WHAT IS MACHADO'S SIGNING IMPACT ON BASEBALL?

Source: CBS Sports

The text messages raced into my inbox on Tuesday afternoon as we learned the fate of the late great short stop who played the first six years in his MLB career with the Baltimore Orioles.  Manny Machado got his 10-year $300 million dollar contact but he had to go to baseball's lost land to retrieve it.

Source: NY Daily News

"It took 113 days of free agency to play out, but Manny Machado is headed to San Diego on the largest deal ever handed out to a free agent," reported ESPN.  Is this considered a good signing? ESPN elicited its experts to unpack the impact of the deal for the Padres and the rest of baseball.

Source: USA Today

"Machado becomes the face of the franchise and by midseason will likely be teaming with rookie Fernando Tatis Jr. to give the Padres one of the best left sides of the infield in the majors. For a franchise that hasn't had a winning season since 2010 or made the playoffs since 2006, they finally are moving in the right direction," said ESPN's David Schoenfield.

Source: San Diego Tribune

I hadn't ever placed the words good and San Diego in the same sentence before.  Isn't that where the Yankees shipped Phil Hughes, Bryan Mitchell and eventually sent back Chase Headley? Yep, that's the same team.  But the ESPN baseball analysts seemingly are on to something.

"The Padres probably won't be very good this year, but with the best current farm system in baseball they probably will be quite good in many of the next half-dozen years, and players like Manny Machado aren't just freely available to pick up when a team decides to flip the switch and compete. They just got an MVP candidate for the middle of the lineup and all it cost them was money," said ESPN's Sam Miller.

Source: NESN.com

As far as Machado's impact on the rest of baseball? Well, he's out of the American League and the American League East, so that's good for the Yankees.  Cleveland is jumping for joy because the White Sox didn't win the free agent over despite inviting a bunch of Machado's family to the payroll. Byrce Harper is a winner here too because likely he will get what he wants too.

Source: USA Today

Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred stated in a press conference on Tuesday that this signing is good for baseball.  "I think it’s good in baseball to have big stars present in some of our smaller markets and see those markets really being out there willing to compete for the best talent.” 

Source: The Athletic

As far as the impact on the White Sox, in a word, they feel "defeated."  “I’m still in a bit of disbelief. (Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf) really, really stepped up. If the acceptance of the offer that I’m seeing is true, then actually our offer had the opportunity for Manny to surpass that. But in the end we went after the guy and we didn’t get him," said Executive vice president Ken Williams as reported by the Chicago Tribune.  And he added that the similarity of the two teams is clearly evident.  "You’ve got to give it to them. They are in a similar trajectory as we are. And for the same reasons we were after him, they were after him. Their ownership group did a great job in trumping everyone else.”

Source: Camden Chat

So, Manny Machado rides into the sunset presumably with his top down on his convertible.  Hey, the weather is great out there, Manny, not like Chicago or Northeast weather, which starts cold and ends up steaming hot in the summer months.  He goes to a small market team with very little post season visits but recall that Dave Winfield was Padre before heading to the Yankees, so maybe he will do well being a big fish in a small pond.  At least he's out of the Yankees mind and they can get down to the business of winning...something Manny won't see for sometime.

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

THE DAVID ROBERTSON TRADE REALITY

Source: USA Today

I appreciate honesty especially in a world where we can't always find it easily.  Movies like Ocean's 11 and the upcoming Ocean's 8 highlight dishonesty, in the most entertaining way.  To say that dishonesty is a reality would be a true statement, although we don't like it and we don't wish our loved ones to practice it.  So, in an effort to stay honest and focus on reality, it is our duty to share with you some harsh and unpleasant realities: David Robertson could be traded in order to allow for the Yankees to build their forces for a new championship while staying under the luxury tax.

Source: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images North America

"The Yanks currently have $172 million-ish tied up in seven signed players, an estimate of what eight arbitration players will cost via MLB Trade Rumors, obligations from trades for Brian McCann and Chase Headley and the $14 million-ish each club will be charged for benefits such as pensions and insurance," reported the NY Post.  So, if the Yankees want to pick up "any kind of more expensive luxury item" they have to cut their current payroll.

Source: Abbie Parr/Getty Images North America

Sure the logical choice is the player labeled as the 5th outfielder.  But the reality is that trading Jacoby Ellsbury may not be that easy.  According to Chris Carelli of SNY, "trading Ellsbury will not be a simple transaction for a number of reasons."  These reasons include: his substantive contract (the biggest roadblock), no-trade clause, perceived future value, chronic injuries and age, and his need for everyday reps (in order for him to be ready to be inserted into the lineup).  

Source: Jason Miller/Getty Images North America

But there is someone who could give the Yankees the cushion they need to pick up that infielder and additional starting pitcher.  As much as I hate to say it and would hate to see him go, the reality is that David Robertson could provide the flexibility the Yankees need to keep dealing and still stay beneath $197 million.  

Source: Abbie Parr/Getty Images North America

"But the biggest dent within reason would come from trading David Robertson ($11.5 million for luxury-tax purposes and entering his walk year). The Yanks have depth to set-up Aroldis Chapman with Betances, Warren, Chad Green and Tommy Kahnle," reported the NY Post.  

Source: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images North America

And with the Robertson deal, the Yankees could move on Yu Darvish, Manny Machado or Mike Moustakas.  My reality is do we really need any of these?  Can we just pursue the championship with what we have or perhaps with a smaller pick up of Gerritt Cole or Patrick Corbin?  Can we rely on our farm system rather than sacrifice David Robertson who is coming off one of his best seasons since coming to the Yankees in July.  His ability to come into a game situation as a long reliever or as a closer make him invaluable to our bullpen.  His leadership on this Yankee team also cannot be undervalued.  

The Roberston Trade could be a reality if the Yankees are not willing to settle for what they have in place and feel they need more to secure their championship season in 2018.  I'd be dishonest if I didn't share this nugget but it is a painful one to swallow.

 

IT'S 2018 & BIRD'S STILL THE WORD!

Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Out with the old and in with the new! Goodbye to the former 2017 Yankees and hello to the revamped 2018 team.

Out with our old third baseman Chase Headley and in with....well, Brian Cashman is still working on that one. Oh but we can't forget about Giancarlo Stanton, right? That's new! Well we have a new/old not to forget...in fact I am going to call it NOLD.

Photo: Getty Images

Greg Bird is our NOLD because he's still a young 25 year old kid who's been around awhile but hasn't hit his full potential. I am crossing my fingers that this is his breakout season. Not month or four months but entire season because if he can stay healthy it's his time to shine! No more fluke spring training injuries to derail the entire season or Mark Teixeira-esque infinite injury problems and no more crazy stories like THIS. We've had breakout years for Aaron Judge and Gary Sanchez....now it's Bird's turn.

The guy has had a tough break. He's had a lot of criticism from some fans and so-called "insiders" alike.

“You really have to wonder what’s with this guy,” a Yankee insider complained. 
“You’d think with Judge and Sanchez, the guys he came up through the system with, doing so well up here he’d want to be a part of this. Apparently not.”

Source: Elsa/Getty Images North America

I never read into these stories too much. It's all a bunch of gossip from unidentified people. There's no evidence of the Yankee brass souring on Bird and after watching him have success at the end of the season it only shows us what Bird really can do....and will do when he is healthy. He did it in Spring training and he did it at the end of the season now he just needs to stay healthy and work hard all season and big things will happen.

Photo: Getty Images

Yankee stadium is made for Bird and his swing. I know the exciting addition of Stanton makes us all drool and Judge is just a beast but I think Bird will be the breakout player of 2018. He's overdue and has all of the tools to be successful he just needs to get shake off the bad luck he's had the past couple of years.

Last year we were good, damn good and one win away from a World Series berth. A healthy productive Bird could be the difference between a damn good Yankee team....and a dominant Yankee team. I don't think anyone should sleep on Bird. He's got unfinished business and a lot of winning to do.

Bird is STILL the word.

--Jeana Bellezza
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @nyprincessj

WINTER MEETING MADNESS & SCOTT BORAS MIGHT BE CRAZY!

FINALLY winter is interesting, huh? Oh how I have loved the Winter Meetings so far and with one day left I hope it stays this fast paced and filled with rumors. The Hot Stove is officially fired up and I've been glued to social media all day. Here's the latest:

1. YES, Scott Boras might be crazy

Photo: NBC Sports

He just never goes away does he? We all know he has a lot of big name clients and he has spent a lot of time on pitching Jake Arrieta to all 30 major league teams (no pun intended). In case you missed it, on Monday Boras sent every one a 75 page promotional binder essentially selling his client to anyone who will listen, read more HERE. One owner said he got the impression that he is trying to get Arrieta a 200 million dollar deal but Boras "isn't putting values" on anything. Riiiight. I wonder what Hal Steinbrenner did with his. Has Boras reached a  new level of CRAZY?

2. Yankees and Diamondbacks have talked about several players

Source: Harry How/Getty Images North America

Right now the Dbacks and Yankees match well on paper. Both mlbtraderumors.com and the New York Post both have rumors on multiple players. Apparently the Yankees have at least inquired about the availability of Zack Greinke and Patrick Corbin who is just one year away from free agency. It never hurts to ask, but does this mean that all of CC Sabathia's interest of late means the Yankees are moving on?

Source: Harry How/Getty Images North America

Now that the Yankees have traded away infielders and have potential holes at second and third base they also checked in on Brandon Drury who can play both infield positions and is still under team control for four years. He won't be arbitration eligible until next year so he would fit the Yankees plan to get under the luxury tax.

3. Another pitching possibility

Source: Ron Schwane/Getty Images North America

The Yankees are looking at multiple pitchers and Danny Duffy is now on their radar. The Cubs are also interested but it doesn't sound like he is interested in any other team because he tweeted "bury me a royal" so who knows if this goes anywhere.

4. Todd Frazier still in play

Source: Getty Images North America

Multiple teams, as many as 10 are reportedly interested in Frazier. The Yankees have checked in with his agent but it sounds like conversations are still lukewarm. He makes sense, we may need to fill third base. Other teams are looking at him for first base too.

5. Is a reunion with Eduardo Nunez in the works?

(Sept. 29, 2017 - Source: Omar Rawlings/Getty Images North America)

There's chatter out there that the Yankees "may" be interested in bringing Nunez back, read HERE and the Blue Jays, Red Sox and Giants are looking at him too. That is a little scary.

6. Headley headed elsewhere again?

Photo: Getty Images

On Tuesday the Yankees sent Chase Headley back to the Padres and now he may be heading north to the LA Angels? Read more on that HERE. The Padres are still in rebuilding mode and the Angels look like serious contenders in the AL West so he makes more sense for them and the Angels have a hole at third. I wonder where Headley's final stop will be...

Source: Patrick McDermott/Getty Images North America

And of course the Manny Machado rumors are still out there. I will just leave it at that.

I can't wait to see what happens the last day of the winter meetings! Cashman has a lot of leads right
now.  I just can't wait to see what happens next.

--Jeana Bellezza
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @nyprincessj 

HEADLEY & MITCHELL... GONZO

And just like that, Chase Headley is headed back to the Padres where he used to play.  Bryan Mitchell is gone too.  That is brought to us by multiple sources, but we'll give the coverage to the New York Post here:

"The Yankees have dealt Chase Headley and Bryan Mitchell to the Padres for outfielder Jabari Blash, The Post’s Joel Sherman reports.

The trade of Headley opens third base for perhaps a Todd Frazier reunion or for top prospect Gleyber Torres, who missed most of last season following Tommy John surgery, and helps the Yankees’ pursuit of getting underneath the luxury-tax threshold. Headley had $13 million left on his contract...

Photo: SI

Mitchell, a 26-year-old starter and reliever, has shuffled between the majors and minors the last few seasons. In four years, mostly out of the bullpen, he has a 4.94 ERA in 98 1/3 innings."

David Hahn/Icon Sportswire

Yanks get Blash.  You can review his stats if you click on his name.  Not much there, but the big reason for this trade was unloading Headley.  Blash could develop over time.

Nice move again, Brian Cashman.

ONE WAY THE YANKS CAN GET GIANCARLO STANTON

Photo: Getty Images

I know, I know, it's ridiculous. And reality is... we do not need him, but when it comes to the Yankees... there are 2 guys that I am ready to have shipped out.  They are Jacoby Ellsbury and Chase Headley.  Now that you know that, read this...

Jon Heyman everyone:

Photo: Getty Images

"The New York Yankees have been on the far fringes of the Giancarlo Stanton talk to this point, and one reason for that is the difficulty it would seem to be for them to fit Stanton and his $25 million salary under the $197 million luxury tax threshold for 2018...

Photo: Getty Images

The Yankees would have to include some combination of Jacoby Ellsbury, Chase Headley and maybe Brett Gardner to make their tax goal still work. And while it’s a long shot, technically it’s doable.

The Marlins are said to have started Stanton talks by asking any acquiring team to take his full contract and the $295 million to go over 10 years while also giving up good prospects. But sources say they are open to negotiating off that, depending on the total take, and the Yankees have a plethora of very good prospects that could entice Miami."

There are those names again. Plus, there's Brett Gardner.  Remember when the Yankees were thinking about trading him?

Photo: Getty Images

Now look, getting Stanton for those 3 old guys won't happen... but Heyman is right in some regard... if the Yankees can be creative, get rid of some prospects (be smart Brian) and still manage to throw Ellsbury and Headley in, we perhaps have something.

Will Stanton ever be in pinstripes? I honestly do not think so... but hell... it's fun to think about.

Stay tuned.

KEEP 'EM OR DUMP 'EM LIST

Source: Elsa/Getty Images North America

As we enter the week of Thanksgiving, approximately one month since our last game of the ALCS,  I could not think of a better time to put together what I am touting as the KEEP 'EM OR DUMP 'EM LIST.  And let me preface this by saying that fans have been asking me to write a piece like this and I overheard a group of Wegmans' employees chatting it up about who should stay and who should go as they organized the carts in the parking lot on a busy Saturday morning.  The conversation was entertaining and they had no idea I was eavesdropping or that I would have an clue what they were talking about...BYB undercover reporter!

Source: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images North America

If we start with our pitching staff, I would absolutely offer CC Sabathia a reasonable contract and make an attempt to keep him, but I would be happy to see Sonny Gray and Jaime Garcia go.  Dump them both- they have no business here, really.  Promote Chad Green to a starter and bring up Justus Sheffield and give him a whirl.  Masahiro Tanaka?  Depends.  I would try and keep him but if he is way too expensive, I would dump him along with Caleb Smith, Jonathan Holder, and Chasen Shreve.  See what we can get for them along with Luis Cessa who has already been in trade talks for a potential trade with San Francisco.  Dellin Betances should also be part of the trade talks.  Not in love with what he gave us during the later part of the season.

Source: Elsa/Getty Images North America

Our catchers are staying, although I caution Gary Sanchez with this warning...figure out how to be a better defensive catcher, use your resources to improve and don't be so cocky.  That's all I have to say about that.  Turning my attention to the rest of the infield or the position players, Chase Headley needs to go already.  I would figure out how to keep Todd Frazier and Ronald Torreyes but I would dump Tyler Austin and Garrett Cooper and even Tyler Wade, especially if we pick up Joe Panik.  We should think about trading Starlin Castro as well.  He offered nothing to us in the post season and a lot of days of the DL during the regular season. Greg Bird holds his own at first base. Just stay healthy, Bird!

Source: Elsa/Getty Images North America

The outfield is stacked with a lot of talent at the corners in Brett Gardner and Aaron Judge but center field, well, that's up for grabs.  Like my comment about Castro, I was very disappointed with Aaron Hicks' performance during the post season and his number of long trips to the DL this season.  He needs to prove himself worthy of the starting center field position before I think about trading Clint Frazier.  If I could design my own Christmas gift, I would figure out how to gift wrap Jacoby Ellsbury and ship him right out of the Bronx.  Hey, Brian Cashman has shown us his black magic before when he dumped Tyler Clippard (dare I say his name) and we picked up Frazier and Tommy Kahnle and David Robertson (all of whom I would absolutely keep).  Let's not lose faith that he can pull off some kind of Ellsbury exit.

Source: Elsa/Getty Images North America

Anyway you look at it, we have some moves to make and a championship team to fine tune.  Some guys are with us and fit this vision and others clearly don't.  What are your thoughts on "the LIST"?  Give us a shout out and weigh in on your KEEP 'EM or DUMP 'EM LIST.

--Suzie Pinstripe

BYB Managing Editor

Twitter: @suzieprof