THE NEW YEAR AGENDA WE CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT

This past week, the week after Christmas, was pretty quiet as I am reminded by my non-Yankee fan daughter that, "it's not baseball season and what could I possibly write about" as we sit in the frigid cold weather plaguing most of the Northeast.  And then she said something brilliant that allowed me to break through my icy writer's block: "the Yankees have to have an agenda for 2018; write about that."  So I am, given the advice of my daughter, the Met fan.

To have an agenda is to have a "a list or outline of things to be considered or done," as the dictionary reminds us.  And for sure, the Yankees have a list of things to be done.  Much like the theory of backwards design, however, we have to front load the agenda in order for us to reach our goal of a 2018 World Championship.  So as pseudo-GM, here is the agenda I think the Yankees should follow through the end of October:

I. Trade for or pick up a quality starting pitcher through free agency that has both longevity and chemistry to mix with the current Yankee starting rotation and pitching staff.

II. Continue to grow and develop young players in the farm system leading up to Spring Training and beyond and don't give up on them too soon.

III. Invest in our club house leaders, support their fitness goals, endorse their ability to counsel newbies, heed their veteran advice and keep them actively engaged in the game.

Sure there are sub points within these three main agenda items, but let's focus on the big three.

I. Trade for or pick up a quality starting pitcher through free agency that has both longevity and chemistry to mix with the current Yankee starting rotation and pitching staff.

Source: YES.com

Last week we stood by headline, "THE YANKEES COULD PLAN TO DO WITHOUT."  And this principle has served them well over the last few trades/acquisitions.  Backed by Brian Cashman's words published in the NY Post on Saturday, "We are not prioritizing any one thing, we are ready to go with what we have got,” general manager Brian Cashman told The Post. “We are open-minded to opportunities whether they be positionally or pitching. We are not prioritizing to add to the youth competition at third and second over the rotation option. We will take any opportunity to improve the club. If it makes enough sense, we’ll execute it.”

Photo: New York Post

The price, the player, the person, has to be able to gel with the current team.  But at the end of the day, a pitcher seems to make sense, knowing that it takes time to build young players, at least two seasons like we saw in Luis Severino and even the greener, Jordan Montgomery.  Could someone like Patrick Corbin or Gerrit Cole still be the last link to the growing pitching chain for the Yankees, fulfilling agenda item one?  Maybe.  If it makes enough sense to do so.  A sweetener in the deal with the Pirates could be infielder Josh Harrison, who has quietly built some buzz around his fit on the Yankees or possibly the Mets in 2018.

II. Continue to grow and develop young players in the farm system leading up to Spring Training and beyond and don't give up on them too soon.

Source: NY Daily News

According to the NY Post in mid-November, "While (Gleyber) Torres, the centerpiece of the 2016 trade that sent Aroldis Chapman to the Cubs, was limited to 55 games in two minor league stops this season following Tommy John surgery on his left (non-throwing) elbow, he is expected to be ready for the 2018 season and could surface in the big leagues next season. (Albert) Abreu, 22, was one of two young pitchers the Yankees got from the Astros for catcher Brian McCann last November. He appeared in 14 games at three levels this summer."  We will likely see both of these players this season, with Torres expected to find his way into the opening day lineup should he perform as anticipated this spring.

We have to provide mentoring, top of the line instruction, facilities and opportunities for our young talent to soar and stay competitive and strong as they grow as prospects.  We have spent years growing our farm system as it holds a top spot in the eyes of MLB.  We need to keep the resources strong and vibrant for these young guys as they are the future of our franchise.

III.  Invest in our club house leaders, support their fitness goals, endorse their ability to counsel newbies, heed their veteran advice and keep them actively engaged in the game.

Never underestimate what the veterans provide for our team; never take them for granted.  They may have slowed, they may not be as fresh as they used to be, but they are hard workers, with tons of experience and their offerings to the Baby Bombers are invaluable.

Source: NY Post

Respected club house veteran, Brett Gardner is a leader on and off the field and his presence within the Yankees organization is priceless.  He remembers the impact good mentoring had on him and strives to provide the same impact to his current teammates. "Guys like Johnny Damon and Jason Giambi, my rookie year, I remember how those guys treated me and made me feel like part of the team, and I try to do that for these young guys. I just stress to them the importance of living in the moment and taking things one day at a time," reported the NY Daily News.

Source: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The CC Sabathia signing solidifies the presence of another leader who provides insight and experience for the growing youth of the 2018 team and counsel to its new manager.  "In truth, Sabathia is indispensable as first-time manager Aaron Boone will undoubtedly learn quickly how harmony and effective communication within the clubhouse will be essential for on field success, especially in the Yankees’ fishbowl. The pressures of managing the Yankees are enormous and having someone like Sabathia who could assist Boone as a clubhouse interpreter and spokesman while directing the daily traffic surrounding the ball club and its players is pivotal," reports Forbes.

Source: MLB.com

Leadership is a precious commodity and it is essential for long term success, particularly when seasonal pressures reach their highest during the dog days of summer.  "Boone’s support staff must include Sabathia as he intimately knows the attitudes and behaviors within the clubhouse."

With the New Year Agenda set, there is not one item on the list we can live without.  We need to add to the talent, we need to support the growth of our farm system, readying the Baby Bombers for the Show and we need to continue to engage veterans in leading our team, both on and off the field.  Looking forward to ringing in 2018 later this evening, knowing that after that, there is much to get accomplished and the Yankees are just the team to get it done.

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof