YANKS JUST MADE A HUGE OFF-SEASON SPLASH!

 Yeah... this is sarcastic... the Yankees are dragging their feet and it's annoying and painful.

But don't worry Yankee fans, the Yanks signed José Peraza. And it's a minor league deal.  I mean, it feels like the Yankees are in their own world and have no idea what the hell is going on.  

NJ.com writes:

"Multiple sources report the Yankees signed former Mets infielder Jose Peraza to a minor-league contract. The 27-year-old Peraza, who can play second base, shortstop and third base, saw action in 64 games in 2021, hitting .204 with six home runs. His best season came in 2018, when he set career highs in games played (147), doubles (31), home runs (14) and RBI (58)."

I apologize for the profanity...

What the fuck are we doing?

WHO IS UPSET THAT THE YANKEES LOST OUT ON SEMIEN? DON'T BE.

Honestly, I had every intention of writing a rumor piece, because let's face it there are TONS of rumors out there right now. We are ALL following them. Problem is a lockout is looming and the amount of signings that are about to happen could be mind boggling. Nobody wants to write a rumor piece only to find out that the rumor you are talking about already happened before your article is published. THAT is super embarrassing.

So as you are reading this now, know that this was written Sunday afternoon and posted Monday. A lot can happen between now and then, like Marcus Semien signing a SEVEN year deal with the Texas Rangers. I already wrote about him earlier in the week and since then, he's signed. Some people I know aren't particularly happy about it.

But why? I'm not saying Semien isn't talented. He had a good year and finished third in the MVP race this season. In fact, he's the only player with two top three MVP finishes in the last three seasons. It's no wonder why teams are interested but, is he worth a seven year deal? 

The answer is NO. He's 31 now and if the Yankees are going to entertain another long term contract Semien doesn't make sense. The Rangers obviously were ready to spend big on a guy that has been consistent for a good streak and try and build back their team that has been on the bottom of the AL West for too long now. Semien is a good player, but at 31 he isn't worth a seven year deal now.

Would I have given him a seven year deal two or three seasons ago? Maybe. Especially when you consider that the Yankees gave a seven year deal to injury plagued Aaron Hicks who has been far less productive. The Yankees already have long term deals with Giancarlo Stanton and Gerrit Cole, Semien is not the guy I spend big bucks on for a long time.

The Rangers made a splash that doesn't make sense for us, and for those who are screaming impatiently for Hal Steinbrenner to make a move....relax. It will happen, but that wasn't the right move to make. It needs to make sense.

And right now we all need to remember a lockout is on the horizon. The Collective Bargaining Agreement expires in two days. Get ready for a crazy storm of signings because they are coming. Some of you may not remember the last lockout but this could greatly change the game and the players know that.

Hold on because it's going to be a bumpy ride. In the mean time, if you are stewing about the Semien signing.....stop.

--Jeana Bellezza

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

COULD WILSON CONTRERAS DISPLACE GARY SANCHEZ?

One of the last remaining players of the 2016 World Champion Chicago Cubs is catcher Willson Contreras. Word on the street is that Brian Cashman is interested in bringing the 29-year-old catcher to the Bronx. Would that move displace Gary Sanchez or provide a platooning opportunity of catchers that would include the Yankees carrying three catchers during the 2022 season? 

According to SI.com, "Contreras, 29, isn't perfect for the Yankees—he's another right-handed bat that strikes out quite a bit—but he hits for power, plays solid defense behind the dish and has produced better numbers recently than Sánchez."

Defense would be nice to have behind the plate for a change of pace. Sanchez just isn't athletic and has given up his share of ball games because of his poor defense and appearingly lackadaisical performance behind the plate. Plus perhaps Contreras could ignite this team and provide assurance to Yankee pitchers who tend to prefer backup catcher Kyle Higashioka to Sanchez.

The Yankees will have to be prepared to give up some prospects for the veteran Cub catcher. "Weeks ago, The Athletic's Jim Bowden created a trade proposal for New York to acquire Contreras, sending pitching prospects Deivi García and Yoendrys Gómez along with Sánchez to Chicago," reported SI.com. I don't think they will add Sanchez to a trade like that but instead keep him to DH and fill-in for Contreras if the Cub catcher can make things happen early.

Source: NY Post

Could this be the last stand for Sanchez? I really hope so. He has had more chances than anyone in the league and has not proven himself. He doesn't hustle, he makes the team vulnerable and he can't hit consistently. Time for the Yankees to make room for someone else and that someone else could be Contreras. 

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

GET READY! DIDI GREGORIUS COULD BE BACK IN PINSTRIPES!

The Yanks are always searching for players on the cheap, and someone like Didi Gregorius could be on their radar instead of guys like Corey Seager and Carlos Correa when it comes to shortstop. Why? That's because they have youngsters on the farm that they are eagerly waiting for.  The thought would be to bring someone in like Didi just to buy them time for the new young guys. NJ.com writes:

"Brian Cashman’s search for a new shortstop could lead him back to an old, familiar friend: Didi Gregorius...

The 31-year-old Gregorius is well-known to the Yankees, having played for them from 2015 to 2019...

Gregorius hit a career-high 27 home runs for the Yankees in 2018.

And the $14 million he is owed in 2022 is a drop in the bucket when compared the expected nine-figure contracts the fab five free-agent shortstops...

Acquiring Gregorius for the 2021 season could be a nice stopgap move while the Yankees waits for top prospects Anthony Volpe and Oswald Peraza to be ready for their MLB debut, perhaps as early as 2023."

And when it comes to the Yankees... this makes a hell of alot of sense.  The Yanks are doing their best to balance youth with veteran players and something like this doesn't ruin the future of those young guys, instead, it buys time. Sadly, for many of their decisions it's about the next year and not the now, so that bothers me, but Didi could be a quick fix and the right now.  I don't love it, but I can learn to.

We shall see.

THANKFUL FOR THE THANKSGIVING RUMORS!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL! I hope this finds you well and I hope you are spending time with your friends and family this year, especially after the shitshow that 2020 was.

Can you believe that 2021 is almost over? This year went by fast, and now I sit and think about what I am thankful for and wonder about what the future holds. A bunch of baseball free agents are wondering the same thing, too. Not for the same reason of course, but this is a time for reflection for all of us.

So as we sit and wonder what comes next, the baseball world waits and wonders what is going to happen with this crazy shortstop free agent market. We are all curious, and so is Marcus Semien. We sit back and wait to see if the Yankees will make a move on shortstop, but according to NJ.com HERE, Scott Boras is still crazy Boras and is shopping for a hefty contract for Semien north of $200 million, which is more than what myself and other writers were predicting.

We know Boras always aims for the moon, but now we wait and wonder if the Yankees were interested in Semien because he would be a more affordable option. His price tag is lower than what Clown Carlos Correa is asking for and Corey Seager also but word on the diamond is RUMOR: YANKEES ARE NOT SPENDING BIG BUCKS ON A SHORTSTOP so do the Yankees consider the asking price to be too high?

We all know the Yankees can afford anything they want, but that doesn't mean they will spend big money. So we wait and see what happens now that the Collecting Bargaining Agreement expires in less than one week. Semien is hopeful that the market doesn't collapse and the likely lockout does not negatively impact his future contract and the Yankees hope the market changes and that maybe they can swoop in and make a splash after all. Only time will tell.

So as we sit and hope for a quick agreement for a new CBA let's be thankful for what we have now. I'm thankful that my family loves baseball and introduced it to me at a young age. I am thankful to have this holiday with friends and family. Last but not least, I am thankful that you all take the time to read us.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

--Jeana Bellezza

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

YANKEES COULD BE ALL IN ON STEVEN MATZ

Source: NBC Sports

The Yankees have been focused on a shortstop, cleaning house to make way for the newest teammate. But don't count out their desire for a starting pitcher and word on the street is Steven Matz, former Met and current Toronto Blue Jay could sign as soon as today. Could the Yankees be in on the Long Island native? Why not?

"Matz put together a career year during his lone season with the Blue Jays, amassing a personal-best 14 wins and 2.8 fWAR. His 3.82 ERA, 3.79 FIP, and 3.94 xFIP were the lowest marks since his sixth-place NL Rookie of the Year finish with the Mets in 2016. In other words, he finally realized the potential that tempted the Mets for so long," reported SB Nation.

Matz could easily fit in with the starting rotation, be mentored by Gerrit Cole, and realize his full potential in the Bronx. Jon Heyman stated, "Red Sox, Blue Jays, Tigers, Cubs, Cardinals, Giants, Angels, Mets are among teams in on Steven Matz. Deal could come soon." The Yankees could easily be in on Matz and he could easily add value to the team, making it nine offers to Matz who managed to turn things around with one year of Toronto under his belt.

Source: NY Post

"After an ugly 2020 season, Matz was traded by the Mets to the Blue Jays last winter. The 30-year-old Matz rebounded in 2021, finishing 14-7 with a 3.82 ERA in 29 starts for Toronto," reported the New York Post. Playing in the AL East may have whipped Matz into shape, it would be a shame to see him go anywhere but the Yankees, and certainly not to the Red Sox.

Will the Yankees get an early Thanksgiving present? I hope so. Matz could be a nice, and inexpensive addition to the staff giving the Yankees more bankroll for the shortstop they need to add. Let's go Yankees, close the deal then eat some turkey!

--Suzie Pinstripe

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @suzieprof

IT WAS TIME TO DUMP TYLER WADE

I never liked the guy. I'm sure he is a great dude, but in the world of the New York Yankees, we really needed that guy that did the things that the big boppers did not do, and while Tyler had the body type for speed and dynamic plays and doubles hitting, he just really didn't ever deliver... and now it's over, the Yankees got rid of him. And for me? All is right in the world.

NBC Sports writes:

" Tyler Wade was traded from the New York Yankees to the Los Angeles Angels for a player to be named or cash.

Wade was designated for assignment when the Yankees needed roster spots to protect prospects ahead of the winter meeting draft."

Over 5 seasons with the Yankees? This kid batted .212. Think about that. Think about what we could have done with that spot 5 years ago if we cut him then.

Whatever the case, California is where Wade is, and believe me, I see it coming... when the Yankees play the Angels, Wade will burn us with outstanding games. That's the way it always happens. On the Yankees however, he just couldn't break through.

Good luck Tyler.

RUMOR: YANKEES ARE NOT SPENDING BIG BUCKS ON A SHORTSTOP

One thing we know about shortstop is that Gleyber Torres won't be playing it again in 2022. The Yankees have said it, but now we sit and wait to see who the Yankees put at shortstop instead.

And as we sit, we wonder about potential names the Yankees will chase. What about Corey Seager? Or Marcus Semien? Then there is Carlos Correa who I can't stand but someone is going to pay him and I just sit back and hope that it won't be the Yankees. We can't forget that the Yankees have been tied to Trevor Story also. But....what if it's NONE of these names?

That could be the case, at least that is what both the New York Post AND the NY Daily News have reported. We are in the Hot Stove season so why not speculate? What if the Yankees don't go for one of the big dogs on the market? It might not be a bad thing.

The Yankees already have long term deals on the books with Gerrit Cole, Giancarlo Stanton, a stupid contract with Aaron Hicks and the Yankees are interested in keeping Aaron Judge long term. None of these big name short stops are going to sign for a short term deal so if they are serious about a long term deal with Judge, an expensive shortstop deal doesn't make sense. Sure, they are the Yankees and they can "afford it" if they want to....but that doesn't make it a good idea.

The Yankees are high on Oswaldo Peraza and Anthony Volpe, two of their best prospects and believe they are close to major league ready. The Yankees don't want another big deal that blocks their path to the majors and could still upgrade their shortstop with a shorter stop gap.

Let's face it, an upgrade from Torres at shortstop wouldn't be very hard. The Yankees had interest at the trade deadline for Andrelton Simmons who offers reliable defense but not much offense. Another name that I think the Yankees may consider is Chris Taylor, but he still has some defensive concerns as well. Not as bad as Torres, but still a concern. I think the Yankees will consider a less obvious path here because they are thinking about future financial commitments.

I am interested to see who the new Yankee shortstop will be, because I am not convinced it is a big name. After all, Cashman likes to bargain shop and we've seen it for a while now AND a big name shortstop only means they would be buying more future payroll inflexibility.

  --Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

     BYB Senior Managing Editor

    Twitter: @nyprincessj

SANCHEZ SURVIVES YANKEES FIRST CUT

Source: Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post

If you have not heard the news, the Yankees parted ways with Clint Frazier, Tyler Wade and Rougned Odor on Friday. But somehow, Gary Sanchez was spared. Yet as the New York Post points out, "The Yankees clearly recognize they need to mix up their pool of position players, with Miguel Andujar and Luke Voit joining Sanchez on the endangered species list between now and the Dec. 2 non-tender deadline. Sanchez stands out because, as a catcher, he is the hardest to replace." Will the Yankees part ways with Sanchez? I hope so, but if not him than who?

Here is an interesting and innovative way to address the problem: What if the Yankees take the opener strategy in pitching and apply it to catching; meaning why not have an arsenal of catchers, well not an arsenal but carry three or four, who can play other positions as well. This idea is not that far off base.

"The thin free-agent group of catchers includes Roberto Perez, who performed poorly for Cleveland last season, and old pal Austin Romine, whose health and performance struggles the past two seasons validated the Yankees’ decision to keep Kyle Higashioka over him. Romine might have to settle for a minor league deal. The Yankees should make Higashioka a co-starter behind the plate and deploy their trademark arbitrage skills that just last summer unearthed Nestor Cortes Jr., Clay Holmes and Lucas Luetge to locate the other co-starter, be it one of the aforementioned free agents or someone else," reports the Post.

Source: Associated Press

Interesting. Right? Co-catchers which might give the Yankees more confidence in moving away from Sanchez slowly. Also part of the free agency is Yan Gomes from the Oakland A's who on paper is not much better and in some cases worse than Sanchez. "Gomes, 34, tallied a .723 OPS, seven points lower than Sanchez, as he split his 2021 season between the Nationals and A’s. His July (1.078) actually topped Sanchez’s June, if with far fewer plate appearances. More to the point, while his April (.556) ranked lower than any of Sanchez’s months, he exceeded .694 in three of the six months, adding a fourth (.646 in August) that surpassed Sanchez’s third-best month, April," reported the Post. 

Source: NJ.com

The most important takeaway from the Gary Sanchez saga or experiment is this: The Yankees need to pledge more of their resources toward player development than trying to fix a deficit that was clearly theirs. Home growing your players is the best bang for your buck and if you can't do that well, consistently than you will continue to "buy" your way into the playoffs, or just be ok with how things have been. 

The Yankees lack of synergy, athleticism and chemistry has been their undoing. So really this conversation isn't about who Sanchez has become but rather it's about who he could have been had the Yankees dedicated the time and resources necessary to help him realize his potential. Now we are left with platooning him with two or three other catchers and see what fits. 

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

THE IRONY BEHIND CLOWN CARLOS CORREA'S TRASH TALK ABOUT JETER

I love a good laugh. I also love irony. Irony and the Asstros go so well together.

You ever hear someone say something so ridiculous that your react with "you can't fix stupid" and then have to share it with someone? That's me right now.

Look, I won't mince words. I don't like Carlos Correa. I don't want him in pinstripes. I think he is a douchebag who has zero integrity and not someone who deserves to wear our uniform. I don't care if you love the guy, I'm not going to try and change your mind. But I will point out how foolish he is and enjoy it.

You've all heard or read about it by now....Correa went on a podcast that you can check out HERE and took a big dig at Yankee legend Derek Jeter. 

"Derek Jeter, how many Gold Gloves did he win? Five, I think he won. ... Derek Jeter didn't deserve any."

Now, go back and read that again. Clown Correa just said that one of the most well liked, classy and selfless players in baseball history did not DESERVE something after his team CHEATED their way into the World Series and won. He compromised the integrity of the game and got a World Series ring that he did not legitimately EARN and he has the audacity to say one of the most accomplished players in the game didn't DESERVE a gold glove? 

You really can't fix stupid, he's living proof. He's so opposite of Derek Jeter it's comical. One thing we all loved so much about Jeter was he was all about the team, didn't seek out the limelight or individual accomplishments and never talked trash about anyone else. He was classy, respected and played the game the right way...whether you think he was the most deserving short stop for the award or not.

Then you have Clown Correa who cheats, gets caught, shows NO REMORSE, claims his legacy isn't tainted and then digs at the former face of the franchise. Oh but at the same time, still hopes that the Yankees will give him a long term deal at 300+ million dollars. That's beyond stupid.

I'm no expert in contract negotiations but if I was a free agent trying to convince one of the richest teams in baseball to give me a big, fat contract that I would not insult their franchise icon who won FIVE World Series rings after I just cheated. He's clearly not the sharpest tool in the shed, but I love the irony.

Clown Correa clearly doesn't understand the irony behind his opinion. The best part is Jeter and his legacy don't care about Correa's statement. Jeter has a reputation and legacy that Correa will never have. The rings and gloves don't lie. Correa doesn't get to decide who deserves what. Keep clowning though, bro.

  --Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

     BYB Senior Managing Editor

    Twitter: @nyprincessj

STRIKE THOR OFF THE LIST FOR THE YANKEES

Source: Bloomberg.com

As the Yankees seek additional reinforcements for their pitching staff, one pitcher is off the list. Right-hander Noah Syndergaard accepted a one-year, $21 million deal to pitch for the Los Angeles Angels, pending a physical according to ESPN. Why would he do that? Maybe he is looking for a second career in the movies? Perhaps. But that move out west leaves Thor off the list of potential pitchers for the Yankees to consider as they continue to choose more assets for their 2022 team.

Source: The Athletic

"Syndergaard, 29, spent the first seven seasons of his career with the New York Mets, making one All-Star team and displaying perhaps the nastiest array of pitches for a starter in the major leagues. Having pitched only two innings since 2019 because of Tommy John surgery, Syndergaard will join an Angels rotation that was among the worst in the big leagues last season," reported ESPN. 

Source: Newsday

The Yankees and division rival Toronto Blue Jays both expressed interested in the flamethrower. But it was the Angels who won him over, giving him a deal he could not refuse. According to ESPN, "All of them saw enough in Syndergaard's late-September return, which included a pair of one-inning outings in which he didn't throw his slider or curveball. Though Syndergaard's average fastball velocity during the outings was down more than 3 mph from his 2017 peak, the promise of plenty more prompted the Angels to pay a premium."

Thor will employing his lightning bolt to blaze the Yankees, potentially twice in 2022. So with Syndergaard spoken for will the Yankees go after another Met pitcher, Marcus Stroman?

Source: The New York Post

"Per Yankees tradition, Stroman would have to cut his hair if he signed a deal to play for them. But that looks like it's never going to happen, as he called out everyone from the front office to the players they've acquired since that 2009 World Series," reported Yahoo Sports. In addition, Yankee General Manager Brian Cashman stated at the 2019 deadline, "We were interested in Stroman but we didn't think he would be a difference-maker. We felt he would be in our bullpen in the postseason."

Source: NJ.com

Many believe the Yankees will not go to bat for another premier starter, so Thor could have been a safe bet. But clearly they will have to look elsewhere as he has been spoken for. So who will the Yankees target next? As BYB reported earlier this week, they need to target younger players to add more energy, and electricity to an already aging team. A guy like Syndergaard would have fit those characteristics perfectly unlike Justin Verlander who is likely passed his prime. Where will the Yankees go next? Ironman? Maybe. 

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

YANKEES WILL MAKE A "BIG PUSH" FOR FREDDIE FREEMAN

Freddie Freeman is the flavor of the winter. Who am I kidding, he's been a flavor for as long as he's been in the big leagues. Everybody loves this guy and that's because he's just likable and a dynamic player and a true clubhouse guy. And now... according to Fansided, the Yankees are gonna push for this guy.

"The Yankees can't sign everyone, but the meetings make two things clear: the Yankees are serious about getting the best that's out there, and Freddie Freeman just got even more leverage in trade negotiations with the Braves."

Jon Heyman also agrees, but sees another avenue for the Yankees in Olson and tweets this:

But there is one thing that is important... money. 

How much can the Yankees actually spend and still be under the luxury tax? Fansided also points out that "While the Yankees will take meetings to address their need at the position, paying for Freddie Freeman and most likely Aaron Judge in the near future means that it would be unlikely for the Yankees to take Freeman. Still, the New York team is at the center of several trade rumors in the offseason, including a Carlos Correa move to NYC."

Look, as far as I'm concerned the way the Yankees get better is simply Freeman, one starting pitcher, whomever that may be, and making Aaron Judge a Yankee for life. And yes, shortstop is also a concern, but I'm not quite sure Correa can also be part of this scenario. I'd rather have Freeman's personality and bat in the lineup than Correa's trash talking mouth and attitude.

Everything else we can trade way and replace with important pieces to support them... trading Luke Voit... cutting some dead weight and picking up some pieces kind of like they did in 2009... like Nick Swisher for instance, an add on when they signed Teixeira, Burnett and Sabathia. That worked out well.

Look, the Yankees need to win. It's been a long time and this is the year we get the pieces we need. Will the Yankees push for Freeman? I think they will make a big push and I believe it will be their top priority. Let's see what happens.

 

JUSTIN VERLANDER TO THE YANKEES?

He's back, but is he healthy? That's a fair question considering he's been out of the game for a long time now. He had workout last week that 25 teams attended and it looked like the missed time hasn't hurt him....so far. The Yankees were there and are considered to be a favorite to get Justin Verlander. So could this really happen?

The Yankees are always tied to every free agent so it is no surprise that we are tied to Verlander. Question is WHY and is there any legit connection there? Maybe. One thing that stood out to me was the location of his workout. Is it just a big coincidence that the owner of the facility where Verlander’s workout was held belongs to Eric Cressey, who is the Yankees' director of player health and performance? Don't forget, Corey Kluber also had his workout at Cressey Sports Performance as well and he ended up in pinstripes.

And what about the Gerrit Cole connection? Maybe not as big of a connection but it can't be ignored. They were co-aces for the Astros from 2018 and 2019 and the Yankees have been looking for a number two behind Cole since he signed here. He has the experience, and the Yankees have already proven that they like a reclamation project.

And that's where I am not excited at all. We already tried the reclamation project with Kluber and the Yankees should look for a different solution. Verlander was once a great pitcher but he will be 39 when the season starts and he has pitched a total of 6 innings since 2020. Verlander is going to want a multi-year deal after missing almost two full seasons and the Yankees should let someone else take that gamble.

The Verlander signing would've been great a decade ago. Why are the Yankees looking at older, past their prime pitchers? It's time to start looking at some of our younger talent and stop pouring big bucks in a guy like Verlander who just had Tommy John and says he wants to pitch until he is 45. It makes no sense whatsoever....but I can see Brian Cashman taking the risk.

If the Yankees learned anything at all from the Kluber signing they need to say HARD PASS and no to Verlander.

  --Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

     BYB Senior Managing Editor

    Twitter: @nyprincessj