NOT SURE "TOP PROSPECT" AND "UNABLE TO FIELD" CONNECTS

It’s wild how a player can be hailed as a top prospect, dominate the headlines, and then take the field looking like he’s never seen a fly ball in his life. Jasson Dominguez, the Yankees’ consensus No. 1 prospect, entered spring training as the favorite for the starting left field spot, but his defense is starting to raise serious questions. How do baseball experts and statisticians even determine what makes a 'top prospect' if glaring issues like fielding can slip through the cracks? 

Serious question.

Dominguez’s latest miscue came Thursday against the Philadelphia Phillies. He misplayed a fly ball and then flat-out dropped it, gifting Edmundo Sosa a double. “I got a good route,” Dominguez told reporters, according to the New York Post. “I jumped to catch it. I reached for it. The ball touched my glove, and it came out.”

Sure, it was unrealistic to think Dominguez would show up, smash homers into the stands, and make every catch look easy. He’s only 22, learning a new position, and doing it all for a Yankees team with World Series aspirations. But fans, as always, have no patience. Comments on Reddit paint a bleak picture: “He struggles to read the ball off the bat,” wrote one user. “Hopefully with more time though he can be passable. I wouldn’t count on him ever being a [Gold Glove] or even a plus defender though.” 

But the real question is how did we get here? How did Dominguez rise to the top of prospect rankings if his defense is this much of a liability? Was it just his bat? The Athletic has him as the Yankees' top prospect and No. 22 on the top 100 list, highlighting his power with an EV50 in Triple-A of 101.6 mph—good enough to rank fourth on the Yankees last year. But when it comes to defense, they just gloss over it in the article, it's pathetic actually. And that's from Keith Law by the way. How can that be?

MiLB.com called him a “teen phenom ready to debut with 'otherworldly' expectations” back in 2021, and not a word about his defense. Why? How did the Yankees, a team that should be vetting every part of a player’s game, not look deeper into Dominguez’s glove work? It’s disturbing. Is this how they recruit? Do they get lost in the allure of the long ball and let everything else slide?

Dominguez is undoubtedly a special talent, but is he just a special designated hitter? Erik Boland of Newsday offered some balance in 2024 and good for him, quoting a rival scout: “He ran well, and hit the ball out of the park. Did not defend as well as I have seen in the past… but he’s ready.” So, defense was mentioned—kind of. But here we are, watching Dominguez struggle to catch a baseball, and it’s not just a "him" problem. It’s a Yankees problem.

I’ve been critical of the Yankees’ minor league development before, and this is a red flag. You can’t blame Dominguez entirely—you have to look at the system that put him in this spot. He was rushed through the line because he hits dingers, that's the bottom line.

He’s been marketed as a “phenom” for a while now, but why? Did the hype set him up for failure? Geez. Something to think about.

WHY IS BOONE ONE OF THE HIGHER PAID MANAGERS IN BASEBALL?

Aaron Boone's contract extension with the New York Yankees is yet another example of failing up in modern sports. Despite never delivering a championship as the Yankees' manager, Boone has become one of the highest-paid managers in Major League Baseball. Wait what? 

It’s a glaring reminder that in today’s world, success isn’t always about merit—it’s about connections and legacy.

Boone’s new deal, reported by Jon Heyman of the New York Post, is essentially a three-year contract through 2027. His salary jumps to $4.5 million this year, with $5 million and $5.5 million in the following seasons, totaling $15 million over three years. To put this in perspective, Craig Counsell and Torey Lovullo entered last season with the highest managerial salaries at $8 million and $5 million, respectively. The Yankees are paying Boone like an elite manager, but his resume doesn’t support it. As Newsweek pointed out, "it's worth noting that Craig Counsell (Chicago Cubs) and Torey Lovullo (Arizona Diamondbacks) reportedly entered last season with the two highest manager salaries at $8 million and $5 million, respectively."

Since taking over in 2018, Boone has posted a 603-429 regular-season record—a decent stat that some might use to argue his competence. But in the Bronx, regular-season wins are nothing more than a prelude. As Yankees legend Derek Jeter once said, “It doesn't matter what you do during a 162-game schedule. It all boils down to the World Series. Win a championship or it's a failure.” Under Boone’s leadership, the Yankees’ postseason record is a disappointing 22-23, with zero championships to show for it.

How does someone with Boone’s track record become one of the top earners among MLB managers? The answer seems to be more about who you know than what you’ve achieved. Boone’s name carries weight—his father, Bob Boone, was a respected player and manager. It's a guess by me, but it's a good one. It feels like the Yankees are more invested in maintaining a comfortable, familiar status quo than making the tough choices needed to win. Boone’s tenure represents a failure to uphold the Yankee standard of championship-or-bust.

Meanwhile, the Yankees claim they “have no money” to spend on infield help, according to Jon Heyman. "Yeah, I don't see it," Heyman said. "The Yankees, I don't think they're adding anybody. I'm told they have no money." The priorities are baffling: they can’t find room in the budget to strengthen the roster, but they can find millions to keep Boone in the dugout. He isn’t a strategist or a motivator—he’s a babysitter for a team that often looks rudderless in October.

The real frustration should be aimed at the top. Hal Steinbrenner and Brian Cashman have shown they’re more than willing to spend—just not in the right places. Boone’s bloated contract is a slap in the face to fans who expect excellence, not mediocrity. If they really wanted to win, they’d put the money toward impact players or, better yet, an actual qualified manager who knows how to get the most out of a roster.

The truth is, as long as Yankee Stadium is filled with fans and the merchandise flies off the shelves, the organization won’t change. The Steinbrenner family doesn’t view a season without a championship as a failure anymore—they view it as business as usual. Until the front office recognizes that mediocrity is unacceptable, the Yankees will remain in this frustrating cycle of good-but-not-great seasons.

For fans, the message is clear: Stop rewarding mediocrity. As long as tickets are sold and ratings stay high, nothing will change. The only way to reclaim the Yankee legacy of excellence is to demand it. That starts with holding Aaron Boone—and the entire front office—accountable for their failure to bring a championship back to the Bronx. That's my opinion of course.

J.D. MARTINEZ COULD BE A YANKEE "SHORT-TERM" REPLACEMENT

Here we go again.

According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, the Yankees might consider the free agent market for a short-term replacement. One potential option is veteran slugger J.D. Martinez, who signed a $12 million contract with the Mets last season. Despite a slight decline in performance, Martinez still brings power to the plate and could thrive in Yankee Stadium’s hitter-friendly environment.

As the season draws near, keeping a close eye on Giancarlo Stanton’s recovery will be crucial for the Yankees. If his absence extends, the team may need to act quickly, possibly pursuing Martinez or exploring other alternatives.

With Stanton’s status uncertain, the Yankees face a pivotal decision: bring in Martinez for immediate lineup support or risk starting the season with a weakened roster. This strategic choice could significantly impact their early-season competitiveness.

Earlier this week, Stanton left the team to return to New York for what was initially described as additional evaluation of his ongoing tendinitis issue. However, confusion grew when manager Aaron Boone stated on Tuesday that Stanton’s absence was "personal" and not injury-related, offering only a cryptic explanation. Boone’s stupid, vague comments didn’t help, and it’s frustrating when the truth feels obscured. Regardless, the need for a Stanton replacement is clear. The big question remains: Is J.D. Martinez the right fit?

Martinez could provide a strong presence in right field and might agree to a team-friendly deal, allowing him to face left-handed pitching more frequently. The coming days will likely bring more clarity—stay tuned.

ARENADO DIDN'T SEE YANKEE GAME AS A "SHOWCASE" & NEITHER DID ANYONE ELSE

If Wednesday’s spring training game against the Yankees was supposed to be a “showcase” for Nolan Arenado, then let’s just say the curtains never really opened. Arenado, who has been swirling in trade rumors with the Bronx Bombers all offseason, brushed off the idea that his performance was meant to impress anyone in pinstripes.

“I didn’t come here for that,” Arenado told reporters, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “Day 3 of spring training. That wouldn’t be a good day to showcase myself. I’m not ready for that.”

And boy, did his performance back him up. Arenado went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts, putting on a showcase only if you’re scouting for guys who can confidently walk back to the dugout. If this was supposed to dazzle the Yankees, well, consider them undazzled.

Arenado’s coming off one of the worst seasons of his career, and while he’s still got three years and $74 million left on his contract, the Cardinals have long been rumored to be willing to eat some of that money to move him. Of course, Arenado also has the right to void any trade, so if this was truly a showcase, maybe it was more of a performance art piece about free will.

And speaking of trade rumors, can we talk about the buzz surrounding a potential Arenado-for-Marcus Stroman swap? I mean, sure, why not? Let’s throw in a pet llama and season tickets to a bag of fresh grapefruit while we’re at it. Arenado couldn’t showcase his swing, and now he’s supposedly being measured against a pitcher whose entire job is to make hitters look like they’re showcasing nothing? This rumor mill needs a new filter.

At this point, it’s spring training. Everything is possible, nothing is real, and if we’re lucky, maybe the next rumor will be Arenado for a time machine and a winning Powerball ticket.

RIZZO, WE HAVE YOUR OFFER RIGHT HERE

Anthony Rizzo may not be the player he once was, but he’s not ready to hang up his cleats just yet. While I’m confident he can still hit, there’s no denying he’s lost a step—especially on defense. But one thing Rizzo continues to bring to the table is leadership, and I witnessed that firsthand during his time with the Yankees. Getting older is tough—that’s just the truth.

Despite his performance dipping over the past couple of seasons, Rizzo feels the offseason offers he’s received have been "stingy." He told The Athletic, “If teams are not going to want to pay a few million dollars for veterans, I’ve seen it the last 10 years of my career. It’s what happens to the older guys. They kind of get squeezed.”

That’s where Bleeding Yankee Blue comes in. Our mission? To help save Anthony Rizzo. You’re welcome, America.

We recently proposed an idea—one that even Newsweek picked up on: Rizzo should transition into a player-coach role with the Yankees. Instead of viewing this as the twilight of his career, I see it as the dawn of something special—if the Yankees are smart enough to seize the opportunity. Read COULD RIZZO EVOLVE INTO A PLAYER-COACH ROLE WITH THE YANKEES?

Imagine this: The Bronx Bombers offer Rizzo a unique one-year contract (or more), not only as a player but as a “Player-Coach Mentor.” I know what you’re thinking: “Is this some kind of feel-good sports movie?” Well, maybe. But it’s not just a gimmick. It’s a strategic move that would honor Rizzo’s experience while gradually guiding him toward retirement—a reality he’ll likely face sooner than later.

Rizzo could become the steadying force in the clubhouse, offering wisdom to younger players, providing the leadership that, let’s face it, Aaron Boone often lacks. Newsweek even mentioned it: “Casey said in his Saturday post that Rizzo would take the leadership role that manager Aaron Boone, in Casey's opinion, fails to take.” It’s true. With fresh talent coming in, Rizzo could be the perfect motivator.

Plus, if Paul Goldschmidt lands on the injured list, Rizzo could step in at first base, sharing duties with Ben Rice if needed. His role wouldn’t just be as a player—it would encompass mentorship, coaching, and perhaps, down the line, managing. Yes, you heard me right—Yankees manager.

If the Yankees craft Rizzo’s contract right, it could set up a seamless transition, especially if they finally part ways with Boone (which, let’s be honest, they should). Even if they decide to let Boone’s contract run its course, having Rizzo in this hybrid role could make for a smooth managerial handoff.

I’m all in on this. Rizzo, we’ve got the perfect plan for you! Let’s make it happen!

A SURPRISE BULLPEN ARM WE'RE KEEPING OUR EYES ON!

I love watching Spring Training for the surprise storylines, and we see them every year. After we re-signed Tim Hill I thought our bullpen was set and wasn't expecting any real surprises....but it looks like there may be one and the Yankees could be penciling in an unexpected name on the roster.

Now that Scott Effross is sidelined for a while (Read REMEMBER SCOTT EFFROSS? ME NEITHER), and we wait to see what happens from here it leaves another spot open, a spot that could be for Tyler Matzek. It would be a return to game action after having Tommy John surgery in October 2022 and then having his season derailed with elbow inflammation last season. It's been a long road back for Matzek.

So this is why I am excited about it. I like stories when guys work hard and get back to MLB action. It's early in Spring Training and a lot can happen between now and the end of March but he has looked good so far and he says he feels good. Aaron Boone is already singing his praises in such a short amount of time. Some folks will look at Matzek and think Brian Cashman went dumpster diving again and pulled him from the bottom of the dumpster, but this actually could be a genius move if it works out.

Before Matzek got hurt, he was lethal for the Braves. Over three seasons he pitched a 2.92 ERA when he wasn't injured. He also won a World Series with the Braves so he knows how to win and we can always use more of that experience. If the Yankees can keep him healthy, he could be a huge asset to this team. Considering he is a non-roster invitee to training camp the Yankees have absolutely nothing to lose by giving this guy a look. Obviously the talent level is there, he's been successful so there's no reason to believe he isn't capable. This is the very definition of a no risk and high reward scenario.... that could make Cashman look like a genius.

We all know pitchers get hurt all the time and as the old saying goes 'you can never have enough pitching.' This would be a HUGE win for the Yankees if Matzek is back to pre-injury form. Not to mention, if he makes the cut this gives the Yankees TWO left-handed relievers, which is always a huge bonus.

Best of luck to Matzek....I'm pulling for him.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

STANTON, ELBOWS & TRADE TALK

Well, well, well—just when you thought the Yankees’ spring training couldn’t get any weirder, we have the continued elbow saga of Giancarlo Stanton. Naturally, Yankees manager Aaron Boone handled it with his trademark mix of smoke, mirrors, and word salad, saying Stanton left for “personal matters.” Whatever that means.

Now, instead of focusing on actual baseball, we’re diving headfirst into trade rumor season... again. The Yankees apparently need a new bat to cover for Stanton, and who better to ignite that fire than resident baseball hot-take artist, Jim Duquette?

The Yankees are juggling three problems: a hole at third base, concern over Stanton’s elbow, and an increasingly grumpy Marcus Stroman. During an SNY-TV segment on Wednesday, Duquette suggested the Yankees set their sights on St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado:

"I like that as an option for the Yankees," Duquette said. "He's already said he's willing to go to the Yankees. You could do a swap between Arenado and Stroman. ... From the Yankees' side of things, they need a third baseman more than they need the sixth starter in Stroman. Plus, we know Stroman won't be happy in that position. ... I think this is one to keep an eye on later in the spring."

Sure, Jim. Let’s just trade a starting pitcher for a platinum-gloved third baseman like we’re swapping baseball cards at recess. Never mind that we’ve been talking about a potential Arenado-Stroman deal since December, and nothing has changed—except for Stanton’s sudden exit.

But let’s be real: this doesn’t look like a long-term issue for Stanton. I might be joking here, but I’m starting to wonder if he’s being a bit soft. As a pro athlete who treats his body like a temple, is his elbow pain really that bad? Color me skeptical.

And as much as I love a good blockbuster trade, bringing in Arenado feels like buying a new car because your old one has a flat tire. Why commit to a hefty long-term contract just to cover a short-term problem?

What do you think? Is Duquette onto something, or are the Yankees better off keeping their chips off the table for now?

ANDREW CHAFIN IS OFF THE BOARD

I was really hoping the Yankees would snag Andrew Chafin to bolster the bullpen this season. It felt like a perfect fit—his lefty arm, his experience, and, let’s be honest, with the Yankees' updated beard policy, he would’ve looked fantastic in pinstripes. I’m half-joking, but still, Chafin had all the makings of a great addition to the Bronx.

Unfortunately, things didn’t pan out. I guess all those rumors were either just hot air, or maybe the Yankees weren’t as interested as I thought. Whatever the reason, Chafin is officially off the board.

The veteran reliever signed a minor league deal on Monday, heading to spring training with the Detroit Tigers—the same team that traded him to the Texas Rangers last summer. It’s a bit of a homecoming, as Chafin has already made 105 appearances for Detroit, with 64 games in 2022 and 41 last season before being moved at the deadline.

This marks the fourth time in five seasons that Chafin was part of a trade deadline deal. At 34 years old, he’s got a solid 3.75 ERA over 601 big league appearances spanning 11 seasons and six teams. His experience and versatility could have been a real asset to the Yankees, but instead, Detroit gets another shot to see what Chafin can bring to the table.

While it’s a bit of a bummer for Yankees fans like myself, I wish Chafin the best of luck with the Tigers. Who knows—maybe he’ll be on the move again by the next trade deadline. Until then, the Yankees’ bullpen dreams will have to adjust without him. Oh well.

YANKEES MAY HAVE FOUND THEIR BREAKOUT RELIEVER!

Hold onto your pinstripes, Yankees fans—Fernando Cruz might just be the secret weapon you didn’t know you needed! This is exactly what Brian Cashman had in mind: snagging a couple of "lightning in a bottle" guys who could set spring training ablaze. CBS Sports’ R.J. Anderson is all-in on Cruz as a breakout candidate, saying he’s got "high confidence" that the right-hander is ready to make a leap in 2025.

Okay, sure—Cruz was on last year’s breakout list too, and usually, that’s a bit like showing up to summer school: not ideal. But Cruz’s story feels different. A change of scenery could be just the magic spell he needs to transform into a Bronx gem. The smart money says the Yankees will toss Cruz’s ineffective cutter into the Hudson River—a pitch that served up nine of his 15 home runs allowed over the past two seasons. Instead, expect New York to unleash his filthy splitter, following the blueprint they used with Tommy Kahnle and his devastating changeup. That splitter isn’t just good; it’s downright disrespectful to hitters, holding them to a minuscule .353 OPS over the last two years. With a few tweaks, Cruz could morph into a high-leverage nightmare for Aaron Boone and the defending American League champs.

With the return of Luke Weaver and the addition of Devin Williams, the Yankees’ bullpen was already shaping up to be a strength. But if Cruz can cash in on this breakout potential, that bullpen could go from "tough" to "absolutely terrifying." Let’s not forget, the Yankees sent José Treviño to the Cincinnati Reds this offseason to snag Cruz and catcher Alex Jackson. Now it’s Cruz’s turn to make the Yankees look like trade wizards.

Get ready for some Cruz control in the Bronx—this ride could get wild!

ROKI SASAKI CRUSHED BY KYLE TEEL!

Simulation or not, that was a nuke by Kyle Teel. I thought Roki Sasaki was a phenom? Whatever, that's the Dodgers problem now. In their quest to be glutton, let them figure it out.

Let me set the stage. The Dodgers, baseball’s resident dragon guarding a hoard of talent, might’ve finally tripped over their own pile of gold. After spending yet another offseason treating the league like their personal Costco, stocking up on all the best players (because, you know, why not?), they rolled out their shiny new import, Roki Sasaki, and, uh, things didn’t go exactly as planned.

It was Tuesday morning, and while most of us were still nursing our coffees, Sasaki was busy serving up a wake-up call to Dodgers fans everywhere. Facing the White Sox in what the PR folks called a "hybrid B-game" (whatever that means), Sasaki stepped onto the mound with all the hype of a blockbuster sequel. This is the guy MLB Pipeline ranked No. 1 overall, the one with a fastball that supposedly whispers sweet nothings to the radar gun.

But on his second pitch, Kyle Teel—ranked a measly No. 32, practically a peasant in prospect terms—took that high-and-mighty fastball and sent it soaring. Yep, Teel went yard. Against Roki Sasaki. The Dodgers’ newest crown jewel got his first taste of Major League power, and something tells me it wasn’t quite what he was expecting.

 

I mean, this isn’t Japan, Roki. Here, there are guys like Teel who’ll jump all over you—and then there are guys even better than Teel, ready to make you wish you’d stayed on the other side of the Pacific. I get it, though. Moving from NPB to MLB is no small leap. But when your new team is already measuring you for a Hall of Fame jacket, a little bit of humility might be in order.

Now, in fairness, Sasaki did recover after that early embarrassment. He coaxed a few grounders—though, considering there were no fielders behind him, I’m not sure what that proves. He even managed one swinging strikeout, which, if we’re grading on a curve for spring training, maybe earns him a gold star. But for all the hype, one would think Sasaki might’ve shown a little more.

Because, listen, Rotoballer couldn’t have sold Sasaki harder if they’d been on commission:

"Sasaki's fastball can touch triple digits, but he also offers a devastating splitter in the 88-90 mph that coaxes eye-popping whiff rates. The 23-year-old has ace-like potential and the transition to MLB should not be too challenging."

Ace-like potential, they say. Not too challenging, they say. And yet, here we are, talking about how Kyle Teel—who, last I checked, wasn’t exactly on MVP watch—sent one over the wall. Maybe Sasaki just had a bad day. Maybe he’s still adjusting. Or maybe, just maybe, the Dodgers got a little too comfortable sipping their own Kool-Aid.

But hey, it’s spring training, right? It’s the time of year when veterans look rusty, prospects swing out of their shoes, and half the guys on the field are wearing numbers higher than the speed limit. Maybe Sasaki will find his groove once the games count. Maybe he’ll make us all eat our words and turn into the ace everyone predicted.

And as for Teel? Well, if he can keep this up, he might just become every Dodgers hater’s new favorite player. There’s nothing quite like watching a team that collects All-Stars like Pokémon cards get humbled by an underdog.

One thing’s for sure: This season just got a whole lot more interesting. If Tuesday’s blast was a sign of things to come, I’ll be the first in line with popcorn. Go ahead, Sasaki—show us what you’ve got. And Teel? Keep hitting nukes, kid. It’s about time someone reminded the Dodgers that the game still has to be played on the field.

REMEMBER SCOTT EFFROSS? ME NEITHER

Scott Effross? Oh, right—that guy! The one who’s technically a Yankee but spends more time in a rehab facility than on a mound. Well, strap in for another chapter of the never-ending saga of "Effross vs. His Own Body." During Tuesday’s Grapefruit League game against the Twins, Effross managed to throw exactly one pitch before his hamstring decided, “Nah, I’m good,” per Greg Joyce of the New York Post.

Effross hobbled off the field with the trainer, adding yet another entry to his ever-expanding medical chart. At this point, he probably has a punch card at the Yankees’ training room—one more injury, and he gets a free ice bath.

To recap: Since being traded to the Yankees in August 2022, Effross has made a grand total of 16 appearances for New York. He missed all of 2023 recovering from Tommy John surgery, then barely saw the light of day in 2024 with just 32 appearances across the majors and minors, thanks to back surgery. His body breaks down more often than a used car with a “trust me” sticker on the windshield.

And, of course, Effross isn’t alone in the Yankees’ bullpen infirmary. As Empire Sports Media perfectly put it:

"With Scott Effross expected to battle for a bullpen spot, the Yankees are in a weird spot where the backend of their bullpen is going to be tested. Jake Cousins is expected to miss Opening Day against the Brewers as a result of a forearm strain, and JT Brubaker also got hurt during the Spring Training opener after a comebacker."

Seriously, what’s going on in the Yankees’ clubhouse? Is there a cursed relic buried under Yankee Stadium? Are they hydrating with bad juju instead of water? Aaron Boone once told us all the physicals came back clean—well, either he’s got a different definition of “clean,” or the Yankees' doctors are using a Magic 8-Ball for diagnostics.

Effross’s Yankees career has been a series of waiting games. We waited through 2023, hoping he'd come back strong. We waited in 2024, only to get three measly appearances in September. Now, here we are again, waiting for him to somehow hold it together for more than an inning.

At this point, Yankees fans might want to get ahead of the curve and invest in some bubble wrap stocks. It’s the only way to protect what’s left of their bullpen.

TOO MUCH MYSTERY SURROUNDING STANTON'S PAINFUL ELBOWS

Let’s break this down because something here doesn’t add up. It's like a weird mystery. 

Giancarlo Stanton, a guy who absolutely crushed it in the playoffs and World Series—dinger after dinger—shows up to spring training and suddenly can’t swing a bat because of both elbows? And somehow, he hasn’t even picked up a bat while in Tampa, yet his elbows are in pain and for Giancarlo and for us Yankee fans, this is already a problem. It doesn’t make sense.

We see these elite athletes making millions to play a game, and Stanton, to his credit, treats his body like a temple. The guy is shredded. But this whole situation feels off. And here’s where it gets even worse—the latest report claims Stanton’s elbows have been bothering him since 2023. Yeah, you read that right.

Funny, because not once last season did we hear about any elbow issues. No mentions. No whispers. And yet, all of a sudden, the Yankees drop a little breadcrumb like this has been an ongoing thing? Where was this information last year? I even searched around, and the only mention of this so-called long-term injury comes from the latest reports about his current status. Convenient.

And the pain? We’re being told it’s a “very high level of pain.” But here’s where things get even sketchier—reports claim Stanton was heading to New York to see team doctors because he hadn’t swung a bat in about a month. Then, later, Aaron Boone—always the Yankees’ go-to for vague and misleading updates—says that’s not true. Instead, Stanton went to New York for a “personal matter.” The reports quickly changed. Personal Matter? Come on, stop lying.

See what’s happening here? The Yankees are keeping everyone in the dark, as usual. No one knows the real story, and frankly, that’s exactly how they want it. But let’s be real—something isn’t right.

For reference, this is the same Giancarlo Stanton who hit .273 with 15 hits, 7 home runs, 16 RBIs, and 9 runs in 14 postseason games last year. Now, he hasn’t swung a bat in four weeks and is already ruled out for Opening Day. And we’re supposed to believe this is an injury from 2023?

I'm allowed to be skeptical. I'm a fan.

Yeah. Okay. Stay tuned.

THERE AIN'T NOTHING WRONG WITH BEING CRITICAL OF AARON BOONE

I've been incredibly critical of Aaron Boone for years. I've called him a mouthpiece, a puppet, and an empty manager with no championships to show for it. These are my observations and opinions—I don’t speak for my staff—this is simply what I’ve seen over the past several seasons.

When it comes to making tough decisions, Boone fumbles. When he needs to juggle personnel, he drops the ball. During long, brutal losing streaks and stretches of mind-numbingly bad play, sure, you can blame the team. But a true leader, a manager worth his salt, makes the hard calls to right the ship. Instead, Boone stands in front of the press with his trademark blank stare and utters, “It’s right in front of us.” What does that even mean if you do nothing to fix the problem? It’s not inspiring. It’s not insightful. It’s nothing. It’s a whole lot of nothing. And that, to me, is the essence of Aaron Boone’s tenure as Yankees manager.

I’ve never believed Boone should be managing this team. Not for a single second. He simply doesn’t have the edge, the grit, the championship mentality this franchise needs. His winning percentage might look nice on paper, but numbers without rings are just numbers. They don’t shine. They don’t matter.

Recently, Essentially Sports published a piece highlighting Terrance Cam’s blunt assessment of Boone on Pinstripes Territory. Cam didn't hold back, saying, “Yeah, I really just think that Boone is, I don’t want to be mean here, but I will be a puppet. I think he’s a puppet. I think he’s a front-office puppet. I think that the front office basically gives him, 'Hey, this is our game plan, and this is what we think you should do, and we highly recommend you do this.'” And let’s be honest—that sounds like an order, doesn’t it?

Cam hit the nail on the head. As someone who has bled pinstripes since Ron Guidry’s legendary 18-strikeout game, it’s crystal clear to me that today’s Yankees are soft. Soft compared to the gritty, fight-for-every-pitch teams of the late 1970s and even the powerhouse squads of the 1990s dynasty.

And the biggest reason for this decline? The manager. Aaron Boone is soft. You can’t change my mind. Sure, someone might argue, “A manager doesn’t pitch or swing a bat.” Fine. But if that’s true, why do managers get fired when teams don’t win? Because they’re supposed to be the glue that holds everything together, the captain steering the ship through stormy seas. Boone, despite what Aaron Judge or anyone else might think, is not that guy. Not by a long shot.

I had to get this off my chest. Big props to Essentially Sports for spotlighting Cam’s comments. It’s okay to criticize a bad manager. It’s not just okay—it’s necessary. More Yankees fans need to speak up. We deserve better leadership. We deserve a manager who brings fire, not fluff. It’s time to reclaim that championship swagger that defined this franchise for generations.

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JOHNNY DAMON SPEAKS OUT ON THE YANKEE HAIR POLICY

 I didn't see this one coming.

Johnny Damon, known for his famously unkempt look during his playing days, might have seemed like a natural fan of the New York Yankees' recent change to their strict grooming policy. However, his reaction to the news was anything but enthusiastic.

Damon, who had to chop off his long hair and shave his full beard when he joined the Yankees in 2005, shared his thoughts in a recent Instagram video. "I just heard that the Yankees are not requiring people to cut their hair and trim their beards..." said the two-time All-Star. "I think we need to keep it how it was, with respect to legends like Yogi Berra, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Derek Jeter, and Mariano Rivera."

For Damon, the Yankees' grooming rules were a part of the team's storied tradition. "The Yankees are a tradition," he said. "Let's keep it. I cut these lovely locks off many years ago because George Steinbrenner was such a great human being, such a great boss, that I wasn’t even going to question it. Let’s keep the policies the same. Listen to your bosses, always bring your A-game, and let’s go!"

In a side note, Damon also mentioned his support for Jorge Posada’s Hall of Fame candidacy, a sentiment many fans share.

While the tradition of the Yankees' clean-cut image has its charm, there’s another perspective worth considering. Beards and hairstyles can play a role in a player's personality and performance. For some athletes, their hair isn't just a style choice—it’s a part of their identity, almost like a source of strength or confidence.

There’s a psychological aspect to it. When a player arrives in New York sporting a rugged beard and leaves looking like he just went through basic training, it can mess with his mindset. It might affect how he pitches, how he hits, or even how he sees himself. It’s like taking Superman’s cape away and expecting him to be the same hero.

Personally, I’ve always been well-groomed and appreciate the Yankees' classic approach. But I also think there’s something exciting about letting players find their groove with a bit more freedom. If a light beard helps someone like Devin Williams thrive in New York, then why not?

Tradition is important but so is adapting to the times. Finding that balance could be the key to helping the Yankees maintain their legacy while allowing players to feel like themselves.

MAYBE AARON BOONE JUST COACHED GLEYBER TORRES WRONG?

I’ve said it a thousand times, but I’ll say it again: I never wanted to see Gleyber Torres leave the Yankees. Watching him walk out of the Bronx felt like a gut punch for me—not because he failed, but because the Yankees failed him in my opinion. From the moment he slipped on those pinstripes, I always felt like he was set up to be the fall guy, the perpetual scapegoat for an organization that couldn’t get out of its own way.

It’s not hard to see it. There was always this nagging sense that the Yankees were waiting for Torres to stumble, like they had the “we told you so” speech locked and loaded. Meanwhile, other players—the ones with clubhouse seniority or the ones who had Boone’s number saved under “BFF”—got endless patience and kid-glove treatment. Boone went to bat for them, but for Gleyber? Crickets.

But you know what? New team, new energy. Sometimes the best thing you can do for a young player with talent and heart is to give him a change of scenery. And Detroit? That’s a blank canvas. The Tigers aren’t bogged down by sky-high expectations or the ghosts of dynasties past. Gleyber can finally breathe.

Since joining the Tigers, Torres has been all business. He’s got that fresh-start energy, and from what I’m seeing, he’s ready to become a top-of-the-lineup force and maybe even a leader in Detroit. A.J. Hinch, unlike Boone, seems to get it. He sees Torres for what he is—a guy with potential, fire, and the drive to prove everyone wrong.

“He’s been really great to talk to and digest a lot of what he’s experienced, both in the regular season and the postseason,” Hinch said before the Tigers' 4-0 win over the Yankees. “He’s been an open book when it’s come to hearing from us on what adjustments he needs to make to be the best version of himself the longest. We’re really happy with his potential and what he can add to our team.”

You can see it in Hinch’s quote—he’s not just paying lip service. He’s invested in Torres. “I’m looking forward to challenging him to be a really big part of this team and being a fixture in the lineup,” Hinch added. “He wants to be good, he likes winning. He wants to continue to get better. He’s asked to be coached and coached hard, and we’re going to do it.”

That’s what Gleyber needed all along—someone who would push him, believe in him, and not just pencil him in as the easiest guy to bench when things got tough. Boone could’ve been that guy, but he wasn’t because he's not a leader. Too bad.

And let’s not kid ourselves—Torres isn’t just looking to “get better.” He wants revenge. He wants to show the Yankees exactly what they let slip away. This isn’t just a fresh start; it’s a redemption tour. And I am here for it.

I’ll go ahead and say it: 2025 will be Gleyber Torres’ year. He’s got a chip on his shoulder the size of Yankee Stadium, and nothing fuels an athlete like the sting of betrayal. When he thrives in Detroit—and I believe he will—the Yankees will only have themselves to blame.

And if he happens to crush a go-ahead homer when the Tigers play the Yankees? Well, karma’s a fastball down the middle, and I hope Torres doesn’t miss.

NO ONE SEEMS TO WANT NOLAN ARENADO, YA'LL

And in fairness, he hasn't exactly been easy to deal with when it comes to his no-trade clause.

When it comes to Nolan Arenado, here’s the reality: He was once an exceptional hitter and a strong fielder, but at 33 years old, his best days might be behind him. That's my opinion. This might explain why the New York Yankees couldn’t—or wouldn’t—finalize a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals. Whether it was due to the Cardinals’ high asking price or the Yankees’ unwillingness to part with key prospects, the result was the same: lots of rumors and no deal.

But the Yankees aren’t the only team seemingly hesitant about Arenado. A mix of factors could be at play here—his hefty contract, his age, and even his no-trade clause. The Cardinals have reportedly been shopping Arenado, yet he blocked a potential trade to the Houston Astros earlier this offseason, utilizing his no-trade rights to remain in St. Louis.

With Spring Training in full swing, Arenado is still a Cardinal, despite the team’s apparent interest in moving him. While he has provided a list of preferred destinations—including the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Astros—he's already shut down one opportunity with Houston. His reluctance to expand that list only complicates matters further.

It’s a messy situation. There's no clear indication that the Yankees will make another push for Arenado this season. While Paul Goldschmidt, now a Yankee, has expressed interest in bringing Arenado to the Bronx, the hurdles remain significant. Did the Yankees float Marcus Stroman in trade talks, only to back off when the Cardinals hesitated? It all comes down to balancing Arenado’s age, Stroman’s inconsistent performance, the no-trade clause, and the potential Goldschmidt-Arenado reunion.

With just over a month before Opening Day, Arenado is still in St. Louis. Could the Cardinals absorb enough of his contract to make a trade worthwhile for the Yankees? According to Goldschmidt, they should at least consider it.

"It doesn’t matter if the team’s winning and he’s got four hits. He wants to get that fifth hit," Goldschmidt told The Athletic. "He’s such a competitor. He makes the people around him better."

Still, the odds of a deal seem slim. At this point, it feels like no team is truly eager to take on Arenado. At 33, he might not be the game-changer he once was, and that’s a hard sell for any contender looking to make a splash this season.

MARCUS STROMAN STAYS TOUGH AFTER "STARTER" COMMENTS

Look, say what you want about Marcus Stroman, but you have to admire the sheer balls on this guy. Whether he’s still capable of getting major league hitters out—especially in a Yankees uniform—is another conversation entirely. But the ego? The confidence? The sheer delusion? Tremendous. You almost have to respect it.

If you’ve been living under a rock, here’s the deal: Yankees camp was absolutely uncomfortable with Stroman last week. The rotation is crowded, the bullpen is a possibility, and the front office has been trying to trade Stroman for months with about as much success as trying to sell a broken lawnmower at a garage sale. The idea was floated that maybe he’d shift to relief, and predictably, Stroman—never one to bite his tongue—pushed back. Hard. That’s pride, that’s ego, that’s a guy with an unwavering belief in himself, even if the rest of the league doesn’t exactly share his enthusiasm.

Now, I’ve said before that when you pitch for the Yankees, you do what the team needs. Swallow your pride, be a good soldier, and help the club win. Stroman? Yeah, not happening. And while part of me thinks that’s ridiculous, another part of me can’t help but admire the sheer stones it takes to be this stubborn.

Despite all the noise, Aaron Boone handed Stroman the ball for the spring opener, and to his credit, the guy delivered—one scoreless inning, a strikeout to start, and some minor traffic that he worked around. Solid. Serviceable. Not exactly prime Pedro Martinez, but hey, he got the job done.

Afterward, Stroman made it clear he’s not losing sleep over the Yankees’ rotation situation. Speaking to reporters, including Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News, he said he had “zero regrets” about his stance and didn’t care how things played out.

“I know who I am as a pitcher,” Stroman said. “I’m a very confident pitcher. I don’t think you’d want someone in your starting rotation that would be like, ‘Hey, I’m gonna go to the bullpen.’ That’s not someone you want.”

Translation: I’m not lowering myself to bullpen duty. I’m a starter, and you’ll deal with it.

Now, let’s talk about reality. Stroman is set to make $18 million this season. The Yankees spent the entire offseason dangling him in trade talks, and not a single team bit. That probably has something to do with the fact that he completely fell off a cliff in the second half of last season and was such a non-factor in the playoffs that you’d be forgiven for forgetting he was even on the roster. But here’s where things get interesting: the Yankees may be playing the long game.

The plan? Pump him up, showcase him in spring training, and hope he looks good enough that some desperate team in need of a starter bites. If they can flip him for an infielder, a reliever, or even just a bag of slightly used baseballs, that’s a win. Basically, let Stroman be someone else’s problem.

But for now? You have to give the man credit. Even if his best days are behind him, even if the Yankees are clearly looking to move on, the guy still walks around with the swagger of a Cy Young winner. Confidence, delusion—sometimes the line is thin. But one thing is for sure: Stroman’s balls are as big as ever. Whether that’s a good thing or a disaster waiting to happen? We’ll find out soon enough.

BLEEDING YANKEE BLUE THANKS NEWSWEEK FOR THE LOVE!

It’s not every day that Bleeding Yankee Blue gets recognized, and when it happens, it’s usually ESPN The Magazine’s Peter Keating labeling me as the “get off my lawn” guy—a cranky old man who doesn’t get that hustle isn’t always necessary over a grueling 162-game season. What a ridiculous take that was for Keating, weirdo. You can read about it HERE.

But this time, the spotlight shines on a different idea: my belief that Anthony Rizzo could thrive as a Player-Coach in the Yankees’ dugout. His presence and wisdom are vital to the team’s camaraderie, and I genuinely think it could make a huge difference. Rizzo isn’t just a solid veteran; he’s a glue guy—the type of player whose influence goes well beyond the stat sheet.

In my piece, COULD RIZZO EVOLVE INTO A PLAYER-COACH ROLE WITH THE YANKEES?, I wrote:

“Rather than seeing this as the end of Rizzo’s journey, I think it could be the start of something pretty special,” I shared. “Especially if the Yankees are paying attention. Picture this: The Bronx Bombers offer Rizzo a unique one-year deal, not just as a player but as a ‘Player-Coach Mentor.’”

I stand by that. Rizzo’s leadership, experience, and championship pedigree would be an asset to the Yankees. He’s one of only two players on the projected 2025 roster with a World Series ring. As Jon Vankin of Newsweek pointed out, “If Rizzo were to return, he would be one of only two players on the 2025 Yankees roster with a World Series championship on his résumé. He homered and drove in five runs for the Chicago Cubs in the 2016 World Series, a historic victory for the Cubs — their first and, to date, only World Series win since 1908.”

That’s exactly the point. Rizzo understands what it takes to build a championship team. He can lead, motivate, and maintain positive morale, helping to bring that winning mentality into the Yankees’ clubhouse. He’s a natural with the younger players, offering guidance and a steady hand as they navigate the pressures of wearing the pinstripes.

Imagine Rizzo pulling a struggling rookie aside, sharing a story from his own journey, or rallying the clubhouse after a tough loss. His impact could extend far beyond his bat and glove—he could be a cultural cornerstone, a leader by example, and the voice that bridges generations in the clubhouse.

There’s not much more to say here other than a heartfelt “Thank you” to Jon Vankin and Newsweek. Newsweek has been giving us our due over here like we would to any publication giving unique takes. They shared our story on Pete Alonso a few weeks ago too when we wrote: SCOTT BORAS RUINED ALONSO.

Here is their piece HERE.  The shout-outs made my day, and I truly appreciate the love! Moments like these remind me why I do what I do—sharing the passion, the hope, and sometimes the wild ideas that keep the Yankees Universe spinning.

COOL STORY, VLAD JR - BUT I'M NOT BUYING IT!

"Yo! I know you saw what Vladimir Guerrero Jr. said. You think he's gonna wear pinstripes next season?"

That is the text message I woke up to the other morning. A buddy of mine back on Long Island is holding out hope that Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has a big change of heart and is indeed open to wearing pinstripes even though in the past he has said "I would never sign with the Yankees, not even (when I'm) dead." 

It all goes back to his dad Vladimir Guerrero's playing days. He spent 16 years in the big leagues and was never a Yankee. Clearly Vlad Jr. has deep feelings about how the Yankees treated his father back in the day. He has never given an explanation, all he's said about it was "It's a family thing" and that he made a promise to his father, read more HERE.

So cool, Vlad Jr. is going to carry around daddy's chip on his shoulder. Now suddenly, with one more season before he becomes a free agent, he has had a change of heart and is willing to talk to all 30 teams about a deal, including the Yankees. Suddenly the family diss doesn't matter. 

Or does it? Look, I don't think Vlad Jr. has changed his opinion on the Yankees. It's still the same. He's just approaching this smartly. He's right, this is a business. How smart would it be for him to just completely cut off a team with deep pockets and a storied franchise? It's not smart at all. It limits some of his market value. If he tells the Yankees, it isn't a possibility, and the Yankees don't pursue, he limits his market. That's not a smart business move.

So, I just don't buy this at all. He's got a chip on his shoulder, and it is going to stay there. He did say "I like to play in New York. I like to kill the Yankees. I would never sign with the Yankees, not even (when I'm) dead," and he is alive and kicking. They say perception is reality, and his perception is the Yankees did his daddy wrong and he's not about to let that go. I don't see Vlad Jr. as being ready to 'forgive and forget' as he has been saying lately. He's felt this way for most of his 36-year-old life.... he's not just suddenly going to have a change of heart.

He's approaching this in a business manner. He's not going to publicly cut the Yankees off again so close to free agency. He wants as much money bidding on him as possible. The Yankees have a lot of that, so he's not stupid. If he really wants to stick it to the Yankees, he's going to look for the big dollar offers from Yankee rivals like the Red Sox or even the Mets now.

It's a cool story you are trying to sell bro, but I ain't buying it. We need someone who is going to focus their energy into helping this team win, not someone who wants to avenge his daddy. I couldn't care less about Vlad Jr. Just my two cents.... but he's not moving on like he says he is.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

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