BOONE HAS NO IDEA WHAT HE'S DOING

When is Dead Day for this loser manager? When will Boone get fired?

If there were ever a neon sign flashing “Do Not Pitch Devin Williams Right Now”, tonight was it. The man looked like confidence had packed its bags and skipped town days ago. And yet, there he was in the 10th inning, taking the mound like a lamb being led to slaughter — all courtesy of Aaron Boone, the Yankees’ resident Feelings-Over-Baseball strategist.

Taylor Trammell’s homer off Williams was just the exclamation point. Williams wore the frustration on his face, but the real show came when the camera panned to Boone. Watch the video. His expression screamed, “Why did I do this again?” If only we could bottle that guilt and play it for Hal Steinbrenner on loop. Boone didn’t need to read the stats, feel the vibes, or consult the Baseball Gods to know Williams shouldn’t have been there. Us fans knew it.  Even the stadium is much less crowded than it would have been if the Yankees didn't suck.  Boone's only friend tonight should have been common sense — which apparently never showed up... again.

This was Williams’ third appearance in the ninth inning or later in just four games. And guess what? He didn’t get the job done. Again. With the game tied 2–2 in the 10th, Altuve started as the automatic runner at second. A wild pitch sent him to third. Carlos Correa drove him in with a single through a drawn-in infield. Three batters later, Trammell launched a two-run blast. That’s now four homers in Williams’ last eight outings. Yes, Williams is a big leaguer. Yes, he should be able to bounce back. 

But clearly, he’s in a funk, and putting him in this spot wasn’t just bad managing — it was sabotage by sentimentality. Boone’s bullpen philosophy seems to be: “I believe in you, champ” instead of “Let’s win this baseball game.”

And yet… silence from Hal Steinbrenner. Not a peep. Not even a corporate-sounding, “We’re monitoring the situation.” Another loss that didn’t have to happen, another night in which Boone’s decision-making drove this team deeper into the ditch.

Hal, if you’re out there: this manager is a walking L. Pull the plug. Fire Boone. And do it before the only thing left to manage is how empty Yankee Stadium will be in September... 

So freaking sad.

THAT CARLOS CORREA RUMOR IS HOT & HEAVY AGAIN

Well,well, well… Newsweek is stirring the pot again, and this time it smells like Carlos Correa sautéed in pinstripes.

According to Zach Pressnell of Newsweek, the Yankees might want to go shopping in Minnesota’s discount aisle and grab Carlos Correa to play third base. You know, because clearly what the Yankees need right now is another shortstop to not play shortstop. Pressnell says, “Correa would slot in at third base for New York, but he has the flexibility to move all around the infield…” which sounds suspiciously like code for: “Hey, if Volpe continues hitting like a pitcher, we might have to move Correa back to short.” That's what I hope at least.

Because let’s be honest—Anthony Volpe’s batting average is slowly morphing into a really bad SAT score. At this point, he’s flirting so hard with the Mendoza Line, Mario Mendoza himself might be texting, “Bro, give me some space.”

Look, Correa has a hefty contract, and yes, the Yankees might ask the Twins to eat some of it—which is fitting, because the Twins might want to eat glass rather than keep paying Correa while he figures out how to hit again. But still, if the Twins are open to subsidizing a good chunk of that monster deal, and Brian Cashman can pay in expired prospects and used chewing gum, this rumor could have legs.

Of course, third base has been the Yankees’ version of musical chairs—except the music stopped last July, and Jazz Chisholm Jr. just sat down and stayed. Now that Jazz is back at second, Oswaldo Cabrera and Oswald Peraza have been doing their best impression of a third base platoon… and by “best impression,” I mean they’ve been holding the position hostage without making much noise with the bat.

To be fair, they’re trying their best. But trying doesn’t always hit baseballs, just ask Volpe. So naturally, when you hear Correa’s name again, the imagination runs wild—like a little league team after free donuts. Remember when Pete Caldera dropped that juicy little nugget in NorthJersey.com a while back? He reported that the Yankees were willing to ship off three of their top six prospects—George Lombard Jr., Chase Hampton, and Will Warren—for Correa. Back then it sounded like pure fantasy, but Caldera doesn’t throw smoke. If he’s hearing it, there’s fire—at least the rumor kind.

We even wrote about it back then: A BIG CARLOS CORREA NUGGET JUST DROPPED IN MY LAP—and yes, we’re still proud of that title. It felt real then. Then it didn’t. Now it does again. Such is the life of a Yankees rumor—rising from the ashes like a Bronx phoenix in cleats.

So, is Correa coming to the Yankees? Who knows. Is he playing third? Maybe. Should he play short instead? Possibly—especially if Volpe keeps trying to reinvent the art of the non-hit. 

What we do know is that this isn’t a trade rumor to ignore. It has names. It has legs. It has Caldera and now Newsweek. Stay tuned. Hold your hats. And maybe start watching Twins games… just in case.

ONE YANKEE PITCHER ALREADY DOWN WITH TOMMY JOHN

Isn't it kind of funny how life works out? Not too long ago, Chase Hampton's name was tossed around as a potential trade piece in those wild Carlos Correa-to-the-Yankees rumors. (Read A BIG CARLOS CORREA NUGGET JUST DROPPED IN MY LAP)

Fast forward, and instead of pitching in the Bronx, he's pitching his way into Tommy John surgery. You can't make this stuff up! Greg Joyce of The New York Post reported that Hampton went under the knife Friday morning after a UCL tear was confirmed during tests in New York. He flew in on Wednesday, hoping for good news but getting the exact opposite. Now, he's sidelined for the entire 2025 season.

Hampton's journey has been a rollercoaster. In 2023, he went 4-3 with a solid 3.63 ERA over 20 starts between Class A Hudson Valley and Double-A Somerset, racking up an impressive 145 strikeouts in 106 2/3 innings. But last year was rough—he didn’t even take the mound until July 1 due to a flexor strain. When he did, he showed promise, going 0-1 with a 2.41 ERA in seven starts across three levels, with 16 strikeouts in 18 2/3 innings.

The baseball gods sure have a twisted sense of humor. One minute, you're part of big-league trade chatter; the next, you're updating your Netflix queue for a year-long recovery.

WE'RE GONNA END UP WITH NOLAN ARENADO, AREN'T WE?

Tuesday morning brings yet another round of buzz surrounding a potential Marcus Stroman–Nolan Arenado trade. Whether this is legitimate movement or just another dose of "clickbait fever" is anyone’s guess. One thing’s certain—it’s not disappearing anytime soon.

Yankees insider Meredith Marakovits recently appeared on MLB Network to discuss the team’s outlook for 2025. She commended general manager Brian Cashman for his adaptability, saying, “He did a great job shifting gears and bringing in players who add balance to the roster.”

Addressing the Yankees’ third base situation, Marakovits pointed out the current lack of depth: “As of now, it seems like DJ LeMahieu or Oswaldo Cabrera will be in the mix. But I get the feeling Brian Cashman isn’t done just yet.”

That suspicion aligns with growing speculation about a trade involving Stroman and Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado. With Arenado’s former teammate, Paul Goldschmidt, already in New York, the Yankees could have an advantage in negotiations. Prospects such as Will Warren, Chase Hampton, and Roderick Arias might be used as trade assets, particularly since Arenado’s value has taken a hit amid St. Louis’ shifting plans.

Hampton and Warren were previously linked to trade discussions for Carlos Correa, though that chatter has since faded. Yet the Arenado rumors persist, indicating this could turn into a waiting game. And if history has taught us anything, it’s that Brian Cashman thrives in the unexpected. The moment he utters “the marketplace” on the YES Network, chaos is inevitable. Which brings us, once again, back to—deep sigh—Nolan Arenado. The right mix of Stroman and a Warren or Hampton and yea, this could be a deal. My God.

Cashman’s latest comments? A classic bit of ambiguity:

“I don’t know how it’s going to play out... I do think we can have one of these candidates emerge or multiple guys emerge into a platoon situation at worst, or a solo shot at best. If not, there’s always the marketplace to play around with as we move forward, too.”

Translation? The Yankees still have their eyes on the veteran, Gold Glove-caliber third baseman, Nolan Arenado. That's my take anyway.

Yup... here we are again.

CARLOS CORREA & THE "GUESS FACTORY" THAT IS THE OFFSEASON

In the swirling chaos of baseball’s free-agent frenzies and trade rumors, there are two types of people: those who throw darts at a board hoping something sticks and Jeff Passan, Jack Curry, and Pete Caldera—my holy trinity of rock-solid, take-it-to-the-bank baseball reporting. These guys are like the Gandalf, Dumbledore, and Yoda of sports journalism, guiding us mere mortals through the murky waters of rumor and speculation with their crystal-clear insights.

Now, I’m all for titles that sound impressive, but let’s be real: the term "baseball insider" is like calling yourself a "self-taught psychic." It’s catchy, sure, but most of the time, these "insiders" are just really, really good at guessing, but yet bad at it. If we’re being honest, we should just call them “masters of the guess” and let them keep playing their version of baseball roulette. They spin the wheel, toss out a name, and when a trade happens that vaguely resembles their prediction, they pop the champagne like they've cracked the code to the universe and if they're wrong, they fall back on "my source was wrong" and move on... or they don't say anything at all and hope no one notices. Well, I notice.

But let's get back to the real MVPs. Jeff Passan, Jack Curry, and Pete Caldera are not in the guessing game. These guys are the journalistic equivalent of seasoned chefs who won’t serve you a dish until it’s perfectly cooked and seasoned. They don’t just sprinkle half-baked rumors over your sports plate; they marinate in facts, bake them in credibility, and serve you a dish that’s ready for prime time. That, my friends, is why I trust them with my baseball soul.

So, last week, when I wrote A BIG CARLOS CORREA NUGGET JUST DROPPED IN MY LAP, I didn’t just trust anyone—I trusted Pete Caldera. Pete’s like that one friend who always knows where to get the best tacos, even in a city he’s never been to. He just knows. And when Caldera says the Yankees might be willing to part with three of their top six prospects—George Lombard Jr., Chase Hampton, and Will Warren—to pry Correa from the Twins, you better believe I’m listening. That's why I made sure you all knew about it.  

In fact, in that article, I wrote, "According to Caldera’s report on NorthJersey.com, the Yankees might be willing to part with three of their top six prospects to acquire Correa from the struggling Minnesota Twins."  Why? Because it’s Pete Caldera, and the man doesn't mess around with garbage. His stories are like diamonds—rare, valuable, and always polished to perfection. He's gonna text me later and tell me to pump the brakes, but I'm just a fan, let's leave it at that.

But here’s where it gets funny. After Caldera’s report, suddenly everyone else wants in on the Correa trade prediction game. Enter Robbie Hyde, a name I hadn’t heard before, but apparently, he’s got some thoughts too. In a recent Sporting News story, it was reported that Hyde predicted a trade involving Clarke Schmidt, Oswaldo Cabrera, Will Warren. Hyde proposed this in a YouTube video. Yes, you read that right—a YouTube video. Now, I’m not knocking Hyde, but when it comes to breaking news, and copycat reporting, I’ll take a well-researched article over a video thumbnail with "MUST WATCH" in the header.

Now, let’s talk about Carlos Correa for a second. The man is just two years into a six-year, $200 million contract, with four vesting options totaling $75 million through 2032. The Twins might be looking to unload that hefty deal, and yes, the Yankees could be interested, especially given Correa's .905 OPS in 86 games last season. But here’s the kicker: Do the Yankees really need to do this?

With DJ LeMahieu, Oswaldo Cabrera, and Oswald Peraza already in the mix, the Yankees might just be fine without adding another high-profile name to their roster. They've got a powerhouse lineup as it is, and bringing in Correa could be more of a luxury than a necessity.

At the end of the day, while everyone else is throwing darts, I’m putting my trust in the journalists who do it right—the ones who dig deep, check their sources, and don’t publish until they’re sure they’ve got something of substance. That’s why I’m always going to side with guys like Pete Caldera. He’s my guy, and when it comes to the Carlos Correa saga or any other major baseball story, I know he’ll lead me right.

So let’s all sit back, relax, and wait for the dust to settle. Because if there’s one thing we can count on, it’s that the truth will eventually come out, and when it does, I’ll bet you a hot dog at Yankee Stadium that it’ll be guys like Passan, Curry, and Caldera who’ve got it right.

MY SPECULATION IS ALEX BREGMAN IS TAINTED

Speculation continues in my world. It's true, when it comes to Alex Bregman’s free agency, many are wondering if the delay in his signing stems from his pursuit of a lucrative payday and lingering questions about his reputation of cheating. 

Bregman, the face of the Houston Astros' 2017 cheating scandal with Jose Altuve, became synonymous with the team’s infamous sign-stealing scheme when he delivered awkward, seemingly insincere apologies during the fallout. 

Now, at 30 years old and seeking a new, huge contract, some believe his association with the scandal is playing a significant role in the hesitation from teams to meet his likely lofty price tag. This is watercooler talk and believe me, I firmly believe this is why there is such a hold up. Reputation is a big thing.

Bregman remains a solid player with a consistent track record of high production during his nine-year career—all spent with the Astros. However, he’s not quite a superstar, and his performance has seen some decline in recent years. Represented by Scott Boras, known for pushing clients toward massive deals, Bregman is undoubtedly aiming high. But given his recent down year and the baggage of his past, Boras may find this negotiation particularly challenging in my opinion.

Rumors have linked several teams to Bregman, with the Chicago Cubs emerging as a potential landing spot. So do the Tigers. Meanwhile, the Yankees, once thought to be contenders for his services, now seem more focused on pursuing Carlos Correa, (Read A BIG CARLOS CORREA NUGGET JUST DROPPED IN MY LAP) who could potentially shift to third base if the fit works. Other teams reportedly in the mix include the Blue Jays, Tigers, and Red Sox.

For Bregman, the issue may not just be the financial figure he’s targeting but also the broader perception of his career post-2017. His association with the scandal casts a long shadow, and teams may be wary of investing heavily in a player carrying such baggage. If I'm Bregman I want to stay in Houston where I'm safe. But the Astros have yet to make a strong push to retain him, adding another layer of uncertainty.

In my view, Bregman’s best chance for stability lies in staying with the Astros, where his history and familiarity with the organization could work in his favor. For now, though, it appears he’s waiting by the phone—and the calls he’s hoping for may not be coming anytime soon.

My opinion of course and I could totally be wrong. But to me, reputation, character and integrity are important.  

A BIG CARLOS CORREA NUGGET JUST DROPPED IN MY LAP

 And Pete Caldera's greatest nugget yet! God love ya, Pete!

When Pete Caldera speaks, the baseball world listens—at least, it should. Caldera isn’t one to toss around baseless speculation for clicks or buzz. He’s a straight shooter, a trusted voice in the sports journalism landscape, and when he ventures into the "Baseball Insider" arena, you know there’s substance behind the whispers. So, when Caldera drops a nugget about the Yankees eyeing Carlos Correa, you might want to sit up, take notes, and start imagining No. 4 donning pinstripes...as another number of course.

The Yankees are in fact an intriguing position. DJ LeMahieu, once the steady heartbeat of their lineup, has become a question mark. Injuries and declining performance have cast a shadow over his reliability. Sure, he’s an internal option for solving the infield puzzle, but it’s clear the Yankees aren’t content to hope for a resurgence. Enter the idea of external solutions—and one name towers above the rest: Carlos Correa.

According to Caldera’s report in NorthJersey.com, the Yankees might be willing to part with three of their top six prospects—George Lombard Jr., Chase Hampton, and Will Warren—to acquire Correa from the struggling Minnesota Twins. Imagine that for a moment: Correa at third base, a lineup-transforming bat, and a Gold Glove-caliber glove fortifying the left side of the Yankees' infield. It’s a vision that makes your baseball heart race a little faster. Again, in my opinion when this story first dropped days ago, I laughed. But with Pete Caldera putting some names together based on his reporting, this is very real.

But let’s pump the brakes and examine the situation. Correa is no free agent; he’s locked into the third year of a six-year, $200 million contract. Trading for him isn’t just about sending talent to Minnesota—it’s about convincing the Twins to shoulder a significant portion of his salary. That’s no small ask, even for a front office wizard like Brian Cashman. The price, both in prospects and dollars, would be steep. Yet the reward? Potentially franchise-altering.

Even Alexander Wilson of Empire Sports Media can’t help but gush over the possibilities. Correa, he argues, would bring postseason pedigree, a dynamic offensive presence, and an elite glove to the Yankees. He’s a proven winner who thrives on big stages—the kind of player who could solidify the infield and turn the Yankees from contenders to bona fide threats. Wilson paints a picture of Correa as a game-changer, and it’s hard to disagree.

Still, questions abound. Do the Yankees really need Correa, or would this be a move to block Boston from adding another star to their arsenal? Can the team absorb the financial strain of his contract without crippling future flexibility? How does Cashman sell this deal to a fan base that might balk at the idea of mortgaging the farm for a star with a hefty price tag? And perhaps most tantalizing, how does he convince the Twins to play ball and absorb a chunk of Correa’s salary?

These are questions without easy answers. But one thing is crystal clear: Pete Caldera, one of the best in the business, doesn’t throw darts at a board. His insights are measured, thoughtful, and often prophetic. If he’s talking Correa-to-the-Yankees, it’s not just idle chatter—it’s a storyline with legs, maybe even wings.

So here we are, paying attention, hanging on every word. Do the Yankees need Carlos Correa? Maybe. Do they need the financial strain his contract brings? Maybe not. But if Pete Caldera says this is a possibility worth considering, you can bet it’s worth every bit of your attention. I really believe that.

Read more about Pete Caldera:

NO ONE DOES THE YANKEES BETTER THAN PETE CALDERA

CORREA OVER VOLPE? PEOPLE ARE ACTUALLY TALKING ABOUT THIS

So, word on the street is the Minnesota Twins might be willing to part ways with Carlos Correa, their big fish. And wouldn’t you know it, the folks over at Fireside Yankees podcast are ready to throw a parade to welcome Correa to the Bronx. I kid, I kid.

Their hot take? "Should the Yankees try to swing a trade for star infielder Carlos Correa this offseason? The financial hurdle and prospect haul could be a ton, but this move would cement the Yankees as legitimate World Series contenders," they chirped on Twitter.

Look, Fireside Yankees, I admire the audacity. It takes a certain kind of courage to suggest the Yankees should work out a deal and pay top dollar for a guy who was basically the Astros’ poster boy for the Great Garbage Can Caper of 2017. But in my opinion, let’s pump the brakes.

First of all, we already have a shortstop. His name is Anthony Volpe, and he’s not just any shortstop—he’s a homegrown, Gold Glove-winning rookie who fans like. You don’t bench that guy, you grow him. You don’t move him to second base. And you definitely don’t bring in a guy like Correa, who’d be carrying more baggage into the clubhouse than Judge carries runners across home plate. Obviously people have their opinions, and I have mine.

Correa isn’t just expensive—he’s four years, $200 million expensive. That’s the kind of money you drop on an MVP bat, not a guy who might spend his first month in pinstripes dodging boos louder than the subway at rush hour. Sure, he’s talented, but we’ve got bigger fish to fry.

Oh, and let’s not forget Cody Bellinger. Our newest addition is a man on a mission—and that mission is to keep the Astros as far away from his team as possible. Bellinger’s dislike for Houston is so well-documented, he could trademark it, read  REMEMBERING WHEN CODY BELLINGER WENT HARD ON THE ASTROS! You think he’d be thrilled to see Correa waltz into the clubhouse like nothing happened? Hard pass. We’re not just building a lineup here; we’re building chemistry.

But the Correa dream doesn’t end with Fireside Yankees. FanSided’s Chris Landers also threw him into a hypothetical “dream lineup” for the Yankees, and I have questions. Did we run out of other players to fantasize about? Was everyone else unavailable? Because this feels like suggesting pineapple on a pizza—it’s bold, but it’s also unnecessary, and it’s probably going to start a fight.

Landers even acknowledged the “collective groan” Yankees fans would unleash if Correa became a Yankee. Newsflash: if you know the fans would hate it, maybe don’t do it. We’re already dealing with enough BS.

So, here’s the deal: the Yankees don’t need Correa. We have Anthony Volpe. That’s the story Yankees fans love. That’s what we want to root for.

If the Twins are looking to shed payroll, great for them. Maybe they can send Correa somewhere where his baggage won’t take up a whole locker room. Thanks, but no thanks. Fireside Yankees, we love your passion but maybe let’s aim that energy at something we actually need—like figuring out how to win a championship without trolling the Astros’ garage sale.

THE YANKEES - TWINS MATCHUP IS WORTH THE HYPE

Source: ESPN

There has been so much banter out there about this series against the Twins. And with the fire Minnesota has had after going 7-13 in their first 20 games to turn around and win the next 17, one could see why. Seeing them Tuesday night, as they wore down Carlos Rodon and came out swinging- yeah, Minnesota appears to be the real deal. And so The Yankees - Twins matchup is definitely worth the hype.

Source: The Athletic

"Entering the three-game series that begins Tuesday at Target Field, the Twins have won 17 of their last 20 games, keyed by a 12-game winning streak in which they beat up on the White Sox, Angels and Red Sox. And since then, they have won series against the Mariners and Blue Jays as well, looking poised to give the Yankees a formidable challenge this week," reported The New York Post.

With Aaron Judge finally getting hot and Giancarlo Stanton producing in the DH spot, the Yankees are certainly up for the challenge this three-game series brings. "After batting .174 with a .645 OPS through his first 23 games, Judge is batting .313 with a 1.147 OPS over his last 19 games," reported the Post.

And on the Twins side of the field you have Ryan Jeffers who has been unstoppable. “Jeffers has become one of the better adjustment-making hitters in the league,” manager Rocco Baldelli said. “He’s got a plan for pretty much everything, and he can execute the plan. He’s competing against off-speed and fastballs, up and down, inside and out. And rarely are you able to find a guy who can actually hit all of these different types of pitches,” reported The Athletic.

The Yankees have held their opponents at bay despite not having their ace, Gerrit Cole, on the hill. Starters have fared well and the bullpen has been a powerhouse. It will be telling if the Yankees pitchers can keep Jeffers, Max Kepler and Carlos Correa quiet over the next couple of games.

Source: MLB.com

"The Yankees' relief corps is again among the best in the sport, with the second-highest Win Probability Added and second-best ERA in the majors. The anchor is the most prominent holdover: Clay Holmes, the only qualified reliever yet to surrender an earned run in 2024," reported ESPN.

This series against Minnesota will definitely keep my attention. Honestly, the Twins have earned it. As the Post admirably said, "The Yankees no longer have a punching bag in red-hot Twins." From the look of things in game one of three at Target Field, it will be a great contest; one we may see again later in the fall. 

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

CASHMAN TAKES RESPONSIBLITY FOR A PRETTY BIG BLUNDER!

Frankie Montas was a bust. Not only did he do terrible for the New York Yankees when we acquired him, he hid the fact that he was hurt, telling us all just recently that he was trying to work through injury. Read DON'T TRY AND BE A HERO, FRANKIE MONTAS for more. 

Now what I don't get is that typically a team as structured and corporate as the New York Yankees would do a big physical with newly acquired players to determine if a player is A-OK. Look at the Mets and Carlos Correa. For a hot second he was a Met and then he wasn't. Medical papers said something was up and they looked into it.  The Yankees appeared to not do a thing when Montas came over and then, now he's out hurt and what a huge waste of time that was.

Well Brian Cashman has stepped forward and accepted responsibility.  He admits, and pardon me for curing... he fucked up.

Yardbarker writes:

"Montas may end up being one of the worst trades in recent memory for this Yankee team, and general manager Brian Cashman knows it.

Prior to being moved, the 30-year-old starter posted a 3.18 ERA across 104.2 innings for Oakland, and while their medical staff cleared him of any issues, Montas recently indicated that he was injured when the Yankees acquired him.

“I was like eh-eh. I wasn’t fully 100 percent,” Montas said. “I was trying to pitch through it. Of course I got traded to a new team, I wanted to show what I can do.

Cashman isn’t even hiding behind his pride anymore but instead admitting that it was a complete dud. The same could be said about the deal that brought Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Josh Donaldson to the Bronx.

“You can’t sugarcoat it —the Montas trade didn’t work out,” he said, via Ian O’Connor of the New York Post. “We didn’t get a healthy pitcher, and that’s ultimately my responsibility.”

I respect Cashman more than I did before reading about this development, but here's the thing, now he has to make it right.  

WHY I HAVE A NEW FOUND RESPECT FOR TOMMY KAHNLE

We all bleed Yankee Blue here and so does Tommy Kahnle. We also love beating the Red Sox and the season hasn't even started yet but we already have one nice victory under our belt....and I love Kahnle more for it, too.

Free agency is a whirlwind for players and fans alike. We get to sit and talk about rumors while players are looking for contracts that give the most money, but also give the most years. It's all about the money AND the stability. Ask Carlos Correa about that - I loved watching him go from a 13 year deal all the way down to six. I actually laughed hysterically at him. He's nothing like Kahnle. It's karma.

In case you missed it, read more HERE because it might change the way you feel about Kahnle. I always liked the guy but now I like him more because he has real love for the game. It's about more than just the money, he has unfinished business with the Yankees. He wants another chance to win it all....in pinstripes.

"There were a couple of teams interested right away and one of them was the Yankees. I didn’t expect them to be interested in me again. To see them come out of the gate and be right in it — I had some good conversations with them. I know everyone missed me. I always loved being a Yankee. It just made sense to me to return. ... I was really close to going to Boston but in the end, I made the choice of the familiarity of knowing all of the coaches and knowing what role I would have going into this situation. ... It just felt right. One of my big goals in my career is to win a World Series and be a part of one. I left in a weird way and I want to come back and help this team and city get a World Series ring." 

How can you not have mad respect for him after reading that? He "left in a weird way" and wanted to come back and finish what he started. He could've signed with Boston for more money.... but he didn't. For once, it wasn't all about money. He said "no" to more so he could be a Yankee again. THAT gives me chills up my spine. THAT is something you just don't find often anymore, and it makes me a bigger fan.

Baseball may not be back yet - but Kahnle's attitude is already a walk-off homerun in my opinion. It reinvigorates my love for the game because it's a refreshing change. Now I'm more anxious to see him on the mound again.

Welcome home, Kahnle!

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj 

THE METS SHOW DESPERATION, NOT CHARACTER IN THEIR SIGNING OF CORREA

Steve Cohen... egg on face.

The Mets now have Carlos Correa.  It was the Giants first, but here's the thing; before it was the Giants, Carlos Correa was attached to the Dodgers.  But the Dodgers said, "No Way". Why? Because they went to their fan base and understood that doing that would be stupid... for the city of Los Angeles, for the Dodgers brand and for the fans who hate the guy because he was part of that cheating Asstros World Series team. And so... they bailed.  Read more about that in CARLOS CORREA IS DAMAGED GOODS - DODGERS ARE OUT!

But last week we saw the Giants had decided to sign Correa. Why? Well, the answer is simple; it wasn't because they needed a shortstop. Nope... they have Brandon Crawford. They would have been fine at short. They did it because they had the money.... money that was originally designated for Aaron Judge.  But thankfully Judge came back home to the Bronx. And so, in desperation to make a splash in the offseason and not look like they had egg on their faces, they signed big fish Carlos Correa... only to not.

Here's the latest from the New York Post:

"There is suddenly a hiccup regarding Carlos Correa’s megadeal with the Giants.

The team suddenly postponed a Tuesday news conference, in which they were set to introduce Correa, 28, as their new shortstop, due to a “medical concern,” The Associated Press reported. According to the AP, “a medical issue was flagged during Correa’s physical,” and the team and player are waiting on test results.

Correa and the Giants had previously agreed to a 13-year, $350 million contract, the fourth-largest contract in MLB history in terms of total money.

The Giants were originally set to introduce Correa on Tuesday at 2 p.m. ET, but the press conference was called off three hours prior without an explanation."

So not only does Correa have a character problem in the league, but he also has a medical problem. But apparently none of that matters to Cohen and the Mets., because then this happened. The Post writes:

"Correa and the Mets worked out a middle-of-the-night deal after his Giants deal fell through, the New York Post has learned. Correa’s new deal with the Mets is for $315 million over 12 years, sources told The Post."

But this isn't a signing of need. This is a signing so Steve Cohen can say he did something. Any concern in a medical record should never command a contract that big.  But this shows me if the Mets don't care about integrity... about character of a player. What it tells me is they are absolutely desperate. They just lost DeGrom who HATES the Mets and now they need a shiny thing for the fans to cling to. Desperate, Desperate, Desperate. Desperate to win, desperate to not be out shadowed by the Yankees... and desperate to prove to the league and their fans that they are relevant.  

But here's the thing... Carlos Correa is garbage.  He was garbage with the Asstros, that team has a serious stain on them, and as far as I and many baseball fans are concerned... Correa will NEVER be loved like he once was.

Correa IS damaged goods. I said it when I wrote it when the Dodgers passed on him... and that will not change.  

Hey Mets... just another Mets move. Have fun with that.

TATIS TO THE YANKEES: A MADE-UP RUMOR, BUT A GREAT IDEA

Once Aaron Judge was signed, I'm not going to lie, I kind of wanted to hibernate. I was like the day I got engaged. There was so much build up to the moment, and then it happened, and I needed a long nap. It took everything out of me.

But now we want the next big thing to happen. Just read Suzie Pinstripe's story, YANKEES HAVE A LOT TO DO NOW THAT JUDGE IS BACK. I mean, we got Judge, but we need to improve the team as well.

A story went out today from ESPN, who is for the most part pretty unreliable and biased against the New York teams. This has been known forever. But what I found interesting was the nugget that popped up out of nowhere. Listen...

Tatis to the Yankees?  I laughed at first.  Listen to this...

Fernando Tatis Jr. to the #Yankees? @HDumpty39 is hearing rumblings.

LISTEN: https://t.co/cd8W4sHvNW. pic.twitter.com/Il8cwXx8sx

— DiPietro & Rothenberg (@DRonESPN) December 12, 2022

OK, now a few things here.

For one, this story is not true. If someone heard it, someone's making it up. There has been zero connection with the San Diego Padres and the Yankees.   If you search about the internet, this is the only source and plenty, even high-level baseball insiders have never heard a whisper.  But think about this... does it make sense? It does.

First off, Tatis has a 14-year, $340 million contract with the Padres. That is insane considering we just signed Judge to a ridiculous amount, and we had to do that.  This we don't have to do, but we could.  

For one, Cashman would have to really think about a way to have the Padres pay for that contract.  Secondly, he'd have to give up some guys, some damaged goods like the Aaron Hicks and Josh Donaldson's of the world, and then some top talent.  And I'm talking about guys like Jasson Dominguez or Anthony Volpe or a guy like Oswaldo Cabrera and maybe even a player more.  Now you can say this is too much and what are we doing here... I am speculating because I love this idea and it falls in line with the old Steinbrenner way. 

Tatis needs a second chance after PEDs. And if we saw anything from Hal Steinbrenner this year it's that he is slowly turning into his old man. Willing to get on the phone himself, surpassing Cashman and locking in guys.  

Plus, like I said, Tatis needs a second chance. Remember Darryl Strawberry? Remember Dwight Gooden? Second chances, new environment and the nod from the Boss to turn it around and they did.  If Hal is really like his old man, he'll get all nostalgic about second chances and try to make this deal to clear up Tatis's image and allow his talents to shine in the Bronx. 

Tatis can hit. He can also play short, outfield and if we can move Donaldson, what a pleasure it could be to have him at third and IKF at short for a hot minute before we bring up Volpe.  And hey, you don't wanna do that? Put Tatis in the outfield with Bader and Judge. We need that too and he plays there.

The whole Carlos Correa to the Yankees story is not happening. He is hated in New York, and we'd be fools to sign that guy. He's an arrogant prick.  While Tatis can show arrogance, he more moldable now because of his shortcomings of the PEDs scandal. He's trying to turn it around and get in the good graces of baseball fans again.

Look, tell me I'm wrong, that's fine. But while this story is absolutely not true... it could be, and I like it. 

CARLOS CORREA IS DAMAGED GOODS - DODGERS ARE OUT!

Carlos Correa wants to continue to play ball, but it seems like some of the big teams don't want the guy.  The Yankees have been connected to him, but only because they are a big market team and have a ton of money to spend. So are the Dodgers, although there is a new development and the Dodgers are out of the Correa sweepstakes... and it comes down to his reputation! 

Fansided writes:

"According to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, the Dodgers are not pursuing Correa "in part out of concern that a sizable portion of their fan base would not welcome the move." That is due to the fact, as Rosenthal says, that Correa was "the most outspoken member" of the 2017 Houston Astros team that was found guilty of illegally stealing signs. That Astros team, of course, beat the Dodgers in that year's World Series.

Prior to the 2020 season, when the league released their findings in Houston's sign stealing-scandal, Correa was the most combative member of the team. He publicly fought back against those who said their World Series title wasn't legitimate. Perhaps most notably, he bashed then-Dodgers outfielder Cody Bellinger, after he called the Astros' punishment "weak" and that Jose Altuve stole the AL MVP in 2017 from Judge."

I guess a shitty attitude and being part of a cheating team really damaged Correa, and I'm happy about that. This used to be a franchise player, but his biggest mistake was thinking he could get a payday outside of Jim Crane's Asstros team. He would have been better off staying there and being insulated and safe. 

And I love how the Dodgers handled it. They actually took a moment and didn't think about a potential championship by adding Correa, they thought about the fan base.  That's pretty special in this day and age, kind of like how Hal Steinbrenner did what he needed to do to keep Aaron Judge.

This is a great story folks, I hope more publications pick it up. Nice job, Scott Rogust.