The Unsinkable Josh Donaldson...

 

Yasmani Grandal & Josh Donaldson / Photo Credit: Sarah Stier, Getty Images

Sticks and stones may break my bones, but…

Suffice it to say that Tim Anderson will not be inviting Josh Donaldson over for Thanksgiving dinner in November. The bad blood between the two players this season boiled over yesterday after Donaldson called Anderson “Jackie.” The White Sox took the approach it was a racist comment. Donaldson, trying to defend himself, stated it was about Anderson’s 2019 Sports Illustrated story where the White Sox shortstop described himself as “today’s Jackie Robinson.”

The Athletic, via Twitter

I am a Yankees fan, so I am biased toward Donaldson, but I honestly do not believe he is a racist. When I first heard Donaldson’s rebuttal to the allegation, I could see how Donaldson might use Jackie’s name in mocking manner to imply that Anderson was no Jackie Robinson or, the way Donaldson described it, he was just being playful with the reference in jest to Anderson’s prior proclamation. Not saying that is right. I certainly would not have used those words, but Josh Donaldson is his own man. If there were any racial overtones with Donaldson’s words or actions, I strongly believe the Yankees clubhouse would call him out on it and take the necessary disciplinary action through their own means behind closed doors.

For the White Sox, it is easy for them to try to make this worse than it was. They have not been successful against the Yankees this year, and frustrations are rising. The White Sox, beneficiaries of current elite Major League talent derived from having one of the best farm systems in baseball from 2017 to 2020, were projected by many to reach the World Series this season. They are 19-20 entering play today and sit 4.5 games behind the Minnesota Twins in the AL Central. They are 2.5 games out in the Wild Card chase. So far this season, the teams have played five games and the White Sox have only one win to show for it. Over the last three years, the Yankees have won nine of eleven games against the White Sox. They conclude their regular season play today with a double-header, weather-permitting. If both teams make the playoffs, it is possible this feud will be reignited in October when tensions are even higher.

But setting aside my defense of Donaldson, I understand and accept those who say that how words affect the recipient is the key point which must not be lost. Regardless of what we may think, Tim Anderson took exception to Donaldson’s words. It is his right, and only he knows how deeply the words hurt. We cannot speak for Anderson. If Donaldson’s words did hurt Anderson, then MLB or more specifically the Yankees should take the appropriate action against Donaldson and sit him for a few.

One thing is for sure. Josh Donaldson will never back down from a fight. He brings an edge to the team, and whether we agree with his methods, he gives the team toughness it did not previously have. I truly hope in my heart there was no racial motivation or intent. 

More Clay Holmes, less Aroldis Chapman. Holmes, arguably one of the best relievers in baseball among non-closers is quickly becoming a much stronger ninth inning option than Chapman. Anytime Chapman enters a game, you can only hope the Yankees have put enough runs on the board to offset the runs the opponent will score off Chapman. A one-run lead? Give me Holmes over Chapman any day of the week. I know Chapman has not blown a save this year, but every outing feels like a tightrope walk with a few wobbles along the way.

Aroldis Chapman / Photo Credit: EPA

As it stands, Chapman has not pitched since last Tuesday. It is never a good thing when he does not pitch for long stretches. With two games on tap for today, it seems he will be used out of necessity. It may be the best opportunity for the White Sox to take at least one of the games. I have always liked Aroldis Chapman but my confidence in him has waned. I would have no problem if the Yankees moved Chapman at the trading deadline although I am not sure what they could get. Chapman will be a free agent at the end of the year. He is gone. There will be no further reunions.

Jonathan Loaisiga was my choice for closer-in-waiting at the start of the year, but Holmes has re-written the script. He seems likely to be the next closer, perhaps as early as this season. Move Chapman around in other innings, dependent upon the situations. It might reinvigorate Chapman to face other high leverage spots instead of exclusively the critical, tension-filled ninth inning as he transitions away from a once dominant fastball.

Chad Green placed on the Injured List. As frustrated as I was this year with Chad Green, this is not the way I wanted it to go. If the injury, right forearm discomfort, is serious and requires surgery, it is very probable that Green will not wear the Pinstripes again. He will be a free agent at the end of the year, and it was already unlikely the Yankees would extend him given his struggles for the last season and a half. It was great when Green was one of the most dominant relievers in the Yankees bullpen and rated as one of the best relievers in baseball. Sadly, he is no longer that guy. Age happens, and the life cycle of a dominant reliever, unless your name is Mariano Rivera, seems to be noticeably short. Whatever happens with Chad, I wish him the best. If he can get back out on the field this season, I hope that he is able to rediscover the magic. If not, I hope he finds success with his next team.

Chad Green / Photo Credit: Nick Wass, AP

RHP Ron Marinaccio was recalled from Triple A, taking Green’s spot on the roster.

Luis Gil meets Tommy John. Unfortunately, it is not an opportunity to meet the great former Dodgers/Yankees starting pitcher, but rather the misfortune to go under the knife. This, the Tommy John surgery, is not news that any Yankees fan wanted to hear. Gil was removed from a Triple A game on Wednesday against the Worcester Red Sox after turning to face the RailRiders dugout while pointing to his right elbow after throwing a pitch. It has been confirmed that Gil will require surgery. Gil had met with Yankees team physician Christopher Admad in New York City on Friday and presumably received other medical opinions.

Gil made only one start for the big-league club in 2022, when he pitched four innings on May 12^th against the Chicago White Sox. He started, giving up four runs over four innings, and departed with a lead, but the White Sox later tied the game ultimately won by the Yankees, 15-7. Jonathan Loiasiga picked up the win in relief.

Recovery and rehabilitation from Tommy John surgery generally takes at least one year to eighteen months. It can take some athletes up to two years to reach their previous level of ability. It is going to be a long road ahead for Gil, and hopefully he is successful in his journey back to the Major Leagues in either late 2023 or early 2024.

It is a tough break for the Yankees since they lose a starting option. Presumably, Clarke Schmidt becomes the ‘go-to’ if the rotation needs assistance. It would be enticing to consider Michael King, but he has been so hugely valuable in the pen. The dominance of King and Clay Holmes has helped cover for other bullpen flaws.

Roderick Arias will be delayed. It was reported this week that the Yankees’ latest elite international free agent signing may be delayed this season. He ceased baseball activities two weeks ago for an undisclosed injury. Yankees international scouting director Donny Rowland described it as nothing major, just a tweak that is lingering. Hopefully, it is nothing significant, and Arias will be able to make his pro debut in the Dominican Summer League this season. The DSL is scheduled to begin play on June 6^th.

The Yankees signed the 17-year-old Dominican shortstop in January for $4 million.

Minor League free agent signings. Over the last week and a half, the Yankees have signed three players to minor league contracts. On May 13^th, they signed Danny Salazar, once a promising pitcher for Cleveland, who has not pitched in the Major Leagues since 2019. The right-hander is now thirty-two. Who knows if he will be successful in the Yankees organization but I wish him the best of luck in his journey to find his way back. Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake knows a thing or two about Salazar from their days in Cleveland, so perhaps the signing was based on his recommendation.

The Yankees also signed LHP Rafaelin Nivar and RHP Ryan Miller. There are no minor league stats for Nivar, and I was unable to locate any information on him. Miller, 26, is a former Arizona Diamondbacks prospect who was released in 2020. Miller was assigned to the Yankees High-A Affiliate, the Hudson Valley Renegades.

As always, Go Yankees!

Fantasy Baseball: Shortstops

The 2017 Major League Baseball season is just around the corner so you know what that means, right? That means that it’s almost fantasy baseball 2017 time as well so over the next couple of days I will be going over a few fantasy baseball related topics to get you ready for your draft. I do these every year so if I’ve helped you in the past or if this is your first time taking my advice then keep this and my many fantasy related posts bookmarked and be sure to tell me know how the information works out for you, good or bad. I can take criticism, especially when I ask for it on a day-to-day basis. For this post we will focus on the shortstops around the league and who you need to grab, and potentially how early you need to grab them, before all the good ones are gone. 

If you’re going after the top shortstop in the league one would have to think you would be looking at Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa. Correa, just 22-years old, has hit over 20 home runs in each of his last season while also stealing nearly 14 bases a season in that same span. If you miss on Correa there are many other young and top shortstops to be had including the Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Jonathan Villar, the Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts, the Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor, the Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson and my hometown pick from the New York Yankees, Mr. Didi Gregorius. 

Also on the top shortstops list is the Los Angeles Dodgers Corey Seager, the Colorado Rockies sensation Trevor Story, the Chicago Cubs Addison Russel, the Toronto Blue Jays Troy Tulowitzki and the Texas Rangers Elvis Andrus. Also don’t sleep on, especially as the calendar draws near June and July, the Yankees top prospect Gleyber Torres and New York Mets best shortstop prospect Amed Rosario. 

Villar finished the 2016 campaign with a .285 average with 19 home runs and 62 stolen bases while Bogaerts finished with a .294 average with 21 home runs and 13 stolen bases. Lindor hit .301 with 15 home runs and 19 stolen bases on his way to the World Series while Anderson hit .283 with nine home runs and 10 stolen bases in just 99 games. 

Those are the “locks” but in every class there is a Freddy Galvis who comes out of nowhere and hits 20 home runs in a season so the sleepers of the 2017 class include Jose Reyes, Marcus Semien, Ketel Marte and Jedd Gyorko. Gyorko is eligible at shortstop but likely won’t play there much in 2017 while Semien could provide 20-30 home run power with little in the way of batting average. Reyes could be had late in your draft for obvious reasons and could provide a spark after having a normal offseason in 2017.  

So there it is, my fantasy baseball help for the shortstop position. I hope it helps and if I missed anyone, ranked anyone too highly or not highly enough then please be sure to let me know down below in the comments section or on Twitter by giving @GreedyStripes a follow. Thanks!

Fantasy Baseball: Summer Prospect Call Ups

So you want to win your Fantasy Baseball league but you’re struggling right now? Have no fear, the season is still young and there is plenty of young talent toiling in the minor leagues just chomping at the bit to get called up to the majors. If the trade waiver or free agent waiver have yet to bear any fruit for you this season then maybe you should watch these teams transactions pages and lookout for these players that are likely coming up to the Major Leagues this season. All of them could have huge impacts on their teams, the playoff races and your fantasy teams. 

We’ve already seen the Cubs kick off the summer prospect call up frenzy with the call up of Willson Contreras so if he’s still sitting out there on your free agent market then he may be worth the look. It’s unlikely though that the Cubs #2 prospect is still on the board as a catcher and for good reason. He’s an intriguing prospect that can field his position as well as knock the cover off the ball as we saw in his first game Sunday night against A.J. Schugel. If he’s there snatch him up, especially at his position and especially if you’re in a keeper league. 

Speaking of the Cubs they have another guy who is likely to come up this season and stay up in Albert Almora. When Jorge Soler went down with an injury Almora was the first to be called up and the sixth overall pick in 2012 and the Cubs sixth best prospect according to Baseball America may hit enough to force Soler to the Yankees or another team in a trade this summer. Almora is just 22-years old but to watch him play you would think he’s been in the show for 22 years. Snatch him up if you have an extra outfield slot on your team. 

Another position that is traditionally thin in fantasy baseball but has a pair of players that are slated to make big impacts and last impacts in the bigs is the shortstop position. The Chicago White Sox have already designated Jimmy Rollins for assignment to begin the Tim Anderson era while many in Washington are wondering when the Trea Turner era will begin for the Nationals. Both are big stars and impactful stars not only to their teams but could be to your playoff push in fantasy baseball as well.  

That’s enough with the position players, what if you need pitching? Well Jameson Taillon is likely already off your boards after the Pittsburgh Pirates called him up but he may stick around even after Gerrit Cole returns off the disabled list. Francisco Liriano, Jeff Locke, Juan Nicasio and Ryan Vogelson are all struggling or injured leaving Taillon the opportunity to snatch a starting rotation spot for the remainder of the season.

So there you have it. Some impact names that can help you this season and beyond if you’re in a keeper league. Grab them now though if you have a slot you can play around with because they won’t be there for long once everyone else catches on. Hope this helps.