DELLIN BETANCES SCHOOLS JUAN SOTO

When Juan Soto officially signed with the New York Mets for an astonishing $765 million over 15 years, it was big news, but as a Yankee fan, I have to say, I was relieved. 

Now, as you all know, with that massive deal, Soto probably feels obligated to always side with the Mets.  He feels the need to act as though the Mets are the best team in baseball. Steve Cohen, the Mets' owner, may regret this exorbitant contract in about three years, in my opinion, but for now it's a love fest between Cohen and Soto and it's money driven and nothing else.  If you think about it, Cohen owns Soto now.  I wonder how that feels.

And so, after Soto became official, Soto declared New York to be a "Mets town."

Well, Dellin Betances who has played for both the Mets and the Yankees, did not hold back his thoughts on Soto's comments. “It’s always gonna be a Yankees town,” Betances stated, via Foul Territory.

"It's always gonna be a Yankees town"@DBetances68 has some words for Juan Soto 👀🍎 pic.twitter.com/qGADyzZ8KP

— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) January 10, 2025

Having experienced both sides of New York's baseball scene, Betances knows the city's dynamics well. What does Soto really know about it, other than the fact that the Mets offered him a stupid contract and the Yankees didn't?

Betances believes one reason Soto joined the Mets is that he can be “the guy” there, whereas on the Yankees, Aaron Judge holds that title. “I don’t know what he was trying to say by that,” Betances added, clearly questioning Soto’s motives. Betances’ blunt assessment reinforces the idea that Soto wanted to be the top dog, something he couldn’t achieve with Judge as the Yankees’ star. This, to Betances and me, highlights Soto’s selfish nature, contrasting sharply with Judge’s team-first mentality.

Kudos to Betances for speaking out and to Foul Territory for facilitating such an honest discussion. Soto’s move to the Mets may have made financial sense for him, but his statements and motivations continue to stir debate in New York’s baseball circles.  What a silly dude.

JASSON DOMINGUEZ GETS PROMOTED!

Quick note and big news about "the Martian".

The Bridgewater paper of NJ.com writes:

"Dominguez, a 19-year-old outfielder, was somewhat unexpectedly promoted to Double-A prior to Tuesday night’s game at TD Bank Ballpark. against the Portland Sea Dogs.

Nicknamed “The Martian” for his otherworldly tools on the diamond, the 5-foot-10, 190-pound Dominican native is ranked as the No. 42 prospect in baseball by MLB Pipeline and No. 2 in the Yankees organization, behind Volpe."

There is no doubt that Dominguez and Volpe are important pieces of the Yankees future, but as always you have to wonder if the Yankees have the right balance when it comes to grooming guys and when to bring them up. Remember the Killer B's? 

Only Dellin Betances worked out. Banuelos has bounced around and hasn't done much and Brackman doesn't even play anymore. I'd say the Yankees ruined those guys.

Aaron Judge is the exception as he has been everything we could have asked for, but remember Eric Jagielo out of Notre Dame that same year? 

He ended up playing for the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp and ended his career in 2018.

The point is I want Dominguez to really work out. I just hope the Yankees don't mess it up.  Who knows... maybe we see those guys in September call-ups. We shall see.

Anyway... cool note. If you're going to TD Bank Park tonight, go Patriots!

IS RANDY LEVINE MAKING A PROMISE HE CAN'T KEEP?

As frustrating as it has been to watch the Yankees this season there is one part that I have really enjoyed. It's been fun to watch Aaron Judge slug his way through a historic season, it's been the bright spot we've all needed. He bet on himself in his walk year and he will end up winning a big jackpot....but will the Yankees come out as winners on the other side?

I hope so, and Yankee President Randy Levine said that the Yankees "will be extraordinarily competitive" in their quest to keep Judge in pinstripes, you can listen to more of what he said HERE. But just how competitive remains to be seen and I certainly hope the Yankees handle talks with Judge much better than they did with Dellin Betances, who had his name completely butchered by the one and only Randy Levine.

I don't think I will ever be able to forget the arbitration hearing between Betances and the Yankees which Levine said some really stupid things, you can refresh your memory HERE. He didn't value Betances at the height of his career with us....so can we really be confident he values Judge enough? He says the Yankees do. "we know his worth and what he means. All we can do is show him how much we'd like him to remain a Yankee," Levine said.

"There's no issue about, 'Do we want Aaron Judge back?'" Levine said. "There's no issue [with] 'how much we value him.' It's a negotiation. What we'll talk about with him and his representatives in the offseason is, 'How do we keep him?' And then it will be up to him to see, does he want to stay here [or] does he want to go someplace else? Is somebody offering him a better deal?"

So hopefully that means the Yankees are ready to open their wallets if Levine meant what he said when he called Judge "an all-time Yankee." I trust the Yankees more without Levine's comments. I guess we will have to wait and see what dollar amount they feel is appropriate for an "all-time Yankee."

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj 

BETANCES HANGS UP HIS CLEATS

All good things must come to an end, eventually. Sooner or later every baseball player will exit the big league stage and move along to something else and that time has come for Dellin Betances.

Yup, yesterday Betances decided to hang up his cleats after he pitched in parts of 10 seasons with the Yankees and the Mets. It feels like just yesterday, I remember when the Yankees picked in him in the eighth round in the 2006 draft and how excited I was. I remember all the hype surrounding him as a promising young starter and watching him eagerly as part of the "Killer B's" trio. Now here we are, coming to the end of the 2022 season and the end of his career.

His hype as a starting pitcher never came to fruition due to his control issue and various injuries but in his best years as a Yankee he was a consistent, reliable closer that I loved to watch. I'm going to remember him as the four-time All-Star who finished third in voting for the American League Rookie of the Year behind Jose Abreu and Matt Shoemaker. He was a favorite of mine to watch in his earlier years, I felt confident when he was on the mound. I definitely miss that feeling right now.

But I am also not going to forget his ugly arbitration case back in 2017 where Betances and the Yankees were $2 million apart and the Yankees won their case, paying him $3 million as opposed to the $5 million Betances wanted. I remember the aftermath and how bad it made the Yankees look when Randy Levine had to go gloat and look like an a-hole. Do you remember this?

"It's like me saying, 'I'm not the president of the Yankees, I'm an astronaut," Levine told reporters, stating that Betances didn't get more money because he was only a set up man. "I'm not an astronaut and Dellin Betances is not a closer." 

Looking back at this it is no wonder why Aaron Judge had preconceived notions heading into his own hearing this season. He got a front row seat to Levine the douchebag back then. Unfortunately, once the 2019 season came Betances made one short appearance for the Yankees before he got injured and then spent the remainder of his big league career with the Mets. He tried to bounce back this season with the Dodgers in the minors but it didn't go his way. He was released by the Dodgers yesterday and then announced his retirement.

Dellin, I wish you luck in the next chapter of your life. As far as Randy Levine goes, I wish we could send him up in outer space as an astronaut and then leave him stranded out there. 

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

JUDGE SAYS IT'S ALL BUSINESS WHEN IT COMES TO ARBITRATION

Dressed in more than smart casual business attire, Aaron Judge will head to court with a full suit and tie on Friday with 4 million dollars between the slugger staying a Yankee or moving on. There is no loyalty, really on either side of the game. But one thing there is—money, lots of it and Judge expects his pay day with or without an MVP award.

“It’s all business,” Judge said. “For me, it’s plain and simple: I love this team, I love this organization and everything, but this is a business side of it that I don’t like at times. I don’t think a lot of people like it; I don’t think the team likes it. You have to go through, you handle it and you move on,” reported Bryan Hoch. 

Recall that Judge is expecting more than the seven year, 213.5 million dollar contract extension he was offered just before opening day. The last time the Yankees went to arbitration was 2017 with Dellin Betances and Judge recalls that it was not a pleasant experience.

“He just didn’t like how the process went,” recalled Judge, who was a rookie that spring. “[Betances] kind of mixed personal [feelings] with business. He gave a lot to this organization, and the numbers he put up for quite a few years -- even though he wasn’t a closer, he did a lot of special things. Maybe he thought he should get reciprocated for that, but it didn’t happen,” reported MLB.com.

Source: NJ.com

Judge is putting up big numbers this season, leading MLB in homers heading into Tuesday night's game against the Rays and with a batting average over .300. He has also taken over center field, performing extremely well in the middle outfield position both in agility and with his arm. 

Judge was not in the lineup against the Rays in their second of three games at Tropicana Field. No one wants to see Judge on the IL, and the turf is something that the long outfielder struggles with if he has multiple reps on the surface. Let's hope for two things: 1. Judge gets his money and stays a Yankee and 2. He can stay healthy for an entire season and remain productive. It is all business for Judge and his team. Let's just get the deal done and move on. 

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

MANNY BANUELOS BECAME A BETTER PITCHER WHILE AWAY FROM THE YANKEES

It kind of makes you wonder if the Yankees ruin pitchers. Or maybe young Manny Banuelos wasn't ready all those years ago when they kept promoting the Killer B's in Manny, Dellin Betances and Andrew Brackman. Whatever the case, it is good to see that Manny is making the most of his time in his second stint with the Yankees. It's really cool and I welcome the lefty. Hopefully he can be a huge factor with this team in 2022!

The New York Post writes:

"Banuelos turned in a third straight scoreless Grapefruit League outing, getting the start against a mostly regular Blue Jays lineup and shutting them out across three innings in an 11-3 loss Wednesday night at Steinbrenner Field.

“It’s very special to be back,” Banuelos said. “I’m enjoying every day I come here to the ballpark. I have a lot of memories. It’s been [11] years since my first spring training and I’m enjoying everything I do here. I’m very grateful to the Yankees for giving me the opportunity to come back.

“I want to take advantage. I want to show I still have something.”...

“I feel there’s always opportunity,” said Banuelos, who is being stretched out as at least a multi-inning reliever. “But honestly, I’m just focusing on what I’m doing every day.”

Since creating a buzz in his first big league camp in 2011 — to the point that Mariano Rivera said Banuelos was the best pitching prospect he had ever seen — and being named the No. 13 prospect in baseball (by MLB.com) ahead of the 2012 season..."

This kid is now a man and he's doing what he can. Will he make it? Will he be a factor? I'm rooting for this guy. I hope so.

DELLIN BETANCES LEADS YANKEES TO WALK OFF WIN!

Source: Corey Sipkin, New York Post

I have never been so disappointed in a performance in my life. Friday's double header against cross town rival Mets was something to forget.  Between the injuries and replacement players I actually forgot who was playing the Mets. If it was not for some of the heroic efforts of Luke Voit and Clint Frazier, I would be completely devastated.  Saturday's game could have gone the same way; down the tubes for the Bombers. Yet, a beautiful disaster exercised by former Yankee now Met reliever, Dellin Betances gave the Yankees the walk off and end of a seven day losing streak the injured plagued Yankees needed.

"Betances walked Frazier to start the ninth, struck out Brett Gardner looking and gave up a soft single to Jordy Mercer that put runners at the corners for Kratz. At 0-1, Kratz showed bunt on his own and Betances’ pitch was too high for Ramos to handle as Frazier scored," reported the New York Post. Betances lack of control and inability to hold runners set up the perfect storm for the Yankees whose bats could not give their starter JA Happ a win.

Source: Associated Press

"Happ, meanwhile, was excellent. The left-hander has publicly called out the Yankees, accusing them of skipping his starts in an attempt to avoid his vesting option of $17 million from kicking in next season. Asked about the situation — and Happ’s accusations — before the game, GM Brian Cashman stated Happ has not pitched well this season or in 2019. Happ responded with 7 ¹/₃ scoreless innings in the 90-pitch outing," reported the New York Post. 

Source: YES Network

Distractions like contract extensions cause teams to pull apart. And with the injuries overwhelming this team once again, worrying about money when there is a season to play is just not considerate. If Happ is missing starts it's because the Yankees are trying to win and put the best team on the field every time. Happ's performance, outside of Saturday's, has left much to be desired. Ironically, the same reason the Yankees shipped off today's "winning" pitcher, Betances, out of the Bronx; Lackluster and focused on money. 

A win is a win and the Yankees got one, to break a losing streak that was quickly becoming one of the worst in 50 years. The Yankees need to focus on one thing: winning. Any other distraction will lose them more ball games, which in this sprint of a season, is just not welcomed. 

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

COVID-19 DIDN'T STOP DON BOSCO PHOTO-OPS WITH THE YANKEES

These are Mike Rooney's kids. Mike Rooney is the Don Bosco Head Baseball Coach. This photo is plastered everywhere, days after Rooney set up a private work out with members of the New York Yankees.  You can't be mad at these boys... they think their dad's a hero, finding a way to bring pro players to a little, yet well known prep school in Ramsey, NJ to bring eyes and awareness to their baseball program.  To many, Mike Rooney would be considered a genius. 

There was no baseball program this year because of COVID-19, and so, if anything he's brought interest to his Don Bosco program again, in hopes to be able to have a rush of potential future Ironmen players to their program.

To me? Mike Rooney needs to be questioned by the top tier of Don Bosco... perhaps even reprimanded by the state's Governor.  Because photo-ops during a pandemic are seen as dangerous, for the Yankees players, for Rooney's kids or anyone else that posed for them. It's destructive and sends a signal that life is normal. LIFE IS NOT NORMAL.

NJ.com writes: 

"Don Bosco coach Mike Rooney arranged the session, which also included Aaron Hicks, Dellin Betances, Mike Ford and CC Sabathia."  

And so, he's responsible and I have news for you... heat needs to be put on this guy who doesn't think a pandemic is important when it comes to photo-ops for his kids.  What makes matters worse is he's done this sort of thing before last Wednesday. He just can't get enough.

Rooney is quoted here: "About two weeks earlier, Todd Frazier, Jeurys Familia, Joe Panik and Rick Porcello also worked out at our field."

But here is the quote that says all you need to know about the state of the country and the selfishness of Mr. Rooney:

"It was great, felt like Don Bosco was 'Field of Dreams'. Obviously, it's a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence. What was more apparent than their talent was how they are all terrific guys. The way in which all of them treated people showed what great guys they are."

The phrases in red say it all.

"once-in-a-lifetime occurrence", and so you jumped on it with no safety precautions and even put your kids at risk because it was "once in a lifetime".  Got it.

"Field of Dreams", so because the pro players came to Bosco's field, you and many grown men sat their drooling and watching pro players play on a field you coach, but the idea that a new generation of young players will spark new interest in Bosco for baseball, you just created a revenue maker.

"terrific guys". That means there was clearly an interaction. Whether or not they wore masks and practiced social distancing, it would not be fair for me to speculate. But let's assume they didn't based on  this picture of 3 grown men, one with the mask literally under his chin. Really? 

This leads me to believe they lost sight of safety all together just for a photo with Aaron Judge. Are you joking?

And where are the Yankees in this? Where is Jason Zillo? Why has he been silent? These are his players? No doubt he was part of the decision making to set this up? It's sloppy, it really is. He has no problem with them mingling with regular folks during a pandemic? Really? Bad judgement...really bad.

You know what I think? I think that it's a great idea for pro players to have a pro workout at a little high school stadium that's tucked away for a few hours. You Bosco dudes want to bring your families in and sit in the stands, 6 feet away from each other wearing masks and taking pictures and video from a distance makes a lot of sense and is exciting and the press would be good for you.

But no. That didn't happen. Instead you started posing for pictures during a pandemic. I have a HUGE problem with that.  Don't worry, perception is everything Coach Rooney... you doing this just made it cool for anyone else to stand with friends and strangers and have no regard for the big situation surrounding us... a pandemic that's literally killed thousands in NY, NJ and Connecticut along... and it won't go away because of crap like this. 

I find this a selfish act as well as disgusting. Hey Rooney, hope no one got COVID, I guess we'll find out in 14 days. I hope it was worth it. I hope your kids look at you like a hero today. 

All eyes on you, and not in a good light either. We're digging in hard on this one.

THE YANKEES START STRENGTH & CONDITIONING ON A CLEAN SLATE

Source: Twitter

After attaining not only a franchise record but Major League Baseball record for the number of trips to the injured list in 2019, the Yankees are making significant changes to their strength and conditioning staff, hoping that this will help keep the team healthy in 2020.

Source: The Athletic

"The Yankees have hired performance coach Eric Cressey to oversee their training and strength/conditioning departments, according to a report by The Athletic," posted MLB.com yesterday. 39 stints from 30 players on the IL last season prompted a complete overhaul of the clubhouse.

Source: Twitter

Phew...is what I say.  The Yankees needed change and they got it.  38-year-old Cressey is the real deal.  "Cressey is something of a celebrity in the world of performance coaching. He has worked with high-profile stars like Corey Kluber, Noah Syndergaard and Max Scherzer, helping to popularize the emphasis of kinesiology and biomechanics," reported MLB.com.

Source: USA Today

Maybe Cressey can keep Gary Sanchez on track and provide him a regiment that helps him stay in the lineup and performing at his highest level, making all of us, namely me, a fan of his athletic ability behind the plate and with the bat. New pitching coach Matt Blake has also served with Cressey, at his Cressey Sports Performance training centers, located in Massachusetts and Florida. Brian Cashman has stated that he wants to see if the injuries to key players are preventable, calling his inquiry, "CSI: The Bronx."  

"In October, general manager Brian Cashman said that the club was continuing to investigate underlying reasons for their 2019 injury issues, including rehab setbacks that extended IL stays for prominent players like Luis Severino, Giancarlo Stanton and Dellin Betances," reported MLB.com.

This is certainly great news for the Yankees and their fans.  Let's see if Cressey can turns things around for the Yankees, providing them full-body fitness expertise they have clearly been lacking.  Stay hopeful my friends...more exciting things coming to this team in 2020.

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

CHRISTMAS EGG NOG & BYB MISTLETOE TOO

Merry Christmas to all who celebrate...as Yankee fans we got a number of early presents to shape our team for 2020.  Dugout mistletoe and spiked egg nog aside, the Yankees are building a machine fit to withstand all opponents, well passed September.  I for one is grateful for what looks to be a team ready for action, spring-training style. But we are likely not done yet.

Source: USA Today

"The Yankees have valuable assets in outfielder Clint Frazier and third baseman Miguel Andujar, two young players with impressive bats but are blocked in the majors. Gio Urshela has taken over at third base. Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge seem entrenched in the outfield corners. Teams would live with the defensive issues both players currently present to get their bats in the lineup. Could Milwaukee be interested in Andujar in a potential deal involving reliever Josh Hader?," reported NJ.com.

Source: NY Times

With Dellin Betances off to Queens, the Yankees will continue to build its bullpen and add more fire to the middle relievers portion of the closing team.  Betances could add that value to the Mets, if he can stay healthy.

“Dellin is one of the elite relievers in the game with an incredible track record of pitching on the biggest stage and in playoff games,” Van Wagenen said in a statement. “This is a tremendously exciting gift for Mets fans this holiday season in our championship pursuit,” reported theNY Times. 

J.A. Happ could be the next Yankee pitcher to go.  With a disappointing season in 2019, Happ could fill the void of another team's rotation, providing the Yankees with perhaps a much needed lefty bat to round up the lineup.  "The Blue Jays have been linked to Happ. The Brewers are also thought to be a potential landing spot for him," reported NJ.com.

As the days officially start to get longer and the holidays in full swing, the Yankees could make another deal later this week or early next week before the New Year.  But, until then, it's more egg nog, more mistletoe and maybe a meatball or two.  Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy Holidays to you and yours.

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

DELLIN BETANCES... GONZO!

Would you pick the Mets over the Yankees? Dellin Betances did.  Sucks for him.

There's gotta be a legitimate reason and that will eventually come out. For now one thing is clear... Dellin Betances? Gonzo.

His time is the Bronx is over.

 ESPN writes:

"The New York Mets have reached a one-year deal with right-handed reliever Dellin Betances, sources confirmed to ESPN. 

The deal is worth $10.5 million, but Betances could earn $13 million if he appears in 70 games. There is a player option in 2021 and a vesting player option for 2022, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan."

Hey. It was fun while it lasted. I wish Dellin well. Always liked the guy. Too bad for us... and for him.

Now that you read this, remember that it's Christmas Eve... get back to the family now.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, BUT YOU ARE FIRED!

Can you believe we are only two days away from Christmas? We hope you all have a wonderful day with friends and family. The holidays can be stressful, and something tells me it might be even more stressful for one particular person....maybe.

It didn't take long for the Yankees to part ways with bench coach Josh Bard and pitching coach Larry Rothschild....but now in late December the Yankees have fired another coach. So why did the wait so long to fire strength and conditioning coach Matt Krause?

I'm not sure, but it is a good question. Multiple sources are reporting the Yankees have parted ways with Krause, but we will go with the New York Post HERE. I was surprised when the Yankees let Rothschild go, he's not who I was expecting. After all of the injuries I was sure that the first change the Yankees were going to make would be the strength and conditioning coach. It was the logical answer after we watched 30 different Yankees land on the Injured List 39 different times. In 2018, the Yankees sent 20 different players to the Injured List 23 different times.

So clearly something wasn't working. The Yankees needed to make the change. Matt Krause was hired in 2014 and he has a lot of experience. Before his six years with the Yankees he spent 11 years with the Cincinnati Reds. In 2017, Krause was named Professional Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year by the National Strength and Conditioning Association so what went wrong here?

We may never know, but when a man with this kind of experience is in charge of your strength and conditioning program the last thing you expect is for almost every player to miss time due to injury. Looking at the Yankees Opening Day roster, only Brett Gardner and Gleyber Torres did not miss significant time. The Yankees had lost seasons with Giancarlo Stanton who played in only 18 games, Luis Severino only made 3 starts and Dellin Betances faced two batters. The Yankees have been here before, anyone remember 2013?

In 2013, Mark Teixeira, Curtis Granderson and Derek Jeter all missed time and in wake of the Yankees missing the postseason for the second time in 19 years, the Yankees fired Dana Cavalea as their strength and conditioning coach.....but they did it in October.

I wonder where the Yankees will go from here. Will there be more changes to the strength and conditioning staff? Given the amount of injuries and also setbacks, the rehab staff at the club's
Tampa spring training facility could also see some personnel changes. When you lose as many players as the Yankees did this season, something's gotta give.

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