2018 Free Agency: Joe Girardi – Yay or Nay

Well this didn't work out, did it? I had this scheduled to post today before news broke that the New York Yankees would not be bringing back Joe Girardi for the 2018 season. Oh well. Never waste content.

The New York Yankees have a lot of decisions to make this offseason as far as personnel and players go but the team’s biggest decision this offseason may be what the organization does with their vacant managerial position. Manager Joe Girardi’s contract is up after the end of the World Series and no one knows whether to expect Joe back on the Yankee Stadium bench here in 2018. With the uncertainty facing the team’s future and with the presumable lore that is Derek Jeter and the Miami Marlins will the New York Yankees be in the search of a manager here in a couple weeks? Or should the team make it their decision to part ways? I will tell you what I think should happen as well as what I think will happen here in the post.

As unpopular of a post as this is about to be I think the Yankees should retain Joe Girardi on another three-year deal. I don’t pretend to be omnificent or all-knowing, but does anyone see a true upgrade over Girardi out there on the free agent market as far as managers go? And no, John Farrell is not a better manager than Joe Girardi is in my opinion. I just don’t see a better manager that can handle the bullpen the way Girardi does, not all the time but no one is “on” 100% of the time either, and I just don’t see a better manager that can handle a young team over Girardi. Girardi has handled a young team in Miami before and he did a bang-up job with the Baby Bombers here in 2017 as the team far exceeded expectations in every sense of the word.

Sure, Girardi may be an idiot to some and he may rely on his “binder” far too much at times but the Yankees have never had a losing record during his tenure, the team has a World Series championship and has reached the ALCS three times under his command. The players seem to rally around him and support him, Dellin Betances did so publicly lately, and I just don’t see an obvious upgrade out there to be had. For all those reasons and more though there will be teams out there wanting his services including the aforementioned Miami Marlins.

I think at the end of the day the Yankees will offer Girardi another contract, but I am torn on whether I believe he will accept it or not. The Marlins and the opportunity to manage the likes of Giancarlo Stanton may be exciting for Girardi but I am not entirely sure if Girardi is ready to start over. The Marlins don’t have the farm system the Yankees have and while they have some young talent on the team I think the Yankees are just a better fit right now. At the end of the day I think the Yankees will offer Girardi a three-year deal while the Marlins may offer more but I truly think Joe stays in the Bronx for at least three more seasons, and I am totally okay with that. 

Astros Win in Sudden Death Overtime...

Credit:  LA Times:  Wally Skalij

2017 World Series

Astros 7, Dodgers 6...

Series tied, 1-1

Wow! The Dodgers may have lost but that was one heck of a game! A low-scoring affair until the Astros tied it at 3 in the top of the 9th inning, the game became a battle of home runs in extra innings with George Springer's two-run homer in the 11th inning providing the final margin of victory for the 'Stros.

This was a magical game from the start. The first pitch was "thrown" (I use that term loosely) by legendary former Dodgers announcer Vin Scully with an assist from Fernando Valenzuela. I miss the days of Scully calling Dodger games but it was so incredible to have him on the Dodger Stadium turf. Great call by the Dodgers to have Scully, one of the greatest announcers of all-time if not THE greatest, throw the first pitch. It's time for Dodgers baseball!  Damn, love that guy. It was so wonderful to hear his voice again. Valenzuela, in relief of Scully (who suffered a "rotator cuff" injury on his attempted throw...wink, wink), threw the pitch to former Dodgers catcher Steve Yeager.

Credit:  LA Times:  Robert Gauthier

With veteran Rich Hill pitching for the Dodgers and former Tigers ace Justin Verlander on the mound for the Astros, the game remained scoreless until the top of the 3rd inning. Josh Reddick hit a sharp grounder to second baseman Chase Utley in shallow right that got away from the former Phillie when the ball bounced off the palm of his glove. No error on the play but Reddick safe at first with a hit. Inexperienced batsman Justin Verlander was next in the obvious bunt situation. His first attempt resulted in a foul fly off the backstop net. He looked like an American Leaguer trying to bat. But then on his second attempt, he laid it down perfectly with a slow roller back to the pitcher. Verlander took five steps in the California heat before giving up for the out, but he did his job pushing Reddick to second. George Springer followed with a single to left to put runners at the corners. Alex Bregman's single to center scored Reddick and the Astros led 1-0. It may have been an extra-base hit if not for centerfielder Chris Taylor's hat. The ball went up on the diving Taylor but was re-directed toward left fielder Joc Pederson thanks to the bill of his cap. Hill prevented further damage when he struck out Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa to end the inning. I thought the Dodgers did an excellent job limiting the Astros to only one run in that situation.

The Dodgers tied the game in the bottom of the 5th when Joc Pederson took Verlander deep with a shot over the wall in right field.

Things were looking good for the Dodgers in the bottom of the 6th inning. Chris Taylor took a two-out walk. Corey Seager was next and he belted a Verlander pitch over the left field wall into the first row to give the Dodgers a two run advantage.

Credit:  LA Times:  Gina Ferazzi

Moving into the 8th inning with Dodgers setup man Brandon Morrow on the mound, Alex Bregman led off with a ground-rule double to right. Right fielder Yaiel Puig made a running dive in an attempt to get to the ball but it hit the end of his glove and bounced up into the stands, much to the chagrin of the visibly upset Puig. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts decided to take no chances and brought in closer Kenley Jansen. Jansen had only blown one game all season and the Dodgers had a ridiculous stat of 98-0 when leading after eight innings. Jansen got the first batter he faced (Jose Altuve) to ground out to second, but Bregman moved to third. Carlos Correa singled to center on a chopper that got by second baseman Chase Utley, making it a one run game, 3-2. After Yuli Gurriel flied out in foul territory near first base, Jansen got Brian McCann with a huge strikeout to end the inning.  

Normally, a one-run lead at Dodger Stadium in the 9th inning is a guarantee for victory. Unfortunately, Marwin Gonzalez had other ideas. On an 0-2 count while leading off for the Astros, Gonzalez turned on a Jansen cutter (an unusual bad pitch from the All-Star Closer) to deposit it over the wall in left center to tie the game.

Credit:  LA Times: Robert Gauthier

The Astros had the go-ahead run at second when George Springer hit a two-out double down the left field line, but he was left stranded when Alex Bregman grounded out to short.

The Dodgers were unable to score in the bottom of the 9th against Astros closer Ken Giles when they were retired in order. I was really hoping that Cody Bellinger, who made the final out, could have come up huge in that situation but it was not to be. So, off to extra innings we went...

Top of the 10th and Jansen was gone. Dodgers reliever Josh Fields was on the mound in his place. The Astros decided it was time to play Home Run Derby.  Jose Altuve led off with a blast to the front row of the center field stands to give the Astros the lead, 4-3. Carlos Correa said 'I can do that, only better' and sent the ball fourteen feet further into the left center field seats. 5-3, Astros.

Ken Giles was still pitching for the Astros in the bottom of the 10th. Yasiel Puig led off with a towering shot to left to make it a one-run game. After Giles struck out Yasmani Grandal and Austin Barnes, Logan Forsythe drew a walk on a full count. With Enrique "Kike" Hernandez at the plate, a wild pitch by Giles moved Forsythe to second. Hernandez, the hero of the NLCS with three home runs in the final game to send the Dodgers to the World Series, singled to right to score Forsythe. Astros right fielder Josh Reddick made a perfect throw to catcher Brian McCann but Forsythe's speed was too much as he safely slid into home.  

Credit:  LA Times: Robert Gauthier

The game was tied once again. Hernandez advanced to second on the throw but the Astros made a pitching change to bring in Chris Devenski who retired Chris Taylor on a fly out to center to push the game into the 11th inning.

The Dodgers made another pitching change, bringing in their ninth pitcher of the game...former Yankee Brandon McCarthy. It wasn't McCarthy's finest hour (or maybe I should say minutes). Cameron Maybin led off with a single to center, just past the outstretched glove of Corey Seager. He subsequently stole second on a close play at the bag. George Springer handed the Astros another two-run lead when he homered to right center. 7-5, Astros.  

Credit:  LA Times:  Wally Skalij

McCarthy was able to retire the next three Astros to give the Dodgers, as Michael Kay would say, "their last licks". 

Houston's Chris Devenski came back out to the mound for the bottom of the 11th. He got the first two hitters when Corey Seager lined out to center and Justin Turner lined out to third. Charlie Culberson, who had just entered the game in the top of the 11th when he took over in left field, homered to left center, making it a one-run game for Yasiel Puig. Trailing by one run with two outs in the bottom of the 11th, it was a huge opportunity for Puig who clearly loves the limelight. Not this day. After battling Devenski, Puig swung and missed on Devenski's ninth pitch of the at-bat to end the game. Astros win, 7-6.  

Credit:  LA Times: Wally Skalij

I know there is no "overtime" in baseball but that was as close to a hockey shootout as I've seen (especially in a World Series game).

The two teams take a break today to travel to Houston for Game 3 on Friday night at Minute Maid Park. The pitching matchup is currently scheduled to feature the Dodgers' Yu Darvish against the Astros' Lance McCullers, Jr. For Darvish, it is a homecoming of sorts with the return to Texas.  Although when you are from Dallas, anything from or in Houston sucks. I am sure that the former Texas Ranger will thrive back in the Lone Star state. It should be a fantastic pitcher's duel, particuarly if McCullers, Jr can pitch as well as he did against the Yankees.  

Credit:  LA Times:  Allen J Schaben

I will be watching with my Dodgers gear in hand...

Editor's note:  This writer is pro-Dodgers.

Odds & Ends...

It is funny watching the daily tweets about Joe Girardi's appearances at Yankee Stadium. The fact that I know Girardi left the stadium at 1:10 pm yesterday shows how much New York writers are seeking to find stories about whether or not Girardi will return to the Yankees next season. So far, those writers have been disappointed. Girardi may not be giving away any signals of what is on his mind, but at least he's talking with the team.  I remain hopeful that it leads to a new deal for the long-time manager. Honestly, who is out there that can do a better job than Girardi? I know that we've been frustrated with some of his decisions but I seriously doubt that any of us could do a better job. Hopefully Hal Steinbrenner moves quickly to re-sign both Girardi and GM Brian Cashman so that the team can start its off-season strategy to bring the 28th World Championship for the Yankees next season.    

Credit:  NY Post:  Richard Harbus

Saw the pic of Dellin Betances, Aaron Judge and CC Sabathia taking in a Brooklyn Nets game last night. Admittedly, I would have preferred to have seen these guys playing in Los Angeles. Or maybe Judge should have been in a batting cage working on those breaking pitches. Ha!  Next year, guys, next year...

Credit:  Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Have a great Thursday! I wonder what time Girardi will show up at Yankee Stadium today or when he will leave. Go Yankees!

This Day In New York Yankees History 10/26: Don Zimmer Retires

On this day in 2003 Yankees bench coach Don Zimmer resigns from the position. The reason given was George Steinbrenner, which is enough said in that department no? Zimmer would join the Tampa Bay Rays as a Senior Baseball Adviser for the 2004 season.

Joe Torre would become the fifth manager in World Series history to win four World Series championships on this day in 2000 as well joining Casey Stengel (7), Joe McCarthy (7), Connie Mack (5), and Walter Alston(4). The Yankees would win their fourth World Series in five seasons on this day when they beat the Mets 4-2. This would be the Yankees 26th championship in their storied history. Luis Sojo had a ninth inning two out hit off Mets pitcher and former Yankee Al Leiter to win the series after Mariano Rivera closed the door. On this day in 2000 Derek Jeter became the first player to ever win the All Star Game MVP and the World Series MVP in the same season. Jeter finished the World Series with a .409 average and had nine hits including two doubles, a triple, and two home runs. The Yankees beat the Mets in the Subway World Series in five games.

Also on this day in 1999 Chad Curtis hit a home run leading off the 10th inning in Game 3 of the World Series with the Atlanta Braves. The Yankees would take a commanding 3-0 lead and would finish off the sweep the next day. Curtis would become only the 11th player in World Series history to end a game with a home run.

Also on this day in 1996 the Commissioner's Trophy finally came back to where it belongs in the Bronx for the first time since the 1978 season as the Yankees beat the Braves in Game 6 to capture the title. This will be the first of four titles in five years under Joe Torre and the Cour Four.

Finally on this day in 1950 Phil Rizzuto would win the American League MVP as a member of the New York Yankees. Scooter would take home 16 of the 23 first place votes beating out Boston's Billy Goodman for the award. Just as an FYI on what stat line got you the MVP award back in 1950 Rizzuto finished the season with a .324 batting average with seven home runs and 66 RBI's.

World Series Game Two Thread: Houston Astros @ Los Angeles Dodgers

Game time once gain in Los Angeles as the Los Angeles Dodgers are set to play host to the Houston Astros in Game Two of the 2017 World Series. Last night we all watched as two left-handed starters faced off head-to-head and tonight will be the battle of two veterans as Justin Verlander takes the ball for the Astros and Rich Hill takes the ball for the Dodgers. The game will be played at 8:00 pm ET and can be seen on FOX.

Follow us on Twitter by following @GreedyStripes and enjoy the game.

Prediction: Astros win 6-3

Yankees Postseason History Recap: Raul, You’re So Cool

“Raul, You’re so Cool!” Raul Ibanez spent just one season in a Yankees uniform, but it was enough to win the hearts and minds of a whole lot of Yankees fans. Ibanez didn’t hit for much in the average department during the regular season, but he could always be counted on for the clutch hit when the Yankees needed it and they needed it on October 8th, 2012.

The Yankees went into the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles trailing 2-1 to the Baltimore Orioles while the ALDS was tied at one-game each. The Yankees offense was struggling, and Alex Rodriguez was pinch hit for in the bottom of the ninth leaving many to question Joe Girardi and his binder. The questionable move ended up working out for the Yankees as Ibanez launched a home run into the right field seats at Yankee Stadium sending the game to extra innings.

The game remained tied until the 12th when Ibanez came back up to the plate and it was de ja vu all over again. Ibanez hit another home run to walk off against the Orioles and give the Yankees a 2-1 lead in the ALDS. Ibanez earned more than one pinstripe on this night. 

Yankees Postseason History Recap: Mr. November

You know I may be willing to admit that I may be a little bit of a homer and a little bit of a bias Yankees fan, sue me. I can hide that in my writing if I have to but when I am on the blog I let my passion and my fandom show so you have to excuse me when I say that Michael Kay is the best play-by-play announcer in the league. I love his voice, his knowledge and the way he and the crew over at the YES Network calls the game. I can’t help it. One call I will always remember is the call he made back in the World Series of 2001 after the clock struck midnight on November 1st.

Game 4 of the 2001 World Series was pushed back due to the September 11th terrorist attacks on the United States and for the first time in major League Baseball history a World Series game was played in the month of November. The Arizona Diamondbacks had closer Byung-Hyun Kim on the mound and the Yankees had Derek Jeter at the plate in a series that they trailed 2-1 in.

Jeter fought off eight pitches before hitting a home run on the ninth pitch to walk off and give the Yankees the lead. What did Michael Kay call Derek Sanderson Jeter after the home run? He called him “Mr. November.”

World Series Game Two Preview: Houston Astros @ Los Angeles Dodgers

The World Series is back tonight and is back in sunny California as the Los Angeles Dodgers play host to the Houston Astros in Game Two of the series. Last night we were all entertained by the amazing pitching matchup of two dominant left-handers in Dallas Keuchel and Clayton Kershaw and tonight another lefty and one right-hander take center stage. On the mound tonight for the Dodgers is the veteran left-hander Rich Hill while the Astros will counter with a veteran right-hander of their own in Justin Verlander. Runs, once again, should be hard to come by with these two savvy pitchers on the mound which is almost fitting in this National League environment, at least in my opinion.

Hill will be making his World Series debut tonight inside Dodger Stadium after pitching in the Independent League as recently as the 2015 season. What a comeback and what a story Rich Hill has been in recent years. Hill has not pitched more than five innings in either of his two postseason starts this season, but the lefty has limited damage allowing three runs on six hits combined in those two starts before handing it off to the Los Angeles bullpen.

Verlander was named the 2017 ALCS MVP for his pitching efforts against the New York Yankees and the right-hander will look to continue his success tonight and in the World Series. During the ALCS the Astros right-hander allowed just one earned run in 16 innings of work after having less than stellar stats against the Yankees throughout his career. That bodes well for Verlander who has not pitched well in the World Series through his career either to the tune of a 7.20 ERA in three World Series starts with the Detroit Tigers.

The game will be played at 8:00 pm ET inside Dodger Stadium and can be seen on FOX. As the sting from the Yankees losing in the ALCS wears off I find myself missing baseball more and more this season. I know I stated I would be boycotting this World Series… but damn… I miss baseball already and we are already facing months without it anyway in the offseason. I may cave, I don’t know. Stay tuned to find out, LOL.

End of Astros' Two-Game Winning Streak...

Credit:  Los Angeles Times: Wally Skalij

2017 World Series

Dodgers 3, Astros 1...

Dodgers lead Series, 1-0

Powered by the arm of Clayton Kershaw and the bat of Justin Turner, the Los Angeles Dodgers captured Game 1 of the World Series. It was a bittersweet game for Yankees fans as we were left to wonder what could have been. Nevertheless, the Yankees turn will be here soon enough. For now, it's about the Dodgers and Astros.

After Kershaw easily set down the Astros in the top of the 1st, Chris Taylor jumped on the first pitch from Astros starter Dallas Keuchel to send it 447 feet over the left field wall. The Dodgers led 1-0 on a very hot Los Angeles evening. It seems like every time I watch the Dodgers play, Taylor is coming up big.  He filled in for shortstop Corey Seager during the NLCS when Seager was left off the roster to recover from a lower back sprain. Back in center field, Taylor hit 21 home runs and drove in 72 RBI's in 140 games for the Dodgers this year, batting .288. It's incredible to think the Dodgers acquired Taylor from the Seattle Mariners in June 2016 for a pitcher (Zach Lee) who has been released two times since the trade.  

Credit:  Los Angeles Times:  Gina Ferazzi

The 1-0 score held up until the top of the 4th inning when Astros third baseman Alex Bregman took Kershaw deep with a solo shot to left leading off the inning. It was not as far as Taylor's blast but it still counts the same. It got Kershaw's attention...he responded by striking out the side.  Say what you will about Kershaw but he's arguably the best pitcher in baseball. He has not had great post-season success to add to his resume...until now. With Kershaw pitching as well as he did, the Astros didn't really have a chance.

With both starting pitchers still on the mound, the game stayed tied until the bottom of the 6th inning. The Dodgers recorded two quick outs when both Austin Barnes and Kershaw grounded out to shortstop Carlos Correa. But then Keuchel issued a two-out walk to aforementioned Chris Taylor. Justin Turner, the one-time Mets cast-off, strolled to the plate with long red hair and beard flowing. Dallas Keuchel tried to slip a 1-2 cutter past Turner. Boom! Over the wall in the left center and the Dodgers led, 3-1.  

Credit:  Los Angeles Times

Kershaw was done after seven innings, receiving congratulations and hugs from Manager Dave Roberts and others in the Dodgers dugout while the Dodgers were preparing to bat. It was a tremendous performance by the big Texan left-hander. He was never in trouble despite the game-tying home run in the 4th inning, limiting the Astros to three hits and one run. He struck out eleven batters and didn't walk anyone. A big game performance by the game's elite.  

Credit:  Los Angeles Times: Robert Gauthier

From there, it was time for the trusted Dodgers bullpen. Despite scoreless relief from Houston's Brad Peacock and Chris Devenski to hold Los Angeles in check, the two-run Dodgers lead was a canyon with Brandon Morrow and Kenley Jansen setting down the Astros in order for the final six outs. Jansen may have gotten a few dollars less than Aroldis Chapman last off-season when he re-signed with the Dodgers in free agency, but right now, it's Jansen and not Chapman that you would want for that big final out. He has been Mr Consistency all season long.  

This was a great win for the Dodgers and a wonderful way to start the World Series. The 2017 post-season has been punctuated by home field advantage which certainly works to the favor of the Dodgers.  

Former Yankee Rich Hill gets the Game 2 start tonight for the Dodgers. He'll be opposed by Houston's Justin Verlander. I look for the Dodgers to grab a two-game cushion before the series heads to Minute Maid Park in Houston. My prediction is Dodgers 7, Astros 4.  

Credit:  Stephen Dunn-Getty Images

Prior to yesterday's game, I was saddened to see that former Yankee Curtis Granderson was left off the World Series roster for the Dodgers. Based on performance, it was an easy decision for Dave Roberts. The Grandy Man was 1-for-15 in the post-season and he only hit .161 in 36 games for Los Angeles after being acquired from the New York Mets on August 19th (after that tremendous grand slam against the Yankees at Citi Field).  Still, it would have been nice to see Granderson, one of the game's classiest guys, on the roster after such a good career. The Dodgers made room for 12 pitchers on the World Series roster including oft-injured former Yank Brandon McCarthy which cost Grandy his spot.  

It was great to see Corey Seager back on the field after his absence in the NLCS. Kyle's brother is one of the game's best young talents and the Dodgers are clearly a better team with him in the lineup.  Seager will most likely see time at DH when the series shifts to Houston to limit the wear and tear on his back.  

Credit: Los Angeles Times: Wally Skalij

Editor's Note:  This writer is pro-Dodgers.  

Odds & Ends...

The World Series means very quiet news for other MLB teams.  The only meaningful day for potential news will be Thursday since it is a travel day for the World Series teams.  

Yankees manager Joe Girardi made a one hour visit to Yankee Stadium yesterday which drew tremendous speculation on social media but no news from credible Yankees beat writers.  It's also being reported that the Houston Astros are looking at Yankees third base coach Joe Espada for the bench coach vacancy created when current bench coach Alex Cora accepted the managerial gig in Boston effective at the end of the World Series.    

I was glad to see former Cardinal great and one-time Yankees prospect Willie McGee added to the coaching staff for the St Louis Cardinals.  I can still remember feeling so underwhelmed when the Yankees traded McGee, a highly touted young prospect, to St Louis for the forgettable Bob Sykes in October 1981.  McGee went on to have a tremendous career for the Cardinals including the 1985 NL MVP Award.  He was elected to the Cardinals Hall of Fame in 2014.  His specific role on the coaching staff has yet to be announced.  

Have a wonderful Wednesday!  Their season may be over, but Go Yankees!

2018 Free Agency: Todd Frazier – Yay or Nay

The 2017 season is still going on for a select few teams, the Dodgers and the Astros, but unfortunately the Yankees and their focuses have shifted to off the field. The 2017 season for the New York Yankees is over and all eyes have now moved to the 2018 season and the long, dark and lonely offseason that comes in between. The Yankees have a select few that are hitting free agency this winter so over the next couple of days I wanted to not only interject what I think the Yankees should do with these select players but also I will go over what I think the Yankees will do, and they won’t always be one in the same. We will start with the Yankees third baseman that was acquired from the Chicago White Sox in a pre-July 31^st trade deadline deal, Todd Frazier. Should the Yankees bring back The Toddfather for 2018 and do I think the Yankees will? Keep reading. 

I have been on record for about a month now of saying that I think the Yankees should bring back Frazier in 2018. In my opinion you cannot put a price on defense, clubhouse chemistry and you cannot quantify with a number the fact that Frazier actually wants to be in New York. We all grew up watching the hired mercenaries that seemingly didn’t care where they played as long as their paychecks didn’t bounce and it has been refreshing to see a player who actually wants to play in the Bronx. On top of that if you add to the fact that Frazier can play both third base and first base, both presumably a need for the Yankees as Frazier bats right-handed and Greg Bird is left-handed at first, and you have the recipe for one of those deals that just make too much sense to pass up. 

Like anything else this will come down to money and I think it will be the money that will keep the Yankees from bringing back Frazier. Frazier is hitting free agency for the first time in his career and will likely want to cash in more a maximum amount of years and dollars for his own security. Frazier is not to the point in his career where he is likely to give a hometown discount to the Yankees, or any teams, and who could blame him? Frazier has been on a team-friendly deal that the Chicago White Sox gave him and has done his time, now it’s his time to get paid and rewarded for his efforts as he should be.  

The Yankees would likely only want or “need” Frazier on a one-year deal with Miguel Andujar and Gleyber Torres knocking on the door to Yankee Stadium and I can’t fathom a scenario where Frazier is willing to sign that deal. Maybe, just maybe, the Yankees could offer him some DH time when one or both of the team’s young third baseman are ready and the team can convince Frazier to sign a three-or-four-year deal but even then, I can’t see the Yankees doing it as we stand here on October, 25. If the Yankees were able to trade Chase Headley sometime early on in this winter then my mind could and would change immediately but until then I just can’t see the Yankees splurging for Frazier. 

Frazier makes sense from a fan’s perspective, but he doesn’t make sense from a fiscal standpoint and at the end of the day Major League Baseball is a business, especially to men like Brian Cashman and Hal Steinbrenner. I say yay on Frazier but the Yankees will likely say nay when it comes down to it this winter. Todd, we wish you well and thank you for your contributions here in the Bronx this season. Thank you. 

So it Seems… I Got a Little Cocky and a Little Bit Ahead of Myself

Good morning everyone. What a way to start the day huh? Me, Daniel Burch, admitting to being a little cocky and getting a little bit ahead of myself. Let me explain. I was on a roll during the postseason with my predictions and my writing here on the blog. I explained in full detail why I was not afraid of the Minnesota Twins in the AL Wild Card Game and the Yankees beat the Twins decisively to move on to the ALDS with the Cleveland Indians. Another series, another prediction and another post labeled “Why I’m not afraid of the Cleveland Indians in the Postseason.” Another victory against unlikely odds so why would I stop there? I continued my series with “Why I’m Not Afraid of the Houston Astros in the ALCS.” The stars aligned for this to be another great show and prediction by the self-proclaimed Yankees wizard as Justin Verlander took the mound against the Yankees with New York just one win away from the World Series. I took a chance and I didn’t wait for the Yankees to record those final 27 outs before advancing to the World Series, I went ahead and wrote my “Why I’m Not Afraid of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series” post like a moron.

Did I jinx the Yankees? Is Michael Kay laughing at me right now for even suggesting that I jinxed the Yankees? Who knows but I hate to waste content so here is my pie in the face, my eating crow if you will, and my post about how I was not afraid of the Dodgers in the World Series that the Yankees never made it to. Insert foot in mouth and have a great day. Especially you. HEY YOU!! I loves you.

Oh, and remember before flooding me with hate mail. Most writers have stuff written in advance, especially if it cannot be dated quickly, and I am no different. If you can do better please send me an email at Daniel Burch 1102 at yahoo dot com. We are always looking for new writers. Thanks.

Why I’m Not Afraid of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series

Yeah, I am going there. Call me bold, call me dumb or call me crazy, I don’t care but I just don’t think you will be calling me a loser when the dust settles here in the 2017 World Series. Don’t get me wrong the Los Angeles Dodgers are a hell of a team, congrats once again to them for winning the National League pennant, and the Dodgers could very well knock off the Yankees and take home the crown… I just don’t think it will happen. I’m not psyched out by Clayton Kershaw, I’m not entirely worried about Kenley Jansen and I think this team can limit Cody Bellinger, Justin Turner and company over a seven-game series. I just do, and here is why.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have a great team and that great team is anchored by a great pitching staff but beating great pitching is nothing new to the Yankees this season. The New York Yankees have beaten Corey Kluber twice this postseason (sure, the record books state the team lost Game 2 of the ALDS but we all know the Yankees beat Kluber), Trevor Bauer once, Ervin Santana once, Dallas Keuchel once and Justin Verlander once. One could argue that Kluber has been just as good, if not better than Kershaw over the last three seasons or so which should give the Yankees some hope as they may have to face Kershaw three times in the upcoming World Series.  

Before the postseason began I ranked the 10 teams in the playoffs by their bullpen effectiveness and the Los Angeles Dodgers had the fourth best bullpen in the field, right behind the New York Yankees. The Dodgers bullpen has been great this postseason but there are definite holes in the pen that the Yankees can extort if the starters don’t give Los Angeles seven innings, something that won’t always happen given that the pitchers have to hit in the National League.  

The Dodgers will have home-field advantage here in this World Series after having the best record in the National League here in 2017 and the second-best record overall, second only to the Cleveland Indians. You know, that team the Yankees already eliminated this postseason despite the team winning 22 games in a row at one point during the regular season. The Dodgers are not unbeatable, and they are not unstoppable, their September record showed us that as the team faded down the stretch with a 12-17 record. The Yankees just have to do what the Yankees do, hit the ball, pitch well and win while having fun doing it.

The Dodgers will easily be the hardest test for the Yankees this postseason but let’s look at this playoff run for New York. Aside from the American League Wild Card Game the Yankees have been severe underdogs in both of their series and the team has not had home-field advantage in either of their series. Didn’t seem to slow down or stop the team then and it won’t here against the Dodgers. By the end of the series we’ll be comparing Todd Frazier to Thurman Munson and our team will once again be the “Damn Yankees.” The 28 World Series championship ring holding Damn Yankees, thank you very much.