Showing posts with label chase utley. Show all posts
Showing posts with label chase utley. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

STARLIN CASTRO: KEEPER OR ON THE BLOCK?


Starlin Castro came to us following a set of seasons where the Yankees were dreadful at second base. If it wasn't Stephen Drew hitting below .200 for almost his entire tenure as a Yankee, it was the defensive liability of Rob Refsnyder. The Yankees were able to salvage Refsnyder's hot bat by finding other places in the field and in the lineup for him to play, but Drew was sent packing and rightfully so. The Yankees acquired Castro in a trade last year from the Cubs in a trade, but some are asking whether or not the Yankees should turn around and put him out there for offers.


Even though Castro was a huge step up from Drew, let's not kid ourselves. He is not an All-Star or even in the conversation. No matter how you look at him, except for his salary, he runs about middle of the pack. Second basemen are hard to find, so you cannot blame the Yankees for acquiring him for the dollars they are paying. Still, if they found someone better, they could shop him around. That, however, is a big if.


The way the free agent market is shaping up, you 're not going to find a good second baseman at a reasonable price. Chase Utley made $7M in 2016 and will likely make more with his postseason experience. At age 38, he is also an injury liability, and we already have enough of those. His 2016 WAR of 2.0 compared to Castro's 1.1 makes it hardly an upgrade. Neil Walker had a WAR of 3.7, but taking on a salary comparable to his 2016 salary of $10.55M would be going in the wrong direction for the Yankees.


Then there's the trading block. The Yankees could probably get something good for him. But getting another (better) second baseman would be a stretch. If they do not get another second baseman, the Yankees also have absolutely no one in their system to take his place. The best option right now would be Ronald Torreyes. He is an exciting player to watch, but the Yankees would be rolling the dice if they made him the starting everyday second baseman. The best minor league prospects in the farm system are at least a few years away, assuming they ever pan out.


So while it might be tempting to think about a second base upgrade, the options just aren't there. Besides, Castro has been pulling his weight, doing a good job with the bat (.270 Avg, 21 HR, 70 RBI) and a decent job in the field (Fielding pct .980, where the league average for second basemen is .983). There has also been no drama with him, getting his work done, and trying to help the Yankees improve. This one's a keeper.




--Ike Dimitriadis, BYB Senior Staff Writer
Follow me on Twitter@KingAgamemnon






Friday, October 14, 2016

DODGERS ADVANCE!


The Dodgers beat the Nationals last night with Clayton Kershaw getting the save!  This is why you have to love the post season and this is why you have to love baseball in 2016.  These games have been incredible!  Honestly, they say baseball is dying, but I've been watching all these post season games, and every one has been pretty incredible.


The Nationals lost. Some suggested Max Scherzer may have been left in too long last night.  I agree.
Whatever the case there is one thing that's significant in this game.  The Dodgers beat the Nationals in the longest of the Division Series games, 5 game series folks! And now they advance against the Cubs on Saturday night in the ALCS.


Personally, I was rooting for the Nats just because I wanted to see what that group could do.  I have no true beef with the Dodgers and probably would have taken them in the series if Don Mattingly was at the helm. But whatever the case, my son is happy because one of his favorite players, Chase Utley lives another day.

Baseball is a wonderful sport, filled with a different outcome in every pitch.  Honestly... how can you NOT fall in love with this game?

Final: Dodgers 4 - Nationals 3


Monday, October 19, 2015

WOULD THE YANKEES TRY AND SNAG DANIEL MURPHY?

This is speculation all day long here, but it's a very nice idea and one to share.


Chad Jennings of LoHud has this one, and it involves strong lefty hitting, the New York Yankees, and Daniel Murphy of the Mets:

"The most open spot in the Yankees’ lineup is at second base, they could use an experienced backup at third, and they like left-handed power hitters in Yankee Stadium.


For their consideration, Mets’ second baseman Daniel Murphy is putting on quite a show in the postseason... Does it make sense for the Yankees? Maybe. Maybe not. In theory, his left-handed bat and defensive flexibility fit the profile, but the Yankees already have Dustin Ackley in place (Ackley’s never played third base, but is another experienced second baseman who can play other positions). The Yankees also seem to have more need for a right-handed power hitter than another left-handed bat.

Hard not to notice what Murphy’s been doing this postseason, though. This year’s free agent market is pretty deep at second base — Ben Zobrist, Howie Kendrick, Asdrubal Cabrera and Chase Utley also have expiring contracts — but Murphy’s putting himself on the radar in a big way."



Could Murphy be in the cards for the Yankees? I strongly doubt it. Ackley is there, maybe the Yankees go with he and Rob Refsnyder at second base for a platoon situation, who knows. As you know though, I love rumors and love to speculate players with all of you... even though I wasn't the one planting this story.

So, what do you think? Could the Yanks go after Murphy? Or do they stick with what they have?  Comment.

You've made BYB the fastest growing Yankees fan site in history. Now shop at the Bleeding Yankee Blue store!  Follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and LIKE Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook!  Also, don't forget to check out the BYB Hub!

Monday, October 12, 2015

RAPID REACTION TO THE UTLEY "SLIDE"

It's not a Yankee thing, but it's a pretty significant debate and we are covering it best here at BYB.


The reality is, Chase Utley went in pretty hard on Ruben Tejada the other night.  Tejada left hurt and that sucks, but just so you know Mets fans... Utley didn't go in with the intention of hurting the guy... it was an unfortunate incident.  That being said, I stand by my opinion... Chase Utley's job is to go in hard to break up that double play... Tejada's gotta be nimble there... bottom line.

Now Utley was suspended for his "actions", whatever that means, and I don't get it.  As I stated in comments yesterday, there have been several... several similar incidents with similar results... yet no player was disciplined, and furthermore... the umpires didn't follow the rules as many Mets fans were trying to point out to me.  Relax Mets fans... you shouldn't be mad at my opinion.... you should be mad at the officials. They NEVER follow the rules that apply to breaking up a double play.  Well... now they may.


ESPN writes: "Major League Baseball has suspended Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Chase Utley for Games 3 and 4 of the National League Division Series... Utley will appeal the suspension. The Dodgers expect the matter to be heard quickly, likely well before game time Monday night, a source said....'The Dodgers stand behind Chase Utley and his decision to appeal the suspension issued tonight by Major League Baseball,' the team said in a statement. 'Chase did what all players are taught to do in this situation -- break up the double play,' Utley's agent, Joel Wolfe, said in a statement."

And that's what all you Mets fans forgot about when your cherished Tejada got hurt... every players job is to break up a double play... even Tejada if he was chugging into second.  It's your job!

The reaction to my piece SORRY FOLKS. RUBEN TEJADA NEEDS TO BE MORE AGILE was comedy... but to be fair, it was also opinion different than mine and so, I wanted to share some of the really good ones... check it out:

Marc wrote:


"ahem..the difference is Tjejada's back was to him. Utley is an All-Star. He must have thought Ruben was the second coming if he thought the play would be made. By rules Utley should be out for intentionall missing the bag to slide like that. It's the RULES!!!!! .00–IMPROPER PLAY, ILLEGAL ACTION, AND MISCONDUCT

6.01 Interference, Obstruction, and Catcher Collisions
(a)(7.09) Batter or Runner Interference It is interference by a batter or a runner when:

(5) Any batter or runner who has just been put out, or any runner who has just scored, hinders or impedes any following play being made on a runner. Such runner shall be declared out for the interference of his teammate;
 
(6) If, in the judgment of the umpire, a base runner willfully and deliberately interferes with a batted ball or a fielder in the act of fielding a batted ball with the obvious intent to break up a double play, the ball is dead. The umpire shall call the runner out for interference and also call out the batter-runner because of the action of his teammate. In no event may bases be run or runs scored because of such action by a runner;

(7) If, in the judgment of the umpire, a batter-runner willfully and deliberately interferes with a batted ball or a fielder in the act of fielding a batted ball, with the obvious intent to break up a double play, the ball is dead; the umpire shall call the batter-runner out for interference and shall call out the runner who had advanced closest to the home plate regardless where the double play might have been possible. In no event shall bases be run because of such interference."

BYB wrote:

"Rules are rules. That is 100% correct. Here's the problem; The umpires rarely follow that rule and go as it happens. If you apply that rule to last night, apply it to when Justin Turner of LAD slid hard on Rockies' Nolan Arenado in September. How about when the Rangers played the Angels in the beginning of October when Rougned Odor went in hard on Angels' Johnny Giovotella? Nothing happened there either, just complaints, no discipline. 



Back in April, Alcides Escobar was hurt when Brett Lawrie of the A's went in spikes high to break up a double play. In all these instances, while all the slides were "controverisal" like Utley's, the umpires did not refer to the rule book. What makes this case any different? Your complaint is not with me... it's with the way they umpire this game. You should send them a letter.... ahem."

Here's a fun one on Twitter:
Nice right? Come on.

Facebook had a bunch:


Kathryn wrote:

"I'm disappointed in this article and attitude. Just because this has always been allowed to let slide (pun intended) does not mean it's right. As quoted above rules are rules and they should have always been enforced and haven't been. We don't need to go back and re-correct all the wrongs, we just need to stop doing it wrong from here on out!" 
 
BYB wrote:

"Hate the article, you are entitled. Don't hate the attitude, it's an opinion. This kind of play has been going on forever. I am NOT saying it should be allowed. I am saying umpires never ever call it despite the rule. It's unfortunate."


Kathryn wrote back:

"I just said disappointed, neither the article or opinion warranted being hated. I agree it's been going on forever, I just don't think it should be. Its a sport, it's a game but it's also a business and the players' livelihoods. Therefore I feel that the rules are in place for very good reasons and should be adhered to. In this specific example of course I don't believe it was Utley's intention to break/fracture a bone, but his actions were without regard to the consequences beyond the one he desired. A broken bone can for all intents and purposes end or at least adversely effect a player's career. I'm hugely disappointed in that type of play."

There's a common theme in all of this... opinions, ALL opinions in  this situation are welcome... even mine.  It appears that the biggest complaint was that the officials didn't do enough.  Guess what, I don't umpire any games and haven't since I was about 15 years old when I did it for Little League.  I also will not apologize for having a baseball mentality opinion when it comes to a hard slide into second base.  Things happen and it sucks for Tejada... but life goes on and MLB is doing their thing now.

That suspension by the way? Is something else I disagree with.  I leave you with this... it's a quote from my wife...

"How about people stop being such wimps... and toughen up. It's a competitive sport... he's not gonna tip toe in there."   --Mrs. Casey

Boom. That just happened.

Be Read. Get Known.  

You've made BYB the fastest growing Yankees fan site in history. Now shop at the Bleeding Yankee Blue store!  Follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and LIKE Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook!  Also, don't forget to check out the BYB Hub!   

Sunday, October 11, 2015

SORRY FOLKS. RUBEN TEJADA NEEDS TO BE MORE AGILE


I mean, is the media mad at the Chase Utley's slide, or are they just mad that the New York Mets lost?  I mean, I know the Mets are America's team these days, but the slide that Chase Utley made in a critical moment in last night's Game 2 of the NLDS was nothing that hasn't happened 100 times before.


Here's the thing, the media is in love with the Mets.  And let me go further, and let's be honest; if Ron Darling doesn't ask the question in the booth, "You don't think that play is dirty?", I'm not sure we're talking about this. Watch the clip below. No one seems shocked.  It's business as usual until it's determined that Tejada is hurt and Darling starts stirring the pot.


Darling also states... "They wouldn't even allow that in the NFL."  Charged words. And, OK, it's really not part of baseball to even drag that into the conversation. But clearly Darling is rooting for the Mets.


Look, Ty Cobb used to go in spikes high. That was dirty.  That was later banned.  But we all know that runners going to second on a potential double play have to try and take out that fielder. And guess who also knows that? Infielders.  We have all seen it happen for years in baseball.


Your job as a runner is to break up that play so your teammate can make it to first and so your inning can continue. Bottom line.


Sometimes you slide in hard. Sometimes you slide in really hard. Sometimes you even slide in exceptionally wide to go after that fielder.  It happened the other night between Beltre and Tulowitzki.


Sometimes you even slide in really late, you throw your hands up or you go in real aggressive as to get that fielder to lose balance or to not get that throw off... and you know what?


That's the game ladies and gentlemen! That's the game!  Ruben Tejada? He needs to get the hell out of the way!  Why in the hell is no one talking about that?  I mean... look at it?


No question Chase Utley comes into the base awkardly and slide is late. Trust me, I'm no fan of Chase Utley. But I do not see what the different is between his slide and others I've seen in Major League Baseball over the past 25 years, even longer.



Tejada needs to be athletic. Tejada needs to be more nimble, more agile. Tejada needs to move his ass and get that runner out at first. That's his job!

Look, I feel bad for Tejada.  The Mets are having a nice season and now the guy is out. That sucks. But the media is in love with the Mets this season, after all... it's a nice story.  But let's call that Utley slide what it is... it's baseball,  and whether you call it clean or not, the bottom line is Utley had done what plenty of runners coming into second base have done forever... BREAK UP THE DOUBLE PLAY... and he did his job there.

The Dodgers tied it up against the Mets right then and eventually won.  But no one is talking about that. They are instead falling into the bias trap. "The Mets got robbed!"

No... the Mets lost... get over it.


Shop Derek Jeter Memorabilia at SteinerSports.com

You've made BYB the fastest growing Yankees fan site in history. Now shop at the Bleeding Yankee Blue store!  Follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and LIKE Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook!  Also, don't forget to check out the BYB Hub! 

Friday, August 21, 2015

CHASE UTLEY... HUH?


The Dodgers bullpen—for lack of a better word—sucks. They rank in the bottom of virtually every pitching category in the National League. So when it came time to make a trade for a postseason run, the Boys in Blue got…a second baseman?

That’s right. The Dodgers trader two minor leaguers to acquire Chase Utley from the Phillies. Utley—who is probably stoked to get the hell out of Philadelphia—will rejoin his former teammate Jimmy Rollins and take over second base duties for an injured Howie Kendrick who is expected to be out for over a month healing an injured hamstring.



So why make the trade for Utley when pitching is currently the Dodgers Achilles heel? The six-time all-star will fill a much needed hole made by Kendrick’s absence and bring a veteran presence to the locker room. Though the 36-year old is only batting .217 this year, he’s been on a hitting tear as of late. Utley has batted over .300 in the last two weeks after returning to play from an ankle injury. If he can hold those numbers his production will be much welcome to a struggling Los Angeles team.

So yes, a middle infielder is not what LA needs, but it helps them fill an immediate hole. And after making a trade that involved three teams and 13 players at the deadline to score five pitchers—not to mention the exorbitant $269 million payroll—if the Dodgers can’t cobble together a workable bullpen, then they probably deserve to lose (probably to the Cardinals) in the postseason.



--Alexis Garcia, BYB's "Eye on MLB" Columnist
Twitter:  @heylexyg





Shop Derek Jeter Memorabilia at SteinerSports.com


You've made BYB the fastest growing Yankees fan site in history. Now shop at the  Bleeding Yankee Blue store!  Follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and LIKE Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook!

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

UTLEY TRADED TO THE DODGERS


Note about Chase Utley. He's no longer a Phillie.


According to several sources, and we'll go with Jon Heyman and also Hardball talk:
Hardball writes:

"Utley, of course, has spent his entire career in Philadelphia, where he has batted .282/.366/.481 in thirteen seasons. The heart and soul of the Phillies offense, he was the leader and star of teams which went to the playoffs every year between 2007 and 2011, winning the World Series in 2008 and another NL pennant in 2009... 


Now Utley, whose bat has come back to life since coming off of the disabled list, is back in a pennant race. This time with the Dodgers, where he’ll man second base until Howie Kendrick comes back and then likely assume a utility and pinch-hitting role."

Wish Utley well.  I never really thought he was a good fit if the Yankees were to trade for him to play second in the Bronx.  Hell... maybe now that Bird is on fire, the Yankees will continue with the youth movement and bring up RR.  We shall see.




You've made BYB the fastest growing Yankees fan site in history. Now shop at the Bleeding Yankee Blue store!  Follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and LIKE Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook!  Also, don't forget to check out the BYB Hub!

Thursday, August 6, 2015

I'M NOT SURE ABOUT CHASE UTLEY & THE YANKEES


Look, I'm all for bettering the Yankees club down the stretch, and sure, Chase Utley has amazing hair, but that doesn't qualify for a reason to pick up 36 year old Utley to "help" the Yanks.

Andy Martino of the New York Daily News writes:


"A man who could fit as the Yankees’ playoff second baseman spent last night in Reading, Pa. Chase Utley went 3-for-4 with a double, in what might have been his final rehab game after an ankle injury.

Now, he will become one of baseball’s most intriguing August trade chips. Utley is fading, but he is an intense, winning player, drawing interest from contending teams.

One industry insider pegged the Cubs, Dodgers and Yankees as the teams most likely to pursue Utley before the end of the month, during the period when a player can be traded if he passes through waivers unclaimed (or to the team that claims him)."


OK, but what about Rob Refsnyder? What ever happened to Jose Pirela? Is it smart to add a veteran with a bag ankle, even as a rental, in hopes that he will do the same thing as Stephen Drew anyway?  I'm not getting it... and I'm not seeing it.


Where's the upgrade here?

So I ask you, do you go for something like this? Or is it silly?  Comment. I'd love to hear from you.

You've made BYB the fastest growing Yankees fan site in history. Now shop at the Bleeding Yankee Blue store!  Follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and LIKE Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook!  Also, don't forget to check out the BYB Hub!

Sunday, July 27, 2014

HEY CASHMAN, WAIT FOR LESTER & TULOWITZKI


Once again, Pete Caldera nails it on the head.  If you don't know Pete or read the Bergen Record, you're missing out.  Today's column, titled Some free advice for Yanks' GM Cashman puts alot in perspective, especially with Cashman patching things together right now just to keep the Yankees going.  Now, don't get me wrong, it's working, but Pete suggests something bigger.  Something all Yankee fans should be eager about, the future and what free agents are coming down the pike! Caldera writes:

"...A few do’s and don’ts as we see it from the press-box window... 

Now that the rotation has been somewhat stabilized by McCarthy, don’t spend the roughly $50 million to buy Cliff Lee from the Phillies. It’s not that Lee couldn’t help, or that money is a factor in the Yanks’ thinking, but the cash windfall should be saved toward a real haul this winter – purchasing Max Scherzer or Jon Lester in free agency..."


Pete's right. The idea of Lester or Scherzer and their talent in Yankee pinstripes would be incredible.  While I love the idea of a lefty in Lester, it would take a helluva lot to get him to New York. Money WILL HAVE to be a factor.  Lester's loyalty to the Red Sox is documented, but money talks. Scherzer will be looking for a big pay day, and I can see him coming to New York, although, he's a righty and we have plenty of them.

Pete continues:



"...Don’t overpay in prospects for the Padres’ Ian Kennedy, who isn’t a free agent until after the 2015 season. But do take a shot at one more starter with an expiring contract, with Colorado’s Jorge De La Rosa atop the list; prefer the lefty at Yankee Stadium..."

There's truth to that. Kennedy isn't worth it, especially for what Jim Bowden had suggested the other day. Read YANKS MAY TRADE JAGIELO & CLARKIN FOR IAN KENNEDY.

There's more:

"...But do keep inquiring of the Phillies on Cole Hamels and Chase Utley, though neither seems likely to be moved due to high contracts and no-trade-clause preferences. 


And don’t stop asking about the massive deal it would take to land Colorado’s Troy Tulowitzki to begin the post-Derek Jeter era next season."


Cole Hamels? Absolutely, a lefty and someone the Yankees and Yankee fans have wanted for a while.  Can we get the guy? The Phillies say no... but who truly knows what's coming down the pike.



These are observations from a guy that sees this team tick every day, and you know what? Caldera's right. While Cashman needs to patch things up now, he needs to also think about the future. A Lester, a Hamels, a Scherzer are definitely guys that need to be considered.  Sure, Lester would be "a former Red Sock", but plenty have come to New York to be equally successful.


And while everyone thought I was absolutely crazy to suggest Troy Tulowitzki should eventually become a New York Yankee... I feel as though if Caldera says it, we're on the same page. I ain't so crazy now. Tulowitzki wants to be in New York and the Rockies would be smart to make the right deal for him to ship him out of Colorado and into the Bronx for whomever they want.  It's the passing of the torch, from Jeter to another player who models himself after the Captain. The transition for Yankee fans would be smooth...

Look, Pete has his finger on the pulse and there are plenty of great suggestions in his column today, all are genius, and it puts what Cashman is doing into perspective.  Fill the holes now, get us to the finish line with a surprising group of guys right now, let them gel... and then, at the same time, Cash should count his money for the next installment.  The guys Cashman has collected right now are doing the job!


McCarthy is a gamer, he's done good things so far in New York.  Chase Headley is adapting quite nicely in the Bronx, and we are all happy he's here.  Jeff Francis will be a solid lefty out of the pen, and will give Matt Thornton a break down the stretch, and there is no doubt that over the next few days, Cashman will make another deal or 2 that will bolster our team.

Bottom line is this; as of right now, sometimes a shake up jolts a team... Headley... McCarthy... these guys came in and freshened us up.  Yankee fans should welcome them. And not only that... Yankee fans should also know that we are in good hands. Cashman's also thinking about  our future... and beyond.

Caldera's spot on today.  Good work Pete.

By the way, to my BYB audience, be sure to read Mike O'Hara's piece from yesterday... titled DR. CASHMANSTEIN'S MONSTER

You've made BYB the fastest growing Yankees fan site in history. Now shop at the Bleeding Yankee Blue store!  Follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and LIKE Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook! 

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

DEREK JETER, #RE2PECT & THE ALL STAR GAME


I have had the great honor, and pleasure to watch Derek Jeter's career from start to finish. I watched him as a rookie, and even then he showed us that he would be amazing. There were doubts that first year. George Steinbrenner was not thrilled by having a rookie at the starting position of short stop, but Jeter pulled it off. You can say that I grew up as a person, and a baseball fan, all while watching Jeter.


I have gone on and on about Jorge Posada on BYB. I will make it no secret that I have a special place in my heart for the catcher. He is undoubtedly my all time favorite player of my lifetime. But, Jeter is... well, he is Jeter. It is difficult to look at his career and say anything but positive things about him. From his stats, to the overall way he has carried himself. He is a true class act. And so when Bob Sheppherd's voice came on, and announced "Number 2, Derek Jeter," I will admit it, I cried. And not quiet dignified tears, either. I cried for all the memories, all the life lessons I  learned watching with my grandfather, and all the ones I taught my sons. I cried because this will be the last time that Jeter will grace the field as an All Star. And of course, he hits an impressive double with his first at bat. Very Jeter of him.


Not to get off track, though. This is about the game. The All Star Game is like my Christmas. I turn into the worlds biggest kid. All giddy excitement. This year, each team was stacked. The AL had Jeter, Mike Trout, Robinson Cano, Miguel Cabrera, and Jose Bautista. The NL had Andrew McCutchen, Yasiel Puig, Giancarlo Stanton, and Chase Utley. The line-ups were powerful, which made for an interesting game.


The AL got things started in the first inning. Jeter hit a double, followed by a double from Trout. We even got the chance to watch an incredible moonshot from Cabrera. By the end of the inning, the AL was up 3-0. The NL answered in second, with a double from Utley, and Jonathan Lucroy, bringing the score to 2-3, AL. Lucroy doubled again in the fourth to tie the game up at 3.

I spent most of the game waiting to watch Dellin Betances pitch. That never actually happened though. A little bit ticked off by that. Would have been great to watch New York City's home town hero play.

The American League won this game. Meaning they will have home field advantage in the World Series. This was a great All Star game. Both teams were evenly matched. There wasn't a run away winner. Both teams battled until the end. Trout walked away with a well deserved MVP win. Fantastic ASG. It being Jeter's last made it bitter sweet. Now, onward and upward, Yankees! We've got a World Series to work towards!


Final: American League 5 - National League 3



--Erica Morales BYB Senior Writer 
Twitter: @e_morales1804

 
  


You've made BYB the fastest growing Yankees fan site in history. Now shop at the Bleeding Yankee Blue store!  Follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and LIKE Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook!