THE YANKEES DEMAND LOYALTY BUT WHEN WILL THEIR LEADERSHIP DELIVER ACCOUNTABILITY?

Ya'll have some explaining to do. I mean, how many times are Yankees fans supposed to watch the same ending before the people running this organization admit the script needs to change?

Another October is over. Another opportunity is gone. Tampa Bay swept the Yankees out of the ALDS, extending a championship drought that now stretches across 17 seasons. And the questions reach well beyond one lineup, one pitching change or one injured superstar. They reach the people responsible for deciding what Yankees baseball is supposed to look like.

Hal Steinbrenner. Brian Cashman. Randy Levine. Aaron Boone. Different responsibilities. Different levels of authority. The same obligation to answer for the product.

Yankees fans deserve a team that looks prepared when the season is on the line. They deserve players who understand situations, coaches who correct recurring mistakes and executives who can recognize when their own approach needs to change. That is a reasonable expectation for any organization. For the Yankees, it should be the starting point.

And now some of the people who wore the uniform are asking the same questions.

The criticism is coming from inside the Yankees family

Anthony Rizzo spent four seasons in the Bronx. After this year’s elimination, he offered a blunt assessment on Ross and Rizzo Unfiltered:

“Like we just keep doing the same every year and we don’t win. That’s insanity.”

Rizzo acknowledged the talent in the lineup while questioning why the results against strong competition keep falling short. That distinction matters. A roster can look impressive and still expose serious weaknesses in how an organization assembles, prepares and deploys it.

CC Sabathia went straight at the culture.

“No disrespect, but they don’t know what that standard is.”

During an October discussion with Dellin Betances and Chris Young, Sabathia described the influence of veterans and former Yankees who once made the organization’s expectations tangible. He questioned whether that standard was still being maintained. The conversation also addressed preparation and Boone’s tendency to defend his players.

Those are serious concerns from someone whose credibility in that clubhouse was earned through performance, toughness and leadership.

Alex Rodriguez, meanwhile, called for an organizational rethink on FOX:

“There has to be a philosophy change.”

Importantly, Rodriguez explicitly stopped short of demanding firings. His criticism concerned the Yankees’ baseball judgment, defensive priorities and uncertainty across several positions entering an elimination game. You can disagree with his preferred solution. You cannot reasonably dismiss that diagnosis as a fan yelling from the cheap seats.

Then came Joe Girardi.

“There are things that happen and you wonder, ‘Is someone saying anything?’”

Girardi pointed to Austin Wells’ baserunning mistake and Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s costly throw during the postseason. He also defended Boone’s work under difficult circumstances. His comments were a warning about accountability and repeated fundamental failures, rather than a straightforward demand to replace the manager.

That nuance strengthens the larger argument. These men do not need to agree about Boone’s future to recognize that something in the organization needs attention.

The mistakes have become too familiar

Go back to the fifth inning of Game 5 of the 2024 World Series.

Aaron Judge dropped a fly ball. Anthony Volpe made a throwing error. Gerrit Cole failed to cover first on a grounder to Anthony Rizzo. A five-run lead disappeared in an inning that became an unforgettable exhibit of baseball breaking down at its most basic level.

Now move forward to Game 2 against Tampa Bay in 2026: four Yankees errors, with defensive mistakes and catcher’s interference helping turn the game against them.

Every player makes mistakes. Great players make mistakes in enormous moments.

But recurring failures demand more than reassurance. They demand an examination of preparation, positioning, instruction and consequences. When similar problems survive from one postseason to another, the organization has to explain what it changed and why those changes failed.

Fans should be able to see the correction.

Jake Bauers deserves an honest examination

Watching Jake Bauers become the 2026 NLCS MVP for Milwaukee should make the Yankees uncomfortable. The former Yankee helped drive the Brewers past the Dodgers and into the World Series.

But there is an important fact here: New York did work with him.

Reporting in 2023 documented swing and approach adjustments during Bauers’ time in the Yankees’ system, including changes to his bat path. The organization identified something worth developing and invested instruction in it.

The Yankees subsequently traded him to Milwaukee for prospects Jace Avina and Brian Sánchez. His later success does not automatically prove that trade was indefensible when it happened. Player development is uneven, and no team gets every decision right.

Here is the question Cashman should have to answer: How well does the organization recognize which improvements will last, and how effectively does it carry promising developmental work into sustained major league production?

Bauers’ success makes that question worth asking. Claiming the Yankees never helped him would let the front office dismiss the criticism with an easy factual correction.

The stronger argument demands an explanation of what they saw, why they moved on and what they learned.

Players have questioned the instruction before. The concerns predate this October. In 2023, former Yankees minor leaguer Ben Ruta offered a devastating assessment:

“There is no baseball being taught there anymore.”

Ruta criticized a developmental emphasis he believed rewarded selected measurable outcomes while neglecting broader baseball instruction. His account represents one former player’s experience, rather than a complete audit of the farm system. Still, it raised a question the Yankees should welcome being tested: Are their players learning how to win games, or mainly how to improve the measurements the organization values?

Sonny Gray also publicly questioned the fit between his abilities and the Yankees’ instruction. In 2019, he criticized their emphasis on a slider he described as “a s----y spinning pitch.” Contemporary analysis challenged parts of his recollection using pitch-tracking data, so his explanation should not be treated as the final word on his struggles. But it remains a documented example of a player saying the prescribed approach did not suit him.

Good coaching requires adapting instruction to the person receiving it. An organization should be confident enough in its methods to recognize when those methods need adjustment.

Boone’s responsibility cannot disappear behind his popularity. The Yankees hired Boone without previous coaching or managerial experience. That was their choice, and they own it.

Years later, however, his original résumé is a weaker argument than the work fans can now judge for themselves.

Does his team execute? Does it respond to mistakes? Does it enter difficult situations prepared? Does his leadership produce observable improvement?

A manager can care about his players, maintain their trust and still fall short in enforcing standards. Public support has value. So does knowing when support needs to include a hard conversation and a changed expectation.

It would also be inaccurate to describe the entire coaching operation as having no experience. The more useful demand is that the Yankees demonstrate that their instruction works.

Fans are entitled to ask why basic problems remain visible after years of opportunities to address them.

Randy Levine’s record includes a lesson in how to alienate a player

If Levine wants to discuss organizational standards, his handling of Dellin Betances’ 2017 arbitration case belongs in the conversation. After the Yankees won, Levine publicly criticized the position taken by Betances’ representatives. Betances said the experience left him feeling attacked:

“They take me in a room, trash me for about an hour-and-a-half.”

Levine also praised Betances as an elite setup man, but his decision to continue the dispute publicly helped turn a completed salary proceeding into an unnecessary confrontation. That episode is an older example, and it should be identified as one. It nevertheless illustrates a leadership failure worth remembering: winning a negotiation does not excuse damaging a relationship with someone whose work you depend on.

The Yankees should bring the same energy to examining executive mistakes that they bring to defending executive decisions.

Hal owns the outcome. Steinbrenner has said, “I don’t believe I should have a $300 million payroll to win a championship.” Fair enough. Then demand better results from the people spending it.

A large payroll is a resource. Turning it into a balanced, prepared team is management’s job.

Hal does not have to imitate his father’s temper. He does have to establish expectations that carry consequences. He chooses who leads baseball operations. He decides whether continuity remains justified. He has the authority to require an independent examination of development, coaching and roster construction.

Backing your employees can be admirable. Continuing to back an approach without demanding convincing evidence of improvement becomes something else.

The public record cannot tell us every private conversation Hal or Levine has had. Fans can judge whether the organization’s actions are producing the promised standard.

The Yankees need changes people can see

A serious response would begin with clear responsibility: for player development, defensive preparation, baserunning, roster balance and the correction of recurring mistakes.

It would include baseball voices empowered to challenge Cashman’s assumptions. It would judge coaches by their ability to teach and improve players. It would examine departures such as Bauers without pretending every successful former Yankee represents a scandal.

And it would require ownership to explain why the people entrusted with solving these problems are still the right people to do it.

Fans should not have to choose between loving the Yankees and questioning their leadership.

That love is precisely why the questions matter.

Rizzo is questioning the repetition. Sabathia is questioning the standard. Rodriguez is questioning the philosophy. Girardi is questioning the accountability.

The men running the Yankees should be answering them.

The championship history belongs to the franchise.

The responsibility for what happens next belongs to its leadership.

BLEEDING YANKEE BLUE BROUGHT THE DYNAMITE. RIZZO LIT THE FUSE.

First off, you’re all late to the party.

If you’ve been reading Bleeding Yankee Blue for the past five years, none of this should surprise you. We’ve been hammering the Yankees’ front office, questioning Brian Cashman’s judgment and calling out Aaron Boone’s failed leadership while everyone else kept waiting for the same operation to magically produce a different ending.

Now the criticism is getting louder. Wonderful. Grab a chair. We’ve been sitting here for years.

And thank God for Anthony Rizzo.

On Ross and Rizzo Unfiltered, Rizzo questioned how a team with this much talent and financial muscle keeps coming up empty. His description? “The definition of insanity.” He challenged the endless repetition and the Yankees’ inability to beat the teams standing between them and a championship.

Finally. Somebody who wore the uniform is saying something worth hearing.

Rizzo didn’t name Boone. Let’s be clear about that. But BYB will: Aaron Boone has failed as a leader, and the front office has failed by continuing to accept the results.

There comes a point when defending your players becomes protecting a culture that desperately needs to change. A manager has to demand something. Preparation. Discipline. Accountability. And when October exposes your team again, he needs a better answer than another explanation of how close everything was to working.

Close doesn’t get a parade. Close gets the equipment packed.

The Rays swept the Yankees out of the Division Series, giving Boone his fourth ALDS exit in nine seasons. That’s an awfully long audition for a franchise supposedly obsessed with winning championships.

And Cashman doesn’t get to watch this from behind the glass like an innocent bystander. He builds the roster. He backs the manager. He owns a substantial piece of this recurring disappointment.

You cannot keep selling the plan while asking everyone to ignore its ending.

Then there’s the communication. Boone publicly described Aaron Judge’s calf strain as moderate; Judge questioned that characterization. That disagreement doesn’t establish a clubhouse revolt, but the manager and captain offering conflicting injury messages certainly doesn’t inspire confidence in how this operation communicates.

The Yankees have enough problems beating other teams. Getting their own message straight ought to be manageable.

Now the looming labor situation is being discussed as a reason they might keep Boone. Reporting has identified a possible December lockout as a complication in making a managerial change. That is a consideration, not an announcement that Boone is staying.

But if organizational convenience becomes the justification for another year of this, fans should be furious.

Leadership changes require work. So does winning. The Yankees can afford both.

Rizzo’s comments matter because they puncture the comfortable idea that another expensive roster will finally fix everything. Talent needs direction. Spending needs judgment. Players need leadership that produces more than loyalty to the manager.

For five years, we’ve been asking where the accountability is.

Now more people are asking.

Welcome aboard. But don’t confuse your arrival with the beginning of the conversation.

BYB has been sounding the alarm. The Yankees keep hitting snooze.

ANTHONY RIZZO HAS A BACKBONE. YET THE YANKEES STILL DON'T HAVE ONE

Back in February 2025, I suggested that Anthony Rizzo could return to the Yankees in a player-coach role. The idea was simple: keep a respected veteran in the clubhouse, use his experience to teach younger players, call out bad attitudes and preserve something this organization too often treats as expendable—leadership. Read: COULD RIZZO EVOLVE INTO A PLAYER-COACH ROLE WITH THE YANKEES?

Newsweek picked up our article, as we documented at Bleeding Yankee Blue. Why did it deserve attention? My answer remains the same: because it made baseball sense. Rizzo’s value extended beyond whatever production remained in his bat. There was knowledge there. Credibility. An understanding of what winning requires and what wearing that uniform demands. Oh yea, and his presence provides leadership.

Now, after another miserable October ending, that argument looks pretty damn relevant.

The Rays swept the Yankees out of the ALDS, finishing them with a 4–3 loss. Another season ended with the other team celebrating and Yankee fans wondering when the people running this operation will stop confusing expectations with accomplishments.

Then came Jazz Chisholm’s confusion about getting booed. Apparently, amid the disappointment of a playoff elimination, we needed to stop everything and discuss whether the paying customers had been sufficiently encouraging. Jazz, read the room. Preferably before explaining it to everybody else.

On Ross and Rizzo, Anthony Rizzo slammed Jazz. He questioned how Chisholm could be surprised by boos after seeing established Yankees stars receive the same treatment. Rizzo described him as looking like “a player that’s lost.” He also challenged the organization’s annual championship declarations: the Yankees cannot keep announcing the highest standard without producing results that justify the talk.

"Jazz Chisholm's comments after the game just looks like a player who is lost,"

"He says after the game about being booed, 'I don't understand, I was confused why I was being booed.' It surprises you that you were booed? What do you mean?"

"You've played there for three-plus years now, you've seen [Anthony] Volpe get run out of town. You've seen Judgey get booed. You've seen Stanton get booed.

"It surprises you that you got booed? That's just not the right way to answer questions...You just have to be smarter there… it shows a little bit of immaturity there."

That is accountability.

No soothing soundtrack. No lengthy explanation of why disappointment is secretly encouraging. A former teammate heard something that needed challenging and challenged it.

That is the voice I wanted inside the Yankees’ clubhouse in February 2025. But more importantly its the voice I wanted there since Girardi left. Boone's a pushover. He's a fanboy. He wants to be friends with all his players. He is a poor leader. 

You can debate whether booing helps a player. Fine. Have that conversation. But the first response after failure should concern the failure. What went wrong? What needs to improve? What responsibility do you bear?

Fans did not strike out for you. They did not throw the ball away. They did not assemble the roster or write the lineup. They bought the tickets.

The Yankees seem awfully comfortable accepting championship prices while asking their customers to practice developmental patience. And that brings us to Aaron Boone. My problem with Boone is that his public leadership too often sounds like an effort to cushion every uncomfortable landing. There is always another explanation, another encouraging interpretation, another reason to believe the breakthrough is approaching.

At some point, the breakthrough needs to show up wearing a uniform. A manager should support his players. Absolutely. But support must include correction. When protection becomes the default response to repeated failure, you risk teaching players that the explanation matters more than the improvement.

From where I sit, Boone babies this team. His public posture too often shows no backbone when the moment calls for a firm standard. He can defend a player’s dignity and still say the player’s performance was unacceptable. These are professional athletes. They can survive a sentence without a pillow under it.

I want a manager who can say: we prepared poorly, we executed poorly, and we are going to fix it.

BUT THEN THEY ACTUALLY FIX IT.  

Rizzo’s history gives me reason to believe he understands that responsibility.

Consider October 2024. With fractured fingers keeping him out of the Division Series, Rizzo helped Jon Berti and Oswaldo Cabrera with positioning at first base. He remained useful while somebody else occupied his position. That is a concrete example of a veteran transferring knowledge under postseason pressure.

Think about what that tells you.

His contribution did not end when he came off the lineup card. He recognized what teammates needed and helped them prepare. Teaching the details of a position is coaching work, whether the organization prints the title next to your name or not. That was the foundation of my player-coach argument back then and it's what I would expect from a leader in the Yankees clubhouse now. I was proposing that the Yankees give structure to something Rizzo was already demonstrating.

He subsequently returned for the 2024 ALCS, starting at first base just 16 days after fracturing two fingers. He spoke about the opportunity to compete for a pennant and the importance of appreciating it while it was there. That matters because opportunities expire. A talented roster does not come with a reservation for next October.

Rizzo had already helped the Cubs win the 2016 World Series, ending their 108-year championship drought. He experienced the pressure of playing for a franchise whose history could feel like an extra opponent. He was part of a team that finally delivered. That experience gives weight to his criticism of empty championship language. And his leadership record extends beyond baseball. A cancer survivor, Rizzo established his family foundation in 2012; he received the Roberto Clemente Award in 2017.

In 2018, he returned to Parkland after the school shooting and spoke at a vigil for the victims.

Those actions show someone willing to accept responsibility when there is no easy thing to say. Someone who shows up for other people.

That quality matters in a clubhouse. Players need to believe that a leader cares about them before criticism carries its full weight. Rizzo’s case is compelling because compassion and directness can coexist in the same person.

You can care about a teammate and tell him his answer was lousy. You can believe in a young player and tell him his preparation needs work. You can build confidence while demanding competence.

The Yankees need considerably more of that.

Instead, this organization keeps inviting questions about whether its development process produces improvement or simply produces more reasons to wait.

Anthony Volpe is the obvious example.

Through his first three seasons, Volpe had a .662 OPS and an 84 OPS+, below league average. By the end of his fourth year, I want answers from the people who scouted him, projected him, promoted him and were responsible for developing him. This kid sucks.

What did you believe his offensive ceiling would be? Which weaknesses did you identify? What was the plan to address them? And how long does the organization get to keep selling potential before somebody evaluates the return?

Calling the results a dud isn't harsh. The Yankees helped create the expectations, and they should have to answer for the gap between the projection and the product. Volpe’s effort does not absolve the organization. Neither does his prospect pedigree.

Scouting is supposed to identify ability. Development is supposed to help turn that ability into reliable major league performance. If the results disappoint year after year, examine both. A framed scouting report cannot take an at-bat. And a manager repeating his belief in a player cannot substitute for a coaching plan that works.  Boone is in love with Volpe still looking for a moment. Rizzo would have benched this dude in June.

This is why the Yankees’ training and preparation deserve scrutiny. What are they emphasizing? How are they measuring progress? What happens when an approach keeps failing? Where are the consequences for poor execution?

I am tired of the franchise treating those questions as an attack. Show us the improvement and the questions become easier to answer.

Complacency is comfortable. You can keep the same voices, repeat the same reassurances and tell yourself continuity is a virtue.

But continuity without correction is how you preserve a problem.

Would Rizzo make a terrific manager? I believe he has the qualities to become one. On paper, he's better than Boone already.

His case starts with credibility earned as a player, experience under championship pressure, demonstrated willingness to teach and the ability to deliver an uncomfortable message. Those are substantial foundations for managing people. Boone hit a homerun against the Red Sox that really doesn't matter because the Yankees lost in the World Series anyway.

Sure, Rizzo would still have to prove his ability to run a pitching staff, construct lineups, manage workloads and make decisions over 162 games. Being a respected player does not automatically qualify someone for every responsibility in the dugout.

But the Yankees should take his leadership potential seriously because clearly they don't.  Someone like Rizzo would challenge people and not roll over.  My February 2025 proposal was about recognizing an asset before it disappeared from the room.

Now Rizzo is speaking into a microphone in a new role, delivering the kind of blunt assessment I know he would deliver if he were the Yankees manager, and that should bother the Yankees. You know, the fact that there are better managerial options out there rather than the one they have.

This is now a former teammate publicly reminding them that accountability belongs at the center of a winning organization, while fans are left wondering who delivers that message inside the building.

Rizzo would not magically fix every flaw. But I believe he could help steer the ship because he understands that leadership includes telling people when they are heading in the wrong direction.

The Yankees need that. They need alot, but they definitely need leadership.

They need better teaching, firmer standards and an honest review of the people responsible for the results. They need to stop protecting their preferred narrative and start correcting the baseball.

I saw the value in Rizzo in February 2025. After this October, the Yankees should be asking why that voice is outside their clubhouse.

ANTHONY RIZZO COULD MAKE A COOL COMEBACK

Anthony Rizzo wasn’t just a baseball player in my opinion. He was a presence. The kind of guy who walks into a clubhouse and, without raising his voice, instantly owns the room. Managers trusted him. Teammates leaned on him. Fans believed in him. That’s leadership you can’t fake — and you can’t teach.

For the Chicago Cubs, Rizzo was the spine of an entire era. When that franchise finally exorcised a century of ghosts in 2016, Rizzo wasn’t just part of the story — he was the story. He led by example, by toughness, by accountability. He played through pain, absorbed pressure like a professional shock absorber, and made everyone around him better. Two hundred forty-two home runs. Seven hundred eighty-four RBIs. Four Gold Gloves. Those aren’t just numbers — that’s a résumé built on reliability and respect. The Cubs didn’t just win with Rizzo; they grew up with him.

Then came the Bronx.

And here’s where it gets personal.

When Anthony Rizzo put on pinstripes, it felt right in a way that’s hard to explain unless you’re wired a certain way. As an Italian-American, watching Rizzo lead the Yankees hit different. Italians don’t just value leadership — we feel it. We respect presence. We respect the guy who stands in front of the room, takes responsibility, protects his people, and never hides. Rizzo brought that exact energy to Yankee Stadium.

He didn’t need theatrics. He didn’t need slogans. He showed up. If things got ugly — and in those recent Yankees seasons, and they often did — Rizzo was the adult. The voice. The calm. You could see players gravitate toward him, because real leaders don’t chase attention. Attention finds them.

So, when Rizzo left the Yankees, yeah — it hurt. A lot. Losing talent is one thing. Losing leadership is another. That stings deeper, especially when you know how rare it is. Still, even heartbreak can come with clarity. The time was right. Bodies wear down. Chapters close. And Rizzo, after the 2024 season, chose to walk away on his terms.

But the Italian roots are strong.

Team Italy has come calling for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, and if you understand Italian culture, you understand why this matters. Heritage isn’t a footnote — it’s identity. It’s bloodlines, grandparents, traditions, pride. Rizzo represented Italy back in 2013 through his Sicilian roots, and the idea of doing it one last time clearly carries weight. This wouldn’t be a novelty act. It would be a statement.

Team Italy GM Ned Colletti made it clear this isn’t a ceremonial invite.

“You can’t just show up, and he knows that.”

That’s Rizzo in a nutshell. If he does it, he does it right. Prepared. Committed. Leading.

So now the decision belongs to him: family first, always — but maybe, just maybe, one last chapter. One last clubhouse. One last chance to lead men on a baseball field, this time wearing the colors of his heritage.

Anthony Rizzo has already left an indelible mark on Chicago, New York, and Major League Baseball as a whole. But if his final act comes draped in Italy’s colors, representing where his family came from and everything he stands for?

That wouldn’t just be baseball. That would be legacy... and I love it.

ASSUME PAUL GOLDSCHMIDT IS A GONER

Paul Goldschmidt’s stint in the Bronx was classy, steady, and ultimately solid — like ordering a fine steak at a diner. He was a model Yankee: polished, professional, and universally respected in the clubhouse. But when the season ended with another lifeless thud against the Blue Jays in the ALDS, all the leadership quotes and “veteran presence” in the world couldn’t mask the truth — it just didn’t work.

The Yankees, forever in a state of “we’ll figure it out next year,” spent the entire season playing catch-up. And Goldschmidt, the $12 million former MVP, seven-time All-Star, and four-time Gold Glover, found himself caught in the middle of a franchise that couldn’t decide whether it was contending or rebuilding. The result? A decent season that meant absolutely nothing.

He hit .274 with 10 home runs and 45 RBIs — not bad, not inspiring. After a blazing May where he looked like vintage Goldschmidt (.338 average, .889 OPS), his bat cooled off faster than a Yankee fan’s patience in October. By the stretch run, he was a platoon player, crushing lefties and vanishing against right-handers. For a guy once feared league-wide, that’s not the exit you dream of.

Still, you can’t knock his professionalism. Teammates swore by him. Coaches raved about his work ethic, his obsession with detail, and how he ran the bases like every 90 feet was sacred ground. He made effort look elegant. But this is New York — effort only matters if it comes with results, and the Yankees haven’t had much of those lately.

Goldschmidt, ever the pro, shut down the retirement talk before it could even trend. “I love playing,” he told Jon Heyman — which, translated from baseball veteran-speak, means “I’m not done, just done here.”

The Yankees, meanwhile, are ready to move on. Ben Rice is expected to take over at first, the latest in a long line of “future cornerstones” that the analytics crew swears will work this time.

So yes, Paul Goldschmidt was a good Yankee. A good teammate. A good man. But “good” doesn’t cut it in the Bronx after losing to the Jays. Sometimes, even a player built on class and consistency becomes just another casualty of a front office that’s lost its way. I mean, look at Anthony Rizzo.

A WORLD IN WHICH ANTHONY RIZZO IS OUR YANKEES MANAGER

I’ll admit it: sometimes I catch myself daydreaming about the glorious day Aaron Boone finally gets canned. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not cheering against the Yankees — I’m cheering against their manager. Boone’s brand of “leadership” has been little more than press conference word salad paired with in-game mismanagement. The man has made the Yankees allergic to consistency. This team doesn’t play with urgency unless their backs are stapled to the wall, and that’s a reflection of a manager who has spent years lowering the bar.

What I’m waiting for is that perfect “not good enough” moment — when Hal Steinbrenner takes a look at his bottom line and realizes he only made millions this year instead of billions. That’s when I want him to say, “Boone, you’re gone.” And with Anthony Rizzo’s retirement announcement, I couldn’t help but think: what if Rizzo is the guy who finally replaces him?

Here’s the thing about Rizzo — he’s the anti-Boone. Rizzo has leadership in his bones. He was never just a first baseman; he was a clubhouse general, a player guys rallied around. He wasn’t just about stats (though, let’s be clear, his career had plenty of those too). He was about presence, about grit, about setting a tone. Even through struggles and injuries, he commanded respect. That’s something Boone has never once inspired in pinstripes. Boone gets eye-rolls; Rizzo got buy-in.

Rizzo’s résumé speaks for itself: four Gold Gloves, a Platinum Glove, a Silver Slugger, three All-Star nods, the Roberto Clemente Award, and of course his role in the Cubs’ 2016 World Series — a championship that ended a 108-year drought and cemented him as a legend in Chicago. And let’s not forget, the Yankees got the benefit of his leadership too. He may not have been the same hitter in the later years of his career — the concussion robbed him of that — but his influence in the clubhouse was always there. Rizzo wasn’t just a player, he was a culture-setter.

Contrast that with Boone, whose managerial style feels like it was downloaded from a malfunctioning analytics spreadsheet. His bullpen decisions alone could qualify as a new form of baseball torture. He’s the king of excuses, the maestro of mediocrity, the pilot of a ship that keeps circling the drain. Under his so-called guidance, the Yankees are on the verge of missing the playoffs again — and somehow we’re supposed to keep pretending he’s the right man for the job?

Now imagine Rizzo in that dugout, not with a glove but with a lineup card. Picture him commanding respect, actually holding players accountable, and bringing that edge that’s been missing since the Joe Torre days. The Yankees don’t need a cheerleader clapping in the dugout; they need a leader who players want to follow. Rizzo fits that mold perfectly.

Look, my dream scenario is still Don Mattingly as manager with Jorge Posada as his right-hand man — that’s pure Yankee nostalgia heaven. But if Rizzo is ready to trade in his batting gloves for a manager’s uniform, I’d take him in a heartbeat. He has the pedigree, the credibility, and the leadership chops Boone has never had.

Rizzo will forever be a Cubs legend, no doubt about it. But what if his second act is in the Bronx, not as a player, but as the man who rescues the Yankees from Boone’s clown show of a tenure? That wouldn’t just be an upgrade — it would be a revolution.

BLEEDING YANKEE BLUE APPRECIATES THE LOVE. THANK YOU.

Look, I’ll be honest with you—because that’s what we do here at Bleeding Yankee Blue. We don’t sugarcoat. We don’t chase clout. And we sure as hell aren’t tripping over ourselves like Jomboy Media, livestreaming our emotional meltdowns every time Aaron Boone pulls a starter too early. Truth be told, they kiss his ass, rarely attack.

This little blog of ours? It started from nothing—just a passion project launched in September of 2010, powered by equal parts caffeine, Yankee love, and a whole lot of sarcasm. And guess what? We’ve stayed grounded. No corporate sponsorships. No fancy studios. Just words, truth, and the occasional meme about Hal’s piggy bank.

So why do we keep doing it? Why take the time to write and edit and publish when we could just scream into the Twitter void like everyone else?

Two reasons:

Reason One: I genuinely like to write. Since this blog’s humble beginnings, I’ve taken my writing from “meh” to “damn, that’s pretty sharp.” I’m proud of that. This isn’t just fanboy rambling—it’s storytelling with a pulse, with purpose.

Reason Two: I do this with Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa, and together we pour our love into this blog—not just for the Yankees, but for the players. The guys who lace up their cleats every day. We root for them. Not the manager (who, let’s face it, couldn’t strategize his way out of a paper bag). Not the front office, which appears to be more into profit margins than parades.

Because let’s be real: the Yankees brand is untouchable. They could trot out a team of circus clowns and still sell out the Stadium. Why? Because they’re worth $8.2 billion. That’s billion with a “B.” Winning? Optional. Making money? Guaranteed. So if you're Hal Steinbrenner, why rock the yacht?

But hey, despite all that, here we are—still typing, still caring, still yelling into the void with a purpose. And here’s the best part: people are actually listening. My writing has been picked up, quoted, even reposted. The circle of media life, baby. For years I’ve referenced other publications—now they’re returning the favor. It’s weird. It’s awesome. It’s... kinda cool.

So thank you. Seriously. Every time a quote gets picked up, or a post gets shared, it’s another reminder that this little hobby of ours still resonates. We’re not trying to change the world—we’re just trying to make sense of it, one sarcastic post at a time.

Below is just a taste—a highlight reel, if you will—of some recent stories where Bleeding Yankee Blue has been quoted. Take a peek. 

Newsweek:  Yankees $8.6 Million All-Star Closer Compared to 'Failed Science Project'

"Robert Casey, of the Bleeding Yankee Blue blog, wrote on Wednesday that Yankees fans' patience with Williams was already wearing thin.

"Is it safe to say the Devin Williams experiment is starting to feel more like a failed science fair project? You know, the kind where the volcano doesn't erupt, the judges smile politely, and your mom says 'you tried your best' on the drive home," Casey wrote."

Heavy Sports:  Bad News For Yankees Now Self-Inflicted With Aaron Boone’s Latest Decision

"Robert Casey, chief writer for the popular Bleeding Yankee Blue blog, expressed his frustration with Boone in a post published Saturday.

“Aaron Boone is not just bad at his job. He’s a liar to the fans, a terrible master-wanna-be of spin, and the most unqualified manager in New York Yankees history,” Casey wrote, leaving little to interpretation. “Yeah, I said it. He’s worse than Stump Merrill. At least Merrill didn’t insult our intelligence. Boone walks around acting like he’s operating at some high level of strategic genius when, in reality, he’s just guessing—and guessing wrong.”

Newsweek:  Yankees $17 Million Free Agent 4-Time All-Star Urged to Return as 'Player-Coach'

"Now, the popular Yankee fan blog "Bleeding Yankee Blue" might have a solution that would allow Rizzo to split the difference — come back to the Yankees in the dual role of "player-coach."

"Rather than seeing this as the end of Rizzo's journey, I think it could be the start of something pretty special," wrote Bleeding Yankee Blue head writer Robert Casey. "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."

Here are just 3, there are many, just feels good and we appreciate you guys. Look, I call it like I see it, it's not hate, it's a harsh opinion. This is like a daily op-ed. Thank you for the shoutouts.

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.

GOLDSCHMIDT IS JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED

 Since Mark Teixeira rode off into the Bronx sunset in 2016, the Yankees have treated first base like a game of musical chairs—with the music off-key and nobody quite sitting comfortably. That's not a slight against Anthony Rizzo, it's just a fact. We all knew what Rizzo was... and he wasn't Paul Goldschmidt. Goldschmidt, a seasoned slugger who may be closer to 40 than 30, but clearly didn’t get the memo that he’s supposed to be slowing down.

At 37, Goldschmidt isn’t just surviving in pinstripes—he’s thriving. Maybe it’s the bright lights of New York. Maybe it’s his decade-and-a-half of experience in the majors. Or maybe he’s just tired of being underrated. Whatever the reason, the guy’s been a consistent force in the Yankees' lineup early this season, toggling between the leadoff and cleanup spots like a veteran DJ spinning hits at Yankee Stadium.

“He’s gotten off to a good start, which never hurts—you always want that,” manager Aaron Boone said.  The numbers don’t lie. Goldschmidt, as always, kept it humble.

“It’s nice to get hits and the team’s been playing well,” he said. “I’ve felt pretty good, but still a long season to go. For me, just try to show up every day and prepare and work hard and have good at-bats and try to help us win. I try to keep it simple, whether I’ve been struggling or having some success, just keep that same mindset. Go out there and play hard and try to win.”

Classic Goldschmidt—more substance than sizzle. But make no mistake, his bat is doing plenty of talking. This resurgence comes on the heels of the worst season of his career, a rare blip for one of the steadiest stars of his generation. But this hot start isn’t just a redemption arc—it’s another chapter in a Hall of Fame resume.

And not to get ahead of myself, but Goldschmidt’s case for Cooperstown is quietly compelling. He’s got the MVP, seven All-Star nods, and a peak performance stretch that stacks up with anyone from his era. His career WAR might fall just shy of the Hall of Fame elite, and I hate talking about WAR, but his impact on the field—both with the bat and as a clubhouse presence—makes him a serious contender for enshrinement.

So, if you’re wondering how the Yankees managed to plug their most glaring positional hole with a guy pushing 40, just look at Paul Goldschmidt. Age is just a number—his batting average, on the other hand, is the one worth watching.

A LANDING SPOT FOR RIZZO THAT MAKES PERFECT SENSE

 Let’s be real: Anthony Rizzo has earned the benefit of the doubt.

Sure, the 2024 numbers didn’t pop off the page—8 home runs in 92 games, a .301 OBP—but we’re talking about a guy who’s given everything he’s got to this game, and especially to the Yankees. Rizzo didn’t just play first base—he owned it. He turned tough scoops into outs, mentored younger players like a clubhouse Yoda, and brought veteran poise to a team that always seemed to be one dramatic inning away from a meltdown.

He’s not just a ballplayer. He’s a glue guy. A leader. A baseball lifer. And I still believe—really believe—he’s got at least 15- 20 dingers left in that sweet lefty swing. Give him a healthy stretch, and you’re telling me he can’t secure first base and mash a few fastballs into McCovey Cove? Please. I’ve seen that guy light up October. He’s not done.

So it’s kind of wild that no one’s scooped him up yet. Rizzo has openly said he still wants to play. Retirement? Maybe someday—but not yet. He knows what he brings to a roster. And so do his peers. Rizzo is one of the most well-respected players in the league. He’s basically a walking goodwill ambassador for the sport. The fact that no team has taken a flyer on him? That’s baseball weirdness at its finest.

But maybe that’s about to change. Enter: the San Francisco Giants.

Sports Illustrated’s Nick Ziegler made a pitch recently that makes a whole lot of sense: the Giants should go get Anthony Rizzo. Right now, they’re relying on LaMonte Wade Jr. at first base, and it’s been, well, meh. Wade’s a nice player, but he hasn’t exactly been a force in the lineup this year. If the Giants are serious about making a push toward October, adding Rizzo might just be the low-risk, high-upside move that could give them a jolt.

“Even though it's not a massive upgrade, a veteran like Rizzo could help propel the Giants into the postseason,” Ziegler wrote. “The slugger has a plethora of experience playing in the playoffs, and could be a great leader in the clubhouse in addition to potentially being an upgrade at first base.”

Yes. Exactly. He’s playoff-tested, clutch-approved, and would walk into that Giants clubhouse with instant respect. And hey, Oracle Park might be pitcher-friendly, but Rizzo knows how to play within a park’s dimensions. He’s smart at the plate. He uses the whole field. And he knows how to lead a team through the ups and downs of a 162-game grind.

Salary-wise? Last year he made $16 million, but let’s be honest—at this point, Rizzo understands where he stands. He’s not holding out for a Brinks truck. He wants to play. He wants to compete. He wants to win. And he still can.

Kerry Miller at Bleacher Report tossed around a few other landing spots—Colorado, Detroit, Miami—but San Francisco? That’s the one that sticks. It just feels right. A competitive team that could use some lefty pop, a savvy glove at first, and a clubhouse rock to lean on.

If the Yankees have officially moved on—and it sure seems like they have—then we tip our caps, say thank you, and hope Rizzo finds a new home where he’s appreciated for everything he still brings to the table.

I know I’ll be rooting for him, wherever he goes. But if the Giants are smart? They’ll call his agent tomorrow.  Let’s go, Rizz. You’ve still got more baseball left in you. And some team—hopefully wearing orange and black—is going to be real glad they believed. That's my take anyway.

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COULD RIZZO EVOLVE INTO A PLAYER-COACH ROLE WITH THE YANKEES?

SOME INSIGHT ON WHERE ANTHONY RIZZO COULD GO

ANTHONY RIZZO MAY BE IN DEMAND

 As the new baseball season is in full gear, former Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo remains unsigned—though that may soon change. After two injury-riddled years that slowed his production, the 35-year-old veteran hasn't drawn much interest on the free agent market. But as teams across the league start recognizing gaps at first base and the need for experienced leadership, Rizzo’s value may be quietly rising again.

Despite the recent challenges, Rizzo's passion for the game hasn’t faded. Known for his professionalism and deep-rooted love of baseball, he's long been a player who commands respect in the clubhouse—not just with his bat and glove, but with his presence. Younger players look to him for guidance, and he’s never shied away from mentoring the next generation. His blend of pride in his craft and willingness to share knowledge has made him a beloved figure in every locker room he's been part of.

One potential fit for the veteran slugger could be the Miami Marlins. Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller recently floated the idea that Miami—currently lacking in veteran leadership—might be an ideal landing spot. "Colorado (Kris Bryant) could certainly use a first baseman. Perhaps Detroit (Javier Báez), too, although Spencer Torkelson has gotten out to a great start to the year," Miller wrote. "Alternatively, a return to his old stomping grounds in southern Florida could be in order. The Miami Marlins are very much lacking for a veteran presence, as no one on that roster is over the age of 30."

Rizzo, who grew up in Parkland, Florida, could offer more than just defense and occasional pop from the left side—he could provide mentorship and a steadying influence to a young, developing Marlins team that badly needs a guiding voice.

Earlier this offseason, Rizzo was candid about his current crossroads, admitting that he's considered stepping away from the game altogether. Most of the offers he's received have reportedly been for league-minimum contracts—an understandable frustration for a player who once stood among the premier first basemen in baseball. Still, Rizzo hasn’t slammed the door shut. His pride, his love for the game, and his role as a mentor continue to tug at him.

If a team like Miami takes the chance, they won’t just be signing a player—they’ll be bringing in a clubhouse cornerstone, a proven leader who still has more to offer than the box score might show.

"RIZZO TO THE CARDINALS" CHATTER? COME ON, MAN

Okay, look — I’m all for the rumor mill, but this Anthony Rizzo-to-the-St. Louis Cardinals talk? That’s a new one. Still, if BVM Sports is actually onto something here, I’ve got nothing but good vibes for Rizzo. The guy’s a pro’s pro — a real team-first player, a fantastic teammate, and a strong leader for younger guys in the clubhouse.

According to BVM Sports, Rizzo is projected to land with the Cardinals, and honestly, it kind of makes sense. He knows the NL Central inside and out from his days with the Cubs, and his numbers speak for themselves: a .261 career batting average, 303 homers, and a slash line of .261/.361/.467. The man has done some serious work at the plate over the years.

But here’s the thing — it hasn’t been smooth sailing lately. Rizzo’s been dealing with injuries the past couple of seasons, and that’s made some teams hesitant. So far, no offers above the league minimum ($760,000) have come his way, which is kind of wild for a guy with his resume. He’s even voiced concern that signing vets at that price point could mess with the market for others like him.

That said, I truly believe Rizzo’s still got something left in the tank. He’s made it clear he wants to keep playing — he’s not sitting around on the couch. He’s grinding. The challenge now is convincing teams that he’s worth the roster spot, especially in a league that’s more focused than ever on young, inexpensive talent.

That’s why I think a hybrid role might be the sweet spot for him — part-time player, part-time mentor. And you know what? It doesn’t have to be with the Yankees, as much as I’ve pushed for that. It could be any team that needs a guy like him. He can still handle first base, he’s awesome with the younger players, and he’s one of the smartest baseball minds around.

Bottom line? Wherever he ends up, I’m rooting for him. Rizzo’s one of the good ones.

ONE LAST REQUEST FOR THE YANKEES TO SIGN ANTHONY RIZZO

Anthony Rizzo, once the heart and soul of the Cubs and a beloved Yankee, now finds himself in the baseball wilderness, waiting for a call that may never come. 

Michael Monreal of Just Baseball recently floated the idea that Rizzo might be headed toward retirement, given the sheer lack of interest from MLB teams. "Rizzo is a legend on the north side of Chicago, but his production has fallen off a cliff since leaving," Monreal wrote. "Once a consistent power threat, Rizzo hasn’t hit above .250 since 2019, and his defense has regressed as well. While his leadership and experience could be valuable, his days as an everyday player seem numbered."

And Monreal isn’t wrong. The Yankees were briefly rumored to have considered bringing him back, but then Ben Rice showed up and turned first base into his own personal proving ground. So, what’s left for Rizzo? A desperate team dealing with an injury at first might come knocking with a league-minimum contract, but that’s hardly a fitting sendoff for a guy who’s given so much to the game.

Here’s the thing, though: Rizzo shouldn’t just fade into the baseball ether like a forgotten free agent. No, he deserves better—a proper transition, a farewell tour of sorts, but one with purpose.

Enter: the player-coach role. I know, I know. I've said it before. I need to stress it one last time, folks.

For me, this isn’t some nostalgic gimmick. This is about putting Rizzo in a position where he can still contribute, still lead, and still matter. The Yankees have a clubhouse that could use his steady presence. Aaron Boone can barely manage a lineup card, let alone maintain clubhouse morale. Rizzo, however, is a natural leader, a glue guy who keeps spirits high and egos in check.

Let’s be real—the Yankees can afford this. Giving Rizzo a one-year deal to be a mentor, a backup first baseman, and a dugout presence wouldn’t break the bank. Plus, imagine the impact he could have on the young guys. The man knows what it means to play under the bright lights of New York. He could teach the next generation how to handle the pressure, how to navigate slumps, and most importantly, how to carry yourself in the Bronx.

Rizzo’s playing career might be on its last legs, but his baseball IQ and leadership? Those are still MVP-caliber. If the Yankees are smart (big if), they’d recognize that and give him a role that fits. Let him ride out one last year in pinstripes, easing into retirement while shaping the next wave of Yankees talent.

Because, really, what’s the alternative? Watching him awkwardly hang around free agency until he calls it quits in silence? That’s not the Rizzo way. Give the man his sendoff, and let him do what he does best—lead, inspire, and maybe even crank out a few more homers for old time’s sake.

"LUIS ROBERT TO THE YANKEES" APPEARS VERY REAL

The never-ending Giancarlo Stanton saga continues to dominate sports media, and frankly, it’s exhausting. Every day brings a new rumor, a fresh speculation, or yet another bold claim that the Yankees "NEED" a right-handed bat. It must be true, right? After all, Alex Verdugo and Anthony Rizzo—both lefties—have been available, yet the Yankees haven’t doubled back on that market.

And now, the latest name tossed into the rumor mill? Luis Robert of the Chicago White Sox.

According to MLB insider Robert Murray, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman is working the phones, exploring trade options to bolster the roster ahead of the 2025 season. AIBat fuels the speculation, stating, "Is Luis Robert on the New York Yankees' radar? It sure looks like it! The Yankees are considering adding a right-handed power hitter to their starting lineup."

Robert, while not actively demanding a trade, is well aware that his time with the White Sox could be coming to an end. Stuck in a brutal rebuild after a disastrous 121-loss season, Chicago seems poised to move its most valuable assets.

“From the business perspective, yes, I know there is a big chance of me being traded because it makes sense for the team and for the situation,” Robert told MLB.com. “I understand that. That’s something I have to live with and I will have to accept.”

Athlon Sports adds to the conversation, noting, "It’s probably not a great sign that Robert admitted he expected the White Sox to trade him. Then again, sportsbooks widely believe the White Sox will lose over 100 games again, so any positives on the South Side are few and far between."

So, is this actually happening? Is Luis Robert destined for pinstripes, or is this just another week of speculation leading to nothing? With Opening Day here, the Yankees are on the clock—if something’s brewing, when will it happen? Or are we just bracing for another round of empty noise? Stay tuned.

ALEX VERDUGO HAS FOUND HIS HOME!

Congrats to Alex Verdugo!

Alex Verdugo’s long wait in free agency is finally over, and it feels like a major win—not just for him, but for baseball as a whole in my opinion. Call me dramatic, I don't care. 

A big part of this can be credited to players like Eric Hosmer and Aaron Judge, as well as plenty of us in the sports media world, who have openly called out Major League Baseball and its owners for allowing talented players to sit on the sidelines while teams hesitate to spend.

Hosmer, in particular, was vocal about it on his podcast, emphasizing that organizations shouldn’t be too stingy to invest in quality players. That kind of advocacy seemed to help push things forward, and in the end, the Atlanta Braves made the right call by signing Verdugo. They won’t regret it.

After an offseason spent waiting for an opportunity, Verdugo has secured a deal with Atlanta—inking a $1.5 million contract that, for now, sees him heading to Triple-A. It may not be the immediate big-league return he hoped for, but it’s a chance to prove himself and earn his way back to the majors.

There’s no denying Verdugo struggled in the second half of his time with the Yankees, but he’s betting on himself now. A fresh start with the Braves could be exactly what he needs to turn things around.

And as we look ahead, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Anthony Rizzo as the next veteran to find a new home. His performance dipped in New York, but he’s still a solid player who could contribute elsewhere.

For now, though, all eyes are on Verdugo as he gets a new chapter in his career. Best of luck, Alex—go make the most of it!

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RIZZO & VERDUGO GET BIG TIME SUPPORT!