YANKEES LOSE PATRICK CORBIN TO NATIONALS

Source: USA Today

I couldn't believe it.  I guess I am not used to it.  But, the Yankees did in fact get outbid as the New York Times stated in its headline last night.  According to the Times, "When the first big free-agent domino fell on Tuesday, the biggest surprise was not that Patrick Corbin landed a six-year, $140 million contract, it was the team with whom he signed it."  And that team was not the Yankees nor the Philadelphia Phillies, Corbin's biggest suitors, but the Washington Nationals who had a pot full of money with "the expiring contracts of Bryce Harper, Daniel Murphy, Gio Gonzalez and Matt Wieters free nearly $62 million from their payroll — and probably fueled by last season’s collapse, they were willing to outbid the competition by adding a sixth year to the offer," reported the Times.

Source: AJC.com

Being on the losing side of the bidding war feels, well, defeating, but more than that, it feels awkward as it's not something I was expecting.  "The Yankees have occasionally lost out on free agents over the years — Greg Maddux didn’t care much for New York, and Curt Schilling was intrigued by the possibility of ending the Red Sox playoff drought — but it is exceedingly rare for them to pursue one of the top players on the market and be outbid," reported the Times.  Yes, that's exactly it.  We don't lose out like this.  It is just not typical.

Source: Sports Illustrated

Who will they pursue next?  Well Brian Cashman does not seem worried with his comment that there are plenty of great players out there on the market that can improve the team and lift them to the top of the AL East.  It is just a matter of at what cost?  Clearly, the Yankees need more than the rotation they currently have in Luis Severino, Masahiro Tanaka, CC Sabathia and newly acquired James Paxton.  They could augment the team of starters with other big ticket free agents including Dallas Keuchel, Nathan Eovaldi, J. A. Happ and Corey Kluber.

Source: Philly.com

The Yankees lost one big fish, but there is always today, tomorrow and the next day. It is very early in the off season and with the Winter Meetings heating up in Las Vegas on Sunday, there will be a number of good opportunities coming their way.  Corbin to Nats.  Okay, onto the next candidate for Yankee starter in pursuit of #28.

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

HARPER TO THE YANKEES? NOPE, NOT HAPPENING... I THINK

Source: The Athletic

Are you getting tired of the fake news floating about Twitter and other media channels or are these banters getting you all fired up for what is to come?  As Mike Francesa and other WFAN folks have said over the last couple of weeks, there will be a lot of activity around New York teams who are looking to tinker with pieces that are not working.  This was a blanket statement regarding many of the New York teams that are seemingly not working, not just the Yankees.  Teams like the Mets, Jets and Giants were all part of the conversation.  But if we drill in on the Yankees, since we are Bleeding Yankee Blue after all, you will hear a lot of talk about Manny Machado, Corey Kluber, Patrick Corbin, James Paxton and Bryce Harper.  The last of the list is the coldest and Bill Madden of the Daily News says that Harper to the Yankees is simply not happening.

Source: The New York Post

"Suffice to say, the Harper-to-the-Yankees dream is dead. Spending $250 million-plus on another outfielder – even an outfielder who could maybe play first base – is not something they either need or want to do. What they do need — and intend to do — is to add at least two more proven quality frontline starting pitchers. That is the priority," states Madden.  Despite the fact that his agent Scott Boras is reminding the Yankees that Harper grew up idolizing Mickey Mantle and that he "takes ground balls at first base all the time in the offseason" and that "he can help a team in many ways." Nope, the Yankees seem to be not having it as they need to focus on pitching which is why they may be willing to give up Miguel Andjuar, which I think is ridiculous.

Source: NBC Sports

Giving a big contract to Harper or Machado for that matter is something the Yankees are moving away from and do they really need to go back there?

Source: Elite Sports

With regards to filling the hole that Didi Gregorius will leave in the middle of the infield due to his season delaying Tommy John surgery, Madden goes on to say that, "Indeed, the Yankees have plenty of other much safer and cheaper shortstop options until Gregorius comes back – the most logical being moving Gleyber Torres to short and signing a second baseman, like Daniel Murphy, a needed contact hitter who puts the ball in play and could later move over to first base and DH." 

Source: NY Daily News

I don't want Harper or Machado or Murphy.  I'd like to see Torres at short stop for a while and see if we can bring in another young gun from the farm to play second.  Why do we have to think big contracts when we can do well grooming our own team?  Let's hope that this Harper to the Yankees thing is dead and move on to more pressing matters like signing some pitchers to keep the Red Sox and the rest of the league quiet as we rise to the top.

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

ARCHER TO THE YANKEES?

Source: Greg Fiume/Getty Images North AmericaS

Since losing Gerrit Cole to the Astros last week, the Yankees are re-examining their pitching prospects.  Although they have been linked to multiple teams, they have their eye on Chris Archer and the Rays may just be willing to give him up.

Source: Joseph Garnett Jr./Getty Images North America

"After dealing away Evan Longoria, the Rays look to be in serious sell mode and far away from competing in a realistic way in 2018. That could lead to Archer's outster as the game of musical pitching chairs continues," reported NJ.com.

 Source: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images North America

As I said to an Orioles fan at the bagel shop in Philly last week, dealing within your division can be harsh particularly when you watch how Daniel Murphy has hurt the Mets from his new home at the Washington Nationals.  Although the context was between the Yankees and Manny Machado, the issue remains the same: it is a no-no to deal within your division.

Source: Mike Stobe/Getty Images North America

But as Joe Giglio points out in his piece on NJ.com, "with prospects such as Clint Frazier and Chance Adams still in tow, could the Yankees and Rays make a swap? After all, we're talking about a pitcher that was rumored to be headed to the Yankees years ago."

Source: Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images North America

I like Archer.  I like his confidence.  I like his persistence.  I like his numbers.  He is only 29 and he throws just over 10 strikeouts in 9 innings.  He has a career 3.63 ERA despite one slightly higher last season.  Archer could add a lot of value to the rotation and quite frankly, I like him much better than Cole any day.  His experience pitching to some of the most lethal batters in the American League also helps his case and an impression on Brian Cashman and company.

So, on this snowy Wednesday in the Northeast, things are heating up with purpose as the Yankees seek the final component for their run for championship #28.

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

YANKEES ARE ATTRACTING EVEN MORE TALENT TO BRONX!

Source: USATSI

This week has already been a world wind and it's only Wednesday.  After conferring with longtime Yankee fan and uncle from Staten Island on Tuesday evening, it is clear that the Yankees surely have options in the outfield as Giancarlo Stanton is certainly not what one would call as a typical designated hitter.  He has too much to give athletically.  But what if I told you that the Yankees are attracting similar duplicative third base talent to the Bronx and this talent could come directly from our rivals in the AL East.

 Source: Mike Stobe/Getty Images North America

According to CBS Sports, despite the likelihood that Todd Frazier will sign with the Yankees because of his passion for being a Yankee, nothing is a guarantee and the Yankees could want more from the corner infield position. That something more could in fact be Josh Donaldson.

Source: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images North America

"The 32-year-old former MVP missed 49 games last season, but still posted his usual monstrous offensive numbers. He's no longer a Gold Glove-quality third baseman, but still profiles as a plus defender who would also make New York's lineup even more terrifying," reported CBS Sports.

Source: Brian Blanco/Getty Images North America

There is another worthy third baseman who could trade his fins for pinstripes this spring.  Evan "Longoria rated as a top-five defender at his position in 2017 and could see his numbers perk up considerably away from Tropicana Field, a ballpark that absolutely squashes right-handed power hitters," reported CBS Sports.  Could Longoria and some of his teammates leave Tampa for something more? Sure anything could happen, but much like the deal that brought former NY Mets Daniel Murphy to division rival Washington Nationals, these deals could prove to be bite Toronto and Tampa Bay respectively in the butt.

Source: Newsday 

Anyway you look at it, the Yankees are attracting more talent to the Bronx in 2018 and that's alright with me.  We are only in the pre-heat mode of hot stove season with plenty more moves to come, perhaps even later today.  Stay tuned - we certainly are.

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

COULD ADDISON REED BRING RELIEF TO YANKEES?

Source: KATHY WILLENS/AP

I saw it with my own eyes.  I was there.  I felt it in my core as he trotted onto the field from the bull pen in the 7th inning on Friday night.  I thought to myself, "this is just a sick joke that Joe Girardi is playing on me; he's not really coming in to ruin my perfect night at the Stadium." But alas, there was Tyler Clippard warming up to supposedly "get us out of a jam," which I might add he has not had much success in doing these last couple of months.  The Tyler Clippard presence on this team must end and honestly, I'd happily take 28-year-old Addison Reed in his place so that Clippard can be DFA'ed and we can all find some relief.

Source: SCOTT CUNNINGHAM/GETTY IMAGES

"With the Mets reportedly "open for business" on trade conversations, relief pitcher Addison Reed's name has been talked about as a potential piece the team could move on from in a July fire sale.

According to Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe, "interest is picking up around Reed's name--but there's skepticism that the team most in need of a late-inning arm would be able to make the Mets an offer they would accept."

Source: Drew Hallowell/Getty Images North America

As of pre-game time on Saturday, right-handed pitcher Addison Reed has 15 saves on the year with a 2.53 ERA and 43 strike outs.  Over the last seven days, his ERA has been 0.00.

Source: Mike Stobe/Getty Images North America

Reed could make an impact on the bullpen without us giving away too much. And that keeps the Mets from dealing with the Washington Nationals, who acquired Daniel Murphy from their Division Rivals when the Mets failed to counter a free-agent offer. According to the NY Daily News, "If it’s the Yankees, that doesn’t mean Clint Frazier or Justus Sheffield or even Miguel Andujar. But considering that Reed could provide protection in case (Dellin) Betances can’t solve his walk issues or simply add needed bullpen depth, the Yankees should be willing to give up a prospect with value."

Source: Bob Levey/Getty Images North America

"Even if the Mets move Reed--or any other veteran--it could be spun as a move that wouldn't kill the team's chances of making a run this summer. Much like the Yankees moving Andrew Miller and Aroldis Chapman last summer, the Mets could theoretically play better baseball without a late-game reliever," reports NJ.com.

Source: Mike Stobe/Getty Images North America

Anyway you spin it, we need someone to replace Clippard who clearly is sucking the life out of fans like me let alone the team itself.  He seems to have "mush" status, bringing bad luck to the team once he enters the field.  And I think the thing that makes it worse is that he doesn't even know what is happening.  According to his post-game interview on Friday night's massacre on the mound, "I feel very good about where I am at on the mound right now," Clippard said.  "I feel like my stuff is there. It's just frustrating."  

Source: Mike Stobe/Getty Images North America

With a quote like that, Reed couldn't get here fast enough in my book.  As the deadline continues to grow closer, it will be interesting to see what Brian Cashman and Co. do to bring relief to both starting and bull pen rotations.

Time will tell... until then, #SendDownClippard.

--Suzie Pinstripe

BYB Managing Editor
Follow me on Twitter: @suzieprof

BYB Stack Merchandise (2017)

TIME TICKIN' 'TIL TRADE DEADLINE, BUT IT'S STILL MILLER TIME IN BRONX!

Could the Dodgers move Yasiel Puig? Will the White Sox be selling off parts of their team prior to the deadline? Are the Yankees in the hunt this year or not? Could Brian McCann go back to Atlanta? These are the puzzling questions I have in my head thanks to the MLB beat writers' Tweets. The one question that has been answered as of late Saturday afternoon, which has brought sweet music to my editor's ears, is that Andrew Miller is staying put and I think for good with the Nationals-Pirates deal. Pittsburgh's closer Mark Melancon is headed to DC in a three-player deal. Heading back to Pittsburgh will be young lefties Felipe Rivero and Taylor Hearn. Inhale and slowly exhale.

According to the NY Post Saturday, "Teams such as the Indians, Dodgers and Rangers could still play for Miller. But the Nats were seen as the most viable player — another sign that Miller is going to stay a Yankee."  So, it's still Miller time in the Bronx, at least for now.  But could the exit sign be lit up for catcher Brian McCann?

According to Jon Heyman, "The Texas Rangers and Atlanta Braves are believed to be two of the teams that have talked to the Yankees. Rival GMs say they like McCann for “makeup” reasons, but the Yankees would have to pay his contract down significantly. He has a full no-trade clause." Not sure the Yankees want to do something like that, but it certainly would allow for more playing time for Austin Romine and open the door for top prospect Gary Sanchez to enter more quickly.  There are also a number of other Yankee catcher prospects in the farm system that could make their way up the ladder more rapidly with McCann's exit.  I like the way this sounds.

Now what about Texas? Are they going to put all of their efforts into the White Sox's rotation?  This could happen as they remain in hot pursuit of the post season.  According to CBS Sports,  "The Rangers are hot after a rotation upgrade, and as Ken Rosenthal tweets they continue to talk to the White Sox about not only ace Chris Sale but also No. 2 man Jose Quintana. The price for either would of course be high (each hurler is excellent and locked up long-term), and as Rosenthal indicates the two sides right now seem to be far apart in discussions. There's still time, though."

Finally as our buddy, Los Angeles Sports Writer Howard Cole, writes "The bidding of farewell to Puig is not something that I dream about, however. I will miss him when he’s gone. If he is gone. I’ve been entertained by his performance, and I see all kinds of potential going forward."  With Clayton Kershaw sidelined for the rest of the season or more, the Dodgers need to freshen things up but as Cole writes, hopefully not with the Division rival Giants.  Again the curse of Daniel Murphy enters my busy head as the Mets continue to plummet in the standings.  They may be looking to pick up Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy, who was rumored to be a piece in the proposed trade that would send Miller to Milwaukee. Oh God, all things come back to that nightmare.

I'm not a beer drinker, but I may have to have one to celebrate Andrew Miller's canceled trip to DC and Milwaukee.  He has been a rock, a constant in a Yankee club that has so much disarray.  Between him and Starlin Castro, I have hope that maybe we can put something together between now and next April.  But for now folks, things are a changin' and no one's safe in this seller's market!

--Suzie Pinstripe, BYB Senior Staff Writer
BYB Hot Stove Columnist
Twitter: @suzieprof

 

IT'S A VERY REAL MARK TEIXEIRA NUGGET

2016 is an exciting season for everyone other than the Yankees.  I hate to say it that way, but it's true. And you folks know, even better than us, how truly boring it is to be a Yankee fan.  But, I have something that could pique your interest.  What if I told you that Mark Teixeira could actually be traded in 2016?  What if I told you that he could go as early as August 1st but more likely by August 31st?

According to the NY Post, "In the optimal scenario, Teixeira could put together consistently better at-bats, and the Yankees, knowing they won’t be extending the qualifying offer to Teixeira this winter as a rehabilitating Greg Bird awaits his turn, could pick up most or all of his salary in return for an interesting minor leaguer. And Teixeira could approve the trade to a team in need of first-base help like the Astros or Rangers (his original club)."

Now, how do you feel about Tex going to another American League team?  It would be a non-division team if he goes to the Astros or the Rangers, but it would still be an AL team.  I would not say it would be as "haunting" as the Daniel Murphy division deal to the Washington Nationals, but still AL nonetheless.

The Post goes on to say, "At this juncture, you bet on the worrying, and on Teixeira staying. Yet in this dreadfully boring Yankees season, Teixeira’s next destination provides some greatly appreciated intrigue."

As much as I would like to say with fierce conviction once again, "You're on the Mark, Teixeira," the reality is that Tex is done for me.  He has his money, charity work and home base in New York, but that's all he has right now.  Which, according to Tex, may be enough right now.  “Let’s be honest: I don’t need any more money,” Teixeira said Thursday, before the Yankees opened their series with the Indians at Progressive Field. “That’s not what I’m playing for. I’m playing for these guys in this room. I’ve been here for eight years. I’m playing for the Yankees. And that’s why I can focus on today. I don’t worry about those other things.”

As we head into the All Star Break, it will be interesting to see if guys like Tex can perform well enough to draw the attention of suitors who may need a big bat or defensive assistance to push them into the post season and in better position to win the league championships and ultimately the World Series.

--Suzie Pinstripe, BYB Senior Staff Writer
BYB Hot Stove Columnist
Twitter: @suzieprof



 

DANIEL MURPHY TO THE NATIONALS

On Christmas Eve, Daniel Murphy reportedly agreed to a three-year deal with the Washington Nationals for $37.5M. After carrying the Mets through the Division Series and the LDS last year, and being a second baseman, he was a natural fit for the Yankees’ rumor mill. Personally, I am glad they passed on him and that he is with the Nationals. I think he would have been another disappointment for the Yankees.

Murphy is a 30-year old infielder who came up through the Mets system and once showed a lot of promise. After seven years in the majors, his batting average seems to settle in around the high .280’s and a slugging in the mid .700’s. That is not bad for a second baseman, and comparable to Starlin Castro’s numbers. The difference is that the Yankees got Castro for about $9M less over the same period, an additional year in 2019 at less than Murphy’s average annual salary, and a team option for 2020.

The fervor over his success in the playoffs dominated his storyline, and probably contributed to the size of his contract more than anything else. You cannot really blame people for that. With a slash line of .421/.436/1.026 through the first two rounds of the playoffs, seven home runs in 39 plate appearances, and the NLCS MVP, baseball executives had to be a little star struck. You have to respect Brian Cashman for not jumping on that bandwagon.

So Daniel Murphy is no longer a member of the Mets. He has found a gig where he will probably be the starting second baseman for a likely playoff contender. If the Nationals reverse their fortunes from 2015 and get to the playoffs, it will be interesting to see if Murphy can repeat his 2015 performance. Either way, I am happy for him. Especially since it will not be in Yankees pinstripes.

--Ike Dimitriadis, BYB Senior Staff Writer
Twitter: @KingAgamemnon







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