JUAN SOTO TO THE YANKEES IS "A THING" FOR SURE

Will it happen? That's the big question.  Look, we already saw so many problems with what Cashman has done.  His intention was to make the Yankees better, but in turn what happened was quite the opposite... bad analytics and bad luck gave us a whole lot of bad moves.  And now we're all pissed off about it.  

But the Juan Soto "blockbuster trade" chatter is very real, but at what expense?  Is Juan Soto a true superstar or are we all buying into the media buzz that is relentless into trying to convince every Yankee fan that a world with Soto in the Bronx is better than a world without him.  

My question is who we giving up and just how great IS Juan Soto? Both are valid questions. Oh and here's another question... will Cashman give away guys that have proven themselves to be the future of the Yankees because he's panicked?  It's a huge thing to think about. Why? Because let's face it... the analytics department has not been fired yet, and Cashman just goes on bad gut moves and bad information.  Don't believe me? Ask Jordan Montgomery. Ask Nathan Eovaldi. 

Inside the Pinstripes says that the idea of Soto to the Yankees is being monitored pretty damn closely.

"... according to The Athletic's Chris Kirschner....

" The Yankees have been closely monitoring the Padres' roster, specifically Soto, and the team's payroll crunch since before this season's trade deadline. With the Padres floundering at the deadline, the Yankees had one of their veteran scouts in San Diego taking inventory of their roster. Yankees officials unsurprisingly think very highly of Soto."

At the end of the day, Soto hit 35 homers last season with a respectful average of .275. He works walks and that's good, but he's a big body. I'd rather he homer 70 times than walk as much as he does.  The point is him getting on base is fine, but walking doesn't knock in runs and that's what we need. In the simplest of terms, we need him hitting a baseball with men on base to get those men home.  I'd rather he rakes up RBIs than lose that power bat with a walk.  And to that's what bothers me the most about Juan Soto... and it should bother you too.

The other thing is who do we ship to San Diego and if we do, can we at least package him with Blake Snell so we get a solid lefty arm that isn't Carlos Rodon? Cause Lord knows we need that too.

There's a lot to unpack here... but I just wanted to make you aware.  If you read THAT JUAN SOTO RUMOR IS BACK AGAIN WITH NEW LIFE!, you know Bleeding Yankee Blue is following this very closely.

More to follow.

 

MANFRED HINTS AT MORE CHANGES TO COME!

At some point the insanity must stop.... right? That's what I keep telling myself. Maybe I am trying to convince myself, but Rob Manfred has been working in MLB since 1987 but sadly, he knows nothing about what makes baseball, baseball. He's made some changes to the game, and he's got some more on his radar.

Currently, Major League rosters are capped at 13 pitchers. The league average for innings per start decreased in 2023 and Manfred thinks it's a real issue, you can read more HERE. Manfred thinks fewer innings pitched means a diminished role in the game, he said "I think the way that pitching is being used right now has caused a diminution in that star kind of quality for some of our starters, and I do think it's an issue that we should talk about." 

Look, avid baseball fans know that starters today do not pitch deep into the game like they used to. Back in 1969 starters averaged 6.5 innings per start and by 2019 that dropped to 5.2 innings per start. I have heard my own family talk about watching Tom Seaver pitch almost 300 innings back in 1973. Those were the days. It's not the same anymore for sure, but a reliable, consistent starter is invaluable.

And let's not forget that back in the day, starters KNEW how to pitch. I think they did a better job making adjustments instead of now, teams tinker with their pitchers like they are science experiments and just overdo everything. Pitchers used to have a real understanding of the art of pitching, now it's just about going balls to the wall and exerting themselves to the max. It doesn't work.

So that's also why we see pitchers going down with injuries more. Now when we talk about injuries, Tommy John is the new normal. It is the expectation. It's not IF but WHEN and that's what's wrong with the game. That is what truly needs fixing. Let's get back to the art of being an effective pitcher rather than pushing a player's body to its limit until it finally breaks down. It's not rocket science.

So that is why I do not like this idea of decreasing the number of pitchers. According to Manfred, "I think the most direct way to get at it is numbers, limiting numbers on the roster," he said. "We went to 13. I don't think it's had the desired effect. There are a few numbers smaller than 13. Twelve would be next." While I think limiting number of pitchers on a roster is a bad idea, back in the ‘50’s and ‘60’s teams only had 11 pitchers on the staff, some even had less. Back in the day it worked, now I think it would be an epic failure. The philosophy of the game has changed, but Manfred doesn't get it.

Look, I realize everything needs to evolve over time including baseball. I have slowly come to accept that. However, the more this tennis player who went to Harvard to study law talks about baseball....the more I hate that the man who doesn't understand the game, gets to tinker with it. 

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

THE YANKEES NEED TO MAKE A STATEMENT THIS OFF SEASON

The two teams playing in the World Series right now certainly deserve it. Diamondbacks Manager Tony Lovullo quieted the naysayers including Chris "Mad Dog" Russo and his pledge to retire if the Phillies didn't beat the D'Backs to claim NL Champions and enter the Series. And he didn't back down when Russo said he wouldn't honor his promise. He made a statement and backed it.

Source: USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

"Nobody knows the magic that's sitting inside that clubhouse right now," manager Torey Lovullo said. "Nobody knows what we're capable of doing on a daily basis. Nobody knows how hard we're working to make today happen," reported ESPN prior to Game 1 of the Series. And on the Texas Rangers side of the field you have legendary manager Bruce Bochy, whose reputation precedes him. He wins. He is a leader, and he doesn't tolerate any crap, including keeping his flamboyant slugger Adolis García focused on one thing- winning. 

Source: AP

If the Yankees want to compete in this modern baseball game, they need to do more than game the system with analytics and money. They need to back up their statements with strong leadership, build back their credibility and build a team that can actually come together and win. The New York Yankees need to make a statement this off season and it is not just about buying players who they think can work together.

"Arizona claims it has enough internal motivation to keep it going but an external doubt here or there won't hurt the cause. Only a heavy underdog can play that card, and the Diamondbacks haven't shied away from it. They've embraced it and used it to their advantage," reported ESPN. The last time the Yankees have had that kind of culture was back in the early 2010s. And that has plummeted madly over the last 13 years. 

Source: NY Times

According to SI.com, "The Yankees have made it seem like the club actually will be making big changes this offseason and even has been linked to San Diego Padres star Juan Soto as a trade candidate. On top of Soto, New York already has been linked to multiple star players -- including two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani." This only works if we have leadership in place, the kind we are witnessing this postseason. All of the teams that played in postseason had strong leadership both inside and outside of the clubhouse. Are the Yankees seeing what I am seeing? Do they care? They can't just purchase players and plug them into an algorithm to see if there will be chemistry and production. They need wisdom, which they simply don't have in Aaron Boone or Brian Cashman for that matter.

So, when I say, "make a statement", I mean wake up and sniff what is going on around you. There is motivation, there is will, and there is tremendous leadership and guidance supporting these players competing in the Fall Classic. That is the statement. And if they don't back up their pledge to be better, it will be another 13 years before the Yankees look like the D'Backs and Rangers- the modern World Series competitors who deserve the right to be here. 

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

THAT JUAN SOTO RUMOR IS BACK AGAIN WITH NEW LIFE!

We are all wondering if the Yankees are going to make a big splash after missing the postseason for the first time since 2016. We all like the big splashes, but the Yankees might be chasing after one of the biggest fish in the ocean.

The Juan Soto rumors are out there, we've all heard them. We also know that the Yankees are always tied to every big name in the game. It's inevitable every season. Soto's name is back in the headlines again, and Winter isn't even here yet. Check out the latest hot stove gossip HERE.

So the Yankees and the Padres have had preliminary conversations about Soto. Okay, cool. Am I getting overly excited about it? No. Every team is going to try and have those same conversations with the Padres. Soto will be a free agent after the 2024 season and his young age combined with his elite status in the game he is going to land a hefty contract in the near future. Can the Padres afford him? Maybe, maybe not and if they don't think they can keep him they might choose to move him.

But that's a big IF. According to Padres General Manager A.J. Preller their first choice would be to extend Soto. When he was asked if the Padres would consider trading him, he said, "we've never been a group that says no to anything. I wouldn't read into that. That's just kind of the way we operate." No surprise to that answer though.

Of course the Padres want to try and extend him first, and they would not be against trading him if they found the right return for him. Do I think the Yankees would give up any top prospects to get him. The Yankees don't like to do that for a player with multiple years of team control, which they wouldn't even get here.

There is still the possibility that the Padres could still choose to move him and replenish to get other prospects in return. They already have large contracts on the books with Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Xander Bogaerts which all amount to almost $300 million. Soto is estimated to get a raise around $30 million in his last year of arbitration, so the Padres could decide to shed some payroll instead. Spending big (like the Yankees) hasn't seemed to work out well for them.

Do I like the idea of Soto's bat in the lineup? Absolutely, but this new tidbit of information doesn't have me doing cartwheels just yet. If this does develop into something though it could be the bright spot after a disappointing season. 

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

SEAN CASEY GONZO!

 

Well Sean Casey was a pretty decent hitting coach for the New York Yankees, but now he's gone.  Unreal. The Yankees are blowing it, aren't they?

Empire Sports Media writes:

"Casey was able to impact a number of players positively, but after announcing his departure from the Yankees via his podcast, “The Mayors Office,” he cited family reasons for his decision."

How about just saying "Why would I be part of that sinking ship? No way, I'm out."  But seriously, it's not a good look for the Yankees right now. Casey actually was pretty helpful with our team... helping to get DJ LeMahieu back on track.  It was DJ himself giving Casey the credit.  

So what happens now? Alot of rumbles on Yankee Twitter throwing out names like Nick Swisher and Tino Martinez.  I honestly think it should be a guy with some heart and personality and NOT an Aaron Boone friend.  I think that's where the problem lies.  To be honest, I was really hoping Sean Casey would replace Boone, but I guess now we just have to wait and see what the Yankees do next.

Good Luck to Sean Casey... it was fun while it lasted! Thanks for your service.

REGGIE GOES OFF & HE'S RIGHT

Just a few short days before the Rangers beat the Astros in the ALCS, it was Yankee legend Reggie Jackson blasting the Yankees on how they treat fan base and their legends who wore their pinstripes.  On MLB on FOX and talking with Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter, Reggie went ham and by that he expressed something that we fans think about all the time... the fact that unqualified managers like Aaron Boone are there, but veterans who actually have knowledge of baseball aren't brought in to help the team whenever possible.  I'm assuming he means the front office, because as we all know, Reggie is now with the Houston Astros working as an advisor for Jim Crane, the biggest cheater of them all.  

What Reggie said hit me between the eyes. And I stood up and applauded at my laptop.  He said the Yanks are unwilling to listen to the experienced guys, Jackson included, but he and others were never asked.

“I’d say the biggest difference between us, and really most other teams and especially with the Yankees… your voice isn’t heard,” Jackson said. “You didn’t participate. You know, I walked away because I wanted to be involved and leave my knowledge in the game. I certainly think that I know that Derek Jeter still loves the Yankees. Andy Pettitte still loves the Yankees. (Rodriguez) is still a Yankee and I’m still a Yankee, but we didn’t get a chance to be involved in some of the say-so in our opinions really didn’t get valued.”

This speaks volumes.  This my friends is exactly what fans are angry about.  You can look at a guy like Boone and defend him and suggest he's a scapegoat, but once again, it comes back to experience.  Sure, the Yanks brought in guys like Pettitte near the end of the season, but for me looking at that, they weren't bringing him in to "advise".  They brought him to be the Yankee fans "shiny thing".  Remember, the Yankees suck so anything to distract us fans was good enough for them. They just wanted us to shut up.

Experience matters.  Reggie is right. You know who else is? Me.  Bruce Bochy gut managed his Rangers to the World Series last night.  Analytics as his guide... gut and feel was his go-to.  That's how you win ball games. That's how you win championships.  

Will Bochy bring the Rangers to win the World Series? I would bet on it.  I can't say that if Boone was and that's the honest truth.

Make changes Hal! You have a failed franchise!

MATT BLAKE HAS A LOT OF NOTHING TO SAY ABOUT CARLOS RODON

The Yankees imploded this season, and even though it wasn't just one entity that failed everyone was so focused on what Carlos Rodon was going to do for the Yankees this season. His contract came with some big expectations, and now he's got a long road to redeem himself.

The Rodon we saw pitch against the Pirates and the Red Sox in September is the guy we need to show up consistently next season. The question is, can he do it? We have a long time to wait before we can find out. I know a lot of people who already think he can't handle pitching in New York. That's something we've heard many times as Yankee fans.

The Yankees are always plagued with injuries, and unless Hal Steinbrenner makes a serious change, they will always be plagued with them. The track record speaks for itself. Sure, part of Rodon's issue was that he was injured....just like every other Yankee this season and several seasons prior. But don't worry.... Matt Blake has all the answers, folks.

By all the answers, I mean no answers of course. He gave his two cents HERE about Rodon and the approach the Yankees need to take with him this winter. There's nothing that instills confidence when you read "So I think it is something we say, ‘All right, that’s gotta be a focus for us of making sure we’re physically prepared to go this spring training to hit the ground running so we don’t have any hiccups. That would be the main priority this offseason. Then obviously we’ll have some conversations along the way — where he’s at, where he’s training and just be following up with him, just like any other guy.' "

 
Blake also went on to say that it was "hard to say for sure" if Rodon showed up to Spring Training in good enough shape. I think we can all say that no one should have any confidence that the Yankees would be able to identify what an in-shape baseball player is at this point. Our strength and conditioning team, as well as our medical staff are a joke. They can't help the Yankees get to peak performance mode and stay there.... why would they be able to identify this?

Beside the physical concerns Blake also rambled about having upper and lower body balance when he pitches. "I think the consistency of the delivery is a piece of it," Blake said. "Being able to command the fastball up and to the arm side, where he’s had a lot of success, up and into righties. Being able to land some of the breaking balls in certain areas. But there’s certain things in the lower half that we want to see on a consistent basis that we’ll kind of dive into." More blah blah blah and excuses.

I really want to see Rodon come in lean and mean and ready to pitch in the Spring. He's got a lot of work to do for sure, but at this point I don't think this Yankees staff staying engaged over the winter is what moves the needle. So Matt Blake's vague and boring opinion is meaningless.

No more pointless soundbites or excuses. Rodon and everyone on this team needs to come to Spring ready to play. Everyone has a long road back to redemption.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

THE TEXAS PRETENDERS

Source: CNN

 Many of you who read my posts here at Bleeding Yankee Blue know that I have been fed up with the Yankees for some time. I think once Aaron Judge ran into the concrete fence in Dodger Stadium my usual growth mindset gradually moved to a fixed one. Then I said that the 2023 playoffs were exciting and it was likely nursing my Yankee hangover because I adopted the Texas Rangers and I liked what I was seeing. But after Friday night's debacle, where the Rangers dished Jose Altuve a gift—allowing him to launch a three-run home run and take the lead for good—I am back to nursing that hangover again. The Texas Rangers may in fact be the Texas Pretenders and that is no good for us Yankee fans.

Source: USA Today

Now, I can't full credit for the title "The Texas Pretenders." I have to give some of it to @hammersiny—a diehard Yankee fan who often texts me to ensure I still have a pulse after some of the losses we have had over the last few seasons. The game on Friday night was a pivotal moment in this ALCS, one we as Yankee fans, are all too familiar.

"Both benches cleared as tempers flared in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS) between the Houston Astros and the Texas Rangers on Friday. The game got heated in the eighth inning when Texas’ Adolis García was struck on the shoulder by a 98.9 mph fastball from Bryan Abreu," reported CNN. Now, what happened before that might have provoked the pitch that was nowhere near the strike zone or the batter's box for that matter.

"Two innings earlier, García hit a three-run homer that gave his Texas Rangers a two-run lead and celebrated emphatically, walking halfway up the first-base line and slamming his bat onto the Globe Life Field turf before making his way around the bases. Less than three months before that, García and Maldonado had jawed at each other at home plate in another benches-clearing incident. It all raced through García's mind in a split second," reported ESPN. 

The beef between the Rangers and the Astros almost reminds me of our ALCS days against Houston. And I got really fired up watching the emotions among the players and the two very experienced managers who were not having the "nonsense" that only got in the way of the game being played. Which all ended abruptly with the Altuve home run. 

Source: CBS Sports

The Texas Rangers have never won a World Series whereas the Yankees have won 27. And the Rangers appeared to be the real thing this year, but have they surfaced their weakness? Are they too emotional to win? Are they not locked in whereas Houston simply is? Does Houston play dirty? Yes. We know that all too well. But if Texas is going to persevere, they have to get out of their heads and into the game- keep focused on the game, and how to win. Don't let Houston's little tactics throw you. With Garcia out of the game, it removed him from being available later when the team needed him. With the time it took to the umpires to reset, it took the momentum away from the Rangers and placed it right in the hands of Houston. Which was likely their plan all along. 

The Texas Rangers need to stop pretending and take Houston's momentum away. If they want the chance to battle Philly or Arizona, and in many ways, help us as Yankee fans cope with the fact that we are not playing, then they need to get out of their own way and win. Stop pretending, stop emoting and start winning!

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

RUMOR: AN UPGRADE THE YANKEES COULD USE IS IN MIAMI

Will the Yankees make a trade for a pitcher that most likely could use and he plays for the Miami Marlins?

It's way too early to say, but this is a name you are probably not familiar with, but a guy that can definitely help this Yankee team.  No, it's not a hitter, but if this move is pulled off correctly, he will help for sure. His name is Tanner Scott.  Inside the Pinstripes writes that this idea originally came from Joel Sherman:

"New York Post's Joel Sherman posed a hypothetical deal for the Yankees involving sending young slugger Jake Bauers to the Miami Marlins for fireballer Tanner Scott.

"MLB Trade Rumors has Bauers pegged for $1.7 million in his first year of arbitration, plus he has three years of control," Sherman said. "That is the profile of a player that fits the Marlins. But do they like his potential upside? Bauers just turned 28 last week, yet six organizations already have brought him in, including heavily analytical groups in Tampa Bay, Cleveland, Seattle, and The Bronx. There is clearly something in his metrics that teams like..."

A few things: Scott is a lefty. Scott has great fastball velocity and has a 2.31 ERA in 74 outings and he's just 29 years old.  

The Yankees are looking for make some moves to improve this team.  While this is just an idea, it's a good one as far as I'm concerned.  Something the Yankees should absolutely consider.  November's coming... there is every indication the Yankees will be busy this off season. Let's hope.

RUMOR: THE YANKEES ARE READY TO MOVE AN INFIELDER!

The Yankees may end up trading some players away this winter. Hal Steinbrenner says there will be some changes this season, but who knows how substantial those changes will be. We all know we need substantial changes after the season we just had, but Hal has a much different interpretation of what that means.

The Yankees have a massive amount of work to do this winter. Upgrades to the roster will be the easiest fix, but that is just a start for what this organization needs. The Yankees have had a log jam of infielders for a while now, so that may be where they decide to start. They can't keep kicking the can down the road forever.... but who do they start with?

Earlier this week, MLB.com suggested that the Yankees may consider moving Gleyber Torres, read more HERE. The infield has been an unresolved issue for too long. We know DJ LeMahieu will get reps at first, second and third bases. The Yankees are committed to Anthony Volpe at shortstop so that leaves Torres at second base.... or does it?

The Yankees also have Oswald Peraza, and they have no interest in trading him. Instead, they could bring Peraza to Spring Training and let him rotate between second, third and shortstop, which could make Torres redundant. Hal has said he is committed to Peraza and Volpe as the future middle infielders, and they come at a much cheaper price.

If Hal is committed to his up-and-coming talent, this could be the time to move Torres. He will be arbitration eligible and looking for a raise over the $9.95 million he made this season. The Yankees could try to move him to shed some payroll, but should they move one of their most consistent hitters from last season? What about the fact that he was one of the best offensive second basemen in all of MLB last season? There could still be some value to keeping him.

But the Yankees might find more value in shedding his salary to be able to spend it in other areas, like for Cody Bellinger or Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto? There are arguments for both sides. There has also been interest for Torres in the past, the Miami Marlins were interested in him this season at the trade deadline but thought the Yankees' asking price was too steep.

If Hal really wants to make some changes, this would be an easier one to make. At this point, I wouldn't be surprised if the Yankees did trade him. I just don't think I would have a strong reaction either way. I'm not anxious for him to leave.... but I am not anxious for him to stay either. I think I am just embracing the idea of change.

Would you want to move Torres? Comment and tell us.... or maybe you are like me at this point and are just indifferent.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

HEY BOONE, TRY "MANAGING WITH YOUR EYES!"

Derek Jeter said it best when talking to Nathan Eovaldi when he was on FOX during the Playoffs. Nothing smarter than what was said, and by the way, very specific to the Yankees situation when it comes to their manager.  Read these words:

"We've been talking about on this set about managers in this series. Boch & Dusty having the ability to go with their gut and manage with their eyes. How much do you appreciate in this day and age, Boch leaving you out there to get out of that jam?"

Going with your gut and managing with your eyes… was Jeter taking a shot at the Yankees overly analytical approach with Boone? 👀 pic.twitter.com/ebk9vJ54m0

— Jonny's Lasagna ⚾️ (@JLasagna43) October 17, 2023

Now a statement like that is an old school baseball player. A player that has experience, that understands not babying players, hard-nosed baseball and playing with everything you got on the field.  This, my friends, is something that Aaron Boone never does when he manages. 

Derek Jeter is an institution.  Not only does he understand baseball, it is my opinion that he was extremely strategic with how he placed that question to Eovaldi. He knew all eyes were on him. He knows there are a ton of Yankee fans sucking sour grapes watching these playoffs without the Yankees in them. He knows we're mad Yankee fans, but he also knows that he's not the type to go abandoning us either. Jeter understands us fans.  He played in front of us forever.  He knows how ruthless we are and how we want wins all the time.  He also knows Yankee fans got hosed this year. And so, he'll deny it, but he spoke to us.  Sure, he peppered it with "this series" and gave examples of Dusty and Boch to throw us off... but we all knew what he was doing and saying.  And by the way, saying it to another former Yankee player that is just dominant now in Texas.  Why? Cause the Yankees gave up on him, no doubt... way too quickly.

Derek Jeter is a true baseball guy.  He's a Yankee for life and he also holds grudges like you and me.  It's been reported that he and Cashman do not get along ever since his contract negotiations went public when he was trying to reup in New York. Remember that?  But all that aside, he knows what good managers are, playing for one of the best.  Sure, Jeter has no issue with Boone. Sure, he knows not every season is a championship one in the Bronx.  But what he also knows is that good managers use analytics as a guide... and gut and feel and "managing with your eyes" as a talent and religion.  Again, it's hard-nosed baseball. Not all managers do it well as we know from watching Aaron Boone, but all managers should do it if they want to be great.

Sure, we'll never know for sure if Jeter was taking a shot at the Yankees for putting amateur Boone in the manager role for the Yanks, but I personally felt like he was taking a shot, a shot that I happen to agree with.

Great find Jonny's Lasagna! Way to clip it.

FIVE OF THE SIMPLEST WAYS TO FIX THE NEW YORK YANKEES

I want to introduce to you an avid BYB reader, gigantic Yankee fan and friend and new writer for Bleeding Yankee Blue, Jen Parrish. Give her a warm welcome!

--Casey

The Yankee fan base has been frustrated for months about our team.  There is no way to sugarcoat it. We need changes... big changes but also very obvious changes.  Changes that many are not being specific about. But we will here on Bleeding Yankee Blue. Here is goes...

1. Improving our Starting Pitching

This is a must. We need to improve all of our pitching but starting pitching first.  Everyone who watches and plays baseball knows that if we don't have good pitching, you cannot be a successful franchise. We have Cole, but what else? We need a starter that can pitch into 7th inning!  We also need a bullpen that can hold a lead! There have been so many times where we wasted good games pitched by Cole or Nestor and lost the lead because we can't hold the opponent down.  This needs to change.  

2.  Get away from stupid analytics. Find the right numbers to be a guide, not law!

So, what does this mean? Simply, we must put the computer away!  We have not won a championship since 2009. Why? Because we are focusing on computer stats instead of what made us successful during our core dynasty years! We must go back to manufacturing runs and smart hitting just as much as gut decisions and feeling the game. We are Bronx Bombers for a reason. Obviously, this has changed recently but we can find it again!  The bottom line is the Yankees need to be smarter in how they execute their numbers.

3. Fire Brian Cashman & Aaron Boone and bring in Kim Ng! 

Kim Ng is amazing.  Brian Cashman has been on my bad list for a while now. He's been out of touch since the Cour Four retired and I never really appreciate the way he handled their contract negotiations so publicly to the press.  Remember how he handled Jeter? Cashman gives us aging players and clearly is guided in the wrong direction when the Yanks end up signing aging players.  And how about trading away good players for bad ones? He's got a terrible track record, and this year especially has been awful. 

Aaron Boone is beyond bad. He is outmatched, outmaneuvered and often out managed. That homer in Game 7 of the ALCS in 2003? It was fun then... but it's old now.   Boone's biggest problem is he keeps relying on computers instead of what's in front of him.

Bring us Kim Ng. She was great for the Marlins, plus Jeter is my favorite and he trusts her. That's enough for me.

4. Give us New Trainers

The Yankees had so many injuries this year. We need to improve their conditioning and training, their work outs, their diet and their sleep habits.  Think about how many players got hurt this year? No one finds this unusual? It was utterly ridiculous.  The medical staff... the training staff must be reevaluated and replaced.

5. Fix the line up. We need better hitters around Aaron Judge

Aaron Judge needs help! It's a simple fix, just put better hitters around Judge so Judge can see better pitchers. We need guys on base, and we need to get back to real baseball... manufacturing runs. Get guys on base, get guys home to score. It's pretty simple.

If the Yanks can honestly just follow this check list... the Yankees can win.  Take my tips into consideration and let's get back to the Glory Days! 

Jensanity out!

--Jen Parrish

BYB Writer

Twitter: @jensanity2211