine. Such is life. I never really expected him to accept a trip to Eastern Pennsylvania. Then came the word the Yankees had re-signed Ottavino, and he will rejoin the team in Detroit this week. Reliever Brent Headrick was optioned to Triple-A after Sunday’s game, so Ottavino presumably will take Headrick’s place. A weird sequence of events, but I wish Ottavino the best, and I hope he makes us proud. It is too bad that Marcus Stroman grabbed 0 when he joined the Yankees. It kind of seems like it should be Ottavino’s number. 58 seems like an odd choice. Oh well, Ottavino can make the new number his own.

I like Ottavino, but having him back is weird after he played for the two worst possible teams for Yankees fans: the Boston Red Sox and the New York Mets. I know he is a New York guy, and playing in the Northeast is preferential. If he wears the Pinstripes, I want him to succeed. Welcome back, again.

With no disrespect for Oswaldo Cabrera and Oswald Peraza, I still want a better third baseman.

I apologize for the short post, but as they say, life happens. This is not a paying gig, and my focus is my move to New Mexico. I hope the Yankees are in first place when I get to or close to the other side of the move. Wish me luck in my new environment.

As always, Go Yankees!

A New Season, Are We Ready? ...

  

Devin Williams (Photo Credit: Charles Wenzelberg, NY Post)

The Yankees regroup for another run at the Dodgers…

Given the circumstances, this was one of the shortest off-seasons of recent memory. Of course, it would have been better to enter the shortened off-season with victorious feelings, but it was short, nonetheless. As a side note, f**k the Dodgers.

I am disappointed the Yankees were unable to sign Juan Soto, but conversely, I do not want players on the Yankees who do not want to be Yankees. Soto worshipped the almighty dollar, and it is his right. He wanted a team that he could be THE guy, and with no disrespect for the great (and future Hall of Famer) Francisco Lindor, he has it with the Mets.

I was pleased when the Yankees moved quickly to sign the former Atlanta Braves ace Max Fried (totally unexpected) and acquired a long-time favorite target, Cody Bellinger. Yeah, I kind of like the Clay to Cody connection with the Yankees, but the younger Bellinger earned his right to wear pinstripes. Unlike his father, Cody will be asked to play a significant role with the Yankees. His home run bat flips will soon become legendary in Yankee Stadium. I always go back to Darryl Strawberry in players that I loved to watch hit home runs, and I think Cody can elevate himself to Straw’s level, at least to my perspective. As much as I wanted Soto back, I am glad that Aaron Judge can return to right field, and I am equally stoked that Bellinger, rather than Jasson Dominguez, will roam the hallowed center field at Yankee Stadium. With no disrespect to young Dominguez, I think Belli in center is the highest and best use of his skills, with the occasional detour to first base.

Cody Bellinger (Photo Credit: Charles Wenzelberg, NY Post)

I am glad that Dominguez is finally primed for his Major League opportunity. Last year seems like a lost year for him, and I hope he can give us that ‘worth waiting for’ effect. I feel a little bad for Alex Verdugo, who was not asked back. I know he underwhelmed us, but I give him credit for changing my perception of him. I did not like him as a Red Sock, but he changed that image, and he embraced the pinstripes during his time in the Bronx. Of course, he will say and do things to make him a hated villain at his next stop, but for a year, he was ‘all-in’ as a Yankee, and I appreciate his effort. Dominguez deserves next so I have no problem with the change in left field. My only surprise was that the Dominguez chose #24 over the recently vacated #25. As a namesake of former Yankee first baseman Jason Giambi, I was certain he would take Giambi’s number if given the opportunity. Instead, he goes down the path of the legendary Tino Martinez.

Having one of baseball’s best closers, Devin Williams, at the back end of games is huge, but I am a little saddened because I think Luke Weaver was fantastic in his brief tenure as the team’s closer. The guy remains one of the key bullpen weapons and I am hopeful that his resurgence continues in 2025. Luke Weaver has an amazing personality to go with his talented arm, and I am glad he is a part of the pen, regardless of the role. I like the way Andrew Miller was utilized a few years ago as the best arm at the right time, regardless of the inning. Weaver can be that guy.

I am a little disappointed that Tommy Kahnle is now a Detroit Tiger, joining persona non grata Gleyber Torres. But I am cautiously optimistic that Fernando Cruz can be that key strikeout artist when it is needed the most. The Yankees know how to build effective bullpens, even if they like to punt other positions. I think Aaron Boone will be armed with multiple late inning options, and I think Devin Williams will have his greatest, if not most visible season, ever. Too bad the beard was not able to make the trip to the Bronx. One of these days, a player will stand up to the Yankees’ archaic facial hair policy. I was hoping…a little…that Williams would be that guy. At some point, Hal Steinbrenner needs to make his own decisions and forget about what Daddy wanted. I know the facial hair policy gives the Yankees an air of professionalism that other teams do not have, but I think they can keep rules in place to enforce neatly groomed facial hair, avoiding the Johnny Damon ‘Caveman’ look in Boston, or Justin Turner’s mass of redness flow when he was a Dodger. 

Third base. The source of my greatest disappointment this off-season. Look, I loved DJ LeMahieu earlier in his career. But even then, he was a second baseman with elite defense and limited power. An aged version that spends time on the Injury List that would rival Aaron Hicks does not excite me about the future of third base. You want power from your corner infielders, and you want elite defense. Maybe LeMahieu can provide the latter when/if he is on the field, but he has no power, and his best seasons are behind him. I see many fans who think Oswaldo Cabrera can be the breakout star. I am not convinced. I think he is a great super-sub at best. As for Oswald Peraza, I assume there is a reason the organization has not been high on him in recent seasons. I would love him to grab the position and never look back, but that is not a bet I care to make. I remain hopeful the Yankees will do better and make an acquisition before the end of Spring Training. I do not like the ‘let us re-evaluate the position at the trade deadline’ position. Too often, the trade deadline leaves us underwhelmed. For as many cons as there are against St Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado, I would gladly accept him over the internal options. Nolan is a first-class guy with elite defense. The bat is not what it once was, but I think the pinstripes would reinvigorate him and he could give us a performance that helps position the team for October. I am not on a Nolan-only train. I will accept other alternatives so long as they are better than LeMahieu-Cabrera-Peraza.

So, the Yankees are discussing an extension with Aaron Boone. For as frustrated as I have been at times with Boone, the Yankees could do worse. I cannot think of anyone that is immediately available that would be substantially better. I was always hopeful that Don Mattingly would return to the Yankees as manager, but I am not convinced he would be far above Boone. Although I would support a managerial change, I will not be disappointed if the Yankees choose to add additional years for Boone. At the end of the day, it is the quality of the players on the field and the coaches around the manager that matter more. If Boone can foster an environment that helps the players find comfort in challenging situations, which of course he can do, he should stay.

I am anxious and ready for the season to start. The Dodgers have seemingly made the moves to ensure that they will be repeat champions in the Fall, but as they say, the games must be played on the field. There is no guarantee that the Dodgers, with their loaded roster of elite players and deferred contracts, will be victorious at season’s end.

I am getting ready to move to a non-Major League city. It sucks to have no immediate access to Major League Baseball, but I will have Triple-A at my disposal. I guess it means that ticket prices and concessions will be more affordable so that is a plus. I have always enjoyed watching minor league games involving future Major Leaguers. I remember once watching Cal Ripkin, Jr in Double-A (not trying to date myself but it is what it is) and it is a memory I have never forgotten.

Hopefully, I can get the YES Network in my new city. DirecTV should be an option since my new home has access to the southern skies. I will not miss California gas prices, or the overwhelming glut of people on the LA freeways. But sadly, I will miss the weather. I think California would be more enjoyable if I had Shohei Ohtani’s paycheck, okay with the deferrals that may be a bad example, so let’s go with Mookie Betts. For my new location, I will go with the quote ‘Tread Lightly.’  Time for new experiences, and most importantly of all, a home that will be seven miles from my first grandson, who joins this party in May.

As always, Go Yankees!

And First Base is Covered...

 

Paul Goldschmidt (Photo Credit: Jeff Roberson/AP)

Yanks agree to a one-year deal with Paul Goldschmidt…

I was underwhelmed when I heard that the New York Yankees had signed free-agent first baseman Paul Goldschmidt. No offense to Goldy, but I hoped for a more youthful approach to the position. Now that I have had a day to think about it, a one-year, $12.5 Million deal is a solid investment to solidify the position for next season. Worry about first base after the 2025 season; it is not a concern now.

When Christian Walker signed with the Houston Astros, or when the Arizona Diamondbacks traded for Josh Naylor, or when the Cleveland Guardians signed Carlos Santana, or even today's trade of Nathaniel Lowe from the Texas Rangers to the Washington Nationals, Yankees fans on social media bemoaned those were prices the Yankees could have/should have paid. Regardless of how the Yankees landed on Goldschmidt, I am confident they examined every known possibility and looked at some that were not discussed. I hoped for a comparable Tino Martinez after Don Mattingly retired type of acquisition, but that move will wait another day. If the Yankees feel that Paul Goldschmidt is the best solution for the 2025 season, I will give them the benefit of the doubt. I am hopeful Goldy can rebound from his down year in 2024, but at age 37, he will not see his ceiling (NL MVP) again. That would be good enough for me if he could call himself a World Champion Yankee after the 2025 season.

I am sad to see the end of the Anthony Rizzo era in New York. He was quickly a favorite, even if injuries curtailed the last couple of seasons. He is a good guy, and he was once a valuable player. I only regret that we did not see Prime Rizzo in Pinstripes. Nevertheless, I am glad he was a Yankee and appreciated his time on the team. While I liked Luke Voit and his personality, not to mention his ability to go yard, his iron glove at first base was painful. Rizzo's glovework was a welcome relief, and even if Rizzo did not hit like he once did, his defense positively impacted him. While corner infielders should be strong run producers, bringing elite defense to first base is vast, given how active the position is during a game. Goldy is a good gloveman, so there should be no drop-off from Rizzo, or at least when Rizzo was on the field.

Anthony Rizzo (Photo Credit: Robert Sabo/NY Post)

I hope Rizzo stays in the game in some capacity. He is at the end of the road for his playing days. It will not be a long-term relationship, even if he signs on somewhere for next season. When Rizzo transitions to his post-playing career, I hope he stays as a coach. He is undoubtedly a Chicago Cub, and the Cubs may give him a coaching opportunity in their organization. If not, I hope the Yankees do.

As a person, I like Anthony Rizzo better than Paul Goldschmidt, but Goldy is the better player for 2025. Goldy seems like a great family who loves to play the game of baseball. He will have every opportunity to endear himself to the fan base, and I have no reason to believe he will not be successful. He is not a long-term option for the Yankees, but we can have a good run together. At the end of Goldy's run, we will be as grateful for him as we are for Rizzo.

Anthony Rizzo, thank you. The lost time was unfortunate, but you proved worthy of the Pinstripes. You wore them proudly, and we are thankful for your time. Our acceptance and embrace of Paul Goldschmidt as the new Yankees first baseman have nothing to do with your character's quality and desire to win. Sports is a continual changing of the guard. Father Time is undefeated.

When I think of his strength of character, Oscar Gamble will always stand out to me, given that I had the opportunity to meet him during his playing days with the Yankees. He is not a reason the Yankees won the World Series, and he was never the best player on his teams, but the quality of the man was elite. Rizzo passes the Gamble test, and I am hopeful Goldschmidt can, too.

We need to give Paul Goldschmidt a chance. Ben Rice has a good opportunity to back up first base and catcher while learning first base from one of the game's best players over the last decade. I hope Rice can use this time to elevate his game. If Goldy is injured, Cody Bellinger is fully capable of everyday work at first base. The Yankees have the most substantial safety net at first base that we have seen in a few years.

Now that the first base vacancy is solved, the next question is the third/second base. As much as I like Jazz Chisholm, Jr, I prefer him to return to second base. While I would like to see the Yankees re-sign current second baseman Gleyber Torres, Chisholm is the next best option if the Yankees move on from Torres, which is how the tea leaves currently read. I want strong defense at third base, especially after the massive investment in starter Max Fried. DJ LeMahieu can still provide good defense, but it is foolish to count on him as a starter, given his struggles with injuries the past couple of years. Jazz tries, but he is not a trained, experienced third baseman. I value experience and performance in the position. I am not opposed to acquiring St Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado. He is not the player he once was in Colorado, but he will not hurt you at third base. I prefer him over Oswaldo Cabrera, whom I view more as a role/bench player, or Oswald Peraza, a player I think will have a challenging time making the Opening Day roster.

I could accept Alex Bregman just to keep him away from Boston or from returning to Houston. I know some can never take the Houston cheaters, and while I will never forgive Bregman for his role in it, I can appreciate a current commitment to help the Yankees win. We have seen other villains put on the Pinstripes, and we have accepted them. Although you cannot get more villainous than Bregman and Jose Altuve, I believe in second chances. When players put on pinstripes, they value and appreciate it the most. It may not have been the case with Juan Soto, who valued the dollar above all else, but I sincerely believe that Alex Bregman would want to help the Yankees to win if he signed here, just like he will fight to be successful in Boston if he goes there. 

I prefer Arenado over Bregman, but then again, I lived in Denver during Arenado's prime and know what he meant to that city and his teams. Neither player is the player they once were, but who they are now can still help the New York Yankees win the World Series.

At the end of the day, I have no idea who will take third base on Opening Day. Regardless of the man who runs to the bag in the season's first game, I will know it was a decision that was carefully considered by the organization and a decision made in the best interest of changing the outcome of the most recent World Series. I know I have been critical of GM Brian Cashman, but only a fool would say that they do not understand the game of Major League Baseball. They have proven an ability to turn weaknesses into strengths. I will give them the benefit of the doubt on this one.

The best outcome for the Winter would have been to re-sign Juan Soto, but it did not happen. The alternative may not be as good, but it can be just as effective. I never dreamed that Max Fried would be in the starting rotation, yet there he is, right behind ace Gerrit Cole. We should head into the season with Luke Weaver as the team's closer (a role I accepted), but we will have The Airbender instead. If these are Brian Cashman's last years as the Yankees General Manager, he is focused on going out with a bang. I will never underestimate him.

The days ahead should be interesting. Some moves still need to be made, and I do not see the Yankees waiting until Spring Training to address the final holes. Multiple teams' rapid succession of moves quickly closed the first base window this week. The same situation could happen with the other current holes on the Yankees roster. Strike now while there is opportunity.

Dear Santa, all I want for Christmas is a team capable of beating all teams for the World Series in 2025. Please, make it happen.

As always, Go Yankees!

Juan, We Hardly Knew Ye...

  

Juan Soto (Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch/Imagn Images)

Soto departs for the “greener” pastures in Queens…

I am disappointed that Juan Soto chose to take the most money for the duration of his major league career even if all of us, most likely, would take top dollar. If the Mets had offered substantially more than the Yankees, it would be one thing, but the Yankees gave an extremely competitive $760 million offer that was only $5 million short of Uncle Steve’s offer. I do not know the exact details, and of course, there were other perks involved, but the Yankees deserved better consideration from Soto. At the end of the day, it shows the quality of his character. As such, maybe it is best that he gave us only one season in the Bronx. I just wish it had not happened at the cost of Michael King in retrospect. I know it is a bit hypocritical to say we would take the most money and then criticize a player for doing exactly that, but one would like to think there were sentimental reasons to stay in Pinstripes, the most storied franchise in baseball history.

As I mentioned in earlier posts, I was never able to fully embrace Soto as a Yankee. I know he is one of the game’s finest young talents, but I was suspicious that things would play out the way they did. I did not want to get emotionally invested in a player who could easily be wearing a rival’s uniform in 2025. This proved to be correct. There is no doubt if Aaron Judge had accepted the offer from the San Francisco Giants, it would have been far more painful that watching Soto parade around Citi Field and saying how no one reached out to him after the season. Such is life. We move on. I wish Soto the best, but now he is just another player I want to beat.

I must admit that I was getting hopeful the Yankees would pivot to Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker, and there was some sense of optimism with recent reports until the official trade with the Chicago Cubs was announced today. Tucker would have gone a long way toward making up for the loss of Soto. Oh well, Team Cashman has time to find other alternatives. Will they? Who knows? But one can have hope.

The Yankees did make a move today in acquiring Milwaukee Brewers closer Devin Williams. 

Devin Williams (Photo Credit: Aaron Cash/AP)

Another beard bites the dust.

Although I appreciated Luke Weaver’s efforts as the team’s closer after the Clay Holmes closing era ended, the combo of Weaver and Williams brings great confidence to the end of games. When Clay Holmes was great, he was fantastic. When he was not, he was Tyler Clippard in his last appearances for the Yankees. Williams brings much greater certainty to the final innings. It is sad to see Nestor Cortes, Jr depart, but it was almost expected. I like Nestor and I appreciate the job he did, but to get quality, you must give up quality. I was probably more surprised that the other Yankee headed to Milwaukee is second base prospect Caleb Durbin who had been penciled in as the second base replacement for Gleyber Torres by many. The Yankees clearly have a plan so we will wait to see how it plays out. Moving Jazz Chisholm, Jr to second base, his original position, makes sense if you want to bring greater defensive certainty to third base. No slight to Jazz who did an admirable job, but we do not need a player learning the position when the stakes are so high.

The question is who will take over third base. I think the past few years have proven that DJ LeMahieu can no longer be counted on as a solution. As much as I dislike the Houston Astros, I would not have an issue if the Yankees were to sign Alex Bregman. Alex Verdugo proved last year that we can forgive former enemies, and Bregman is obviously a much better player. Granted, Verdugo did not cheat to beat the Yankees, but 2017 was another time, and I am only worried about 2025 at this point.

Alex Bregman (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

There is other third base options so we will see how this plays out.

The most probable next trade continues to be outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger. Now that the Cubs have Tucker, they are more motivated than ever to unload Belli’s contract. I like Bellinger. He is not Juan Soto (obviously), but he can fill a role with the Yankees. He can play center field. He can play first base. Both are positions of need for the Yankees. I like his ability to back up the position he does not start. It is cool that his father Clay is a former Yankee, but that is not the reason I want to see Bellinger in Pinstripes. I genuinely feel that he can help. But as much as I like Belli, he cannot be the only offensive addition after the loss of Soto.

Cody Bellinger

I thought the Yankees would be more active during the Winter Meetings this past week, yet I was surprised when they signed former Atlanta Braves ace Max Fried to an eight-year, $218 million contract. I did not see that one coming. I like it…with a bit of caution given his injury history. Hopefully, the Yankees can manage him correctly to keep him on the field. 

Max Fried

Adding guys like Devin Williams will certainly help Fried. Admittedly, I do not know a great deal about Fried. I am not a Braves fan, and I have not followed their team. I knew that Fried and Spencer Strider were the two best pitchers in Atlanta’s starting rotation, but that is about it. My first reaction at hearing the news of Fried’s addition was how much he reminds me of former Yankee Jimmy Key. I am not comparing pitching styles. It is more their personalities or their mound presence. I did not care for Key, the Toronto Blue Jay, but I loved his time as a Yankee. I cannot say that I disliked Fried since I do not really think much about the Braves, but I can see him becoming a personal favorite. I thought Carlos Rodón was going to be a strong number two starter behind Gerrit Cole, and it never happened. I have felt the Yankees needed to find a better option for the last couple of seasons, so it is nice to finally cross that one off the list. Cole to Fried gives confidence on back-to-back days. If Luis Gil, Clarke Schmidt, and Rodón can pitch to their potential, there are not any weaknesses in the rotation. I wish it would have been a better outcome for Marcus Stroman, but he does appear to be the odd man out unless there is another move that opens a spot in the rotation.

Another move that surprised me this week was the trade that sent catcher Carlos Narvaez to Boston. Although I liked the return, I despise watching the former Yankees thrive in Boston. I would rather see them go to someplace like San Francisco. As for the return, the Yankees received a top twenty prospect from the Red Sox in minor league righthander Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz. 

Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz (Photo Credit: Christopher Smith/MassLive)

ERC was the thirteenth-ranked prospect in Boston’s system according to MLB.com. He moved up a spot to twelfth in the Yankees system. The Yankees also received $250,000 in international bonus pool money. The Yankees put the money to effective use on Friday when they signed international prospect Stiven Romans, a 17-year-old shortstop, for approximately $1.5 million. They had been linked to Romans for the 2025 signing period, but the additional money received from the Red Sox allowed them to sign the eligible Romans now. It sets up a potential run at Roki Sasaki for the next signing period although I suspect the Los Angeles Dodgers will win that chase.

I liked Narvaez and I had assumed that he would replace Jose Trevino as the Yankees backup catcher at some point, but it is hard to argue against the additions of Rodriguez-Cruz and Romans. I think the Yankees did well, but of course, only time will tell. In the meantime, I hope Narvaez does not cause too much damage against the home team.

As always, Go Yankees!