…But is Cole Hamels REALLY an Option in July?

Earlier this week, albeit sarcastically, I declared it “trade season” in Major League Baseball and for the New York Yankees. While I believe it is still a little too early to start making concrete plans for the trading deadline before the calendar even strikes June, I think it may be safe to remove one player particularly from the Yankees wish list. His name is Cole Hamels and he was the starting pitcher for the Texas Rangers last night against the Yankees.

Cole Hamels is intriguing. Hamels is a veteran pitcher now pitching at 34-years old, and a pitcher with a ton of postseason experience including the 2008 World Series where Hamels won the MVP award. Hamels can still be an elite pitcher, not every fifth night but from time-to-time and is still throwing in the low 90 MPH with a devastating changeup. The Yankees would presumably love to add Hamels to their postseason push and to the mix, but Hal Steinbrenner is not likely to sign off on any acquisition for the Rangers left-hander. Why? Money.

Steinbrenner has stated the Yankees will keep payroll under the $197 million luxury tax threshold this season no matter what. Hamels is due to make $23 million in 2018 and would come with a $20 million club option or $6 million buyout for the 2019 season. Sure, with a trade the Yankees would only be on the hook for around $13.7 million of that, a prorated $7.7 million if the trade were to happen on July 31 plus the $6 million buyout, but that leaves New York a lot closer to the threshold cusp than they would like to be. The Yankees would have to pay more if they were to acquire him before July 31, that’s the way prorating works, and there will be plenty of competition for him making him equally as expensive in terms of prospects.

This is all before you remember that Hamels can veto ANY deal to 20 teams this July, including the New York Yankees. Hamels may make the financial decision a moot point, who is to say that Hamels even wants to come to New York? Hamels has his World Series ring, so he may or may not be chasing a ring, or another shot in the postseason. Hamels may be content just pitching the rest of the season in Texas for all we know. Hamels may want to return to Philadelphia. We just don’t know!

Thankfully NJ.com did an interview with Hamels this week while the team was in Texas and there were a few nuggets that came out of the Q&A. Here are a few questions and answers, for the entire list head over to NJ.com and read their amazing write up on Hamels and his potential trip to the Bronx.

Q: Are you aware that a lot of Yankee fans are bringing your name up quite a bit thinking that you're going to the final piece to their next championship?

Hamels: “Shoot, I helped them get a World Series in ‘09, so I’m sure they like me! … No, no. I understand it. It’s kind of the nature of what happens, and I think anytime you get traded once, you understand that the possibilities are there. And as you get older if you’re able to play well and keep of what I know I’m capable of doing, then it’s each year you could be on a different team hunting down a postseason. So, it’s kind of the nature of where I think I am in my career and in the contract and in the situation. (The Yankees) have a tremendous team. So really looking at them, it’s some of the best baseball is now being able to watch the Yankees and Boston and I think that’s just exciting for baseball fans in general and the game and the scope of it now creates with that drama that they’ve always had in their history. It’s been good to see.”

Q: You've always been super competitive. How important is it for you to be in a playoff race as opposed to just pitching?

Hamels: "I think you always look at it as you want to win every game that you go out and play. And then there’s a lot of games that I don’t get to play in, and you want to be able to see the sort of winning environment, that sort of atmosphere, the excitement from everybody. I think that’s kind of the energy that now has being created over in the AL East with those guys."

Q: Cliff Lee chose the Phillies over the Yankees when he was a free agent after the 2010 season. (Lee brought up his wife being harassed at Yankee Stadium in his signing presser with the Phillies). How do you feel about New York?

Hamels: “Actually, that’s not really the truth. I think it was between the Phillies and Texas truthfully. I don’t think the Yankees really had that sort of opportunity (to sign Lee in 2010). Knowing Cliff, it was Phillies and Texas. For me, it’s to play baseball. This is where I wanted to be. I’m fortunate enough to be here, and we made pretty good runs in ‘15 and ‘16. Last year was kind of tough. This year we’re working through some things. But for me, it’s just to go out there and play. This is the team I enjoy the most to be a part of. But I think you just have to look at it and it is what it is. I don’t really necessarily make the decisions or point the direction of what we’re trying to do or what ownership and management is trying to do. I’m just one piece that’s trying to help win ballgames. It’s a matter of being here and doing what I can until there’s a different situation or the time has come. So, I don’t really get to affect it as much as I think people think.”

Q: Why did you pick the Yankees as a team that you could block from trading for you?

Hamels: “It’s just a list. Really, it’s just kind of like heads up. So, I think what it really comes down to is it’s something that’s there. It just kind of provides a little bit more information, a little bit more bargaining power. That’s kind of really what that entails. But at the end of the day, situations kind of come up and I think everybody understands what can transpire. It’s just kind of a formality. I don’t think it’s anything that kind of needs to be looked into too deeply. I love it here (in Texas) and I’d love to be able to win here. But if management changes the direction, (getting traded) is just an opportunity to win and get to October. I think that’s the real baseball. That’s kind of where you test your skills the most.”

Q: Did you get to know Yankees manager Aaron Boone from his days at ESPN? Have you been interested to see how he's doing with no manager experience?

Hamels: “I think knowing his personality, and I know with him being around baseball so long, I don’t think you have to look at it as inexperienced. I think he was born and bred into baseball, so I think he would know better than anybody you don’t need a college degree to move around lineups and know momentum and who’s better matching up. The initiative of just being who he is has been pretty good. And he’s got a pretty good team to be able to manage too, so I think that helps."

Q: What's it going to be like facing the Yankees with Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge?

Hamels: “I didn’t get to face them last year. I think I was on the DL during the two times we played the Yankees. It was unfortunate because it’s always fun to pitch against the Yankees and especially in that sort of (atmosphere). But they do have a lot of power, so you just have to limit the damage. Solo home runs are probably the key. If you’re going to give up 500-foot home runs, try to make sure they’re solo and they’re not bunched together in fours and fives. Like anybody, there’s holes (in their lineup) and you just have to exploit it and you have to be able to locate. I think really what it comes down to, it’s a chess match and you try to study up as possible. But really at the end of the day you have to execute, and whoever executes the best and the most often comes away with the win.”

Q: You joked about blowing the 2009 World Series. Does your (five-run, 4 1/3-inning) performance in Game 3 still bug you?

Hamels: “The opportunity that I was given … I was a lot of runs early and to not be able to hold that (3-0) lead. The series was even. To not be able to hold that lead, I think it as kind of a pivotal moment and that kind of changes the tide in a series, especially when you’re home. So, I think that kind of always leaves a bitter taste in your mouth, especially against the Yankees. You always want to go to the postseason and beat the Yankees. I think that was kind of how I grew up (in San Diego). I got to watch all those (1990s and 2000) Yankees teams win as a kid, especially when they took down the hometown Padres (in 1998). You always want to try to get one on ‘em, but they got me (in 2009). I wasn’t able to solidify the job and then I didn’t have an opportunity for a Game 7 (because the Yankees won in six games). Who knows what would have happened if I had even been there (in Game 7). It wasn’t a very good postseason for me. It definitely taught me a lot. If that didn’t happen, I wouldn’t have the type of pitches that I have (now) and the repertoire and obviously that toughness.”

So, will Hamels end up in the Bronx? Maybe. Stay tuned.

Game Preview: New York Yankees @ Texas Rangers 5/23

Good morning everyone and welcome back to Arlington, Texas, the location of the third and final game of a three-game set between the New York Yankees and the Texas Rangers. The Yankees offense has remained hot and the pitching has done enough to keep the team rolling and they will look to do so again tonight with CC Sabathia toeing the rubber for New York. The Rangers will counter with Doug Fister for the finale. Let’s get to it here in Arlington, Texas.

Sabathia finally took his first loss of the 2018 season in his last start against the Kansas City Royals. Sabathia pitched well enough to win but his start was foiled by shaky defense behind him including two errors by Gleyber Torres.

Fister does not have a win for the Rangers since March 30 despite having his best start of the season last time out. Fister pitched seven scoreless innings last time out against the Chicago White Sox striking out four while allowing six hits, but the start ended in a no-decision for the Rangers right-hander.

The game will be played at 7:05 pm ET inside Globe Life Park in Arlington and can be seen on the YES Network and MLB Network. You can also follow along with the game on MLB TV, with the MLB At-Bat app and by tuning into the Yankees radio broadcast with the legendary duo of John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman.

Enjoy the game, like a good Gleyber… Torres is there, and go Yankees!!

Hello… How the Mighty Have Fallen

Good morning everyone and Happy Hump Day to all. We are halfway there, and former Yankees right-hander and phenom Phil Hughes is presumably halfway to finding himself on a new team for the 2018 season. Phil Hughes was designated for assignment by the Minnesota Twins this week, how the mighty have fallen.

Hughes is making $13.2 million this season and will make another $13.2 million for the 2019 season, a total that the Twins will presumably be obligated to pay after the DFA. Hughes has pitched just 12 innings this season for the pitching-starved Twins and sports a 6.75 ERA as both a starter and as a relief pitcher.

The New York Yankees drafted Hughes with their first-round pick in 2004 and subsequently let him walk via free agency before the 2014 season. Hughes signed a three-year deal worth $24 million with the Twins before the 2014 season and posted a 16-10 record with a 3.52 ERA in 32 starts and 209.2 innings pitched. That was a high for Hughes, it was all downhill from there. Hughes dealt with back issues in 2015, a broken leg in 2016, a surgery to remove a rib, a bout with thoracic outlet syndrome, arm fatigue, hand numbness, and shoulder discomfort.

The Twins now have a week to trade him or let him walk with his $26.4 million. Must be nice to suck and make more than I will ever make over the course of my life while being awesome. And humble too. Former Yankees update, Phil Hughes sucks! The end.

And my baby, I love you. Seven more days. Lucky number seven. I’ve always loved you, and I will always love you.

This Day in New York Yankees History 5/23: David Wells First Start Since Perfection

On this day in 1998 the Yankees David Wells extended his American League record for consecutive outs to 38 when the Red Sox leadoff hitter Darren Lewis grounded out to start the game. Wells was coming off his perfect game in his previous start and retired the last ten batters he faced in Kansas City in the start before setting history.


Also on this day in 1962 the Yankees Joe Peptione hit two home runs in the same inning to become the second player in Yankees history to do so. The Yankees scored nine times in the eighth inning and would beat Kansas City 13-7. Joe DiMaggio became the first Yankee to do it as a rookie in 1936.


Finally on this day in 1948 the Yankees Joe DiMaggio would hit three consecutive home runs with the first two coming off the Indians Bob Feller. The Yankees would beat the Indians 6-5 on this day behind DiMaggio's offensive outburst.

Game Thread: New York Yankees @ Texas Rangers 5/22

And just like that it is game time here in Arlington, Texas as the Texas Rangers play host to the New York Yankees. In the second game of their three-game set this week the Yankees will send Domingo German to the mound to face off with Cole Hamels for the Rangers. Familiar faces, familiar foes. The game will be played at 8:05 pm ET inside Globe Life Park in Arlington and can be seen on the YES Network. You can also follow along with the game on MLB TV, with the MLB At-Bat app and by tuning into the Yankees radio broadcast on WFAN with John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman.

Follow us on Twitter, @GreedyStripes, and “Like” us on Facebook, The Greedy Pinstripes, to keep up with us and the team all season long. Enjoy the game, keep first place from those pesky Red Sox, and go Yankees!!

USA Today’s Weekly MLB Power Rankings

To be the best, you have to beat the best. Not many teams want to be the best lately because not many teams have beaten the Yankees lately. To be fair the team hardly played last week due to scheduled days off, slumber parties inside of airports, and Mother Nature, but the team has picked back up where they left off during last week’s rankings. On top and winning.

The New York Yankees are in the top spot this week followed by the Boston Red Sox, Houston Astros, the Atlanta Braves (not a typo!), and the Milwaukee Brewers (also not a typo!). Wow, what a Top 5. Who had that Top 5 before the season? Nobody. Not even me, and I go way out there with my predictions sometimes.

The Philadelphia Phillies rose an impressive eight spots to the #7 position while the Washington Nationals are in danger of falling out of the Top 10 after falling five spots this week to tenth. The Cleveland Indians (16^th, down three spots) are behind the New York Mets (14^th, up three spots) in the rankings this week while the Oakland Athletics continue to defy the odds and climb the rankings. And then we have the Arizona Diamondbacks who fell eight spots to the #12 position, ouch.

The American League East looks weak right now aside from the Bronx Bombers and the Boston Red Sox with the Toronto Blue Jays ranked 20^th, the Tampa Bay Rays ranked 21^st and the Baltimore Orioles ranked 29^th overall.

Neil Walker to Seattle Makes Some Sense

The countdown to the return of Greg Bird is imminent as the Yankees young first baseman could be activated as early as this week. While it seems like a foregone conclusion that Bird will be making his 2018 debut soon it is unclear how the Yankees will deal with the best problem to have, too many good players and not enough positions to play them all at. The Yankees have not only survived, but flourished, without Bird using the combination of Neil Walker, Tyler Austin, Gleyber Torres, Brandon Drury and Miguel Andujar in their infield, but it seems like when Bird is activated off the disabled list that at least one of them will have to go. You can’t really send down Andujar or Torres in my opinion, Drury is already biding his time at Triple-A and Austin has earned his spot here on the roster in my opinion leaving just one man, the former New York Mets and Milwaukee Brewers product. You know what they say around baseball when you have these impending roster crunches, these things tend to work themselves out, and this situation in the Bronx may have been worked out last week due to an old friend.

Robinson Cano, former New York Yankees player and 2009 World Series champion, was suspended by the league for a failed PED test leading Seattle to be without their second baseman for at least 80 games, although most of those games the Mariners would have been without him anyway due to a broken bone in his hand. That is another rant for another day. The Mariners are said to be scouring the trade market either for a second baseman to replace Cano during the suspension or a center fielder to replace Dee Gordon, a former second baseman and the Mariners current center fielder who will be filling in for Cano at least temporarily. It has been speculated that the Mariners and the Boston Red Sox may be willing to make a deal involving Jackie Bradley Jr., Eduardo Nunez or Brock Holt, but could the Yankees swoop in and steal a prospect or two from Seattle instead?

Neil Walker seems like he will be the odd man out of the Bronx when Greg Bird returns so you have to think the Yankees would like to get something for Walker in return for his services rather than designating him for assignment, right? Walker is a natural second baseman that could fill in for Cano now at the position while he could also help the team march towards the postseason in the second half when Cano returns. Walker to the Mariners makes a whole lot of sense for the Yankees and for Seattle right now, so let’s make a deal. The Yankees should send Walker to Seattle for a prospect or two, I don’t know much about the Mariners system to name a name but presumably it would not be a Top 10 prospect in my opinion, while the Mariners take on the remaining part of Walker’s $4 million salary.

The Yankees clear a spot for Bird and they clear some money to spend at the July 31^st trading deadline while staying under the luxury tax threshold. The team can also add a good prospect or two, this seems like a win-win for New York and for Seattle. Make it happen, Cashman.

Game Preview: New York Yankees @ Texas Rangers 5/22

Good morning everyone and welcome back to Arlington for the second game of a three-game set between the New York Yankees and the Texas Rangers. The Yankees remain hot while the Rangers continue to try and stay within striking distance of the Houston Astros and the postseason here in 2018. In the start tonight, the Yankees will send out rookie starter Domingo German while the Rangers will send out a man that is already being speculated as a potential trade target for the Yankees this July, left-hander Cole Hamels. Let’s get to it here in hot and humid Texas.

German regressed a little in his second MLB start after bursting onto the scene with six hitless innings in his debut against the Cleveland Indians on May 6. German started against the Oakland Athletics in his second career start on May 12 and allowed six runs on six hits in five innings of work. Which German will we see tonight? Nobody knows, stay tuned.

Hamels missed his last start due to neck stiffness and has not pitched since May 11 against the Houston Astros. In that start Hamels allowed just one hit in six innings of work striking out five along the way. Hamels may be potentially auditioning to join the Yankees later on in the summer should the Rangers fall out of contention and should the Yankees feel that another starter, or a veteran starter, is needed for the postseason push.

The game will be played at 8:05 pm ET inside Globe Life Park in Arlington and can be seen on the YES Network. You can also follow along with the game on MLB TV, with the MLB At-Bat app and by tuning into the Yankees radio broadcast on WFAN with John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman. It could be worse, it could be Mike Francesa.

Enjoy the game, Hamels audition for the Bronx starts in eight hours, and go Yankees!!

Hello… Trade Season?

Never have I seen a fan base in any of the four major North American sports that were this down on and this pessimistic about a first place team sitting on top of the league with the best record in the sport. My goodness, to read some of these Facebook groups and tweets floating around you would think the New York Yankees were the Baltimore Orioles and that Aaron Boone should be fired for removing a pitcher during an opposing batter’s home run trot. My goodness people take a chill pill. And with all that pessimism surrounding the team anyone and everyone has an idea, a roster move, and a trade that can put the Yankees over the top.

News flash people, it is May 22^nd. It is not trade season, as much as you want it to be, and the Yankees are not going to make that huge splash this July even if it were. The team is getting under the luxury tax threshold and they aren’t selling the farm to get the young, cheap and controllable player to add to the roster. Deal with it, it’s happening.

EIGHT MORE DAYS. Hey you. I love you. 

This Day in New York Yankees History 5/22: Roger Clemens Wins 18 Consecutive Games

On this day in 1999 after a disabled list stint and a rain out Roger Clemens finally breaks the American League record with his 18th consecutive win. Johnny Allen had the record previously with the Indians in 1936-1937 as did Dave McNally with the Orioles in 1968-1969. Clemens had ten no decisions mixed in with the 18 consecutive victories.


Also on this day in 1990 Andre Dawson for the Cubs was walked intentionally five times in one game to set a new major league record. The previous mark of four was held by the Yankees Roger Maris in 1962 and by the Padres Gerry Templeton in 1985.


Also on this day in 1977 the Boston Red Sox (6) and the Milwaukee Brewers (5) combined for 11 home runs to tie a major league record. The 11th home run matched the Yankees and Tigers in 1950 and the Cubs and the Mets in 1967 who also had 11 round trippers.


Also on this day in 1963 Mickey Mantle once again almost became the first person to hit one out of Yankee Stadium. Mantle hit the home run off the A's Bill Fischer and it was just a few feet below the facade down the right field line in an 8-7 Yankees victory.


Also on this day in 1962 Roger Maris is intentionally walked four times in a game to establish a major league record. Four different Angels pitchers intentionally walked Maris in New York's 2-1 victory in Yankee Stadium.


On this day in 1933 the Yankees third basemen Joe Sewell is struck out for the first time of the season. Cleveland's Wes Ferrell was the man to strike out Sewell and Sewell would only strike out three more times the entire season, his final season, in 524 at bats. That's insane by today's standards.


Also on this day in 1930 Babe Ruth tied a major league record by hitting five home runs in two games and six home runs in three games when he hit three homers in the second game of a double header the day before, two more in game one of this day's double header, and one more in the second game of the double header on this day. Lou Gehrig also went deep three times in the second game of the double header and the Yankees would beat the Philadelphia A's 20-13.


Finally on this day in 1922 The Yankees begin construction on Yankee Stadium after sharing the Polo Grounds with the New York Giants since 1913. The stadium will unofficially be called the "House that Ruth Built" due to Babe Ruth's popularity with the team in the early 1920's.