DEVERS JUST FORCED THE RED SOX TO PURSUE ANTHONY RIZZO

Let’s not dance around it—Rafael Devers is being a diva. A high-paid, lineup-clogging, glove-averse diva. The Red Sox asked him to do the team a solid and play first base after Triston Casas went down for the year. Seems like a reasonable ask, right? You’d think he was asked to fix the bullpen or pitch the ninth inning with the way he reacted.

Devers didn’t just decline. He dug in. “I don’t think it’s the best decision,” he said through a translator, adding that he’s only played the position for a couple of months in his life. Boo hoo. Welcome to baseball, where grown men switch positions when their team needs them—unless you’re Rafael Devers, apparently, in which case it’s everyone else's problem.

Now, let’s be honest: Devers refusing to play first base is a bad look. But—ironically—it might be the best thing to happen to the Red Sox this month. Why? Because it’s forcing them to look outward. And that brings us to the most obvious, clean-cut, veteran solution on the market: Anthony Rizzo.

Think about it. Rizzo is a three-time All-Star, a Gold Glove first baseman, and a World Series champ. He’s not the hitter he once was, but he still brings a professional at-bat, plays smooth defense, and won’t throw a tantrum if you ask him to actually wear a glove. He’s exactly the kind of low-risk, high-character move the Red Sox should’ve been making all along.

Instead, they’ve been stuck in neutral—hoping Devers would put on his big-boy pants and help out in the infield. But no, Devers is too busy protecting his turf at third and loafing around as a designated hitter, while the team’s defense at first has all the range of a folding chair.

Luckily, Rizzo is out there, and he's practically gift-wrapped for Boston. MassLive’s Chris Cotillo even floated the idea on Foul Territory, and honestly, it makes way too much sense. He’d bring leadership to a clubhouse that clearly needs it, and unlike Devers, he’d probably be grateful to have a glove in his hand again.

The Red Sox need to act. This is their chance to turn a locker room problem into a roster upgrade. Sign Rizzo, slot him in at first, and let Devers DH his way through the summer with whatever pride he thinks he’s protecting. At least that way, Boston gets a real first baseman and maybe, just maybe, sends a message to the rest of the team: you don’t get to pick and choose when you’re a team player.

So yeah, Rafael Devers might be pouting in the corner, but the Red Sox? They’ve got a path forward—and it looks a lot like Anthony Rizzo.

I wonder if the Sox will make that move.

ANOTHER TORPEDO BAT & PORTNOY WHINES TOO MUCH

The weekend showdown with the Yankees and the Torpedo Bats was something else. But the most absurd complaint? That honor goes to none other than Dave Portnoy—who, at this point, is just a guy with too much time, too much money, and no idea what to do with either. His entire existence seems to revolve around whining, making his ridiculous "emergency press conference" videos, and, oh yeah, spreading nonsense.

Emergency Press Conference - The Yankees Torpedo bat needs to be banned before it ruins baseball @stoolpresidente pic.twitter.com/04w5Zz1s50

— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) March 30, 2025

Case in point: the man actually claimed Aaron Judge was swinging a Torpedo Bat. Judge, who literally said, "No, I’m not," and, by the way, anyone with functioning eyes could just watch his at-bats and see—no Torpedo Bat. But sure, Dave, let’s run with that. Journalism at its finest. Fake news, bro. Go touch grass.

The best part was when Chisholm wrote back to him on Twitter saying “This is a high school baller talking.” Gotta love that, and Jazz is right.

Now, for the real story. The Yankees aren’t the only ones trying out these new bats, and the latest advocate comes from the Minnesota Twins: catcher Ryan Jeffers. His bat? A fancy new "bowling pin" style version of the Torpedo Bat. And he made a killer point while talking to ESPN’s Jeff Passan:

"There's new pitches getting invented every year. We're just swinging the same broomstick we've swung for the last 100 years."

He’s got a point. Pitchers keep evolving—why shouldn’t hitters? MLB’s rulebook is clear: as long as it’s a single piece of solid wood and within the size limits, it’s fair game. These bats aren’t illegal; they’re just optimized. And isn’t that what baseball is all about? The never-ending chess match between pitcher and batter?

Meanwhile, Portnoy should maybe shift his energy elsewhere if he wants to talk about cheating. Like, say, figuring out why the Red Sox just signed Bregman—a certified cheater—while their actual franchise guy, Rafael Devers, is getting squeezed out. Smart move, Boston. Real smart.

Anyway, back to baseball that actually matters—shoutout to Ryan Jeffers for backing innovation. The game is evolving, and I, for one, am here for it. 

THE TRADE IDEA THAT WILL MAKE EVERYONES HEAD EXPLODE

Alright, let’s get this out of the way—Rafael Devers in pinstripes sounds about as likely as Fenway Park serving up Nathan’s hot dogs. But, history tells us that the Yankees and Red Sox have done business before, so should we completely rule out the possibility? New York Yankees on SI has an idea.

According to Sean McAdam of MassLive, Devers reportedly considered asking for a trade before ultimately telling the media he’d be open to switching positions if Boston brought in former Astros third baseman (and noted trash-can enthusiast) Alex Bregman. That’s right—there’s friction in Beantown, and honestly, Devers is the better player. Bregman carries both an aging bat and the baggage of, well, that whole thing.

Now, let’s talk logistics. Devers doesn’t have a no-trade clause, meaning the Red Sox could ship him off to the highest bidder without losing any sleep over his preferences. If Boston wants to move on, they’re well within their rights to do so—especially if relations have turned sour.

But what could the Yankees even offer? The package would have to be massive. Think Jasson Domínguez, Spencer Jones, Will Warren—heck, maybe they toss in Marcus Stroman just for fun. If that happens, the power dynamic could shift instantly. Suddenly, Boston would have a nice collection of future stars, and the Yankees… well, they’d have Devers.

Would it be worth it? Well, Devers hit .272 in 2024 with 143 hits, 28 home runs, 83 RBIs, and 87 runs in 138 games. That’s a massive upgrade at third base over DJ LeMahieu (who seems permanently banged up) and the Oswald/Oswaldo experiment.

Realistically, this is all just a pipe dream. No one actually expects it to happen… but then again, baseball has a way of surprising us. Stay tuned.

COLE CRACKS UNDER PRESSURE & LEAVES ME WITH DOUBT FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER!

I'm still trying to wrap my head around Saturday's game. I blinked thousands of times thinking what I saw was an illusion. Gerrit Cole doesn't intentionally walk a guy with one out and nobody on! That doesn't happen.... that's crazy! But it did.

It makes no sense. So WHY did it happen? There have been so many stories posted about this with different viewpoints. No matter what the reasoning is behind it, it just shouldn't have happened. It's just another Aaron Boone screw up. Why that decision in that scenario would even play out is just a huge baseball blunder. Baboonie says he takes the blame for it HERE but that just isn't good enough.

Call it a miscommunication all you want, but that strategy with Matt Blake and Cole in the tunnel was a disaster. Were there no scenarios discussed at all? Baseball is a game of strategy, but it sounds like the strategy was completely omitted. It sounds like it was just a "don't pitch to Rafael Devers" conversation gone wrong. Intentional walks certainly have their place in baseball.... just not there.

So has Gerrit Cole lost his nerve? He's always been a big game pitcher and embraced it.... until Saturday. I've always believed that Cole puts a lot of thought and analysis into his starts. He's calculated against batters, has a plan and knows their strengths and weaknesses. He also knew that Devers had his number, his .333BA and nine home runs painted an ugly picture. Cole knew Devers was going to be a thorn in his side. He needed to calculate accordingly on Saturday, and he failed. Cole said he thought he bought into the plan early on, and then Baboonie said Cole did overthink it.

Cole the big game pitcher wasn't on that mound when Devers came to the plate. He wanted no part of Devers, he was focused on Devers stats against him. The current Cy Young pitcher was missing in action, that's the only explanation I have there. You don't become one by backing down from opponents. You have to show some swagger and guts. That's not what we saw on Saturday, because you don't intentionally walk a guy in the fourth inning with one out and nobody on. That's when you ATTACK the strike zone and go balls to the wall. 

So what has happened to Cole? Is he still an ace? I'm not going to lie.... I see him differently now. He backed down against Devers and the lowly Red Sox. The team on the outside looking in for post season berth. Even if Devers would've homered off him, it would've only been one run instead of seven over two innings of work. He lost it. The question is, did he lose it just once.... or has he lost it for good?

I want to forget Saturday. Maybe not as much as Cole....but that was bad. That wasn't an ace on the mound Saturday. I just hope he comes back because we need him now more than ever.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

YANKEES LACK OF OFFENSE WILL BE THEIR UNDOING

Source: ESPN

Yes, the Aaron Judge grand slam on Friday night gave me faith but the 7-1 loss to the Red Sox on Saturday afternoon erased it. The inability for this 2024 team to string together a series of wins is laughable and deflating at the same time; especially against teams that have no shot of making the post season. When I boil it down it is simply, the Yankees lack of offense will be their undoing.

Saturday's game against the Red Sox was abysmal. "Gerrit Cole allowed a season-high seven earned runs on five hits, three walks, and three hit batsmen. It was a stunningly poor performance for Cole, who is projected as New York’s Game 1 starter in the postseason," wrote the The Athletic. But what is equally concerning is that the Yankees had no answer for the Red Sox's hitting.

Source: The Athletic

"In the fifth inning, Boston continued pouring it on as Cole struggled. In a fitting moment, Rafael Devers faced Cole with the bases loaded. He hit a two-run single, and then two batters later, Yoshida added a two-run single of his own. Cole’s day ended after 4 1/3 innings pitched," reported The Athletic.

But the Yankees' inability to counter the Red Sox is worrisome. Yes, the grand slam was a good answer, an excellent answer to the Yankees 4-0 run deficit on Friday. But how do they let the Red Sox score 7 the next day with no recourse. 

"I think we were paying attention to the standings a couple of weeks ago, and I think that's when we just kept going back and forth, kind of passing the lead," Judge said. "We all talked in this room and said, 'Hey, if we just focus on us and what we got to do, we'll be where we want to be.' So hopefully nobody's looking at the standings. I'm certainly not," reported ESPN. I get that, but you still have to win ball games, particularly these ball games coming down the stretch against teams like the Sox who's season is over mathematically. 

Source: Robert Sabo for the NY Post

It is very simple. Hit. And in particular situationally hit, which is something the Yankees don't do well. They rely on the home run and it is not working. Aaron Judge was shocked to hear that his home run on Friday night was the first in 16 games. "Was it 16 games? I didn't really know that," Judge said. "It's just another day. I really don't focus on hitting homers. I don't focus on any of that. I've got a job to do," reported ESPN. Yes, as we well know, it is the Yankees brass that emphasize the home run. But big blasts can't be the end all be all. There has to be more if the Yankees are going to support days like Friday and Saturday when starting pitching is not going to hold down their opponents. 

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

A RIDICULOUSLY SUBJECTIVE & SKEWED TOP 5 MLB PLAYERS LIST JUST CAME OUT...

Baseball is built on fandom and the players are there because they are talented. And picking guys as "top" guys is usually based on popularity, who's hot, who's not and once again... the fans.

Ben Verlander came out with a top 5 MLB players list today. I don't understand why we are hanging on every word Ben Verlander says but we are.  I mean, what are his credentials? He's Justin Verlander's younger brother. He played baseball. OK... and then what?  My point is why is he important? But this isn't actually about Ben. DON'T TROLL HIM. He's a good dude, has great ideas, he's a good-looking guy, smart.  

But to put his name on a "TOP 5 MLB Players" list is to just get this guy trolled and that's not fair to Ben. Why? Because look at the list FOX is getting behind.

First off, are these the Top 5 MLB Players of the Decade? Of the season? Of the week? Why do you ask? Here's why.  

Mike Trout may be the best player in baseball since he got into the pros. That's a fact. Bryce Harper had a great week last week, is he in the Top 5?  And we all know Cody Bellinger is a total gamer even though he's batting .202. What about him? Should he have been considered? And let's even go further as a baseball AND Yankee fan...

When you're talking the most meaningful hits with games on the line, bottom line is this year, at this moment, it's Aaron Judge! Hands down. 

Judge SHOULD be #1.  But you want to know why Ohtani is #1? Because MLB props this guy up because he's a two way player. But you know what? There should be more two ways in the Major Leagues. Here's the problem high schools and colleges make players 'pitchers only' or players and they don't have a choice. And so, by the time they get to the Majors they don't get to choose to be a two way. But Shohei Ohtani is an international player, signed a big contract and he was able to demand what he wanted.  And now, because of that, he's beloved.  But look at his numbers...

Ohtani is a .257 hitter this year. And pitching? His ERA is 2.78 and a 3-2 record this year. Strikeouts? 46 in 6 games. HARDLY THE BEST.

You know who's better? Several pitchers, but Max Scherzer is 4-1 with a 2.66 ERA and 55 strikeouts. 

And what about Justin Verlander? 5-1 with a 1.38 ERA? Those numbers alone move Ohtani down the list, maybe even knock him off the list. And what's worse is Justin was ignored. Why? Because Ben Verlander can't pick Justin because they're brothers.  And that's the ONLY reason, but we all know that Verlander is better than Ohtani.

Look, I in no way want to give Ben Verlander a hard time. But lists like this one are clearly political and strategic and orchestrated and silly.  And the biggest word? Subjective, especially if you're a baseball fan, because we all have lists.  

If we're making lists, here's my 19-year old's list, who, by the way, has no credentials other than he plays college ball and loves the game. 

1. Aaron Judge

2. Manny Machado

3. Mike Trout

4. Nolan Arenado

5. Rafael Devers

And by the way... YOU WILL HAVE DIFFERENT PICKS. That's my point... backing a list that is so skewed is madness.

And I'm curious... what's your list? If you're on Twitter, RT and list your top 5. I'd love to see it.

CHOKED AND SWEPT!

Two weeks ago I had a lot of hope. It looked like we were turning a corner after winning a series against one of the better teams in baseball. It was a brief euphoric feeling of 4.5 games out of first place and getting back into third place in the division.

Now here we are 6.5 games back again and back to fourth place after being swept for the SECOND time this season by the Red Sox. It's another low that none of us can really take anymore. It's a bad rollercoaster ride that I would really love to get off of.

Anytime Gerrit Cole is on the mound there is both great confidence and expectation that the Yankees are going to win. It was a chance to salvage one game, but it went downhill fast. Cole gave up four runs in the first inning including a three run home run by Rafael Devers. In the first inning Cole used his entire pitching arsenal and it was ugly. It all added up to Cole giving up six runs (five earned) on eight hits including three home runs in his worst start as a Yankee.

The Yankees are 21-23 against teams that are above .500, have allowed more runs in a game than they have scored and are now in their fourth losing streak of at least three games in less than a month. This is not a formula to get into the postseason. Here's what the Yankees record looks like against other teams in the AL East:

Red Sox:  6-0

Rays:  5-8

Blue Jays:  6-6

Orioles:  6-4

It's just another reminder of how bad 2021 has been for this team, and we are practically in July so time is quickly running out. It's time to be realistic and accept what has failed to start to fix it. This is nothing short of an organizational flawed concept everything from the General Manager (Brian Cashman), the manager (Aaron Boone), the entire coaching staff, the player development and scouting departments. It's not just one fix and Hal Steinbrenner is the only one who can pull his head out of his rear end and start making some changes. Not all of them all at once, in the middle of a season....but it's time to clean house.

It's time to be realistic now. This team has a lot of flaws that aren't just on the field every night. It's deeper than that. It's easy to point the finger at Cole and the lackluster offense....but that's not the only reason why Cole choked and the Yankees got swept. To fix the problem, it's time to fix the culture too.

  --Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

     BYB Managing Editor

    Twitter: @nyprincessj

HICKS IS STILL PISSED

Aaron Hicks is still not over the ALCS loss last season. By the way, neither are us fans. But this is what I like about this; Hicks goes off script and doesn't do the typical media stance to show his baseball professionalism. Instead, he's honest and goes public with it... and I love it.

ESPN has this:

"'I'm still not over it,' Yankees center fielder Aaron Hicks said Saturday. 'I'm not over it until we win.' ...

Although Saturday's game was an exhibition that featured only one of Boston's regular players -- Rafael Devers -- it was the first between the two clubs since Boston's series-clinching, 4-3 victory in the Bronx in Game 4 of the ALDS in October. 

'I want to win a World Series,' Hicks continued. 'I'm tired of losing. We've come so close, but I'm tired of saying we came close.'"

Love this.

Rally the troops, Aaron, Let's go!

I KNOW WHERE MIKE MOUSTAKAS IS GOING

I know, you've heard enough about Mike Moustakas. Well... I have some thoughts.  Here it goes...

Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Moustakas is in trouble in his quest to get a big, free agent contract. Look, he is a top 5 free agent and was expected to get a deal of 5 years, $85 million. Plus, he's coming off of a great season where he hit 38 homers for the Royals. But what's the deal?   Well, I see it as a real possibility that he is unable to get a long-term deal.  Here's why...

Third Base is already set on the following teams:

Photo: WEEI.com

--Boston Red Sox: Rafael Devers, a top prospect. By the way, the DH is also locked up.

--Cleveland Indians: Jose Ramirez. The DH is also locked up with Encarnacion.

--Detroit Tigers: Jeimer Candelario, a top prospect they got from Cubs for Justin Wilson. The DH is Victor Martinez.

Photo: AP

--Houston Astros: Alex Bregman. The DH is Marwin Gonzalez.

--Los Angeles Angels: Just signed Zack Cozart to play 3B.

Photo: USA Today

--Minnesota Twins: Miguel Sano. Now, the DH slot might be open, but if Twins spend money, it will be on pitching.

Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images

--Oakland A's: Matt Chapman, a top prospect. The DH is Kris Davis

--Seattle Mariners: Kyle Seager. The DH is Nelson Cruz

--Tampa Bay Rays: Christian Arroyo, a top prospect they just got from the Giants for Longoria.

Photo: Dallas Morning News

--Texas Rangers: Adrian Beltre. The DH is Choo.

--Toronto Blue Jays: Josh Donaldson. The DH is Kendrys Morales.

--Arizona Diamondbacks: Jake Lamb. He had 30 HR, 105 RBIs last year.

--Chicago Cubs: Kris Bryant. Need I say more?

--Cincinnati Reds: Eugenio Suarez. 26 homers, 82 RBIs last year.

--Colorado Rockies: Nolan Arenado

--LA Dodgers: Justin Turner

Photo: Getty Images

--Milwaukee Brewers: Travis Shaw. 31 HR, 101 RBIs last year

--Philadelphia Phillies: Maikel Franco. He had 24 homers and 76 RBIs last year

--San Diego Padres: Chase Headley

--San Francisco Giants: Evan Longoria

--Washington Nationals: Anthony Rendon

This leaves only 9 teams that are potentially in the market for a third baseman. Of those 9 teams however, there are 4 that are clearly not going to spend money on a big free agent. Those are...

--Chicago White Sox: The youth movement is happening. They are unlikely to make a big money signing while they are rebuilding.

--Atlanta Braves: Youth movement – not spending money on big free agents

--Miami Marlins: Um. No.

Photo: Getty Images

--Pittsburgh Pirates: They are not seeking to contend after trading away Gerrit Cole and Andrew McCutchen. So they won’t give out a big free agent contract now. Bottom line.

So what does this all mean? It means the only teams that are legitimate options for Moustakas are the following, listed in order of likelihood in my opinion:

--New York Mets: This is the best fit out of all the teams. They have nobody at third. But this team is simply too cheap to give Moustakas a big long-term contract for $15M+ per year.

--Baltimore Orioles: Yes, they have Machado, but I suppose if he plays short, the Orioles can sign a third baseman. But look, I think it's unlikely though, as this would preclude them from keeping Machado at 3rd long-term if they re-sign him. Look, Baltimore is already burned by the bad, long-term contracts that they just signed with Chris Davis and Mark Trumbo. So I find it unlikely that they would sign Moustakas long-term. But hey, anything is possible.

--New York Yankees: They won’t sign Mike Moustakas long-term due to the salary cap and their desire to go for Machado next off season. But look, if he takes a lower priced 1 or 2 year deal, this is possible. Something to think about.

--Kansas City Royals: If the Royals lose out on Hosmer which is definitely possibly, they could turn to Moustakas.  I just don’t think they want to spend right now when they know they are far from contending.

--St. Louis Cardinals: The Cards have Jedd Gyorko at 3rd and he's signed for 4 more years, $37M. But he could also play 2B if they acquired a 3rd baseman. They also have Kolten Wong at second who hit .285 last year. And so, signing Moustakas for third is probably unlikely, but not impossible to see, so I included them here.

Out of the 9 teams that don’t already have clearly established 3rd baseman, only 5 can be considered a real possibility to sign Moustakas. And there are real issues with feeling confident that any of these teams would be willing to do so, especially on a long-term big-money deal.

And so, like I opened with, I think Moustakas is in trouble and will ultimately have to settle for a 1 or 2-year deal somewhere. If he becomes willing to sign a 1-year deal, then the Yanks would clearly be interested.  They have $20 million under the cap, but would want to leave some space for a deadline acquisition.  I'm going with a 1 year, $14 million deal. What do you think?

Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Anyway, here's my prediction. Moustakas goes to the Mets. Despite the cheapness, they are the best fit.  Moose is predicted to get a 5-year, $85M contract, but when Moustakas’ price tag comes down because he has no other options, the Mets might hop in there and get him for about 3 years, $45 million. It makes a ton of sense. Plus, it would be a great signing for them. Then again... the Orioles still pop in my mind.  They can easily put him at 3rd and put Machado at short and then they have a replacement for Machado, who is obviously leaving in free agency.

A lot to digest... but there's way to much garbage out on Moustakas right now.  I had to put things in better sense for you all.  No better place than on BYB.





--Douglas Solomon
BYB Writer

JUDGE & MONTGOMERY GET THE 'TOPPS' TREATMENT

Get it? Topps? Like Topps Cards? The latest press release from Topps is right here:

"Yankee standouts Aaron Judge and Jordan Montgomery were today named among the 11 MLB players selected to the Topps All-Star Rookie Team.

The right fielder Judge, the presumptive candidate for A.L. Rookie of the Year and a finalist for league MVP, slashed .284/.422/.627 with 52 home runs and 114 RBI in his first full season in the big leagues. The 25-year-old also won the Home Run Derby and was selected to the All-Star Game.
Montgomery, 24, a surprise addition to the rotation out of spring training, pitched to a 9-7 record and 3.88 ERA, starting 29 games and tossing 155 1/3 innings, both third on the squad.

Photo: Getty Images

'This is one of the most impressive Topps MLB All-Star Rookie Team classes I have seen,' said David Leiner, Vice President and General Manager of Topps North American Sports & Entertainment. 'It shows how incredibly popular baseball was this year with its young breakout stars. They join an incredible group of players who have won the Topps Rookie Cup in the past and will have the special logo appear on their Topps trading cards next season.'

For the second year in a row, baseball fans can get special TOPPS NOW® cards of the Topps MLB All-Star Rookie Team immediately with an exclusive set available on Topps.com.

Photo: Getty Images / Rafael Devers

Two other MLB teams had multiple players named to the Topps All-Star Rookie: the Boston Red Sox with outfielder Andrew Benintendi and third baseman Rafael Devers, and the Milwaukee Brewers with catcher Manny Pina and relief pitcher Josh Hader.

The members of the Topps MLB All-Star Rookie Team will have their 2018 flagship trading cards feature a 'Rookie Cup' logo depicting the honor.

Past honorees of the Topps MLB All-Star Rookie Team have included former MVPs such as Buster Posey, Ichiro, Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan and Cal Ripken Jr. In addition, more than 20 former Topps MLB All-Star Rookie Team members have been inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame including all three 2017 HOF inductees Jeff Bagwell, Tim Raines and Ivan Rodriguez.

Here's the full list of the 2017 Topps All-Star Rookie Team:

C – Manny Pina, Brewers
1B – Cody Bellinger, Dodgers
2B – Ian Happ, Cubs
SS – Paul DeJong, Cardinals
3B – Rafael Devers, Red Sox
OF – Aaron Judge, Yankees
OF – Andrew Benintendi, Red Sox
OF – Trey Mancini, Orioles
RHP – German Marquez, Rockies
LHP – Jordan Montgomery, Yankees
RP – Josh Hader, Brewers"

Pretty cool. Check out all this stuff at Topps.com.