A SALUTE TO THE BYB CHIEF: IT'S ABOUT OPPORTUNITY!

About a year ago, I was reading Bleeding Yankee Blue and saw that Robert Casey was looking for writers.  I worked up the courage, and sent him a note telling him I would like to give it a shot.  He asked me to send him a sample, something I was passionate about when it came to the New York Yankees right that moment.  And so I sent him a little something I wrote up on Facebook.

(Sept. 28, 2016 - Source: Mike Stobe/Getty Images North America)

After that, he asked for more. He wanted me to write up something about Starlin Castro and his importance to the team.  Thankfully, that piece ended up being my first post on BYB. I'll never forget the day... January 7, 2017.  From there, I had worked hard, and earned my right to call myself a writer for the publication I loved to read every day before. 

Photo of: BYB Managing Editor, Suzie Pinstripe

Now look, I've never really been a writer. At first, I wasn't sure how long I would last.  Yet, with some guidance from Robert, I have made it through a year. Luckily, BYB has a great team.  I talked to former BYB writer Dan Lucia as well as Suzie Pinstripe trying to gain some insight into the whole thing. They helped me quite a bit.

Photo of: BYB Managing Editor Jeana Bellezza with her other half

Jeana Bellezza, the other BYB managing editor has also helped me just by reading her stuff. What really amazes about this whole experience is that Casey didn't even know who I was, yet, he gave me a chance. An opportunity.  That's a testament to his character. It speaks volumes to me. I know my writing isn't the best, yet he still has the patience and helps me refine it every day. Casey's always been there to tell me what I did wrong and how to improve.   He's told me many times when I've sent stuff that I could "work it better", or "expand" on some points that I may have left flat.  I work hard to improve on BYB ever time I write something, and look to grow. The bottom line is I never want to let him and the BYB family down. The opportunity is huge. I don't want to disappoint.

And thank god for BYB. It has given me an outlet as a fan to voice my frustrations and a place to celebrate my Yankees the way I want to express it.  BYB has given me friends that I would probably have never met if not for the fact that I write for BYB.

And here's the best part... Casey and I have never met. I wouldn't be able to pick him out of a lineup.  But we've talked on the phone and he's a good dude. Why am I telling you this? Because sometimes opportunity comes in different forms... and when you are given one, by whomever... take it.

I wanted to write this up today and thank him for a great year. I would like to also thank all of you, the readers, for sticking with me as I hone my craft. Thank you for reading my posts.  The Yankee Universe is an amazing thing to be apart of. You don't find this type of bond among fans quite like this.  It's special. Thanks for letting me put myself out there.

Again, to Robert Casey... the man who gave me a shot.  May 2018 being us #28.

--Michael Carnesi
BYB Writer
Twitter: @sevn4evr

YANKEE PROSPECT SPRING UPDATE

(AP Photo | Matt Rourke)

We are past the halfway point in spring training and the Baby Bombers, and the whole spring training roster has been fantastic. Heading into Friday’s action, the Yankees have posted an MLB best 16-6 record. While spring training records don’t be a thing, it has been fun to watch the ball club win some games and the prospects have been very impressive!

To date, some of the big prospect names have made a big impact and today seems like a good day to take a look at the top ten entering Thursday’s action. Note: #3 prospect Blake Rutherford is not in big league camp.

Photo: Newsday

Gleyber Torres: The Yankees top prospect, in some people’s eyes, was over-hyped heading into the season due to his impressive AFL performance but all that talk has been silenced as Torres has torn up the spring with a .478/.480/1.043 slash line, two home runs, five doubles, a triple and seven RBI through 23 at-bats. Torres has some his versatility by playing both second base and short stop and although he has made three errors, he has shown off his cannon of an arm and has more than made up for it with his bat. Torres is about as exciting as any prospect in baseball right now and he very well may find himself in the Bronx this summer if he continues at this pace, but will start the season off in Double-A Trenton.

Clint Frazier: The Yankees number two prospect has had a good camp as he has a .323/.323/.548 slash line with two doubles, a triple, hit his first home run on Thursday and has added seven RBI. He has shown he can use all fields and his impressive bat speed has been on full display. He has struck out nine times, but that is something to be expected based on the scouting reports. Frazier will start the season in Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre but could be just a phone call away this summer depending on his success in Triple-A and the Yankees needs.

Aaron Judge: A-A-Ron has impressed this spring as well as he has a .265/.359/.500 slash line while adding two home runs, a triple and three RBI while adding five walks. His five walks are tied for the team lead and that is an encouraging sign that Judge is becoming more disciplined at the dish. He has struck out nine times but, much like Frazier, is to be expected. A strikeout rate of less than 20% would be a success for Judge. On top of his offense, he has played well in right adding an assist as he gunned down a runner trying to stretch a single into a double. He and Aaron Hicks are competing for the right field job, but if Judge continues to perform at this level, he has himself a good opportunity to earn the Opening Day job in right.

Jorge Mateo: Through 22 at-bats, the speedster has accumulated just three hits, including a double and a home run while adding a stolen base. Mateo was sent to Class-A advanced Tampa and reassigned to minor league camp on Friday. Many people, including myself see Mateo as a great candidate to convert to a centerfielder where he can really showcase his speed. This is a big bounce back year for Jorge and the staff at spring training has said nothing but kind things about him so far, even though the stats didn’t show great things. Mateo is a must follow this season.

Photo: Newsday

James Kaprielian: Kaprielian made his spring debut on Thursday and was dominate by all accounts. He tossed two scoreless innings, allowing just one walk while striking out three. Kaprielian topped out at 96 after being a low 90’s guy at UCLA. The Yankees plan on taking it slow early in the year with their top pitching prospect as he comes back from a 2016 season in which he was sidelined in April and didn’t pitch again until the AFL. It has been speculated that Kaprielian will likely start the season in Tampa, where it’s warmer, before getting a promotion to Double-A Trenton, if all goes well. Kap could be fast tracked to the big leagues this year but the Yankees will have to keep an eye on his workload after missing so much time last year. Watch Kap throw whenever you have the opportunity!!

Justus Sheffield: Although a very small sample size, LHP Justus Sheffield has struck out four through 3.2 innings while allowing five hits and issuing one walk. His stuff was impressive, especially a couple of his off speed pitches I saw last week. Sheffield was optioned to minor-league camp this week but impressed manager Joe Girardi. Sheffield is another guy likely be start in Trenton in April and with a good performance, he could find himself in Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre before the summer ends.

Photo: USA Today Sports

Chance Adams: One of the pitchers I’m most excited for, RHP Chance Adams got his feet wet in camp and over three games and four innings allowed just one run on three hits while striking out five. Adams did walk six batters though but it is still early in the season and this is only Adams second professional spring training and first big league camp. After a terrific 2016, his first year as a starter after pitching out of the bullpen in college, Adams looks to keep rolling this summer. Adams is another guy who could earn a stop in the Bronx this summer with continued dominance in the minor leagues.

Photo: New York Daily News

Dustin Fowler: Fowler has been fantastic this spring, slashing .280/.367/.440 through 25 at-bats. He has legged out two triples, added three RBI and swiped two bags thus far after a very impressive 2016 campaign where he led all Yankee minor leaguers with 88 RBI. Fowler is a potential 20-20 guy who has really caught the eye of the staff. Fowler plays good defense and hits well but will need to work on getting deeper in counts and drawing more walks, something Dustin is aware of, if he wants to be a top of the order hitter. I really like what Fowler offers and we should expect him to make his big league debut sooner rather than later.

Miguel Andujar: After a solid performance over 13 games and 23 at-bats, the Yankees reassigned Andujar to minor league camp and optioned him to Double-A Trenton. Andujar produced a .304/.333/.478 slash line with two doubles and a triple in camp but did have some difficulties in the field. Miguel still needs some work harnessing his powerful arm and some more time for him in the minor’s is in store this year. Many Yankees fans would love for Andujar to take over third base in the near future, but he still needs a little more time. He will start the year on a stacked Trenton Thunder team.

We are now just under three weeks away from Opening Day. The season is all but upon us and the Yankees are looking good.

2017 is going to be a really fun and exciting year!

--Dan Lucia

BYB 'Series' Writer
Follow me on Twitter: @DManLucia

FOR THE CHILD'S SAKE, BE A GREAT SPORTS PARENT

With Little League and all spring baseball tryouts and the regular season upon us, it is important to remember what our kids are playing the game for. Our children play the game for fun, for the competition and for the team comradery.

As parents, we have to provide them with the best opportunity to succeed. Being a role model parent and spectator is a huge part of your child’s season.

While the overwhelming majority of parents are great spectators, we all have seen the ones that make the experience enjoyable. From yelling at the umpires to second guessing the coach and the worst ones who think their kid is better than everyone else and openly lets that be known! Of course there is always going to be a few players better than others and if that’s your kid, be humble about it!

Photo: Kim Cameron / Lucia in action

The 14U team I coached last year played a team from Connecticut in a tournament over the summer. I won’t say which organization it was because I’m not trying to call them out or anything, I’m simply just giving my observations here. Their coach was a jerk and for two innings egged on the umpire to throw him out. When he finally did get tossed, he clapped obnoxiously and thanked the ump as he walked off the field while all the parents were yelling F bombs and telling the blue how much he sucked. It was a joke. Is that the kind of atmosphere you want your 13 or 14 year-old around? I sure as hell don’t!

Most of the umpires you encounter, especially in Little League, are local volunteers who may be making a few bucks. But these guys and gals are not professionals, just like your child. They will make mistakes just like your child will make errors. It happens, people make mistakes. Let your coach talk to umpire if there is an issue. That’s his job.

The coach of your child’s team is also more than likely a volunteer. He is giving up his time to teach your children about America’s Pastime. They are also not likely professionals. They will also make mistakes, so give them the benefit of the doubt. That doesn’t mean that some won’t put their child’s interest first or play favorites and when that happens, it’s very unfortunate. If you need to speak with the coach, pull him aside and discuss your concerns in a personable manner.

As for the volunteer coaches, 95% of you do your best to accommodate all the players and make it a point to do the right thing, but if you find yourself playing favorites, take a step back and remember this is for the kids, not you. That doesn’t mean don’t try and win, but it does mean assure you are allowing each player the opportunity to have fun. Little League will be something he or she remembers for the rest of their life’s.

During the games, cheer and cheer loudly. Encourage not only your child, but every player on the team! As a parent and coach, I know it is tough. I found myself coaching my kid more than the other kids at times. It is tough to separate, but when you catch yourself, take a step back and remedy the situation. Teaching the young players about the team concept is important.

Following the game, remain encouraging. If your player had a rough game, don’t hound and criticize them. If they want to discuss their miscues, then listen and encourage, if they don’t, let it be for now. Most kids realize that they didn’t have the best game, or did, and don’t necessarily need to be reminded. Over 99% of these kids will not be professionals. This is meant to be a fun experience.

I understand that some parents aren’t able to make it to all the games, life gets in the way, I get it. But if you happen to be one of those parents who skips games for no good reason, do yourself a favor and reconsider. Your child is only young once and only gets one Little League career. Be there to support them as they will remember that, I know I do. Watching these games will be something you will never forget either. Embrace the opportunity to watch your children be kids.

Being there to support your children in a positive manner makes the experience that much better for everyone. It is important to teach our kids how to be good people and to do the right thing. It is important to teach them to be respectful and be good teammates. It is important to teach them how to enjoy the dog days of summer. It is important for them to enjoy themselves.

Just as important as it is for you to lead by example. For your child’s sake, make sure you are a great sports parent!

--Dan Lucia

BYB 'Series' Writer
Follow me on Twitter: @DManLucia

YANKEE PROSPECT WATCH: GLEYBER TORRES

All the way from 20 down to one, we have arrived at the Yankees top prospect for 2017, Gleyber Torres. MLB.com ranked him the third best prospect in baseball and he, as of today, sure deserves it.

Nearly all Yankees fans who have followed anything Yankees related has by now heard of Torres. Acquired from the Cubs in the Aroldis Chapman deal last July, Torres brings with him a great hit tool, improving power which should translate to 20-plus home runs a year, a strong arm, plus respectable and improving defense at shortstop.

Photo: New York Daily News

Since we have all heard of Torres, I’m going to tackle this piece a little differently. Many of you already know that Torres was the Arizona Fall League’s youngest ever MVP after he slashed .403/.513/.645 at just 19 years-old. The shortstop from Venezuela has all the tools to be an above average to great Big Leaguer in due time.

Photo: Pinstriped Prospects

There has been chatter already amongst fans this spring that Torres should break camp with the Yankees and head north to begin his Big League career. Without being rude, that’s nonsense. Sure he has started the spring red hot and looks like the real deal, but he is just 19 years-old and has not played above high-A ball in his career.

He sure has been impressive though to start the spring. I’ve seen three of his at-bats so far and was very impressed. On Saturday he ripped two doubles, one down the left field line and the second down the right field line as he took a pitch over the outer half, stayed with it and drove it into the right field corner. The third at-bat I saw was a single to right center where he slashed a pretty good pitchers pitch (it appeared to be off-speed to me, but it was a poor camera angle and I’m not 100% sure), didn’t try to do too much with it and drove it to right center.

The kid looks like everything we have heard about so far this spring.

Torres needs some more time in the minors to continue to develop and mature as a ball player. He has made a fielding blunders in the field this spring but according to reports, continues to improve. He will almost guaranteed be in Double-A Trenton to begin the year as he works his way up the ladder in the minors. It is very plausible he continues his success and earns the promotion to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in short order. He could even find himself in the Bronx in September, which would be great, but rushing him would be a big mistake if he is not ready, in my opinion.

He should see plenty of time at shortstop this season and could see some time at second as well which would benefit the Yankees If he can be more versatile, especially with Didi Gregorius continuing to improve at shortstop as he enters what should be his prime.

Come 2018, it is more than possible Torres forces himself onto the Yankees roster and at that time he will still be just 21 years-old. While we don’t know what GM Brian Cashman will do, Torres could end up at second or short but any of those scenarios requires the Yankees moving a piece of their current infield to allow Torres a spot in which to play every day. Not that trading away Chase Headley or Starlin Castro, in particular, would be a terrible thing, at least in the views of many Yankees fans.

An infield in 2018, potentially of Miguel Andujar at third, Didi at short, Torres at second and Greg Bird manning first base would make a lot of us in The Yankees Universe very happy!

Gleyber Torres is the crown jewel of the Yankees farm system right now and we all need to be excited about this. Along with Clint Frazier, Chance Adams, Justus Sheffield, Blake Rutherford, Jorge Mateo (who I'm not quite sold on), plus Aaron Judge, Gary Sanchez, Luis Severino and Greg Bird, the Yankees future is looking bright.

Photo: MLB.com

Just last July there were big debates on whether the Yankees should buy or sell at the trade deadline and Cashman decided to sell.

While prospects are never guaranteed, Cashman hit several home runs in acquiring prospects with Gleyber Torres being just about everything the Yankees could ask for. Only time will tell if he fully lives up to his expectations. The chances appear pretty darn good!

While we have covered all twenty of the Yankees top prospects, there is still a lot of spring left and more opportunities to familiarize our audience with some more youngsters in the system. More Prospect Watch pieces will be coming!

--Dan Lucia

BYB 'Series' Writer
Follow me on Twitter: @DManLucia

TEBOW'S BIG PICTURE

Photo: Sports Illustrated

This is not Yankees related, but it is baseball and life related. These are two things that I genuinely believe go hand in hand. As a youth baseball coach, from tee ball with my kids to high school kids, with Babe Ruth and American Legion experience along the way, I make it a point to emphasize how we can learn so much from sports that apply to our daily life’s and how the big picture is so much more than between the foul lines.

Tim Tebow gets it, big time. At his press conference following his first day at minor league camp (a day in which he belted nine home runs in BP by the way) Tebow responded to a reporter’s question and nailed the answer.

Youth athletes should be playing the game for the love of it, not because they are pressured into it or because they think they’re getting a full ride to college and will play at Yankee Stadium one day. Could they? Absolutely. Should they dream big? You better believe it. But sport should be for fun and for improving as a person. But life is more than that.

Photo: Coach Lucia in action

I’ve discussed this kind of topic before and have explained how life lessons such as hard work, determination, teamwork, punctuality, humility, accepting criticism, unselfishness, overcoming tough situations and many more can be learned through sport and applied to the real world.

But what we do on the field, whether we are 12-12 or 0-12 in our last 12 at-bats, do not define us or our purpose. There is always something greater. Life has bigger callings.

I use my mistakes as an example to my players. I played just one year in college. I made a poor decision to leave school and am now 32 finishing my degree. I regret it every day. I could have had a degree at 22 and played four years but it didn’t work out that way. But by making the decisions I did, it led me to my current job and my current job coaching the youngsters I do, I see as part of my calling.

I love volunteering and love hearing how I made a difference in a player’s life, somehow or another. I don’t strive for reactions like that but I take pride in it and if I can reach one player then my job is done and I was successful that season. I feel a purpose of mine is making my players, and my kids, better people, both on and off the field.

I see players all the time beating themselves up over a strike out or an error. I did it too when I was a kid. But life is so much more than one play or at-bat. If my kid stinks at baseball but is a stud in life, being a good, caring person who is willing to help others, then I don’t care about what he does as an athlete. What he does on a field does not define him, what he does off the field and his values, morals and how he lives his life, do.

I’ve always liked Tim Tebow and he has always seen the bigger picture. He does a heck of a lot for people all over the world including The Tim Tebow Foundation’s ‘Night to Shine’ Prom for special needs students recently. He is a stand up guy.



Once you find your calling, you will know it and it will be important to you. For some it could simply be being a parent, being a teacher, being a role model, being a coach or participating in church.

For Tebow it is about being generous and spreading love. That, whether he achieves his dream of becoming a Major Leaguer or not, is true success.

--Dan Lucia

BYB 'Series' Writer
Follow me on Twitter: @DManLucia

YANKEE PROSPECT WATCH: CLINT FRAZIER

Photo: Getty Images

Coming in at number 24 overall, and number two for the Yankees according to MLB.com, OF Clint Frazier is an exciting player, and personality, that we should be seeing in the Bronx possibly as early as this summer. Clint is ready for some baseball and shared that on twitter a few days ago!

who else is ready for the season? ⚾️ @Yankees pic.twitter.com/lR9WFffGip

— Clint Frazier (@clintfrazier) January 22, 2017

Acquired in the Andrew Miller trade from the Indians at the trade deadline, Frazier brings his fiery red hair and incredible bat speed and raw power with him to the Yankees organization. After playing the majority of his professional career in centerfield, Frazier was utilized in the corners mostly in 2016 where he strong arm and above average speed play well.

Photo: MiLB.com

Frazier began 2016 in Double-A Akron while with the Indians where he slashed .276/.356/.469 with 13 home runs and 48 RBI over 89 games before being promoted to Triple-A shortly before being traded to the Yankees.

Photo: MiLB.com

In Triple-A, Frazier admittedly pressed and said he tried to do too much, especially after ending up in Scranton where he was trying to impress his new club. In Scranton he slashed just .228/.278/.396 with three home runs and seven RBI. In 2017 he will look to rebound from his rough couple of months to end last season.

The number five overall pick in 2013, Frazier, a Georgia native, has toned down his overly aggressive approach at the plate, but is a high strikeout guy, partly due to him still developing his recognition of breaking pitches. The 22 year-old still has time to develop and has the upside of hitting for a solid average and already possesses the raw power to be a 30 home run guy.

Photo: MiLB.com

Not only is Frazier is pleasure to watch on the field and is an incredibly hard worker off the field, as far as I’m concerned, he has a New York kind of personality. His outgoing personality and his humorous presence on Twitter, #RedThunder as he has called himself, has the flashy style and personality to be a fan favorite and bring some excitement to the Yankees.

Coming into this spring, Frazier has just 30 Triple-A games under his belt so expect him to become more seasoned down in Scranton this summer. Although many factors will come into play, it is not unreasonable to think he finds himself in Pinstripes by August or September.

Photo: Times Leader

Thinking of the future of the Yankees with Aaron Judge and Clint Frazier (and possibly Bryce Harper, who Frazier seems to be recruiting) patrolling the outfield in the Bronx is something we can all get excited about!

.@Bharper3407 maybe i can give you some hair pointers when you join the yankees in the future ⚾️🔥 pic.twitter.com/UY3HatooxV

— Clint Frazier (@clintfrazier) November 24, 2016

Spring training games are upon us and before we know it it’ll be Opening Day.

Last up in our top 20 Yankees prospect is someone we are all familiar with, the number overall prospect in baseball, Gleyber Torres. This farm system is top notch and credit must be given to Brian Cashman for strengthening the system.

The future looks bright and we will look at the consensus brightest star next on #BYB Yankee Prospect Watch!

--Dan Lucia

BYB 'Series' Writer
Follow me on Twitter: @DManLucia