A LUIS GIL UPDATE & NEW PITCHING RUMOR ALL IN ONE!

Never say "It can't get any worse" because that is a signal to the universe to release more bad luck. We can't take any more bad luck. We need pitching reinforcements and fast. The Yankees will need to get creative.

So, every day I have been scouring every source I have to look for any updates on Luis Gil. Yesterday, we finally got an update with minimal details, but it wasn't "good" news, read more HERE. Gil has been shut down since early last month and the plan was to get him throwing by today, but that's not going to happen. Gil's latest MRI shows healing on the high-grade lat strain but not enough. So, Gil may not be ready to pitch until the All-Star break. Aaron Boone gave an update yesterday and it sounded like typical Boone babble. "It's going as it should," Boone said before the Yankees finished a series against the Royals in The Bronx. "We just need another 10 days."

Needing another 10 days is not "going as it should" when the plan was to start throwing. I just hope this isn't worse than it really is. Starting pitching is everything in baseball and the Yankees need to go get it. We are lucky to have Max Fried right now. He's the only one worth a damn at this point.

The Yankees need to add some quality starters. This is supposed to be a favorite to get back to the World Series and this pitching staff just isn't going to cut it. Carlos Carrasco and Marcus Stroman are not pitchers that are going to get us back to October baseball. We already talked about names that would help us in I'LL BANG THE DRUM AGAIN! THE YANKEES NEED STARTING PITCHING! but a new name is floating around social media.

Lots of rumors out there swirling that by the trade deadline, the Dodgers could have a pitching surplus that they may not need and could move Tony Gonsolin, read more HERE. Interesting idea but that is assuming everything goes right for the Dodgers and their surplus actually happens. Right now they are dealing with their own injury problems. In the coming months, the Dodgers hope to have Clayton Kershaw, Blake Snell and Shohei Ohtani pitching again. That's three big names assuming the Dodgers will have back if all goes right.

If the stars magically align, Gonsolin could become available but if he is, the Dodgers aren't going to be anxious to do the Yankees a favor and Gonsolin comes with some risk. He missed all of 2024 after having TJ surgery, he hasn't pitched this season due to a minor back injury. What stands out most, is he hasn't pitched a full season since 2022, but he did pitch to a 16-1 record with a 2.14 ERA. 

Does he have that kind of magic in him still? Who knows but knowing that he sounds like the exact ballplayer that Brian Cashman targets. He looks for that lightning in a bottle or dumpster dive type of move as some fans call it that doesn't cost as much. He's more affordable for Hal Steinbrenner at $5.4 million dollars and wouldn't be a free agent until 2027. On paper, he's what the Yankees target.....

Honestly, I'm not jazzed about Gonsolin and it may not even be realistic.... but we've gotta do something. The Yankees can't continue to sit on their hands and say thousands of prayers hoping they get back to the World Series with this pitching.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

REMEMBER WHEN THE 2001 D'BACKS HANDED THE YANKEES THEIR LUNCH? I MIGHT BE OVER IT

The post season is not necessarily disappointing despite the Pinstripes sitting it out. Yet when I think about the Diamondbacks, I can't help but think about how the Yankees underestimated them 22 years ago. I was in the hospital after having my daughter, 22 years ago today. And I remember it like it was yesterday— Frustrated by the grittiness of the D'backs. But this time, I am somewhat excited. They have a veteran who deserves a postseason victory in Evan Longoria and they have what might be the rookie of the year in Corbin Carroll. The Division Series are certainly out performing and this time it's the Dodgers and Orioles on the receiving end.

"The Diamondbacks started the playoffs by first rolling into Milwaukee for a wild-card sweep of the Brewers that included two comeback victories, earning the team the nickname of "The Answerbacks," and then handing Clayton Kershaw the worst start of his entire career in their National League Division Series-opening win. Carroll has been at the center of it all, posting an incredible .500/.571/1.083 slash line while providing his first signature October moment -- and leaving his teammates wondering where this postseason ride will go next," reported ESPN. 

Source: Sports Illustrated 

Carroll is to the D'backs as Anthony Volpe was supposed to be to the Yankees. Unfortunately, poor leadership and just a lackluster team that puts mediocre ahead of excellence tarnished what Volpe did his rookie year. No he's not Derek Jeter but Volpe gave the team a good performance for his first year. Carroll shined above the rest and put the team on his back. He had leadership on his side with veterans and a coaching staff that ushered him in and set him up to be his best. 

According to his teammate Longoria, "The national viewership deserves to see a player like him in big moments like this," reported ESPN. I couldn't agree more. And so, I have to root for them to win despite my PTSD from 22 years ago.

Then you have the team of the year, the comeback kids Baltimore Orioles blowing it to Bruce Bochy and the Texas Rangers. They went from worst to first in a blink of an eye, and once again, the opponent was underestimated. The Rangers have taken many games away from the Yankees and this time the Orioles are on the receiving end. As much as I wanted the Yankees in the Orioles' position, I feel like we all know the outcome. The Rangers are on a mission and it excludes the AL East. They are all in and who knows, it could be an all Texas AL Championship Series. Go ahead and beat the heck out of each other. It will make for good ratings. Hey, if we can’t be in it, at least I need to have a little fun.

So as the D'backs stare at opportunity, the Yankees need to reflect on where they were 22 years ago. They were in it. They were franchising it. And now, they are sitting out of it. Carroll is no Volpe but if the Yankees want more, they need to lead with excellence. And apparently that's not in the cards yet. 

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

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

THE YANKEES CAN NOT WAIT TO SIGN A SHORTSTOP!

Source: AP

Competing for a championship means you can't wait to home grow a shortstop. You just don't have the time—you a need a team that is Series-ready when they hit the field in 2022. But is that in the cards for the Yankees given the lockout, luxury tax, paydays due for other players and needs beyond a middle infielder? Let's take a closer look at the options the Yankees have in front of them.

Source: NY Post

"The Yankees could shore up shortstop for the next generation if they give Carlos Correa more than the $325 million than Corey Seager got from the Rangers. Correa, at 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, might be the best shortstop in the game not named Fernando Tatis Jr. Trevor Story would be a bit of a different question. While the bat, glove and speed are real, concerns over Story’s arm strength are loud enough to wonder whether he’d be better off at second base," reports NJ.com.

Then there is Aaron Judge who is due some cash in the coming year if they want to keep him in the Bronx. Not to mention, cash already on the books for Gerrit Cole and Giancarlo Stanton. But let's go back to shortstop for a minute. The Yankees have said that Anthony Volpe or Oswald Peraza could be there future at shortstop but they will take some brewing and polish before they are everyday players for the Bombers. But do the Yankees have time or even the patience to wait 'til either of these guys are game-ready?

"Volpe was tremendous in 2021, raking with Low-A Tampa before a promotion to High-A Hudson Valley. Across both levels, Volpe hit .294 (121-for-412) with 27 home runs, 113 runs scored, 86 RBI, 33 stolen bases and a 1.027 OPS over 109 games," wrote Sports Illustrated. But no major league experience. 

"Peraza, 21, is the closest to making his big-league debut of the pair, finishing out the 2021 campaign in Triple-A. Peraza played across three different levels a season ago, slashing .297/.356/.477 with a .834 OPS, 18 homers and 58 RBIs," Sports Illustrated reported. But neither seem to be ready to fill the big shoes at shortstop. And they will need grooming but veterans as well as coaching to even come close. 

Source: AP

But if the Yankees go all in on a guy like Correa or Story, what about the other holes in the team? First base, starting pitching and even centerfield? In the starting pitching arena, names like Clayton Kershaw, Carlos Rodon and Shane Bieber have been floated about. We've heard buzz around Matt Olson for first base and at centerfield? Who knows. Aaron Hicks will likely come out of the box ready to play but by June, he will be out like he always is. At least that is my prediction. The guy just can't stay healthy.

The Yankees can't seem to wait to sign a shortstop but there is a lot more to that to make this team Series-ready. Will the team really be able to make the moves to give the Bombers a fighting chance in 2022? Wish I could say for sure, yes, but the jury is still out on that. 

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

WILL THE GERRIT COLE CHRISTMAS GIFT CRIPPLE THE YANKEES?

Christmas has come early this year! The Yankees have wanted Gerrit Cole for YEARS. Fans have been drooling for an ace for years and we finally got one. The Yankees got their "white whale" as Brian Cashman called him. Yet some people still aren't happy. Maybe not everyone, but some.

This is a nice Christmas gift though! It just goes to show you that some people are not happy no matter what you get them. Buy someone a Fitbit, but they want an Apple watch instead...that sort of idea. The Yankees just paid for an elite pitcher and gave us all the best Christmas present and well....not everyone is excited.

Personally, I think Mike Francesa complains a lot but I can understand his initial reaction. Forget about the Stanton deal. That's done and over with. Unnecessary? Okay, but we can't change it. As for Cole, I am not THRILLED with the contract structure BUT it may not be as bad as Francesa seems to think it will be. 

The Yankees signed CC Sabathia to a $161 million, seven-year deal before the 2009 season and he was also 29 years old. He stayed with us for 11 years, not all of those years was he an ace-level pitcher but it worked out well for us. We got a championship in his first season and a veteran leader for years after. He's a beloved Yankee likely bound for Cooperstown.

Several other pitchers before Cole have signed big contracts. The Nationals just re-signed Stephen Strasburg and Max Scherzer, Zack Greinke, Clayton Kershaw and Justin Verlander all signed big deals. None of those deals were busts or crippled their franchise. You could call the David Price deal close to a bust. The Red Sox would be happy to trade him if they can find an interested team but they would never give back the championship he helped them win in 2018.

The money and years are not ideal, I'm sure we all would've liked this deal even more with less years and more money. Problem is that wasn't going to happen. The Strasburg deal reset the market and that was the new market value. We all need to remind ourselves that this contract is all about this first three to five years. The Yankees have all of the pieces to win another championship....or more than one. If the Yankees win the World Series earlier into this contract then they won't mind a couple of less productive years at the end of the contract. Cole will be 37 years old when the contract ends unless he chooses to opt out after five years for whatever reason. It's not the end of the world.

It will be interesting to see how this effects the Yankees willingness to spend money on guys like Gleyber Torres, Luis Severino, Gary Sanchez and Aaron Judge when their time comes. I don't worry as much for guys like Judge, the Yankees can and should pay him.....but what about guys like Sanchez? This would be my concern more so then the money and years we just committed to Cole.

So can Yankee fans ever truly be happy? There's always something to complain about. It's either too many years and too much money or it's frustration that we let a guy walk. It's time to realize what just happened and accept it. We smashed the piggy bank and paid big bucks for Cole. We finally got our ace, we got an upgrade we needed.

Be thankful for your Christmas gift!

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

ACT LIKE YOU'VE BEEN THERE BEFORE

I'm a Yankee fan, but I'm a baseball fan, BUT... I barely watched the World Series.

Congrats to the Red Sox, not so much on the World Series, but for a great team season, full of a lot of wins and achievements. Who doesn't like Mookie Betts? Who spits thinking what could have been if the Yankees took a chance on Steve Pearce or Nathan Eovaldi?  Who really thinks Clayton Kershaw is a big time pitcher?

Think again.

The Red Sox won and for that team, a very special one, Congrats is in the cards on that. For the Boston fans that act like they've been there before, I tip my cap.  That's class.

For the Chants of "Yankees Suck" in a World Series, admit it, you're obsessed with us.  You love to hate us... but we weren't even involved. YOU WERE PLAYING THE DODGERS.

You can hear the Yankee chants. I don't get those. Of course, I know the history, But I don't get it.

— Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) October 29, 2018

I mean, in your minds, who did you think you were really playing?

I will never understand the classless, childish bull involved with clueless and 1 dimensional Sox fans that can't seem to get past the fact that the Red Sox triumphs literally have nothing to do with us Yankee fans and our team.  You've passed us this year, fools. You should be looking in your rear view waving goodbye... not egging us on so we come back stronger.  You missed the entire point of your season Red Sox fans.  You were the best team on the diamond this year and you can't move forward. Dumb.

Imagine winning the World Series and still chanting “Yankees suck”. The Red Sux fan base is such a joke. They never stop obsessing about us.

— Princess (@NYYprincess33) October 29, 2018

The Yankees fell short.  Chanting "Yankees suck" in the World Series... kind of pathetic.  We literally mean nothing in your big world right now.

And that's the difference when it comes to being there before and not being there enough.  The Yankees have done more with less the past few years.  No big time signings other than Giancarlo Stanton and we all know that didn't really work out.

Photo: USA Today Sports

We have youngsters... we're trying to play like a smaller market team even though we spend big money. We in essence were the underdogs this season, not the Red Sox who had every big name and spend a ton of money to get there. Hey, I'm not saying that's wrong by the way... the object is to win in the now, and the strategy has been pretty much invented by the Yankees during the Steinbrenner years.  The Red Sox, the Dodgers, they adopted it and they made it to the World Series... but my Yankees were not in it based on a new strategy. And maybe that's why I didn't care about this year's World Series.  Either way, you can't ignore a good baseball team when you see it, and the Red Sox were that this year. Bottom line.

Photo: Boston Globe

But when it comes to the Yankees, we just weren't ready and the Red Sox were.  But when it comes to the fans (and there are a great group of respectful Sox fans out there), many of you acted like trash.  You should be standing tall, tip your cap to your team, congratulate the Dodgers for making it that far and walk into the sunset knowing your team did something pretty amazing... you won a whole lot of games.... and you had a great damn team.

Will the Yankees return stronger next season? Absolutely.  But the Yankee fans will be angrier because of your silly display.  Yankee fans are funny. We don't think much of it when the Sox beat us. We don't go off on Red Sox fans when their team does better.

We get mad at our own team... we get mad at Aaron Boone or Cashman for the moves they made or didn't make.  Red Sox fans? They have this thing in their head where razzing a losing Yankee team means something. It doesn't. You guys won... that's it. Congrats.

Let me state for the record the not all Red Sox fans are trash, and trust me, there are plenty of trashy Yankee fans out there.  I'm targeting the few that think that fighting after a loss is smart. I'm targeting the ones that will shove an opposing fan, or spit on them if they disagree. I'm targeting the geniuses that are obsessed with us Yankee fans and can't stop chanting "Yankees Suck" even after the Red Sox were the last team standing in the World Series. That was a few series' ago... get over it.

It's baseball folks, act like you've been there before.

Congrats to the Sox. A great team this year.  I hate every minute of it, but as a baseball fan, you need to respect the grind, and that's what I'll do.

MANNY MACHADO? NO THANKS!

Now that our season is over every time there is baseball talk with one of my friends, a reader or co-workers it always turns into a discussion about Manny Machado. I am itching to talk about anything else at this point. Give me any other baseball topic at all without throwing him in it and I will be thrilled. I guess I won't be able to avoid it until he signs during the offseason, so I might as well just dive into it.

So I guess I will just come right out and say it.....I DON'T WANT MANNY MACHADO!
I don't want Manny Machado at third base.....
I don't want Manny Machado at Shortstop.....
I don't want Manny Machado in a lineup with Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton
I don't want Manny Machado to replace Didi Gregorius
I don't want Manny Machado AT ALL.

Photo: AP

There, I'd say that is clear enough. So now I think I have established I don't want him....but some may ask "WHY?" with a crazy face while reading this. That's fair enough.

Some people really love the idea of Machado in pinstripes. I understand the desire for fans to see the Yankees reload with more big names. It's been in our blood forever. I just think the additions the Yankees need are guys that are going to pitch for us. Unless Machado has become an ace pitcher and hasn't told the baseball world, I'm out.

Pitching is a priority (Patrick Corbin anyone?!), and even if it wasn't Machado would not be my top pick. Machado has been criticized this postseason as he has stepped into the playoff spotlight, and rightfully so. In Game 2 of the NLCS, the Dodgers star carelessly jogged to first after he hit a ball into the infield, and what could have been at the least a close play ended up an easy out. He knows people are calling him out for this and the fact of the matter is....he doesn't really care because he KEEPS DOING IT!

Photo: Houston Chronicle

In his own words: "Should I have run on that pitch? Yeah, but I didn’t and I gotta pay the consequences for it. It does look bad. It looks terrible. I look back at the video and I’m like,
 ‘Woah, what was I doing?’ You know, just the emotions of the game … I’m the type of player that has stayed in the zone, I’m playing and I’m just in the zone."

WRONG! You aren't in the zone. Let's get that straight now. When you are in a game and you CARE you are running your butt off on ANY play, especially the close ones. If he cared he would be doing anything and everything he could especially if he wants to make it to the World Series! Doesn't he want to be a champion? He's in the playoffs for crying out loud! He went from one of the worst teams in baseball to a team that is trying to redeem themselves after losing the World Series last year. Surely his teammates care. I know for a fact Cody Bellinger cares! So does Clayton Kershaw and I guarantee you Justin Turner does too. I'm angry FOR his teammates and Dodger fans everywhere.

Photo: USA Today

It gets better though: "Obviously I’m not going to change, I’m not the type of player that’s going to be ‘Johnny Hustle,’ and run down the line and slide to first base and … you know, whatever can happen. That’s just not my personality, that’s not my cup of tea, that’s not who I am."

We all remember Robinson Cano. How many times did we criticize Cano for not running hard? TONS of times. This is just deja vu. Let's be real, "hustling" is not a just personality trait but also a character trait. In Machado's case it is a MAJOR character flaw. That right there is just pure toxic. This is a guy that a team should want in their clubhouse? I'd say HELL NO. This is a guy that just doesn't care. He doesn't want to be a good teammate, a leader, or even just a mentor to the little kid watching him in the stands that dreams of being a baseball player. That's not a role model.....it's a loser with a bad attitude who only cares about himself.

So let me get this straight....after all of this the Yankees should be one of many teams waiting to throw hundreds of millions of dollars at Manny simply because 'he is who he is?' Gimme a break. So far, early estimates guess that Machado will get a free-agent contract in the area of $300 million. Any team that is willing to pay that amount of money should get a complete player who plays with passion. Machado doesn't have heart, hustle, and he doesn't care. He shouldn't be rewarded by the Yankees for his poor choices.

I will tell you what should be rewarded though....THIS right here. If you haven't read Luke Voit's story at The Players Tribute it is a MUST READ. Voit is a guy that has the right attitude. Everything in that story put a smile on my face. This is the guy I want to have in a Yankee uniform. He said it best YOU GOTTA STEP IT UP NOW KID...THIS IS NEW YORK! Voit may not have the same bat that Machado does but with work he could be even better then what we saw this season. The thing that can't change is Machado's lack of desire to hustle. He told the world that in his own words because he doesn't want to. His attitude won't change because he simply doesn't want it to.

I'm going to be blunt, Yes Machado you should suffer the consequences as you said earlier. Part of that should be not getting a fat paycheck from us and not wearing a Yankee uniform which is supposedly on your wish list. Hustling isn't your cup of tea and quite frankly you aren't mine. We have higher standards here and your "personality" just won't cut it.

The Yankees could do a lot better....and I hope they do.

--Jeana Bellezza
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @Nyprincessj

SEVY IS LIGHTS OUT IN PHILLY!

Source: Associated Press

Luis Severino is a stud, and quite frankly the most versatile, most athletic and convincingly one of the best pitchers, if not the best pitcher in baseball right now.  Now, Phillies' fans could just be bitter, but when I engaged one in Citizens Bank Park regarding Sevy's powerful performance on the hill, all I got was, "Yea, well he's not Clayton Kershaw (1-4), Justin Verlander (9-3) or Corey Kluber (11-3)." I said, "No one is doing what he is doing right now, despite their record. He's got more punch, more life than any of those guys." Not to mention that Sevy was lights out in Philly as he picked up his 12th win (12-2) in a 6-0 shutout lowering his ERA for the season to 2.08.

 Source: Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images North America

As Philly manager Gabe Kapler suggested, Severino was "as dirty as you could possibly be." "A lot of our guys were talking about the life on the fastball and difficult to catch up to," said Kapler of Severino's 100-mph heater. "We knew it was going to be on top of them, but it just had a little extra life today. Sometimes you just have to tip your cap to the other pitcher," reported NJ.com.

 Source: Hunter Martin/Getty Images North America

No place I would rather be than at the game last night to see Sevy take down the Phils one by one.  The night was set to be a pitcher's duel but Jake Arrietta just didn't have anything against Aaron Hicks and Didi Gregorius, who each launched a dinger, making my night complete and Arrietta's very short.

 Source: Hunter Martin/Getty Images North America

"Severino easily outpitched Arrieta, the NL Cy Young award winner in 2015 with the Cubs. In five innings, Arrieta allowed six runs (three earned) and five hits. He is 5-6 and looking like a bad $75 million free-agent investment by the Phillies," reported the NY Post.

Source: Jim Rogash/Getty Images North America

With one more game in Philadelphia tonight, the Yankees take a breather on Thursday as the Red Sox roll into town for a three-day stint against the Bombers at home.  The heat is on in the AL East as the Sox and Yankees could both be vying for another arm, potentially the same arm, in their respective rotations.

Source: Mike Stobe/Getty Images North America

"Problem is, he (Red Sox GM) doesn't have much left in the cupboard to swap for an arm, unlike Cashman, who has a well-stocked minor league system. So if the Yankees make a run at Toronto Blue Jays lefty J.A. Happ or Texas Rangers southpaw Cole Hamels, they should have an advantage over the Red Sox," reported NJ.com.  The Yankees will stack their advantage against the Sox with CC Sabathia, Sonny Gray and top off the series with Sevy on Sunday Night Baseball.  Oh it's a great to be a Yankee fan especially when you have Sevy shining at the top of your rotation.

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof