Meet the 2019 Yankees: Tyler Wade

Every year, for whatever reason, the odd man out of the Yankees 25-man roster always seems to be Tyler Wade. Now, granted, Wade has not done himself any favors offensively at the Major League level, but his defense remains versatile and above league average at multiple positions. Versatility sometimes isn’t enough, and it likely won’t be enough this year as well with the additions of DJ LeMahieu, Troy Tulowitzki and others. Wade may find himself either on the Yankees bench at the beginning of the 2019 season, or he may find himself back at Triple-A with the Scranton RailRiders. Here’s to the former, and not the latter, as we meet the man with a very active Instagram account, Mr. Tyler Wade.

Tyler Wade, 24-years old, is listed as a right-handed throwing and left-handed batting shortstop and second baseman but has the ability to play all over the infield and all over the outfield as well, including in center field. The only position that Wade hasn’t really played professionally is the catcher and first base positions. Wade, listed at 6’1” and just 185 lbs., has excelled at the Triple-A level only to struggle with the bat at the Major League level for whatever reason.

Tyler Dean Wade was born on November 23, 1994 in Murrieta, California where he attended Murrieta Valley High School. Wade had committed to attending San Diego State University after his High School years were complete, but the New York Yankees came calling in the fourth round of the 2013 MLB First Year Players Draft. Wade ultimately decided to forego his commitment and signed with the Yankees for a $371,300 signing bonus.

Wade spent the 2013-2015 seasons in the minor leagues with New York, leading the Yankees to invite Wade to their spring training camp before the 2016 season. Wade did not make the team out of spring and spent the entire 2016 season down in Double-A with the Trenton Thunder. Wade was back in Yankees camp in 2017 and was competing for a starting job after New York learned that Didi Gregorius would start the season on the disabled list, but ultimately began the season down in Triple-A with the RailRiders. Wade was promoted to the big leagues on June 27, 2017 and was optioned and recalled multiple times throughout the season. In 30 games with the Yankees, Wade finished with a .155/.222/.224.

Wade was invited to camp with the Yankees once again in 2018, and this time made the team on Opening Day wearing Chase Headley’s recently vacated #12 jersey. Wade struggled with the Yankees out of the gate and was optioned back to Triple-A on April 22, once again bouncing back and forth between Scranton and the Yankees. Wade will look to make the team once again here in 2019, but this time he will look to stick on the roster for much of the season. Good luck Tyler!!

Meet a Prospect: Shed Long

The New York Yankees made a trade with the Cincinnati Reds this week that sent right-handed pitcher Sonny Gray to Cincinnati, while 2B prospect Shed Long, a draft pick, and a player to be named later returned to New York. Long was considered the Reds 6^th or 7^th best prospect in a great farm system, depending on what list you check, and could be a considerable talent for the New York Yankees going forward in their farm system… so let’s meet him. This is Meet a Prospect: The Shed Long Edition.

Shedric Bernard Long was born on August 22, 1995 and attended High School at Jacksonville High School in Jacksonville, Alabama. While attending he played baseball for the school’s team and caught the attention of the Cincinnati Reds who drafted the then catcher in the 12^th round of the 2013 MLB First Year Players Draft. Long made his professional debut with the Arizona League Reds almost immediately after signing and finished his first pro season with a .256 batting average with one home run and eight RBI in 24 games played. Long played behind the plate again during the 2014 season before the Reds moved him to second base before the 2015 season with the Dayton Dragons. Long continued to work his way up the Reds organizational ladder until he was added to Cincinnati’s 40-man roster after the 2017 season. Shed spent the 2018 season in Double-A with the Pensacola Wahoo’s where he hit .261 with 12 home runs and 56 RBI in 126 games.

Long is just 5’8” and 180 lbs. Long hits from the left-side but throws from the right in the field at second base. Long has shown surprising power in the minor leagues and has even drawn praise from a Hall of Fame player in Barry Larkin. Larkin, in an interview with Cincinnati.com, said of Long, “Certainly, talent wise, he has big-league talent, no doubt about it.” Larkin went on to mention that Long has to work on the mental aspect of the game, but honestly that could probably be said about any minor league player, especially one that was drafted out of High School.

Here is a short clip from Bobby Nightengale, son of Bob Nightengale, showcasing Shed Long smacking a two-run single in the 3^rd inning of an Arizona Fall League game.

Shed Long, in his third plate appearance of Arizona Fall League, smacked a 2-run single in the 3rd inning. #Reds pic.twitter.com/mJOanaORoU

— Bobby Nightengale (@nightengalejr) October 11, 2018

And here are some stats courtesy of Baseball Reference.

Register Batting

Year	Age	Tm	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	SB	CS	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS
2013	17	Reds	24	88	78	9	20	2	0	1	8	1	1	17	.256	.333	.321	.654
2014	18	Billings	29	93	87	6	15	3	0	0	6	2	1	18	.172	.217	.207	.424
2015	19	Dayton	42	173	152	22	43	7	2	6	16	2	3	31	.283	.363	.474	.836
2016	20	2 Teams	132	548	478	69	140	30	5	15	75	21	4	120	.293	.371	.471	.842
2016	20	Daytona	38	159	143	22	46	6	4	4	30	5	1	35	.322	.371	.503	.875
2016	20	Dayton	94	389	335	47	94	24	1	11	45	16	3	85	.281	.371	.457	.828
2017	21	2 Teams	104	439	388	50	109	22	3	16	50	9	4	94	.281	.358	.477	.834
2017	21	Pensacola	42	160	141	13	32	6	2	3	14	3	1	31	.227	.319	.362	.680
2017	21	Daytona	62	279	247	37	77	16	1	13	36	6	3	63	.312	.380	.543	.922
2018	22	Pensacola	126	522	452	75	118	22	5	12	56	19	6	123	.261	.353	.412	.765
2018	22	Scottsdale	19	66	58	6	14	2	1	0	8	3	1	15	.241	.333	.310	.644
Mino	Mino	Mino	457	1863	1635	231	445	86	15	50	211	54	19	403	.272	.353	.435	.788
All	All	All	476	1929	1693	237	459	88	16	50	219	57	20	418	.271	.352	.431	.783

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table

With that said, welcome to the organization, Shed, and welcome to the Yankees family! (pending an extension with Sonny Gray for Cincinnati)

The “There’s No Room For Bryce Harper” Rant

Good morning Yankees family, except for you Brian Cashman. Are you kidding me right now? Posturing is one thing, but to come out and say that the reason you aren’t going after Bryce Harper via free agency is because “there’s no room” is not only asinine, but it is also downright ridiculous. No cute introductions here, so let’s get right into this thing.

The Yankees allegedly have six outfielders and cannot make room for Harper on the team. Well, yes and no. The Yankees have Aaron Hicks, Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Brett Gardner, and one of them are going to be playing the designated hitter more times than not this season. Jacoby Ellsbury is not an outfielder and should not be counted on as one. Clint Frazier, until he proves that he is healthy, is not an option and should not be counted on as one. Let’s just say both Ellsbury and Frazier are healthy, neither are better than Harper. Not by a long shot. Brett Gardner isn’t either and should be on the bench for Harper. The fact that he isn’t is insulting.

The Yankees are not a Bryce Harper away from a World Series, some may say, and the focus should be on pitching. A lot of people need to realize and remember that the team can get a Harper or Machado, and still acquire pitching. This is a once-in-a-generation type talent that is hitting free agency at 26-years old. He wants to play for the Yankees, he is a fit (left-handed, big-name star for Hal to pocket more money off of, can play left field, etc.) and he makes the team better no matter what anyone says.

We were sold the idea of getting under the luxury tax threshold last season to reset the penalties levied on the team for spending with the assumption (and maybe that’s on us) that the team would spend in this historic free agent class. Revenue is up, payroll is down. Spend the money or lower the ticket/food/concessions/merchandise/parking/etc. prices.

I’m sick of the frugal Yankees. I want the return of the Greedy Pinstripes. I have sat through lineups with Vernon Wells and Kevin Youkilis, Ichiro Suzuki well past his prime and Freddy Garcia, Bartolo Colon, and others anchoring the starting rotation. I paid my dues, we all did. We watched need after need and star after star getting passed over while we got under the luxury tax threshold and now it’s time for the Yankees organization to pay back the fans and give us what we want. Whether that be Bryce Harper, Manny Machado, Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, or whomever becomes available (within reason of course) between then and now. We, the fans, did our part and now it’s time for Cashman, Hal, and company to do theirs.

No excuses, just checks being written.

BREAKING: Sonny Gray Traded

We have been talking about it for most of the afternoon on twitter, but my source has finally come through and confirmed that Sonny Gray is on the move. I don't know where yet, or who is acquiring him just yet, but when I do I will have it here first.

Sources: Sonny Gray's trade papers being worked on. Stay tuned pic.twitter.com/9KM296kBT4

— Greedy Pinstripes (@GreedyStripes) December 10, 2018

My source had a second person confirm that Sonny was on the move, and speculates it's to San Diego. #SonnyGray pic.twitter.com/n0aYXY9uhp

— Greedy Pinstripes (@GreedyStripes) December 10, 2018

The Yankees Plan B for Patrick Corbin May Include an Indians Starter and Jason Kipnis

The New York Yankees missed out on the top free agent starting pitcher this winter in Patrick Corbin after the left-hander agreed to a six-year deal worth $140 million with the Washington Nationals, but that does not mean that the Yankees will be without another frontline starter this winter. Instead of acquiring another arm off the free agent market the New York Yankees may be forced back into the trade market, and back to the Cleveland Indians. The New York Yankees have already tried to acquire one of Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco or Trevor Bauer this winter, but were unwilling to meet the high asking price for any of their starters, but with recent news being released that may have all changed.

The Cleveland Indians are seemingly in a bit of a rebuilt, much like the Seattle Mariners this winter, and are looking to unload some salary in these trades. According to MLB Trade Rumors and Buster Olney the Indians may ask a potential trade partner to take on Jason Kipnis and the remaining money on his deal ($14,666,667 in 2019 and a $16.5 million team option for 2020 including a $2.5 million buyout) in order to trade for one of the three aforementioned starters. Uh, yes please?

Now, don’t get me wrong. I am not a fan of Kipnis and I do not think he solves a lot of the Yankees problems, but he, nor his contract, are enough of an albatross to make hiding him on the roster for the 2019 season out of the realms of possibilities. Kipnis bats left-handed, something the Yankees need with the loss of Didi Gregorius, and he plays second base, which allows the Yankees to move Gleyber Torres to shortstop until Didi returns from his Tommy John surgery. Kipnis won’t hit for average (he hit .230 in 2018 and is a career .263 hitter), but he could hit for power in the Bronx (he hit 18 home runs in 2018 with Cleveland) and could benefit from the short porch in right field. Kipnis takes his walks, his OBP is almost 100 points higher than his batting average, and his defense is still considered, at the very least, average at second base. Kipnis has also dabbled in center field (14 appearances in 2018) which adds a bit of versatility and flexibility to his resume for the Yankees.

You would think that adding the contract of Kipnis would bring the asking price from the Cleveland Indians down, which may allow the Yankees to keep the “untouchable” Estevan Florial while still acquiring the ace that they so desperately need and want. Jonathan Loasiga/Albert Abreu, plus, plus, for Kluber/Carrasco/Bauer and Kipnis and his salary is definitely a possibility, assuming the accuracy of the report from Buster Olney.

Make it happen, Cashman.

The 2019 Offseason and What it Means for the 2020 Offseason

The New York Yankees may not want to spend heavily during the offseason before the 2019 season, but they just might have to. You may be asking yourself why, and the answer is simple. The offseason before the 2020 season, and the subsequent players that free agency after the 2019 season, is looking to be bleak, old, and not so promising.

Let’s take a quick look at the potential list of Yankees free agents after the 2019 season, barring any trades, extensions, etc.

CC Sabathia – LHP

Brett Gardner – LF

Austin Romine – C

Dellin Betances – RP

Sonny Gray – RHP

Didi Gregorius – SS

Aaron Hicks – CF

Cody Asche – LF

Now, the Yankees may potentially have to replace their starting shortstop, their starting center fielder, their starting left fielder (or a huge bench piece), an even huger part of their bullpen, and at least one or two of their starting pitchers. What do the free agency lists look like for those particular positions you may be asking?

Xander Bogaerts would be an interesting pull for the shortstop position, both in terms of hurting the Boston Red Sox and in the likelihood that he could adequately replace Gregorius. The problem is that Bogaerts is likely going to be one of the best free agents out there before 2020, assuming he isn’t extended, meaning he will be extremely expensive. The Yankees could always extend Gregorius, which seemed likely before his Tommy John surgery, or they could opt for a lesser hit to their rivals by signing Brock Holt, but right now the options just aren’t there. New York could always slide Gleyber Torres back to shortstop and sign a second baseman also, but a 39-year old Ben Zobrist, 36-year old Howie Kendrick, Eduardo Nunez, etc. just don’t intrigue me much. Scooter Gennett will also be a free agent, as will Jonathan Schoop, but in a weak market I would think that New York would have to overpay for a “solid” player and pay them like they are “great” players, and I’m just not comfortable doing that. It could be argued that Bogaerts may be on the same level as say a Manny Machado, but then again some could say that Bogaerts may command a comparable, or higher, contract next season. These free agent prices aren’t going to come down, it is only up from here.

The Yankees don’t “need” an outfielder to replace Brett Gardner, but it seems likely that they would to potentially replace Aaron Hicks. With names like Matt Kemp (35-years old) and Alex Gordon (36), along with younger options like Marcell Ozuna, Billy Hamilton, Yasiel Puig, Nick Castellanos, and Avisail Garcia at least somewhat tempting, the Yankees could conceivably replace both via free agency, but again I believe the prices for these players could get expensive. Billy Hamilton, the only name listed capable of playing center field at the Major League level, will only be 29-years old at the time of his free agency and will likely be on the same level as a Xander Bogaerts in terms of years and dollars commanded in what is widely considered to be a weak free agent class. I’ll say this though, no one here mentioned is even on the same stratosphere as Bryce Harper.

The Yankees don’t necessarily need to replace Austin Romine, many would argue that backup catchers are a dime a dozen, but let’s just have fun and look at the class of catchers anyway. Russell Martin is a free agent and so is Francisco Cervelli, but both would likely want a full-time starting job (and pay). You can also add Jason Castro to that list, but a couple of intriguing names are listed as potential backups for the Yankees if they decide to move away from Romine. Alex Avila was suggested as a potential landing spot for the Yankees last offseason while Brian McCann only signed a one-year deal with Atlanta for $2 million and will hit the market once again before the 2020 season (although I predict that he retires after the year). In all honesty the Yankees will likely re-sign (or possibly extend this offseason) Romine before this decision needs to be made, but there are at least a few suitable replacements for him if it came down to that. Let me say this, let me say it again, and let me say it forever. Gary Sanchez is, and will be, the Yankees starting catcher for a long, long time. Deal with it.

I know a first baseman is not listed in the grouping above, but I would be remiss if I didn’t at least mention the first base class for next offseason, just in case Luke Voit turns out to be Shane Spencer or Kevin Maas as I have predicted. Mitch Moreland is set to be a free agent, as is Justin Smoak, Jose Abreu and Paul Goldschmidt. This is a strong class for first baseman, which makes it less likely that the Yankees give up a top prospect like Estevan Florial for Goldschmidt now this season. Just my two cents.

The final aspect to look at for the future is pitching, both in terms of starters and relief pitchers. It is all but a foregone conclusion that CC Sabathia will retire after the season (he said he would, but he liable to change his mind). It is also a foregone conclusion that Sonny Gray will be traded this offseason (Brian Cashman has all but said it) so, theoretically, both will have to be replaced along with Dellin Betances. What does the pitching market look like for the 2020 offseason? Justin Verlander hits the free agent market, but he is 37, while Felix Hernandez (34-years old, but injury prone and not effective lately), Cole Hamels (36), Hyun-Jin Ryu (33), Rich Hill (40), Brian Duensing (37), Adam Wainwright (38) join Rick Porcello (31), Madison Bumgarner (30), Michael Pineda (31, still recovering from Tommy John surgery), Chris Sale (31), Shelby Miller (29), Gerrit Cole (29), Zack Wheeler (30), Alex Wood (29), Tanner Roark (33), Jake Odorizzi (30), and Kyle Gibson (32) to name a few starters in what looks to be a strong pitching field to choose from. On the relief side of things, the Yankees could potentially choose one or more from Arodys Vizcaino (29), Liam Hendriks (31), Fernando Rodney (43), Brandon Kintzler (35), and Anthony Swarzak (34) to name a few in what looks to be a weak market for relievers. It may be worth the Yankees making a splash or two now by signing Adam Ottavino, David Robertson, Zach Britton, etc. to not only solidify the pen for the 2019 season, but for the 2020 season as well. Also, as crazy as this sounds, it may make it sting a little less for New York if they are to lose out on Patrick Corbin this offseason as they could potentially replace him with a cheaper, shorter-term option like JA Happ for now before dipping their toes back into the free agent starters pool in 2020. Corbin should be the priority, but I am merely speaking of a Plan B scenario if the Phillies were to offer him a dumb amount of money and years this offseason.

In closing, just because it may not make sense to some to spend on some of these players listed here in 2019, it doesn’t mean it won’t make sense for the 2020 season. Think ahead, plan long term, and sign some of these once-in-a-generation type talents now, before you wish you did one-year from today.

Comparing Patrick Corbin to Cliff Lee

When it was reported yesterday that top free agent starter Patrick Corbin was meeting with the Philadelphia Phillies, I admittedly didn’t think much of it at first. The Phillies are expected to spend a ton of money, even if it means spending it foolishly, this winter and it just makes sense to potentially spend some of that money on pitching. Corbin is the top pitcher available, so the match is there. When I saw that the Phillies had a photoshopped picture of Corbin on their big screen inside Citizens Bank Park with the lefty wearing a Phillies hat and uniform, I admittedly panicked. Had the Phillies signed Corbin right under the Yankees noses? Were the Yankees about to get spurned by the Phillies for yet another left-handed starting pitcher? I went to bed last night hoping to not wake up this morning to the news of Corbin signing with Philadelphia.

Luckily for me, Corbin is still a free agent and the New York Yankees still have a shot at his services, but I just cannot shake the feeling that the Phillies are either going to make this really expensive for Brian Cashman and company, or they are going to make Corbin an offer he simply cannot refuse. I began my morning routing this morning checking Twitter when I saw a tweet that sent that feeling deep down in the pit of my stomach again. It was a tweet that was comparing the stats of Patrick Corbin to the last left-handed pitcher that chose the Philadelphia Phillies over the New York Yankees, even though everyone and their mother thought that he was coming to the Bronx. Cliff Lee. Is this de ja vu all over again?

Patrick Corbin [2012-2018]. 109 ERA+, 945.2 IP, 8.5 SO/9, 2.6 BB/9, 3.65 FIP, 11.4 WAR.

Cliff Lee [2002-2008]. ERA+, 965.2 IP, 6.7 SO/9, 2.7 BB/9, 4.19 FIP, 11.9 WAR.

— ღ 𝒢𝑒𝓁 (@LttleGel) November 28, 2018

Her tweet got cut off, but Cliff Lee's ERA+ is 105.Shout out to @LttleGel on Twitter. She is a great follow on Twitter and a huge Yankees fan, so go give her a follow. You won’t regret it.

I love this tweet because I have seen many Yankees fans wondering how Corbin would translate from the NL West to the AL East Division. I have also seen many others question why the Yankees would want him after just “one good year.” The stats don’t lie, Corbin has been underrated over the last six-to-seven years.  

Corbin broke into the league in 2012 with the Arizona Diamondbacks and pitched in 22 games, 17 of them starts, posting 107 innings pitched and a 0.5 WAR. Corbin has been durable aside from his Tommy John surgery that stopped his 2014 season and shortened his 2015 campaign, but he pitched 36 games in 2016 (24 starts), 33 games in 2017 (32 starts) and 33 starts in 2018. From 2002 – 2008 Cliff Lee was one of the best pitchers in the American League with the Cleveland Indians. Lee won the 2008 American League Cy Young Award with a 22-3 season while he also finished 4^th in the AL Cy Young vote in 2005 with an 18-5 record. Lee was well on his way to another great individual season in 2009 before the Indians ultimately traded him (along with outfielder Ben Francisco) to the Cleveland Indians for Carlos Carrasco, Jason Donald, Lou Marson and Jason Knapp.

Lee, like Corbin, was just entering his prime and beginning to find himself at the time of the trade. Lee pitched the Phillies to the World Series in 2009, a loss to the New York Yankees, before returning to the American League for the 2010 season. This is a great comparison of two similar players in two similar scenarios, and I believe this may give us a general idea of what we can truly expect from Corbin going forward if he were to sign with New York.

Six more years of Cliff Lee and the opportunity to right a wrong by signing Corbin for just money? Yes, please. Every day of the damn week.

BREAKING: Patrick Corbin May Have Signed w/ Phillies

Nothing is confirmed but this is an actual photo of Patrick Corbin in a Phillies hat and uniform on the big screen at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. Has the left-hander signed with the Phillies? Stay tuned.

Yankees Claim Parker Bridwell, Designate Ronald Torreyes

In a bit of a head scratcher the New York Yankees have claimed RHP Parker Bridwell from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. In a corresponding roster move the team has designated Ronald Torreyes for assignment.

Brian Cashman and his scouts must see something in Bridwell that the rest of us don't, or else I don't get this deal. Maybe Bridwell will be packaged along with Sonny Gray? Maybe Torreyes agreed to come back to the club on a new minor league deal?

Stay tuned.

Comparing Jacoby Ellsbury to Robinson Cano

Yankees fans are at it again, and this time they are jumping up and down because news was reported that the Yankees and the Seattle Mariners supposedly discussed a trade involving second baseman Robinson Cano for Yankees outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury. First and foremost, the conversation could have went like this, see below, and reporters, who want nothing more than views and could give two shits about reporting actual news, could make this post with a clear conscience.

Seattle GM: Hey, what do you think about Jacoby Ellsbury for Robinson Cano?

Brian Cashman: Nope. *click*

Just for fun, because we are all bored, let’s take a look at comparing these two players and their contracts and see why Seattle would want this trade, and why the Yankees would want this trade.

The Yankees would rid themselves of Jacoby Ellsbury’s contract that includes two guaranteed years at $21,142,857 annually plus a third year of either $21 million (team option) or a $5 million buyout. That sounds great until you remember that Cano has five years left at $24 million annually. Ouch. Ellsbury is currently 35-years old and his current contract, assuming the team option is not triggered, would take him through his age 36-season and to 37-years old. Cano is 36-years old and would be under contract until he was (practically) 40-years old. This seems like the kind of contract and such that the Yankees are fighting so hard to get away from, so I am confused as to why anyone believes that New York would seriously consider this deal.

Yes, Cano plays second base, a position of need for the Yankees, but that contract would cripple the Yankees for years to come. Not as much as many teams, but still. Sure, he could play first base after Didi Gregorius comes back, but why? Cano isn’t a need, and he shouldn’t be a “want” either. He is fresh off a failed PED test, his attitude is lackluster and so is his hustle. He left for greener pastures, let him enjoy them in Seattle, or anywhere but here.

Brian Cashman isn’t going to take on that contract. Not unless Seattle takes on all of Ellsbury’s contract and around $43 million of the Cano contract (which would pay for the extra two years minus the $5 million buyout for Ellsbury so that, if necessary, Cano could be designated for assignment without financial burden). When Seattle is willing to do that, call me. Until then, this is just another rumor that will never come to fruition.

Machado Explains “Johnny Hustle” Comments, But Does It Matter?

The fans and ownership have spoken, and apparently free agent infielder Manny Machado is listening. Machado had an eventful postseason and World Series that showcased him not only as potentially a dirty player, but as a player that refuses to hustle. Machado did himself no favors when he said in an interview that he was not “Johnny Hustle,” but apparently, we all just misunderstood what he was saying when he said that. Imagine that. This week, before the Thanksgiving holiday and before the GM meetings can kick off later this winter, Machado touched on those comments and offered a bit of clarification on them.

Machado was quoted as saying “I’m not the type of player that’s going to be ‘Johnny Hustle’ and run down the line and slide to first base,” which angered a lot of fans and made a lot of potential free agent bidders question his integrity. Now, to be fair, this quote was mildly taken out of context and blown up by the fans and media alike. Everyone who reads this knows about the quote, but I would venture to say that most don’t remember the part of the interview where Machado stated that he admitted that he should have run the ground ball out and that it looked “terrible.”

Machado has since been on the defensive saying that, “When I was asked that question, I was definitely on the defensive, and I was wrong to answer it the way that I did, because looking back, it doesn’t come across how I meant it,” Machado said. Well, Manny, how did you mean it? “For me, I was trying to talk about how I’m not the guy who is eye wash. There’s a difference between fake hustle for show and being someone who tries hard to win. I’ve always been the guy who does whatever he can to win for his team.” Yeah, I don’t think that really answered the question, but cool? Machado continued, “I know how I said it and how that came across, and it’s something I take responsibility for. I look forward to talking with each GM and owner that we meet with about that, or any other questions they have.”

We all know that Hank Steinbrenner has already raised questions about the comments and stated that before he was to be signed that Machado would have to explain himself. If anything, this tells us that Manny is at least willing to do so and seems to at least be taking responsibility for his actions. Does this really change anything? For me, no. The comments didn’t make me want him any more or any less. For others? I doubt it, because their minds are made up. For Brian Cashman, Hank Steinbrenner and the New York Yankees? Maybe, stay tuned to find out.

Call Me Crazy, But How About Sonny Gray (Plus, Plus, Plus) for Joey Votto

Call me crazy, but since money is “no object” anymore wouldn’t it make sense for the New York Yankees to make a run at first baseman Joey Votto? I don’t mean to downplay the money, it’s a ton of money and Brian Cashman and company have already said they aren’t going to blow up the payroll, but they also said they would spend what they had to in order to win. Getting Votto makes the Yankees not only better, but absolutely dangerous in an unfair kind of way. The Reds presumably would be willing to pay down some of that contract, or take lesser prospects if the Yankees ate the entire contract, so it only makes sense with a potential Sonny Gray trade looming between these two clubs.

Let’s be frank, this would be a huge undertaking for the New York Yankees if a trade were to happen. Votto is signed through the 2023 season with a team option for the 2024 season worth roughly $132 million. Now, some may say this is crazy because the Yankees have cheaper options in Luke Voit and Greg Bird, but I would beg to argue that point. Voit was a 27-year old (basically) career minor league player for a reason. The Yankees took advantage of a hot streak and rode him into the postseason, nothing more. There is nothing that says that Voit will be anything more or anything less than the next Shane Spencer for the club. Prove me wrong, I would thoroughly enjoy seeing it… but I don’t think that he will. Adding a proven veteran left-handed bat to a young and heavy right-handed lineup just makes sense for New York, and it would cost them a lot less than signing Bryce Harper for 10-years and $300 million+ just to learn the position. It’s simple math really, 5-years and $125 million for Votto with a $20 million team option for a sixth season or a $7 million buyout, or a 10-year mega-contract for Bryce Harper.

Now, I fully realize that Bryce Harper is 26-years old, while Votto is 36-years old near the end of the 2019 season, but Votto is still incredibly productive and would be moving to a league where he could eventually play more and more designated hitter. Votto hits for power from the left side, he hits with runners in scoring position, he hits for average, hell the guy probably gets out of bed in the morning and hits something. He just hits.

Would the deal be risky? Sure, having someone signed through their “decline” years is always risky, but this is a win-now team, and this is a win-now move. This deal would not hamstring the Yankees, but of course it would come with some sort of risk and fallout if Father Time were to catch up to Votto soon. If the Yankees could swing a deal including Sonny Gray, obviously not straight up… but as a part of a package, I think you have to do it and worry about his age 38-41 seasons then, not now.

My Thoughts on the James Paxton Acquisition

In case you have been living under a rock for the past 24 hours, the New York Yankees acquired left-handed starter James Paxton from the Seattle Mariners for LHP prospect Justus Sheffield, RHP Erik Swanson and outfield prospect Dom Thompson-Williams. Here are my thoughts on the trade, for what they are worth.

My initial thought process was one of a bit of confusion. I didn’t immediately love the trade, but at the same time I didn’t exactly hate the trade either. I am a prospect humper, deal with it, but at the same time I understand that nine times out of a ten that a trade is supposed to hurt. As a prospect humper, this trade hurt… and that makes me optimistic for the future.

Is Paxton the ace that the Yankees “need” this offseason? Probably not, not as it stands today anyway, but the fact of the matter is… he could be. Health concerns aside, which you have with any pitcher, Paxton is entering his prime as a starting pitcher. Sometimes it takes pitchers a little longer to figure it out, health wise, than others. AJ Burnett is a great example of this. While his statistics in New York were not anything to write home about, he had seemingly turned the corner into his 30’s and learned how to build up his body to pitch an entire 162-game schedule. There’s no reason that Paxton cannot do the same.

Losing Sheffield sucks but I do understand that some scouts have been down on him lately. He has a small frame, which scares most talent evaluators, and his control has been suspect at times. I would have loved to have seen Justus figure it out in the Bronx, but I understand that he needed to be included in the deal to get it done. If the Yankees didn’t include Justus then we would be reading about Paxton wearing a Houston Astros uniform right now, and after the Justin Verlander and Gerritt Cole debacles that was just not an option. Losing Swanson also sucks, but he needed to be protected on the 40-man roster before the Rule 5 Draft and I honestly felt like there were too many arms ahead of him on the depth chart to warrant his protection. Lose him in a Paxton trade, or lose him for nothing next month. I’ll go with the former. Thompson-Williams, no offense, is a throw-in in the deal in my opinion.

The trade for Paxton hurt, but it made the Yankees starting rotation a whole lot better. Paxton, at worst, can slide into the middle of the Yankees rotation alongside Luis Severino and Masahiro Tanaka. At best, the Yankees got an ace for the price of a #2 starter. Adding Patrick Corbin to this rotation would only make the starting five that much better, and that idea excites me. As a prospect humper the deal has me worried, but as a Yankees fan this deal has me excited for the 2019 season. Go Yankees!

Brett Gardner’s Future & The Yankees Offseason

I have to admit that I can be a bit reactive and impulsive when it comes to what I consider to be “my” New York Yankees. I know all fans, most fans anyway, get upset when a pitcher gives up a big hit, and I know a lot of fans get upset with a player when they strike out in a big spot offensively, but no fans take this as seriously as the fans of the New York Yankees in my opinion. Many fans want these players gone immediately, either via trade or by a trip down to Scranton that is inconceivable and against every rule Major League Baseball has to protect its players, and no player got more of this treatment this year than Brett Gardner. Now, I have to admit that for much of this season I expected this to be Gardner’s final year in pinstripes, but now I think I am starting to change my mind a little bit.

No, I don’t want or think that Brett Gardner will be the Yankees starting left fielder on Opening Day 2019, but would it be out of the realm of possibilities that he could be on the bench when the season opens up next year? I don’t think so. Now, don’t get me wrong... I love Clint Frazier, but who reading this trusts Frazier to stay healthy and productive for an entire year? Some may, but it is getting harder and harder to do that in my opinion. No, it’s getting damn near impossible. In my opinion, Frazier still has some trade value, where another year in 2019 hampered by injuries and inconsistencies at the Major League level like he had in 2018 his value may be gone. Therefore, I am reluctantly suggesting that the Yankees trade Frazier this offseason in some sort of package for pitching (Madison Bumgarner or equivalent) while bringing back Gardner on a one-year deal.

Gardner made $11.5 million in 2018 and has a $12.5 million team option for the 2019 season with a $2 million buyout. Gardner showed that his bat may be slowing down in 2018 posting a final line of .236/.322/.368/.690 with 12 home runs, 45 RBI and just 16 stolen bases. That doesn’t sound like it is worth $12.5 million to me, that sounds like it is worth about half that in my opinion, and that’s what I would offer him, roughly. The Yankees would spend $2 million to buy out his current contract and should offer him $5 million to be the Yankees 4^th outfielder. Having Gardner available in center field off the bench, along with his veteran and clubhouse presence, would be invaluable in my opinion on a one-year deal. Having that also free up Frazier for a trade to fill in the Yankees biggest gap, pitching, also seems ideal to me.

I know a lot of fans don’t want to see Gardner on the team next season, and at the same token I know a lot of fans want him back just because, but right now it makes a lot of sense for him to be back. If the Yankees sign Bryce Harper I’d honestly still feel this way, and if they don’t I would push even harder for his return. He is not the catalyst he once was, but in a limited capacity he could be invaluable with the Yankees in 2019. Get the man one more ring and bring him back on the cheap.  

Sonny Gray, Danny Duffy, and My Crap for Your Crap

The title of the post is meant to show sarcasm, but the general ideology behind the title remains the same. Your struggling starter for my struggling starter, and maybe a prospect to sweeten the deal? This may not work as the Kansas City Royals are presumably going to move into a rebuilding phase this winter, but what do you think about a Sonny Gray for Danny Duffy trade?

Duffy is a left-handed starter that the Yankees have coveted for quite a number of years. Now, this trade would be dependent on whether the Yankees bring back a CC Sabathia, or equivalent, to pitch out of the 5^th starter spot. If the team brings back Sabathia on another one-year deal, and honestly, I think that they should, then this post becomes moot. If they don’t, however, Duffy may be able to offer some value out of the 5^th slot for New York. Now, before we completely trash the idea based on his 2018 stats alone, let’s remember the stats for Duffy from the 2012-2017 seasons. Before Duffy posted an 8-12 record and 4.88 ERA in 155 innings pitched in 2018, the lefty pitched to a 3.43 ERA from 2012-2017. Duffy has two more years left on his contract, although the money owed is probably more than the Yankees are comfortable with. Duffy is set to make $15.250 million in 2019 and 2020, followed by a slight raise to $15.5 million in 2021. That’s quite the undertaking, but Sonny Gray’s salary would offset a lot of that for the 2019 season.

Would Kansas City be willing to take on Sonny Gray’s contract and maybe a few million dollars of the salary to make the trade work with New York? The Yankees could add a prospect or two, no one special or game changing, to sweeten the pot for the Royals, if necessary. This seems like a deal that the Yankees could at least explore, although again this is dependent on what New York does with CC Sabathia in their fifth starter slot.

Moves like this don’t win a World Series for you, but sometimes they go a long way. If the Yankees could have a durable lefty at the back end of the rotation that can keep the team in games every fifth day, that’s a victory in my eyes. If Duffy could pitch in 2019 like he did from 2012 to 2017, that’s a huge victory for New York. His trade value is at its lowest, and the Royals are presumably entering a total rebuild, so the deal makes sense. It is just whether the Yankees and Kansas City can work out the financials that may keep a deal from happening.

Stay tuned.

Is It Okay to Jump on the Bryce Harper Bandwagon?

Another beard bites the dust...

The New York Yankees enter this offseason in a place where the team is not really used to being. The team is entering the offseason with money to spend after getting under the luxury tax threshold, and it seems like the owner and GM are willing to spend a lot this offseason as well. The Yankees have already been linked to top-notch free agents like Manny Machado and Patrick Corbin, among others, but one free agent I have kind of been skeptical about is Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper. Is it okay for me to now jump on the Harper bandwagon?

I will preface this by saying the same thing I said about Machado when I wrote about him. Harper, I feel, is a luxury for the team. The New York Yankees don’t NEED Harper, but I truly think the team could benefit from his services next season and beyond. It is not every day that a 26-year old hits the free agent marker, and it is even more rare to see one with such immense talent as Harper has hit he free agent market, period.

Look mom, I hustle...

Harper checks a lot of boxes for the Yankees. He bats left-handed, something that the Yankees are suddenly lacking with the loss of Didi Gregorius to Tommy John surgery, and he plays a position, outfield, that the Yankees could look to upgrade this offseason. Brett Gardner is a free agent at the end of the World Series and may not be back with the club for the 2019 season. I can remember the Yankees were ecstatic about having Gardner in left field because of his speed and ability to play center on any given day. The team stated that having a center fielder in left field inside Yankee Stadium was ideal, and the team would have that once again if Harper were to be signed. Harper’s defense is more than adequate with the ability to play all three outfield positions. Plus, the left field position is not completely foreign to the left-hander. Harper has only played 194 games in left field out of the 911 games he has played in the outfield, his last time coming in 2014, but I don’t think the transition would be that difficult for him to make.

It doesn't hurt that I already have two #34 Yankees jersey's. 

One major box that Harper checks for the Yankees is his offensive capabilities. Harper’s batting average may have plummeted to .249 in 2018, down from .319 in 2017, but he almost doubled his walks taken from 68 in 2017 to a whopping 130 in 2018, which lead the National League. Harper’s 162 game average, according to Baseball Reference, has him drawing 102 walks per season with a .388 OBP. That’s all before you mention his slugging percentage, OPS, and 30-40 home run per season power.

To put these walk numbers into a comparison, the Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge walked 76 times in 2018, albeit in a partial season, after walking 127 times in 2017. Having Judge hitting second, Harper hitting third, and presumably having someone like Aaron Hicks hitting leadoff (90 walks, .366 OBP) the Yankees would, by the numbers, have someone on base for Giancarlo Stanton and/or Miguel Andujar in the cleanup spot pretty much every single game in the first inning. That is how you extend innings, that is how you keep the line moving, that is how you make starting pitchers work, and that is how you get into the opposing team’s bullpen earlier. These are all recipes for success, and all things that the Yankees struggled with at times here in 2018.

I'm going to be here one day...

And if that doesn’t work, having Hicks, Judge, Harper, Stanton, Andujar, etc. etc. etc. means you can just slug your way to a few victories along the way as well.

I say again, Harper is still a luxury and not a need for the New York Yankees, but he is a luxury that makes a whole lot of sense for the Bronx Bombers this offseason, and beyond. Even more so than signing Manny Machado, if I am being honest. Get Greedy… Get Bryce. Doesn’t have the same ring to it, but it could likely result in a ring at the end of the 2019 season.