GERRIT COLE THROWS 2000

On Tuesday night, the Yankees embarked on an important three game series against their division rival Baltimore Orioles. Those Orioles are always muckrakers against the Yankees. And they certainly had Gerrit Cole's number last night in the early innings. But Cole did something great despite giving up two home runs and a two run double, quickly giving the O's a 4-0 lead. But it wasn't enough to beat the Yankees as they walked off with a 6-5 win in extras. Making the night even more special. 

"Gerrit Cole fanned former Yankees prospect Jorge Mateo in the second inning and became the 87th pitcher with 2,000 career strikeouts. He got there in 1,714 2/3 innings, third fastest all-time. Only Chris Sale (1,626 innings) and Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez (1,711 1/3 innings) beat Cole to the milestone," reported CBS Sports. Good for him. He has been a different person, a different pitcher this season. Though he earned a no-decision in Tuesday night's game, he made history.

"In terms of games pitched, Cole is also the third fastest to 2,000 strikeouts. He got there in 278 games, behind only Hall of Famer Randy Johnson (262 games) and the great Clayton Kershaw (277 games)," reported CBS Sports. Anytime I get to mention Kershaw in a piece, it is a good piece!

Recall that last season Cole set the Yankees franchise single-season strikeout record, moving passed Ron Guidry's 248 strikeouts which he threw during his historic Cy Young season in 1978. Anytime I mention Guidry in a piece, it is a good piece! Cole has the opportunity to do much more as long as he stays healthy. He will be with the Yankees through 2028 given his current contract.

"He’s one of eight pitchers to achieve the milestone while wearing a Yankees uniform, joining the likes of Andy Pettitte, C.C. Sabathia, Catfish Hunter, David Cone, Mike Mussina, Bobo Newman, and Dwight Gooden," reported Sports Illustrated. Okay, I am a Pettitte and Catfish fan, so anytime I mention them...you get the point. 

Cole has shown tremendous growth and leadership as well this season. Often he is seen talking with young pitchers, reviewing their performance on the dugout iPad and even providing some much-needed humor when the team was down. His presence is invaluable to this team. Congratulations, Gerrit Cole on this well-earned accomplishment. And let's go Yankees, beat them O's!

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

GERRIT COLE'S SURPRISE RANKING BY MLB NETWORK HAS US ALL TALKING!

MLB Network has an offseason tradition that some prople really like. On Saturday, the top ten starting pitchers were revealed and Gerrit Cole was on the list, but some Yankee fans may not like where he was ranked.

Our new ace was unranked last season which is crazy to think about. The Yankees have been in love with Cole for a long time because baseball fans everywhere consider him to be one of the best (if not THE best) in the game. The Yankees have been trying to get Cole for years, so how could he have been unranked until now? So I guess finally getting on this list is recognition he deserves, but should he be ranked third best?

That's where MLB Networks "The Shredder" has ranked him. If you are unfamiliar with "The Shredder" it is a tool that factors Statcast data with a mix of analytics and traditional statistics. So those of you who like to talk about WAR, it is factored into the rankings. It is also important
to know that the rating formula used focuses on player performances from the past two seasons and a variety of offensive and defensive numbers and no human bias is incorporated into the ranking process.

Even though there is no human bias in the rankings I still find the lists to be debatable. I've never been a huge fan of MLB Network's "The Shredder" specials that list the top 10 "right now" as they call it but my husband loves them. Here is the rankings that came out this weekend.

Are there any names missing on this list but are included on yours? I have a big one that isn't included. How did World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg not make the cut? He dominated during the playoffs and then got a big fat payday during the offseason but doesn't get a ranking. It doesn't make sense. And if these rankings are based on two years of stats I would think Chris Sale should also land somewhere on this list (as much as I hate to admit it).

And how is Hyun-jin Ryu number five in the rankings above Zack Greinke? And Mike Clevinger and Jack Flaherty are on this list? They are absolutely good pitchers. They are difference makers for sure, but top 10? I think that is a stretch. They would not crack the top in my rankings.

As we said before, human bias plays no part in these rankings but it makes me sick to my stomach that a disgrace to the game of baseball is ranked number two right now. Justin Verlander complained about cheating when he was a Detroit Tiger but two months later when he was traded to the Houston ASSTROS he became a hypocrite and participated in a massive cheating scandal that proves he has no integrity and compromised the game. He should not get recognition for being a top ten pitcher in baseball for that especially after VERLANDER POKES FUN ABOUT THE ASTROS CHEATING & FAILS.  He's a disgrace to the game we all love.

At any rate, here is a complete list of "The Shredder" top ten right now for every position. Even if we had no bias about Cole, would you still rank Cole as number three? Tell us what you think.

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

GERMAN & LEMATHIEU LIGHT IT UP IN THE BRONX

Source: Cut

When Yankees fans like us hear that Domingo German and DJ LeMathieu are in the game, they know these two are going to light it up for their team.  To say they have been key in 2019 would be an understatement and to predict this kind of success back in January would be a risk.

Source: USA Today

"The importance of Domingo German and DJ LeMahieu were on display again in the first game of Saturday’s split doubleheader in front of another sellout crowd in The Bronx, as the two led the Yankees to a 9-2 win over the Red Sox," reported the NY Post.

LeMahieu had two home runs in the game including a three run home run in the seven run 4th inning, knocking Chris Sale right out of the game. Nothing gives Yankees fans more pleasure than to see Sale with his tale between his legs headed for the showers.

And German was on his game, leading the Yankees through seven innings after handing the ball to Jonathan Holder who held the Red Sox and served them their sixth straight loss.

"Last Sunday, German began the Yankees’ turnaround by stabilizing the rotation after they got beaten up for seven straight games, but he was even better Saturday," reported the Post.

The Yankees are back on track and despite not picking a pitching stud at the deadline, they are continuing to do what they have done all season, battle like savages.  God, I love this stuff.

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

ROTHSCHILD OWNS YANKEE PITCHING WOES

Source: Channel 7 News

Dropping three games to the Red Sox on the eve of August is one thing, but getting slaughtered by them is quite another.  162 games makes for a long season; only those who are performing at their highest level and hold the most cards at the end will prevail.  And in a bold move on Saturday after the third Boston massacre, Yankee pitching coach Larry Rothschild took responsibility for the poor pitching performances over the last several days during a post game interview.

Source: Elite Sports NY

“It’s been really tough,” Rothschild said. “It’s been tough on them, tough on the team. But it’s my responsibility to get it right," reported NJ.com.

Truthfully speaking, although noble, it is not Rothschild's fault.  The Yankee starters just have not performed at the level expected; especially for a team with a big lead over its division rivals.  But instead of focusing forward, the Yankees have to peer back, as Jack Curry alluded when he compared the Yankees to a marathon runner who went out ahead of the pack but now finds himself checking behind him as other runners gain momentum.

Source: ABC News

"Over their last seven outings, Yankees starting pitchers have posted a 16.62 ERA. For the first time in Yankees history, they had given up at least seven runs in seven straight games. The 73 runs they have allowed in the last seven games are the most they’ve allowed over such a span in club history, according to researcher Katie Sharp," as reported by NJ.com.

The diverse group of starters each have a different set of issues going wrong: mechanics, grip, control, etc.  But having these all converge at the same time is truthfully killing this team.  Maybe we needed Rothschild and even Skipper Aaron Boone to stand up, take responsibility, plan and lift this pitching staff.

Source: Elite Sports NY

“It’s a matter of just continuing to dive in with each guy, where we can make small little adjustments, attacking the game plan in the best way possible,” manager Aaron Boone said. “Making sure we’re leaving no stone unturned as far as helping the guys make whatever little adjustments or subtle things that they need to change and also not overreacting to a bad week of baseball," reported NJ.com.

The Yankees finish up the final game of this four-game stint on ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball tonight where Chris Sale and Domingo German go head to head.  Maybe the Yankees will get their mojo back and can avoid a sweep before heading home.  They will get a reset day on Monday and then it will be back at it.  Hopefully they will right the ship before it's too far off course.

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

I LOVE A GOOD BOSTON BEATDOWN!

Source: Charles Wenzelberg NY Post

One day after Patriot's Day (a fake a holiday truthfully speaking), the Yankees had their own kind of revolution in the Bronx.  It was a good 'ol Boston beatdown in the first game against the World Series Champions in 2019.  Nothing like home field advantage with 12 players on the injured list, 12 strikeouts and three home runs to take down the Red Sox 8-0.

Source: Suzie's view

I was fortunate to be one of thousands of fans to witness this incredible all in win which included small balls, big balls and fast balls.  Sitting out in right field behind Yankee anchor, Aaron Judge, felt like being in the playoffs in April.  The stadium was electric and the Yankees did not disappoint with a team filled with reserves.

"Tuesday's win only improved the Yankees to 7-9 on the young season, so it would be wrong to say the replacement players have helped keep them afloat in the early going. The Yankees are still short at the bottom of the lineup most days. For one night though, things came together and the Yankees received big contributions both at the plate and in the field from their call-ups," reported CBS Sports.

Source: WPIX

One of the spotlights defensively behind a gem by James Paxton, was Gio Urshela, whose incredible play at third looked like a Graig Nettles reboot.  Making a throw completely off balanced and from his feet while slipping on the grass, he took down the Red Sox momentum early by saving an extra base hit off the bat of Mookie Betts.  He also contributed with a double and scored a run.

Source: NJ.com

Paxton blanked 12 batters and pitched eight solid innings of scoreless baseball.  Fourth outfielder, Mike Tauchman, smashed a double and planted a three-run home run in second deck of right field, just a few rows back from where I was sitting.  Gleyber Torres and Clint Frazier both contributed with home runs to help shut down the now 0-4 Chris Sale and the 6-12 Red Sox.

Source: NJ.com

If we can play like this today and continue to battle back from injuries, this team can turn things around quickly.  As a fellow fan said yesterday, "we just have to be patient."  Difficult for Yankee fans to swallow, patience that is, but it's our new normal.  I like the lineup Aaron Boone concocted last night and hope he doesn't change a thing for today's game.  Leading off with DJ LeMahieu, dropping Brett Gardner down in the order and batting Frazier fifth seemed to really work.  I love a good Boston beatdown any day of the week, but last night's was something extra special!

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

HELLO ALDS, IT'S LUKETOBER TIME!

Photo: Getty Images

We all love Aaron Judge BUT who doesn't love Luke Voit? Well....besides Cardinals fans, Stephen Piscotty and the rest of the Oakland A's. HOLY COW!

I am still reeling from last night! It was epic, it was a nail biter, and it was all of the excitement we all want to see in the postseason. It was October baseball is all about. Well, shall we say Luketober now? Too cheesy? I'm so amped right now I will roll with just about anything.

Photo: Getty Images

If you weren't a Voit fan when the Yankees got him, you are now! Now we all can finally agree that LUKE'S NO FLUKE and this guy is everything the Yankees could've hoped for. Best acquisition ever! Okay, maybe ever is a little extreme but I like the guy.

This team has some major swag right now and Voit is no exception. He is baseball's incredible Hulk. He's tough, he has power and he can rock an unbuttoned Yankees jersey like nobody else. This guy is special, and the A's wouldn't disagree and hopefully the Red Sox will get the same experience. This was the game our boys needed heading into Boston.

Photo: Getty Images

Maybe I was finally wrong about Aaron Boone. I've been hard on him this season and I admit that, but I think he made all of the right moves last night. Luis Severino was throwing hard and that first inning was epic, but Dellin Betances was the shining moment for me. I was surprised to see Betances called in early and in the middle of a jam. I give credit where credit is due....well played, skipper.

Now the Red Sox and Yankees will meet in the postseason for the first time since the 2004 ALCS. Now it is time get revenge from 2004. I guess now is a great time to have restored faith in Boone. He knows the intensity this series will have and the scrutiny will be magnified now more than ever. Boone starred in one of the more famous moments in Red Sox-Yankees history with his game-winning home run off Tim Wakefield in Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS. This may be one of the most exciting postseason series I have ever seen in my life, and maybe yours too.

Photo: Getty Images

The Red Sox will be an incredibly tough challenge, their 108 win season can't be discredited. Lucky for us, wins in the regular season don't matter now. It's a whole new ballgame. If the Yankees play like they did last night, they can win. The Red Sox have some serious question marks right now.

Ace Chris Sale has only thrown 17 innings since July 27 because of a shoulder injury and his velocity has dropped considerably. Then of course David Price, is 0-3 with a 10.34 earned run average against the Yankees in recent years. He's always struggled against the Yankees and hopefully he continues to.

Photo: Getty Images

Now the Yankees will likely give the ball to J.A. Happ to start the series, and that could be a great advantage for us. He has had success against the Red Sox, with an 8-4  record and 2.98 ERA. His biggest concern will be Steve Pearce who is 11 for 32 against Happ, with 6 home runs, 2 doubles, 5 walks and 16 runs batted in. If Happ can continue his success against the Red Sox a game one win would be a HUGE victory.

The Red Sox don't have the bullpen we do, it's a weakness. We can see now more than ever that our guys want to win. We came so close last year, we are hungrier this year and want it. The best rivalry in sports is back in a big way.

I can't wait for Friday! Congrats fellas, now rest up! The quest for 28 is back.

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

EVERY TIME SONNY GRAY PITCHES I GET HEARTBURN

Source: MLB.com

I can't help it. I just despise giving up games to the Boston Red Sox, especially if I can predict ahead of time that it is going to happen.  As soon as I confirmed that Sonny Gray would pitch against Red Sox Ace Chris Sale, I knew we were surrendering.  Am I the only one that gets heartburn when Gray takes the mound, particularly in Yankee Stadium?

Actually, after doing some searching, I apparently am not alone in my grief.  During the game last night baseball analyst and Yankee beat report Bryan Hoch tweeted, "Last Sonny Gray stat. Avert your eyes. Highest home ERA by a Yankee, min 13 starts:

Sonny Gray 7.10
Carl Pavano 6.12
Jaret Wright 5.93
Jeff Johnson 5.85
Dave Eiland 5.56
Jeff Weaver 5.46
Hideki Irabu 5.20
Tim Leary 5.19
Richard Dotson 5.13
Scott Sanderson 5.08"

Source: Abbie Parr/Getty

Those stats are ugly.  How about these?  Gray lasted 2 and 1/3 innings, allowed six runs on seven hits and got booed off the mound at the end of the first inning.  Oh yea and he was trending on Twitter ahead of the World Cup and not in a good way.  And he thinks the whole Star Wars thing is overrated.  Guess what, so are you, Sonny! By the way, did I mention, fans want you out of pinstripes? You can #SonnyGray on Twitter for all of the gory details.

Source: NY Post

"The Yankees have a major problem here and at some point probably will be forced to trade a highly touted prospect like Clint Frazier for starting pitching help because of Gray’s inability to be the pitcher the Yankees thought they were getting when they acquired him from the Athletics last year at the trade deadline," reported the NY Post in May.

A tweet last night even suggested wrapping up Gray and Chasen Shreve in some kind of trade before the deadline.  I absolutely agree, if we could pull that off.  Another tweet suggested dropping Gray from the rotation after Masahiro Tanaka returns, choosing to keep Jonathan Loaisiga, who no-hit the Phillies into the sixth inning during his last outing in Philadelphia. Gray on the other hand couldn't get out of the first inning without throwing a grand slam.  Talk about opposite sides of the spectrum! It's time Aaron Boone stopped throwing his hands in the air in frustration in the dugout and did something proactive about the situation. 

Source: Sporting News

Today is July 1st, and we are just 30 days from the trade deadline.  No doubt we need a pitcher, but honestly at this point, the Yankees can't afford another Sonny Gray start.  It's time to take some action, Boone.  Rip off the band aid and stop the madness.  We should not have to break our momentum every time Sonny Gray starts; it's taxing on the team and it's giving more than just me heartburn.

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

OK... LET'S GO NOW YANKS!!!

Yes, I've been quiet.

Photo: New York Post

I'm having a hard time understanding the Yankees slow and unsteady start and I am not a fan of watching the Mets do so well.  I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled with any team who finds that success and keeps on rolling.  But reality is I'm a Yankee fan, and I really want to start finding some consistency and start winning in the Bronx.

The Yankees can do it in this upcoming series.  The Yanks can step up and beat the Red Sox for a few games and gain some confidence here.  Luis Severino has been great this season.  Ian Browne of MLB.com writes this:

Photo: Newsday

"For the first two games of the series, the pitching matchups are fantastic. Game 1 pits two aces -- Chris Sale for the Red Sox and Luis Severino for the Yankees. Two former All-Star pitchers on a comeback mission this year square off on Wednesday in David Price and Masahiro Tanaka. For the rivalry to be at its best, both teams have to be at their best.

And that could well be the case this season. The Red Sox have shown that already, starting 8-1 for the first time in team history. The 5-5 Yankees are sure to get hot soon. Boston just hopes it's not in the next three days."

I'm kind of looking for the Yankees to stun the Sox.  Maybe take Fenway out of the game.  We really need the bash brothers of Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton to dominate at the plate.  If not, we're gonna have a pretty bad start to this season and the authority of Aaron Boone will have to be questioned. 

And I mean, yes, it's cold on the east coast and some have blamed the weather on the Yankees losing, but really? How long are we gonna do that?

Look... it's true, I've been quiet and when I received a note about it from a BYB reader the other day, I started to think about it.  Maybe it's shock. Maybe it's depression. Who knows. I do know this... I'm trying my best not to get mad and I'm trying my best to get excited about this team. We have the tools... we just gotta get rolling!

Go Yanks!