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.