SOMETIMES THE YANKEE HAIR POLICY STRIPS THE BALLS FROM CERTAIN PLAYERS...

Let's hope it doesn't happen to Devin Williams.

The Yankees’ hair policy has been a topic of debate for years, and honestly, I’m all for it because I love tradition. The Yankees are baseball’s version of a classic black tuxedo—clean, sharp, timeless. No names on the back of the jerseys. No wild hair or unruly beards. Just a uniform, in every sense of the word. Some fans adore it, others despise it. And let’s be real—there are definitely players who can’t stand it either.

Now, here’s the thing: hair matters. You think it doesn’t, but it does. It’s psychological. Some guys wear their hair like a badge of honor, like it holds some kind of baseball superpower. When a player walks into Yankee Stadium with a full-on lumberjack beard and walks out looking like he just enlisted in the military, it does something to him. Maybe he doesn’t pitch the same. Maybe he doesn’t hit the same. Maybe he looks in the mirror and doesn’t even recognize himself. It’s like stripping Superman of his cape and telling him to get over it. That’s not how this works.

Take Brian Wilson, for example. His beard wasn’t just facial hair—it was a whole personality. It was a movement. The guy looked like he belonged in a biker gang, and it worked for him. When the Yankees considered signing him, Brian Cashman didn’t even hesitate: “You can cross him off the list.” Why? Because Wilson refused to shave. That’s how serious this policy is.

And then there’s Don Mattingly. In 1991, the Yankees actually fined and benched him until he cut his hair. Imagine that. A guy could be batting .400, but if his sideburns got a little too ambitious, he was riding the pine. Andrew McCutchen later admitted that the rule made him uncomfortable during his time with the Yankees. Joba Chamberlain, a Yankee from 2007 to 2013, straight-up said he got kicked out of the dugout once and told to go shave.

So here we are, and history repeats itself. Enter Williams, the latest player to take on the Yankees’ razor-wielding tradition. He showed up to spring training with a beard, looking like his normal self. And then? Poof. By the time he started throwing, he was clean-shaven and looking like a different guy entirely. “I feel naked,” he admitted, according to Randy Miller of the Newark Star-Ledger. And honestly, I believe him.

But here’s what worries me: Williams will play ball, but what I don’t want is for him to lose his power. You know what I mean? The Yankees front office will roll their eyes and say, “It’s just superstition, get over it.” But that’s the thing—players are superstitious. They believe in this stuff. And when you strip them of something that makes them feel like themselves, you risk messing with their confidence, their swagger, their mojo.

Look, I get the tradition. I respect it. But baseball is a game built on rituals, weird habits, and unexplained magic. Some guys eat the same meal before every game. Some won’t step on the foul line. Some swear their batting gloves have good luck. And some? Some believe their hair is part of what makes them great. Sometimes, even the Yankees need to bend a little. Otherwise, what happens when a guy loses his beard and takes the mound feeling like a shell of his former self? That’s a risk no team should want to take.

Let's see what happens.

YOU GOT ALL WORKED UP FOR NOTHING

We ended up with JA Happ.  No Machado. No Harper. No Syndergaard. No nothing.  The Twitter experts don't know anything as we stated here on BYB. Just a lot of hot air.  Do we want a few big names? Sure we do. I for one would like to secure David Robertson and Ottavino. I stated that yesterday on Twitter.

I’d love @DRob30 and Ottavino. Just sayin’ #BYB

— Robert Casey (@BleednYankeeBlu) December 13, 2018

That being said, I have no knowledge they will... and that's the thing. It's all speculation and guesses. And in the end, the Yankees' Brian Cashman spent a week in Vegas and walked away with a familiar face... JA Happ.  And we all look like fools.  Many of your "sourced" stories were stupid. Face it... many of you know absolutely nothing. As my kids will tell me when I fill in for their mom on lunches or drop-offs at school... "You're doing it wrong."

On a side note, my favorite tweet was Andrew McCutchen, who quietly signed a 3 year deal with the Phillies.  It may have been the funniest video Tweet I've seen in a long time.

That moment you reportedly sign a new $50 Million deal with the Phillies 😂😂😂

(via @TheCUTCH22) pic.twitter.com/IisNuHKS0D

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) December 11, 2018

Love that dude. I wish him well.

And yes, Lance Lynn is on his way to the Rangers... but who cares. He was the Jaime Garcia of 2018. No one wanted the guy... we just needed him "in case".

Now look, there's no question Cashman laid the groundwork.  There's no question that moves will happen eventually. But what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas... until it's revealed at a later date.
We are seeing this now with Cash... the stealth genius.

Yankees need a few things. I personally love the Happ deal. But I do wonder if he'll pitter out at some point.  Did I want a more successful starter? I did, but I'm a fan, not an owner. I root for the uniform. It is what it is.

With the securing of Happ, the Yankees have now pivoted and rumors are flying that now they want to secure their pen.  No more starters... it's about relievers now... keep up. That's why I liked the idea of Robertson and Ottavino.

Bolster that pen. Make it unstoppable and more importantly, do NOT let DRob go to the Red Sox or the Mets.

If I had to predict, which I hate to do, I feel like a big fish is coming, but I don't know who that is.  The Yankees still have Sonny Gray I'm pretty sure he won't be there on opening day.

Will the Yankees get Machado? I doubt it.  But will the Yankees get Tulowitzki?  Makes better sense believe it or not.  That's usually how the Yankees operate. Plus, with Didi coming back, it makes better financial sense.  The downside? Troy gets hurt like...all the time... so I'm not sure it's smart. But there is no question that the Yankees are thinking about it.

But what else will happen? Let's be honest... NO IDEA.

And you know what? When it happens, we at Bleeding Yankee Blue will tell you.  We're not going to make up stories or get crazy. We will give it to you straight.

Enjoy your Friday. Don't get crazy. You've getting yourself all worked up for nothing.

WE CAN DO IT YANKEE FANS!

We've been here before. Look at last year.  We almost did it.  We can do it again.

I ask you, do you think we can do it?  For me, the short answer is yes, but the anxiety level is through the roof right now and the game isn't until tomorrow.

Yankee fans... we've been through hell and back with a lot of uncertainty this season, but in the end, the New York Yankees won 100 games.  That is not a bad team.

Photo: Getty Images

In fact, it's a team that learned to use the uncertainty and pivot to better themselves in the absence of some of our stars.  Not only that, we picked up some pretty significant pieces at the trade deadline... and after... and these guys have proven to be significant parts of this Yankee season.  You need to give Brian Cashman and Yankee brass credit. The outcome was pretty sweet considering all the stress of the season.

Photo: USA Today Sports

Now if I'm trying to figure out the starter for tomorrow's game (which we will know today at noon), I'm choosing a guy like Luis Severino… NOT J.A. Happ. The reason is simple.  Sevy can handle the A's, plus you have some important parts of the pen available to jump in... including someone like CC Sabathia if Sevy shits the bed.  And if Sevy is dominant, we save those guys.  The reason is because of Happ's record against Boston.  And sure, you can suggest 1 game at a time and use your best pitcher in the first game all you want, but Sevy earned that spot. Give him the ball.

Photo: New York Post

Happ has been lights out, but I would rather use him to try to get a jump on Boston early.

Then of course there's the A's, who it's being reported may be using an Opener, NOT a starter against the Yankees Wednesday night. NBC Sports writes:

Photo: Mercury News

"The A's still haven't announced their starting pitcher for Wednesday's American League Wild Card Game against the Yankees, but reliever/opener extraordinaire Liam Hendriks is the overwhelming favorite to get the ball. He likely will be followed by a cavalcade of relief pitchers out of Oakland's deep bullpen in New York. "

It's very interesting because it's backwards thinking and the Yankees have to strategize for that.  It could also just backfire for the A's all together.  We'll have to see who they announce.

Then of course you need to talk about the lineup. Who will be in and who won't be.  Judge will be there, but Judge needs to deliver now more than ever.  Voit needs to be a starter. His bat's too hot to not be. Andujar and Torres can't be quiet now.

They had outstanding seasons, but now they need to turn it up.  It's one of those things where we have been crying about wanting youth for years and now we have it and the Yanks have been great, but this is when it matters.  That youth needs to know that this is incredibly important. I know they do.

It's a tough journey and this will be a tough, tough game because the A's are calm and confident.  But so are the Yankees.  It's us fans that get nutty. If the Yankees win, we will be screaming that we're "going all the way"... but if we lose, we will crap on our team for sucking.  That's the passion we have for this game and this team. But if we lose, it will be embarrassing.  A very high payroll against a very low one. Makes you think.

Photo: Getty Images

In the end, I'm a realist.  A lot of things need to happen tomorrow night. Guys like Britton, McCutchen need to continue their dominance as new Yankees, but not only that... the core of this club... Judge, Hicks, Andujar, Torres, Voit, Didi... the guys that got us here... they need to not break stride.

The game's too important.

In the end, I'm predicting a Yankee win.  It won't be easy, but the best thing the Yankees have tomorrow night is us fans screaming our heads off at Yankee Stadium.  That, my friends, is amazing stuff.  That's the Yankees folks.  The greatest fans in the world in the greatest city in the world.

Yankees will win.  I feel it.

Go Yanks.

JUDGE IS GETTING BACK IN THE SWING OF THINGS!

Literally!

Photo: Getty Images

I know it is a small step but I will take it! Aaron Judge took batting practice before the game Friday night at Safeco Field, read more HERE. I know it was only underhand throws but Aaron Boone said he liked what he saw. It was good to hear Judge taking swings off a tee when the news broke on September 4th but now this is even better.

We are now six weeks into his recovery that was initially thought to be three to five weeks. Wrist injuries can take an incredibly long time to recover from. I didn't get hit like Judge did and get a chip fracture but I did completely impact my wrist once. It was with my writing hand too so I kind of get Judge's struggle here.

Photo: Getty Images

So I take this as good news. I am optimistic! Judge has been stalled for so long. We were even wondering (and panicking) about if we would even see him come back this season. I was hoping the Andrew McCutchen signing wasn't a bad omen that he wouldn't be back. This team has had way too much bad news lately. Getting Judge back would be the biggest boost this team could possibly get right now.

Photo: Getty Images

I'm really hoping that after Judge taking batting practice we hear no bad news for a follow-up. Then I hope after some more time with hitting we will be getting Judge back just in time for a last minute push toward the postseason. Maybe our luck is finally changing. Hopefully losing Clint Frazier for the rest of the season is our last setback after all.

Photo: Getty Images

One can only hope. Now that the Yankees have Didi Gregorius back the Yankees are one step closer to the ideal lineup. The Yankees are a different team without Judge, we've seen that since he went on the disabled list at the end of July. Judge is the glue to this team and would be a huge moral boost that the Yankees are going to need for the last games of the regular season and a one-game do-or-die wild card game. Judge may be a young piece to this team but he is a leader presence that just cannot be replaced.

I'm not getting ahead of myself, but this is good news! The Yankees have been waiting to hear that the wrist was pain free, so this is a good sign. I'm sure there are more good signs to come. I can't wait to hear what is next. Good things are finally happening for Judge.....it's about time.

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

BAD NEWS FOR CLINT FRAZIER

Ron Sachs/CNP

Wake me up when we have some good news, please. By the looks of things I am going to have one incredibly long nap. Our luck has to change at some point, right? Right.....but it won't start with getting Clint Frazier back this season.

I had high hopes that Frazier was going to be back, we hyped it last week in our piece IT'S SEPTEMBER CALL UP TIME! We were skeptical but hopeful but now it sounds like things are a lot worse than we originally thought. It sounds like this concussion is the unwanted gift that just keeps on giving.

(Photo: Chris Pedota/NorthJersey.com)

According to multiple sources, we likely won't see him until next season, read more HERE. It's another setback in a long season with many of them. You gotta feel for Frazier, he has been dealing with this concussion since Spring Training and then aggravated it again on a diving catch in July.  It's a big blow for him and the Yankees.

Yesterday, Aaron Boone said Frazier was sent to Pittsburgh to see a neurologist in hopes to get some more answers on how to treat the symptoms. Concussions are no joke (here's looking at you Michael Kay) so to hear that a neurologist is taking a look at Frazier that isn't good.

Photo: New York Post

I'm bummed that we likely won't see Frazier until next season and a September call up is likely ruled out. The Yankees need some fresh blood in the lineup and Frazier has been waiting patiently for this chance for what feels like forever. I think a guy like Frazier could give the Yankees a spark that is clearly missing.

Photo: Getty Images

I was worried that Brian Cashman's move to get Andrew McCutchen was a quick reaction that meant Aaron Judge might not be returning. I hope that isn't the next round of news we hear because I don't think I can take anymore bad luck. The McCutchen trade is now even more important as the Yankees look for more production in the lineup and some leadership to get this team going.

Hopefully this visit in Pittsburgh will finally help get Frazier get on the road to recovery. Get better soon, Frazier. We need you in that outfield.

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

YANKEES TRYING TO CHANGE THE NARRATIVE

Source: Rich Schultz/Getty Images North America

I liked the way the YES crew used the phrase "change the narrative" during Saturday evening's coverage of the Detroit Tigers vs. the New York Yankees. Truth be told,  they were using it in reference to Greg Bird, but I would say the line absolutely applies to the entire team.  And if things were moving in slow motion through the trade deadline on July 31st, it certainly picked up force heading into September as the Bombers made some moves for key components to ignite their pennant run, which ironically Pittsburgh Pirate Hall of Famer Willie Stargell said starts September 1st.

After Stargell's passing in 2001, his friend and colleague Joe Morgan said this of the ultimate optimist, "In the 40 years I knew Willie, he never said anything negative. And you couldn't say anything negative around him because he was such a positive person. No matter what, he was always able to turn negatives into positives." And that's exactly the narrative the Yankees are writing.  They know they are down without guys who are critical to their pennant race, but they want a different ending to a story that could be one without a playoff beth.

Source: Rich Schultz/Getty Images North America

In one swift, comprehensive move, Yankees GM Brian Cashman made some moves as the roster elevated to 40 men with the start of September. Clearly, the Yankees believe that Aaron Judge could be out through the end of September, which led to the strategic pick up of Andrew McCutchen.  Now, it is believed that Aroldis Chapman could be out even through the potential post-season, so Cashman created some depth in the bullpen with the call up of right-hander Stephen Tarpley who has been used as a multi-inning reliever with great impact in both Double and Triple-A.

Source: Rich Schultz/Getty Images North America

We will be relying on our Baby Bombers to get things done and certainly, Gleyber Torres and Miguel Andujar have answered the call.  We will need veterans Brett Gardner, Giancarlo Stanton, Didi Gregorius and newly acquired McCutchen to have a heck of September.  And the bullpen has to come back to life, a life most likely without Chapman.

Source: Paul J. Bereswill

If Chapman's replacement is Zach Britton, he has a lot to work to do. “I can’t have the mindset where not getting results is acceptable. That’s not the way I look at it,” Britton told The Post. “I want to be good every time. I’m honest with myself. I know where I’m at, physically and with a different role. I feel like I’m getting better, but it’s not good enough. I can throw strikes, but I need put-away pitches, too," the pitcher said as reported by the NY Post, after the Yankees near loss Friday night following Dellin Betances's abysmal performance on Thursday night.  Britton's quote is a far cry from cocky Sonny Gray's, who in my mind, has no role on the roster.  If the Yankees want to truly change the narrative, they need to consider getting Betances, David Robertson and Britton in a real grove to close out games.

Early Saturday morning, a fan texted me this, "Get mad on Sunday. You write too nice."  I guess I can't help but be positive when it comes to the Yankees. And now that they are in the midst of changing their narrative, even more reason to stay optimistic.

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

GARY'S BACK & HE'S MORE FIT

No Gary Sanchez in the lineup tonight, which means he and Andrew McCutchen will be joining the Yankees in game play no doubt tomorrow.  Good, I'll be attending tomorrow's game. Maybe I'll bring them some luck. I kid, I kid.

But yes, it's true about Sanchez, he's back.  The New York Post writes this:

Jonathan Dyer/USA Today Sports, via Reuters

"Barring a setback, Sanchez will return to The Bronx on Friday and be activated the following day, manager Aaron Boone said before Thursday night’s series-opening game against the Tigers at the Stadium."

Not only that, he apparently a slightly thinner, more fit player. That comes from the guy with all the good nuggets, the Bergen Record's Pete Caldera:

A noticeably more fit Gary Sanchez says he’s ready to go, returning to the Yankees lineup & regular catching duties tomorrow.

— Pete Caldera (@pcaldera) August 31, 2018

There you have it.  I'm excited about tomorrow.

If you are going to the Yankee game tomorrow, wear your BleedingYankeeBlue.com shirts and I'll look for you!


BYB's Robert Casey Illustration This illustration can also be mail into a canvas and poster.

DONE DEAL & CUTCH!

The Yankees got Andrew McCutchen. The reason? Aaron Judge will probably not be joining us the rest of the season.  If you didn't see that report from the other day, it was pretty sure to me that if Judge's wrist still hurts to the touch. and as Eric Boland of Newsday reported it still hurts… the pain is still there. The Yankees needed to move fast... and did.

Photo: MiLB.com

Here's the CBS Sports report of who the Yanks gave away:

"The cost is two prospects, infielder Abiatal Avelino and pitcher Juan De Paula, per the teams..."

Cashman made a smart move here.  Hopefully a veteran bat in McCutchen helps this club moving forward.  And if Judge comes back and has a clean bill of health... hell... that's better.

Welcome to the Bronx, Cutch.  Happy to have you.

YANKS ACQUIRE McCUTCHEN... BUT NOT "OFFICIALLY" TONIGHT

Photo: Getty Images

Remember that time we put that item up about how it would be cool if the Yankees could somehow snag Andrew McCutchen and all these moron fans told me I'm an idiot and "How many people actually read this BYB garbage anyway?"  Well...

We may very, very, very soon have Andrew McCutchen... interesting.

The baseball insiders are all over it, but I like this tweet because Bob Nightengale does the right thing and gives props to the ones that broke it first. I like that. I do caution, neither team has called this a done deal yet:

The #Yankees acquire #SFGiants OF Andrew McCutchen per @Buster_ESPN. The Giants get 2 prospects per @Joelsherman1

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) August 31, 2018

That was followed by this tweet by me:

Yanks got McCutchen? Looks that way. Now I feel bad for Shane Robinson 😀

— Robert Casey (@BleednYankeeBlu) August 31, 2018

And then of course some dude told me to not feel bad for Robinson but instead Brett Gardner to which I responded...

well, if you follow me you know I've been giving Robinson a Hard time.

— Robert Casey (@BleednYankeeBlu) August 31, 2018

And that's all I have on this other than the tell you that Nightengale just put this out just to keep us on our toes:

The #Yankees and #SFGiants say they have not finalized the McCutchen trade at this moment, and don’t anticipate an announcement tonight. But obviously deep in talks.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) August 31, 2018

There will be no McCutchen deal tonight the two sides caution, at least not officially

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) August 31, 2018

Oh... and if you wanted a rehash on how we may have nailed the McCutchen prediction and we're acting like the "called it" guy... here you go.

Photo: Getty Images

THAT ANDREW MCCUTCHEN RUMOR...

October, 2016.  I like this line: "I have a hunch that this is going to happen. Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't think so."

Welcome to the Bronx, Andrew McCutchen...maybe.