DODGERS SIGN YET ANOTHER RELIABLE ARM FOR THEIR ALREADY STELLAR TEAM

The Los Angeles Dodgers are at it again, like that one kid in your neighborhood Monopoly game who buys every property, throws down hotels, and then has the audacity to shrug when everyone else is bankrupt. This offseason, they're not just trying to win—they’re trying to assemble the Avengers of MLB. And sure, if it’s within the rules, there’s technically nothing wrong with it. But let’s be real: it’s absolutely infuriating.

Their latest moves? Signing lefty ace Tanner Scott for a cool four years and $72 million, and following that up by snagging Kirby Yates, one of 2024’s best relievers. Because, apparently, having a bullpen that’s merely excellent wasn’t enough. Oh, and don’t forget the rest of their historic offseason shopping spree: Roki Sasaki, Blake Snell, Teoscar Hernández (re-signed), Michael Conforto, Hyeseong Kim, and Blake Treinen (also re-signed). At this point, the only thing missing is Shohei Ohtani pitching one inning while playing center field in the next.

But let’s focus on Sasaki for a second—because that one has rival execs lighting up group chats with conspiracy theories. The whispers are deafening: was there a pre-existing deal between Sasaki and the Dodgers? Was MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred asleep at the wheel? Rival teams are livid, and frankly, they’ve got a point. Sasaki’s decision supposedly “came down” to the Dodgers, Padres, and Blue Jays, but everyone with a pulse knew this was ending in Dodger blue. And then, just hours after signing Sasaki, they drop the Tanner Scott deal. Coincidence? Yeah, and I’m a Cy Young contender.

Meanwhile, the Dodgers’ rotation now looks like it was assembled in a video game, their bullpen is untouchable, and the rest of the league is left trying to figure out how to even compete. It’s like the rich kid showed up to the sandlot with a golden bat and hired a personal trainer just to flex on everyone else.

The Dodgers are ruining baseball. Sure, they’re technically playing by the rules, but when the rules let you stockpile talent like you’re hoarding limited-edition sneakers, maybe it’s time for a rulebook rewrite. Until then, the rest of us will be here, rolling our eyes, praying for an underdog miracle, and watching the Dodgers parade their All-Star roster like a kid showing off his Pokémon card collection. It’s getting old, L.A. Seriously.

SPRING TRAINING: CACTUS LEAGUE UNPLUGGED

Source: X

Well the Yankees are about where I expected as spring training moves into its midway point. With injuries already rearing their ugly head and a lot of growth needed, I am confident the Yankees will be competitive this year. And although I am used to following the Grapefruit League, this year, I had the opportunity to support teams out west in the Cactus League. So, if you bear with me, I will give you my take in Spring Training: Cactus League Unplugged.

Game 1: San Francisco Giants vs. Colorado Rockies Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, home of the both the Rockies and the Arizona Diamondbacks. Absolutely beautiful ballpark with great energy on a Monday afternoon. An absolute picturesque day for baseball. 

The game had depth, with a ton of back and forth, trading spaces for the lead. What was particularly fun was that the Giants seemed more like the New York Mets with Michael Conforto, and J.D. Davis headlining. Also present was the Panda himself Pablo Sandoval. 

It was a treat to see Kris Bryant at first base. He hit a bomb to give his team the lead for a time. The Rockies did eventually push through with a 12-10 win. And yes, you could not only get a sausage sandwich and a bag of peanuts but a fruit stick- literally just that, fruit on a stick.

Game 2: Los Angeles Angels vs. Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park in Mesa, AZ- aka little Wrigley Field. What a different experience. The field was outstanding giving it a Chicago feel in the middle of the desert. Chicago Dogs and Vienna Beef were plentiful. 

And on deck for all to enjoy was former Yankee Mike Tauchman who launched one out to the fences and gave the Cubs the lead in a tightly matched game. Alson the roster was Cody Bellinger, Dansby Swanson and former Met Dom Smith. For the Angels, yes, I believe he knew I was coming and performed exactly as I would expect- Aaron Hicks. What did he do you ask- struck out looking. Yep, I heckled. No, I am not ashamed. 

I enjoyed a Chicago Dog, a tour of little Wrigley, including roof top seating and some interesting beers. The staff could not have been more accommodating, thanking me for coming out. 

I drove past a few other parks including Diablo Stadium in Tempe, home of the Angels, which has some charm according to the locals. On the outskirts of Arizona State University, the park totes images of Mike Trout around campus, hoping to drive in some college students to its old school abode.  

Spring Training Cactus League style was a unforgettable experience. And although I wish I was in Florida visiting the Yankees, it was interesting to see how the other half or so lives out west. As we move into the midpoint of spring training, I am getting excited for what's ahead. Will the Yankees jump out ahead? Will they gel? Will they stay healthy? Answers for another time but the anticipation is amazing- I hope this feeling lasts. 

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

WHAT WASN'T LEFT UNDER THE YANKEES CHRISTMAS TREE - NOW WHAT?

Happy Day after Christmas, BYB family! Santa has come, the presents are unwrapped and we as Yankee fans have a lot to look forward to next season. I feel blessed, and I am looking forward to what comes next. There is a next according to Hal Steinbrenner. Now we can all wonder what that is exactly.

It was nice to get Aaron Judge and Carlos Rodon as early holiday presents. It was also nice to see the Mets swoop in and offer Carlos Correa a deal after the Giants got some cold feet only to watch the Mets raise their own concerns. It couldn't happen to a more deserving cheater. I know some people out there like Correa and have forgiven but I am not one of those people and I never will be. I'm just glad he was never going to be under the Yankees holiday tree. 

There are two names I recently wrote about that also weren't under the Yankees holiday tree and have new homes now. One name I wish was a Yankee holiday present and one not so much. I know the Yankees need outfield help and I know they were tied to Michael Conforto but I was never sold on him. He missed all of last season after having right shoulder surgery and that's a tough injury to come back from. He hasn't been a consistent and productive player in a while, and I didn't think the Yankees needed to pay him a short-term high dollar deal in hopes that it works out. That's exactly what happened, Scott Boras worked his magic and now the Giants can take on that risk. There are other options out there, and Brian Cashman will find them.

I wish the other option could have included Daulton Varsho, I even said he was THE ELITE OUTFIELDER THE YANKEES NEED TO GET NOW! and the Blue Jays obviously knew it too. Now I get to watch him play for a division rival and write about what the Yankees should have had. An elite defensive outfielder with a left-handed bat and power doesn't come along every day. I'm not gonna lie, it stings a little. Plugging him into our outfield would have been a game changer. Now I get to sit back and wonder about what could've been. It's hard not to get excited and passionate about baseball.... this was a move I really wanted to happen. Obviously, it wasn't meant to be now I have to patiently wait to see what is.

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday with your family and friends. I hope the rest of the holiday season brings you joy and I hope there are some more surprises that come our way soon. 

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj 

HAL TEASES "WE'RE NOT DONE YET" & WE'RE ALL READY & WAITING!

Well, it sounds like Hal Steinbrenner is ready to throw down with that other New York team. I can dig that, but what about Brian Cashman? He doesn't sound quite as pumped so hopefully his poker face pays off!

I don't care about what the Mets and Steve Cohen are doing. I only care about what we have done and what happens next. It certainly sounds like there is a next coming and so far, the Yankees payroll is at $230 million so how much more money will come out of Hal's piggy bank? We're all intrigued.

Two exciting things happened yesterday. The Yankees announced Aaron Judge as the 16th Yankee captain with a star appearance from Derek Jeter and Hal topped it off with a "all I can tell you is that we're not done yet" in regard to winter moves. That's one hell of a day. So now, what's up next? More bullpen help? Maybe. Or what about an upgrade in the outfield? That's something I would really like to see.

Maybe we will get that, but will it come from free agency or a trade? I'm not excited by any remaining outfielders on the market. I am not crossing my fingers and hoping the Yankees woo Michael Conforto away from the Mets. Just personal preference, so maybe it is a trade?

That's where Cashman's poker face comes in. "The free agent market is not as full of opportunities as potential trade markets," general manager Brian Cashman said on Wednesday, read more HERE. "Trade markets have been difficult, to be quite honest, in terms of finding matches that both organizations would be comfortable making. We are prepared to go with what we have internally."

Sounds like a poker face attempt. It's true the free agent market is not as enticing now.... but Cashman has pulled trades off before. He can make that happen; we've seen it. Now we just have to wait for what happens next and that's not easy.

The moves the Mets made have lit a fire under Hal, so he's not going to stay idle the rest of the offseason. I wonder what happens next.... because I don't think we are done. 

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj 

YANKEES TARGET TO REPLACE BENINTENDI STINKS!

I can't say I can relate to that statement since it isn't applicable to me....but that's what a coworker said to me after Andrew Benintendi split. I don't need to have the groin to know this one does sting when you took a deeper look at the dynamics.

I have been a Benintendi fan for a long time. When he played for the Boston Red Sox I hated that he played against us and he had the skills we really needed. How can you not love a 28-year old let handed hitter that makes contact? He's exactly what the Yankees needed so yes, I am bummed he is gone.

But maybe he didn't love the Yankees as much as I loved having him. Or maybe the Yankees finally realized their bad money management screwed them. I tend to believe the latter but last month we wrote RUMOR: BENINTENDI MIGHT NOT WANT TO TO RETURN TO THE YANKEES and I was hoping the rumor was wrong, and we may never know but maybe there was some truth to it.

I have a hard time believing that crappy bottom of the barrel Joey Gallo can get a one-year deal at $11 million but Benintendi was only worth five years at $75 million? Sure, his injury didn't help last season but this is a guy that doesn't have an extensive injury history and can hit and field more consistently than ANYONE on the Yankees roster. He's as valuable as they come so the fact that he left for the White Sox stings. 

That contract is one the Yankees shouldn't have even blinked at, but since they have too many other bad contracts on the books and are looking at paying hefty taxes thanks to the luxury tax I believe they screwed themselves. Now the Yankees are looking at "Plan B" and honestly shouldn't even be an option! You can read more HERE in case you missed it but come on....seriously....Michael Conforto? That's just laughable! That should be a hard pass. I don't care that he's a lefty, he's a huge risk. The Yankees would be better off giving Harrison Bader an opportunity because he impressed last season and guess what....he's cheaper.

Looking at the business side of things, losing Benintendi particularly hurts considering the Yankees gave up a trio of good mid-level pitching prospects in righties Beck Way, T.J. Sikkema and Chandler Champlain. Hindsight is 20/20 but losing good prospects for a short term rental that got injured is hard to swallow.

I'm trying to look forward, but it is hard. This one hurts in more ways than one. Hopefully the pain subsides but it will if I have to listen to Brian Cashman and Aaron Boone tell us how great Aaron Hicks is going to be as the starter in LF this year I will lose my mind!

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj 

FOUR TARGETS THE YANKEES ARE LOOKING TO SIGN!

Aaron Judge is the big fish, but he's not the only one out there. Remember, the Yankees didn't get very far in the post season for a few reasons. Judge wasn't the only reason. Their offense stunk and pitching was a little shaky. I had said it all year; I said the Yankees looked great for most of the season, but it's in those short series that you truly find what kind of team you have. The Yanks didn't have it, and so, we really need to think about what to do to improve.

There are some names attached to the Yankees this offseason. I wanted to share four of them with you. Do with it what you want. The rumor season is always a weird one built up with clicks and ideas. So, in the end, who knows what will really happen. But I wanted to share the names anyway... because it's fun.

Pablo Lopez:

The Yankees liked this guy back in August. But nothing ever happened.  Now, his name is back in the fold and this time he's connected to Gleyber Torres to make it a reality. Jon Heyman tweets this:

Biggest name hear available in trade so far is Marlins pitcher Pablo Lopez. Fish need hitters! Came close to dealing him to Yankees at deadline in a Gleyber Torres deal.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 8, 2022

Yanks go Yard says this:

"The Marlins need hitters and they have a plethora of starting pitchers, with Lopez slowly becoming expendable because he’s a free agent after 2024 who likely won’t be re-signed due to the other emerging arms in the organization. He’s expected to make $6.3 million in arbitration in 2023, which would be a cost-effective price for a pitcher of his caliber as well as the Yankees’ needs (a No. 4 and 5 behind Gerrit Cole, Nestor Cortes and Luis Severino)."

My take? I think Lopez will turn into another Frankie Montas. Looks decent when not in a big market like New York... nerves get the best of him IN New York.  While I do see Gleyber Torres getting moved this off season, I don't want it to be for Lopez.

Michael Conforto:

Why Conforto you ask? I ask that too... why the hell do we want Michael Conforto?  Heyman writes "Conforto, said to be healthy now, would fit Yankee Stadium..."  But why Jon, because he's available and a lefty hitter? Conforto batted .232 in 2021. And he did not play a single inning in 2022. Hardly a powerhouse and definitely not better than what we already have in the outfield. You wanna dump Hicks for him? Sure, then maybe it's an upgrade. But just getting Conforto for the sake of getting him is ridiculous. Heyman doesn't seem to get that missing a year can be a severe blow to a player's ability. Conforto may be fine, but he also could be a bust. Hard sell. 

Andrew Benintendi:

No brainer. The Yankees had Andrew this year and are interested in retaining him in 2023. Benny wants to come back, and so now it's just a matter of time to get that done. Bleacher Report writes:

"Benintendi was supposed to be their answer after they acquired him from the Kansas City Royals, but his season ended Sept. 2 when a pitch broke his wrist. The 28-year-old hit .304/.373/.399 in 126 games with the Royals and Yankees last season."

It's respectable, and definitely a hell of a lot better than taking a chance on Conforto.

Carlos Rodon:

David Cone says this of Rodon:

"Carlos Rodon is in a class by himself. Upper-90s fastball. Left-handed. Power pitcher. Coming off a great year. He’s a cut above. He’s going to command a big deal wherever he goes, as long as you can get past his medicals. He does have a little bit of an injury history. But he certainly had a great year last year once again with the Giants.”

He is not wrong. Yahoo Sports writes:

"Rodon proved the last two seasons that when he’s right physically, he’s one of the best pitchers in baseball.

The southpaw pitched to a 2.37 ERA over 24 starts for the White Sox in 2021, posting a 0.957 WHIP and an eye-popping 185 ERA-plus.

Then last season, after signing a short-term deal (due to his injury history) with the Giants, he went 14-8 with a 2.88 ERA over 31 starts. He racked up 237 strikeouts over 278 innings, and his K rate of 12 per nine innings was the best in the majors for a starting pitcher."

While it appears to be a smart move, it comes down to money, and how this guy will perform in a place like Yankee stadium.  Plus, you always have to factor in injury, which, is an issue with this guy.

Yes. the Yankees are connected to a lot of other guys as well, including Justin Verlander and Cody Bellinger, but I just don't see those names as guys with a big upside. We definitely do not need Bellinger, and while Verlander has been dominant in 2022, I just don't see this guy wanting to come to New York. I mean, I'd love it, but I don't think the marriage is possible.

More names soon.  Stay tuned.

In the meantime, get to shopping. Great deals on the BYB store! Be sure to check it out. Requests are being taken as well, so let me know what you want made and I will do it!

CLINT FRAZIER STRIKES & LEADS THE MLB ROUNDUP THIS WEEK!

Source: Newsday

Another great week to be a Yankee fan as they completely humiliate the Orioles in another series.
Clint Frazier, has been on a roll. Smacking two out of the park on Tuesday night improving his line from .259/.293/.463 to .268/.300/.518. Gleyber Torres joined in the fun Monday night with his fourth multi-homer game of the year.  Red Thunder and Gleyber Day stole the show this week for sure!

ALERT! Fun Factoid: Frazier’s home runs helped the Orioles yield their 100th home run in their 48th game. The previous record held by 2000 Royals, achieving this in 57 games. It really doesn’t mean anything, except that it is embarrassing, and our team helped them get there.

Source: NYDailyNews

Some bad news for the Yankee round up is that our veteran lefty CC Sabathia was placed on the 10-day IL even though he earned the win against the Orioles Wednesday night. The injury does not seem very severe, so a short stay on the IL seems likely at the moment.

The Mets in proper fashion are plagued with injuries. Most interestingly, Yoenis Cespedes, allegedly falling into a hole on his St. Lucie ranch, fractured his ankle. Yea. Remember that guy? I don’t. Guess we won’t be seeing him ever.

Mets have also lost Jeff McNeil, Robinson Cano, Michael Conforto, and Brandon Nimmo. The IL is becoming a little too full for my liking.

Source: CBS Sports

In better news, Rajai Davis has a call-up story he will never forget. Hopping into his Uber from Pennsylvania to Queens, Davis bonded with his driver for the next two hours. Six innings after arriving at Citi Field, Davis hit a three-run homer in his first Mets appearance.

“I’m just really grateful and thankful for the opportunity that the front office gave me,” Davis said. “I appreciate it. I’m trying to make an impact right away, and I was fortunate enough to be put in that position to make something happen,” reported MLB.com.

Source: CBS Sports

Zack Greinke, former Dodger and current Diamondback, still not a favorite of Suzie Pintstripe and me, has joined the 2,500 strikeout club. Greinke is the 37th pitcher to reach 2,500 strikeouts and the fifth active. Others include CC Sabathia (now at 3020), Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, and Felix Hernandez.

“I think we all need to sit back and appreciate what that means and who we have throwing for us every fifth day,” D-backs manager Torey Lovullo said. “He’s a very special, special pitcher,” reported MLB.com.

Source: NBC Sports

The White Sox had a very rare feat in their game on Wednesday, getting a triple-play and grand slam in one game. The triple-play was performed by Yoan Moncada, Yolmer Sanchez, and Jose Abreu.

“There's a lot of things that have to go well for that to occur,” manager Rick Renteria said. “You have to be well within range of that bag and be able to release it. They got it out of their gloves, getting it in and out quickly. Marisnick's fleet of foot. Everything had to be perfect.”

 

Source: The Chicago Tribune

Charlie Tilson is responsible for the grand slam, which also counted as his first big league home run. The White Sox are only the fourth team in the last 40 years to have hit a grand slam and turned a triple play in the same game.

Another week in the books! Cannot wait to sit with a glass of wine by the beach this weekend and watch our teams get some wins.  Happy Memorial Day Weekend!!

--Missy O'Rourke
BYB Contributor
Twitter: @missy_orourke

YANKEES DOMINATE IN BYB'S MLB FRIDAY ROUNDUP

Source: Charles Wenzelberg- NY Post

With the Yankees off as the Tampa Bay Rays make their way to the Stadium for a three game set this weekend, baseball continued to please fans across the country with exciting plays and intriguing stories throughout the MLB this week.



Kicking things off with baby bomber Gleyber Torres seems a good place to start this week's highlights as Torres made it clear that Gleyber Day is here to stay in the Bronx.  Torres hit three home runs during the Yankees double header sweep against the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday evening. The 22-year-old’s performance joined Joe DiMaggio as the youngest Yankees to have a three-homer day.

"It's really good," Torres said. "In a doubleheader, we felt really tired in the second game for sure, but you just focus and do the job to help the team. I think there's no better feeling than when you do the job and you help your team,"reported MLB.com.

Source: USA Today

Aroldis Chapman also came in clutch during the doubleheader, pitching scoreless innings and earning his 10th and 11th saves. It was a great week to be a Yankee!

Source: NY Daily News

The Mets are well...doing Mets things such as Michael Conforto suffering a concussion after colliding with Robinson Cano on Thursday. Jeff McNeil also leaving the same game with lower abdominal tightness.

“We had some tough things happen today, but we’re not going to give up,” manager Mickey Callaway said. “Those guys in there definitely will never quit," reported the NY Post.

The Mets are on their way to Miami which will helpful help the team get few wins after this disaster.

Speaking of Derek Jeter's Marlins (10-30), the team is currently on pace for the most losses in a season since 1899. Not a record you want to break. After trading away their biggest players, Giancarlo Stanton and Christian Yelich, things have gone straight downhill for the team. I thought maybe getting rid of that terrible home run statue/fountain/nightmare in the outfield would maybe help the team but I guess it isn’t that easy.

Source: CBS Sports

Keston Hiura, the Brewer’s number one prospect (15th overall in MLB) learned he was headed to the majors less than two years after being selected by Milwaukee.  Hiura did not disappoint and finished the night 2-for-3, becoming only the fourth Brewers player to reach base three times in his debut, the first since 1976.

“It wasn’t nerves; it was more just soaking in the moment,” Hiura said. “The lights are brighter, grass is greener, dirt is nicer; everything just stands out to you. I was really just soaking it all in. It hasn’t really hit me yet, but I’m quite sure it will sometime soon," reported MLB.com

That’s all for this week! Here’s to hoping out teams continue to improve and we have another exciting week of baseball.  Let's sweep the Rays and the Orioles in the coming two series.

--Missy O'Rourke
BYB Contributor
Twitter: @missy_orourke