Pages

Friday, May 31, 2024

A BLOW TO THE YANKEE STARTING ROTATION


Looks like Clarke Schmidt, no question of the Yankees top starters this season, is out with injury. No one wants to hear this as the Yankees have been pretty lucky, only losing Gerrit Cole and DJ LeMahieu for a spell and that proved to be fine as the Yankees really stepped it up this season.  But now you always worry about if the injury plaque will hit the Yankees around this time of year, June, when things start to get important. We will see what happens, but for now, Schmidt is on the shelf.

Empire Sports Media writes:

"Schmidt is sidelined and won’t be throwing for the next 4–6 weeks... This extended absence hints that Schmidt could be out for more than 1.5 months, allowing Cole to reintegrate into the rotation before Schmidt can return to contribute....

In Schmidt’s absence, Cody Poteet will take over his spot. Poteet, 29, has a 1.50 ERA over six innings this season and has pitched 33.1 innings at the Triple-A level with a 4.05 ERA. "

It's good the Yankees can make some moves like this and hopefully it won't be a big factor in a negative way, as I said, we are just getting really going now as June is about to hit the calendar.  We will see.

For now, Get well soon Clarke.






BRONX ZOO 90: A MUST SEE!



Dysfunction in Pinstripes. That defines the 1990 Yankees. While I was a huge fan back then, I really must have been blinded by being a fan and didn't get wrapped up into the other BS, because I have to tell you, Peacock's Bronx Zoo 90 is a wicked web of awesome. Wow!

In the annals of baseball history, the New York Yankees stand as a beacon of success, with a glittering array of championships and legendary players. However, even the most storied franchises have their dark chapters, and the 1990s proved to be a tumultuous period for the Bronx Bombers.

From off-field scandals to on-field disappointments, the Yankees of the 1990s were plagued by dysfunction at every turn. Let's delve into the myriad issues that plagued the team during this turbulent era.

The Perez Predicament: Pasqual Perez's Troubled Stint



The woes of the Yankees in the 1990s can be traced back to the tumultuous start of the decade when the signing of pitcher Pasqual Perez turned into a nightmare. Perez, known for his erratic behavior and off-field troubles, failed to live up to expectations on the mound. His tenure with the Yankees was marred by injuries, inconsistency, and controversy, symbolizing the team's struggles during this era.

Mel Hall: A Dark Cloud Over Yankee Stadium



Another stain on the Yankees' reputation in the 1990s was outfielder Mel Hall. Despite showing flashes of talent on the field, Hall's career was overshadowed by allegations of sexual misconduct involving a minor. The scandal rocked the organization and tarnished the image of the once-proud franchise.

Defensive Woes and Managerial Missteps



On the field, the Yankees' woes extended beyond individual players to the team's overall performance. Mike Blowers, in particular, struggled defensively, contributing to the team's lackluster showing in the field. Additionally, managerial decisions under the helm of Stump Merrill often left fans scratching their heads, as the team floundered under his leadership.

The Steinbrenner-Winfield Feud: A Saga of Egos



Behind the scenes, tensions simmered between owner George Steinbrenner and outfielder Dave Winfield. The feud between the two larger-than-life personalities reached its peak in the 1990s, with Steinbrenner's relentless criticism of Winfield creating a toxic atmosphere within the organization. The bitter feud cast a shadow over the team and distracted from its on-field performance.

Deion Sanders and Kevin Maas: Flashy Signings, Disappointing Results



Amidst the turmoil, the Yankees made splashy signings in the form of Deion Sanders and Kevin Maas. Sanders brought star power and flair to the team, while Maas was heralded as a potential superstar. However, both players failed to live up to expectations, with Sanders juggling baseball and football commitments and Maas unable to sustain his early success, leaving the Yankees with more headlines than wins. 




When it comes to Maas, Kevin Maas was a highly touted prospect who burst onto the scene with the New York Yankees in 1990. He hit 10 home runs in his first 77 at-bats, sparking a frenzy of "Maas hysteria" among fans and media alike. However, he struggled to maintain that level of performance over the long term. There are a few reasons for his difficulties:

Adjustments by pitchers: Pitchers quickly adjusted to Maas's hitting style and weaknesses, exploiting them effectively. They began throwing him a steady diet of breaking balls and off-speed pitches, which he struggled to hit consistently.

Injuries: Maas battled injuries during his career, which hampered his ability to perform at his best. These injuries may have affected his swing mechanics and timing, making it harder for him to produce at the plate.

Pressure and Expectations: The sudden burst of success and attention may have placed undue pressure on Maas. Expectations were sky-high after his impressive debut, and the weight of those expectations may have affected his confidence and performance.

Swing Mechanics: Some analysts pointed to flaws in Maas's swing mechanics that made him vulnerable to certain types of pitches. Despite his initial success, he may have had deficiencies in his approach that became more apparent as pitchers adjusted to him.

Limited Skill Set: While Maas had power, he lacked other essential skills such as plate discipline and the ability to hit for average. Pitchers exploited these weaknesses, making it difficult for him to sustain success over the long term.

Overall, a combination of factors, including adjustments by opposing pitchers, injuries, pressure, swing mechanics, and a limited skill set, contributed to Kevin Maas's struggles with the Yankees. Despite his initial promise, he was unable to replicate his early success consistently throughout his career.

The New York Yankees of the 1990s were a far cry from the dominant force they had been in years past. Dysfunction, controversy, and underperformance plagued the team, tarnishing its once-illustrious reputation. While the decade may have been a dark period in Yankees history, it also serves as a reminder that even the most iconic franchises are not immune to turmoil and upheaval.

This Documentary is perfect for anyone that wants to be truly entertained about one of the worst Yankee teams ever. I could not stop watching!




--Alvin Izzo
BYB Yankee History Contributor









Thursday, May 30, 2024

THAT MOMENT WHEN CC SABATHIA & AARON BOONE DON'T AGREE!


Seriously, Casey wasn't joking when he said THE BASEBALL WORLD JUST FEELS RIGHT TODAY because it's true. The awful Angel Hernandez is FINALLY gone! Good riddance. The game suddenly improved just like that.

I'm ecstatic! I love it, and so does CC Sabathia. I was anxiously awaiting a reaction from him knowing just how passionate he felt about Hernandez and his piss poor umpiring skills. He did take to X to post the Looney Tunes outro where Porky Pig says, "that's all folks!" and it was perfect. For the record, CC is one of my all-time favorite Yankees because he kept it real, and he stuck up for the guys on his team. He was baseball's version of an enforcer in hockey, and I DIG THAT! So, when I think about how much he REALLY disliked Hernandez, this is the moment I reflect back on:


That's as real as it gets AND he still kept it classy. When asked "what would you say to him?" he kept it as simple as that's a conversation between them. He didn't take the bait and give that soundbite he really wanted to give, and he still made his point. We know what he was thinking without him having to say it. It's powerful.

It's not like CC was alone, either. Not only do baseball fans dislike the guy, but so do other players. He was the villain of baseball who couldn't do his job well but was protected by the powerful umpires union. He was protected and hated for too long.

At least, sane individuals believe that. Then you have complete Baboons like Aaron Boone who go to his defense, read more HERE. Another bonehead comment, but I really shouldn't be surprised. Boone said, "I think he’s wrongly been a poster child (and) can be a punching bag of officiating." He also said his treatment had "sometimes been unfair and over the top." 

I guess Baboonie doesn't look at enough stats because anyone who has seen umpscorecards.com knows he was the poster child because he earned that title. He was bad at his job! So there has been nothing unfair and over the top about how he is treated or perceived. Stats don't lie, Baboonie.

This was long overdue. It should've happened a LONG time ago but I guess better late than never. I really don't care WHY the sudden decision was made but the rumor is, MLB and the union came up with a settlement to get him to retire in the season rather than after, read more HERE. Even if that story is completely false, I couldn't care less. He was terrible at his job and no one should get to keep their job if they are terrible at it. 


Something had to happen, MLB needs this. Honestly though, this should just be the START of it. Hernandez wasn't the only awful umpire. Let's really make an impact and clean house by giving C.B. Bucknor and Laz Diaz the boot, too!

Happy "not forced" retirement or whatever you want to call it, Hernandez. You won't be missed.



--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa
BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @nyprincessj






Wednesday, May 29, 2024

THE SEASON STARTS NOW FOR DJ LEMAHIEU!

Source: The Trentonian

The Yankees are about to get some infield relief and hopefully another lethal bat in the lineup as DJ LeMahieu makes his official 2024 debut after three misstarts. LeMahieu came to spring training and played in games up until he took a foul ball off his foot on March 16th. Then LeMahieu began his first rehab  attempt on April 23rd, only to pull back after one inning when he still experienced soreness. After some games with the Rail Riders, where things went a lot smoother, DJ LeMahieu made his way to Anaheim to join his team. Finally, on May 28th, DJ is back. Yes, the season starts today for DJ LeMahieu. And I am rooting for him. 

"Manager Aaron Boone has said LeMahieu will be the Yankees’ starting third baseman, taking over for Oswaldo Cabrera (and the now-injured Jon Berti), who did a solid job filling in over the first two months of the season. The Yankees will still likely ease LeMahieu back into full-time action, but his arrival should make the Yankees’ lineup even deeper as he slots into the seven- or eight-hole," reported The New York Post. 

Source: NY Post

I think Boone is aspirational if he thinks LeMahieu will be able to take over for Oswaldo Cabrera who has been absolutely stellar on the hot corner for the Yankees. Cabrera has also played some first base and filled in for Gleyber Torres who quite frankly could take a seat ahead of Cabrera in my mind.

"Torres’ defense remains polarizing — he makes some terrific plays but also has seven errors, including a crucial one Sunday that turned into a four-run inning in the 5-2 loss to the Padres. “After every error, you have to clean it up,” Torres said. “It’s a long season,” reported The Post

I see LeMahieu, if he can get himself going and stay consistently healthy, playing more second base and giving Anthony Rizzo some days off at first base. To make the decision to replace Cabrera at third base without any data to support that is to me, ridiculous. And certainly, he should not displace Anthony Volpe as the leadoff batter with Volpe batting over .300 with a hitting streak. Although I don't think that is even on the table. 

Best case scenario, LeMahieu kicks off his three-game series with multiple hits and impactful defense complimenting the Yankees already strong lineup. Worst case scenario, the Yankees rethink how they will use LeMahieu and keep playing the players who have been contributing to this Yankee "dawg" momentum. But for now, it's opening day for LeMahieu- wishing him luck and hoping for the best!




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










Tuesday, May 28, 2024

THE BASEBALL WORLD JUST FEELS RIGHT TODAY

 It was a long time coming. Angel Hernandez is finally retiring.  

I have to be honest, I have never seen a worse umpire in my whole life and it's not only that... he was arrogant about it. He was just terrible and then acted like he was right so often. The worst. When the announcers are concerned about your calls, you really need to wonder what he was doing there all those years.  Anyway, ESPN's Jeff Passan writes:

"Hernández is retiring effective immediately, ending a controversial three-decade-long career that in recent years turned Hernández into a source of consternation with players and a punching bag among fans on social media.

The 62-year-old Hernández, who in a statement confirmed earlier reports he would be retiring, reached a settlement to leave Major League Baseball, according to a source, and will leave after umpiring thousands of games since his debut in 1991...
Hernandez is well-liked among umpires, who have borne the brunt of more criticism in recent years and rallied around him as a person. His on-field work, however, left enough to be desired that Hernández became a constant trending topic on social media platforms and among the most maligned figures in the game."

Look, if you are bad at your job, there's no way being liked by your peers should ever save you from staying in the job.  I am sure Angel was a nice guy, but his job was to umpire, and he was awful at it and for that alone, he should have been let go.

Look, I'm glad this is happening now. It's time.  The baseball world just feels right today knowing he's not there.  Now look, there is no question there are other umpires that have been bad this season, but at least this lightens the load so to speak.

Angel Hernandez... retiring... thank the lord.




Monday, May 27, 2024

RUMOR: YANKEES CHASING POPULAR ALL-STAR RELIEVER


A bidding war could be on the horizon for St. Louis Cardinals reliever Ryan Helsley, and the Yankees are a potential suitor. Helsley will be a nice pickup for a contending team and could make the Yankees strong bullpen even stronger. A move like this could be a game changer.

The trade deadline comes fast every year, and I am usually super focused on improving the starting pitching staff. The Yankees starters are delivering, so far Carlos Rodon, Luis Gil, Marcus Stroman and Clarke Schmidt are all under a 3 ERA. This is an amazing stat with Gerrit Cole still out. The rotation has exceeded expectations (let's keep it that way) but that doesn't mean pitching improvements aren't needed.


I think the Yankees could become even stronger if they add to an already strong bullpen. Pitching is always in high demand but the Cardinals are five games behind in the NL Central with a 24-26 record and could choose to sell. If they do, they will have plenty of interest in Helsley and will have some strong offers to consider.

Among potential suitors will likely be the Dodgers, but even more likely would be the Baltimore Orioles. The Orioles are chasing the Yankees right now in the standings, but not by much. I think the Orioles have one of the best lineups in the game and their starting rotation has been very good. Their biggest weakness so far appears to be their bullpen, so adding fire power here will make them even more dangerous and could give the Yankees are run for their money down the stretch.

I think the Orioles are a dangerous team, and they will do anything they can to win back to back division titles. If the Yankees can win the bidding war they could be unstoppable. Think about it, adding Helsley to the roster could make a dynamic one two punch for the Yankees at the end of games. Clay Holmes has been the best closer so far and adding a strong arm like Helsley could shut down any offense.

It would also give the Yankees some additional options down the road. Helsley has one more year of team control, and Holmes will be a free agent at the end of the season. If the Yankees can't keep Holmes next season, or just decide to move on they would have another strong arm to build around. Helsley isn't someone I have thought about much until this season, but the more I think about it the more it makes sense and I want it to happen.

The Yankees are contenders for a World Series berth. The more I think about our starting rotation followed by Helsley as a bridge to Holmes the more excited I get. It could happen. The question is, can the Yankees execute and what would it cost?


--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa
BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @nyprincessj






Sunday, May 26, 2024

SOTO GETS BOOS IN SAN DIEGO


Source: NJ.com

Juan Soto carries himself with such positivity, and joy as a member of the New York Yankees. And the fans have embraced him, as if he was always a member of their beloved Bronx Bombers. But when Soto entered the first game of three against the San Diego Padres on Friday night, the Friar Faithful were not so welcoming. Soto was met with boos by Padres fans, and he laments that he did not play better against his former team.

“It’s kind of tough for me because (the fans) were there every day for me,’’ Soto said before the game. “I know I tried my best. I played hard every game. But I didn’t play at my best, you know? “And that’s one of the things I was kind of sad about, because I couldn’t show them how great I can be," reported USA Today

The Padres had a season to forget in 2023 and even though Soto was not fully responsible for their failed season, "he epitomized the fans’ frustration over their grossly underachieving 82-80 season." And those fans let him have in a sold out Petco Park. From his first at bat, Padres fans bellowed their displeasure with Soto. Their wounds run even deeper with the kind of season their former outfielder his having with his new team. 

"Soto, 25, entered Friday as the favorite to win the American League MVP award, hitting .312 with 13 homers and 41 RBI, with a .409 on-base percentage, .563 slugging percentage and .972 OPS. He has been one of the game’s most dangerous hitters with runners in scoring position, hitting .357 with a .619 slugging percentage, with three homers and 28 RBI. He added to his totals Friday night, launching a two-run home run in the third inning," reported USA Today.

This series in San Diego had been billed to be an exciting, well-matched set of games. Instead, it appears to be drama-filled. Soto was supposed to be the slugger to end the Padres 55-year World Series drought. He wasn't. And although the team tried to keep him, the Padres needed slash their payroll. And now Soto is shining brightly in the spotlight of the New York audience. So, the Yankees will try to keep him and hope that with his success here and desire to play for the Yankees, the two sides will find a way to make it happen.

But for now, the Padres and the Yankees will head into their third game of the series, dominated by New York. Boos will only impact you if you let them. And for the likes of Soto, those boos won't impact his performance, but they do remind him of the salt in his former team's wounds- wishing he could have done more to help the Padres reach the success they seek.  



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










I CANNOT IMAGINE VLAD GUERRERO JR IN YANKEE PINSTRIPES EVER!


I laugh so often when I find these nuggets about trades the Yankees should or may be in the running for. Then I read about the idea that the Yankees could be a trade partner with the Toronto Blue Jays and I fell over.  

First of all, it's click bait, nothing more, but when you the read the quotes, it makes sense for both teams from a business standpoint. Here's the issue, Vladimir Guerrero hates the Yankees and trade or no trade, can you really see this being a thing? I don't.  I appreciate Bleacher Reports Zachary Rymer even suggesting it, but it's clear this is a click tactic and nothing more.  We need to move on.

A publication called Heavy Heavy writes:

"The Yankees were listed as a landing spot for three-time All-Star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. by Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer.

“Let’s assume that, even if coughing up cash was part of the deal, Toronto wouldn’t part with its slugging first baseman without getting at least one top-100 type back,” wrote Rymer.

The Blue Jays could be open to moving Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in order to build for the future.

“I don’t think they’re opposed to it,” an unnamed executive told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. “They’ve talked to teams about it. The asks were ridiculous, but I think they’re going to try to retool a lot, and using those guys to get pieces may be the way to do it.”

But I think with every trade, there is one factor is that is not talked about when it comes to this stuff... personalities.  Vlad would get crucified in New York... even if he was a Yankee.  And Vlad? He hates us Yankee fans.  Remember this quote from MLB.com from April 2023?

"When asked if he’d ever play for the Yankees at that time, Guerrero replied, “No, not even dead.”

I just see this whole thing as ridiculous and yes, I'm calling out Bleacher Report for clickbait.  

Look, anything can happen. I never in a million years actually thought the Yankees would be as successful as they've been this season.  But this trade makes no sense, that's the bottom line.  




Thursday, May 23, 2024

STEINBRENNER CRIES PAYROLL IS "NOT SUSTAINABLE" & CHANGES ARE COMING!


I can't listen to Hal Steinbrenner talk anymore, it's worse than nails on a chalkboard for me. It's been this way for far too long and I am over it. So, when I read THIS yesterday, I just wanted to scream. Hal just needs to shut up and stop talking.

I get it. No business wants to spend tons of money to operate their business. Baseball is a business. Hal has committed just over $300 million in payroll to this team and that's a ton of money. It's too much money. You DON'T need to spend that kind of money to have a winning team.... period. There are no hard facts to prove only big payrolls win World Series Championships. In fact, teams that are the best of the best DO win championships with less money.


But that's not the Yankee way. It never has been. George Steinbrenner spent money and demanded excellence and championships. Granted, nothing is run today is like it was when George was alive, but the Yankees have always spent money and expected to win. We all know, the Yankees aren't hurting for money by a long shot.

The Yankees can afford anything they want so this hot garbage statement of payroll not being sustainable is crap. The Yankees are the second most valuable sports franchise and are valued at $7.1 billion. Should the Yankees be spending $300 million every year? NO, but they are right now largely because of Brian Cashman and his poor acquisitions. Seriously, the Yankees will be stuck with Giancarlo Stanton through 2027. Even IF someone would be willing to take some of that contract, he's not waiving his no trade clause. Aaron Hicks is still on the Yankees payroll and that was a terrible deal. Jacoby Ellsbury's deal sucked. We can go on and on with his bad deals and have a book of a blog post here. Cashman is a huge part of the problem.

So, I get it when Hal says they are going to rely on a few veterans who do make more money but have proven experience with some young kids who are more cost controlled like Anthony Volpe and Jasson Dominguez, because that makes sense! But Cashman has a long history of making some bad deals and he plays a huge part in where the payroll is now. The fact that the Yankees player development hasn't been very strong also does not help. If you don't grow it, you can't develop it and manage your costs better which means you are going out and paying top dollar to find it. That was in your "deep dive," right Hal? Guess that slipped through the cracks, too.

So, Hal is crying about payroll while he is praising Juan Soto and wants to keep him? Read THE BIG JUAN SOTO TEASE! That doesn't go together. Soto has made it clear; He is going to get his payday. He's had multiple opportunities to cash in with a nice contract and said no in hopes for a bigger piece of the free agent grand prize. If Hal wants Soto, he better be prepared to open his wallet and quit crying about his payroll not being sustainable because these two things do not go together. Also, if that's the case, you shouldn't have went ALL IN over the winter giving up a large haul for a one-year rental. THAT is also not a smart business move.

So, I am tired of Hal's mouth moving. He could have a $300 million payroll for the next five plus years and be completely fine. I'm not saying he should do this, just stating he has the financial means to do so. He's made tons of money since his family bought the team in 1973 for $8.8 million. The Yankees charge an arm and a leg to get into the stadium and buy food and drinks. He also makes more revenue when he makes the playoffs and with tv and streaming deals. Have some cheese with your wine and shut up.

I'm over Hal. Spend money on Soto or don't.... but own your choices, your GM's choices and quit trying to gaslight fans.


--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa
BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @nyprincessj






Wednesday, May 22, 2024

I HAVE PTSD WITH THESE GAMES AGAINST THE MARINERS

Source: The Seattle Times

Watching these last two games against the Mariners takes me back to the mid to late 1990s when Seattle used to beat up on the Yankees. That's when Tino Martinez played for the other side and used to pounce on us. Then there was Edgar MartinezKen Griffey Jr. and who could forget "King" Felix Hernandez in the 2000s. Yeah, that team and this series against Seattle puts me right back there. For no reason, because we are better than this team. But the Clay Holmes debacle and the quiet offense on Tuesday night leaves no other choice. I have PTSD with these games against Seattle and it is quite frankly annoying.


I suppose The Seattle Times had it right when they reported, "Facing a team that had won seven straight games coming into the series and was seemingly on its way to eight straight, the Mariners were down to their final two outs in the top of the ninth inning against Yankees closer Clay Holmes. But an offense that looked listless to lifeless over the first eight innings found a way to score four runs off a pitcher that hadn’t allowed an earned run all season." 

That's Seattle and they have bested the Yankees so many times over the years. Is this an important series? Yes, they all are important. Because you can't get these games back. You can reflect. You can lament. But you can't get them back. And all of these games hold value. Especially when this year could be your year. And with the Mariners holding a 15-10 record on top of the AL West, you want to win these games.

"Yeah that one's on me," Holmes said. "I feel like I made some good pitches and definitely some balls found some holes, but I was ahead on a couple guys there, 0-2, 1-2, and put them on base which could've been big outs. It was one of those outings where I felt like my stuff was there, maybe trying to go for a little too much chase with a couple guys there. Some balls found some holes and it didn't go our way there," reported SNY after the Monday loss against the Mariners.

According to Fansided, the Mariners are "heating up" this May. Before heading to the Bronx, Seattle took a close one in Baltimore and picked off some games against the Royals. Then kept the Yankees bats quiet, particularly on Tuesday night after playing spoilers on Monday. 

People always asked me what I have against Seattle. Why won't I route for them when they aren't playing against the Yankees. I tell them what I tell you; Seattle hurt the Yankees in the 90s. That team was lethal. So yeah, I have PTSD when it comes to Seattle. And the last two nights have been a self-fulfilling prophecy. 



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







Monday, May 20, 2024

THE BIG JUAN SOTO TEASE!


I saw what was trending recently in the sports world and on X, but I'm not falling for it! I'm not taking the bait. That's exactly what all of this Juan Soto extension talks has been.... click bait! That doesn't mean I don't want it to happen.... but I just know better.

I saw all of the headlines, but I'm not getting worked up. Yes, Soto is enjoying himself. Yes, Hal always wants the best in pinstripes but this extension talk doesn't mean anything is going to happen, check out the extension chatter HERE.


Look, Soto looks right at home in the Bronx. Hal Steinbrenner knows it too, that's why he called him a "generational talent" and that's fine. He's not wrong, Soto is an extremely talented player who hasn't cracked under the bright New York lights like so many others have. I like that, but what I would like even more is to watch him help bring a World Series championship back to us again. Show me that first before we go talking about a crazy contract.

Then there is the elephant in the room. We can't forget that Soto's agent is Scott Boras after all who never encourages a contract extension. An agent's job is to get their client the biggest and best offer and despite recent history this offseason, the man knows how to work a room and get competing offers. Even if the Yankees came in and made a mind-blowing offer today, there is no reason for Soto to take that offer because there will be other teams willing to make similar offers to get him. After all, Soto has already been linked to the Mets who are equally hungry to sign him.

Soto knows there is a market out there after this season and Boras always encourages his clients to let teams compete against each other. This is what he has been waiting for his entire MLB career. Think about it, he has turned down MULTIPLE extension offers already. Why has he done it? To get to free agency. He knows if the Washington Nationals were willing to give him a 15-year extension at $440 million back in 2022, that there will be even more money on the table in the winter. Perhaps even more if he is a World Series champion. He's not about to change his strategy now.


So I'm ignoring the noise for now. Hal and Soto may have a mutual interest in a long term relationship, but that doesn't mean he's committing in the middle of the season. He won't make it that easy for us and we shouldn't make it that easy for him to get what he wants without a championship, first.


--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa
BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @nyprincessj






Sunday, May 19, 2024

LUIS GIL IS BETTER THAN EVER!


The Yankees are proving that they can face challenges head on and overcome them. The first challenge of many has been the loss of their ace CY Young pitcher Gerrit Cole, moments before the 2024 season kicked off in late March. Each of the Yankee starters and their bullpen have responded in an impactful way. But no one could have guessed that their youngest starter, Luis Gil would have had the kind of performance he has had this season, most especially on Saturday as he threw 14-strikeouts breaking a previous rookie record held by the beloved El Duque and dominating the Chicago White Sox in a 6-1 win. Yes, Luis Gil is better than ever! And the Yankees team are better for it but what happens next?

"Gil allowed just one run on five hits and a walk. He generated a game-high 22 swinging strikes, including 12 on his four-seam fastball and seven on his changeup. Gil's heater averaged 96.9 mph on the afternoon and maxed out at 99.7 mph," reported CBS Sports. "The Yankees' rookie record previously belonged to Orlando Hernández, who struck out 13 batters in August 1998 against the Texas Rangers. Hernández, known as "El Duque", coincidentally threw out the ceremonial first pitch ahead of Saturday's contest."

Source: MLB.com

If that is not ironic enough, it has been Cole who Gil affectionately calls "Professor Cole" who has been the pitcher whisper, holding class with Gil and the other Yankee pitchers, providing insight into their craft and coaching to support improvement. Cole has been impactful for the Yankee pitchers who have been mostly untouchable the team's 31-15 record but hopefully he will be impactful from the mound in the coming weeks.

Before Saturday's game, Cole threw off the mound and is expected to throw to live batters as early as next week. But what does that mean for the rotation? And who will need to step out of the rotation as result?

Source: AP

"The obvious candidate for a demotion is 26-year-old Luis Gil, who simply has less experience than his peers. This is Gil's first season with meaningful reps and a consistent role. Unfortunately, that could come to an end in a few weeks when Cole returns. If pulled from the starting crew, Gil would either transition into a long relief role or go back to Triple-A Scranton," reported Fansided

Gil has rebounded from injuries, exceeded expectations and has been the Yankees second best pitcher this season, with a 2.51 ERA before Saturday's stellar performance. To lose him would be a tragedy, but how will the decisions the Yankee pitching staff make in the coming weeks impact his player development? What is best for Gil in the long run?

Source: NJ.com

Honestly, I think Gil should stay in the rotation, but I know that the Yankees will likely favor the veterans over him due to their experience. So, in the long run, sending him down to continue to develop is likely best from Gil. I wish we could do a 6-man rotation- something that is not utilized much but giving Cole an extra few days off between starts would not be a bad thing to do given his delicate injury.

It will be an interesting decision that the Yankees will be making sooner rather than later. But for now, let's celebrate Luis Gil and all he has done to give the Yankees their best start in years. 



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