SABATHIA DEFENDS VOLPE, BUT THE ARGUMENT FALLS FLAT

Sure, I get why CC Sabathia is backing Anthony Volpe — I really do. CC’s a Yankee legend, a straight shooter, a guy who bleeds pinstripes. Of course he’s going to support the kid. But let’s not act like this is breaking news. It’s not. It’s not even a headline — unless you’re desperate to make it one.

Here’s the truth: CC is the best, but CC in my opinion, is wrong. And that’s fine. You don’t need advanced analytics, exit velocities, or “projected WAR” to figure this out — just use your eyeballs. Watch Volpe flail at the plate. Watch him get lost in the field. Watch Aaron Boone drool over his golden boy like he’s the second coming of Derek Jeter. Even the beat writers who’ve covered this team for decades know Volpe isn’t it right now — many just won’t say it out loud, some do, and I respect that.

The other night, Boone finally benched Volpe and started José Caballero at shortstop. Guess what? Caballero didn’t do much hitting ninth, but at least shortstop wasn’t a circus act. That was the smartest move Boone’s made all year. And yesterday? Volpe’s back in the lineup. That’s not just bad managing — that’s malpractice. The kid needs a week on the bench. A full mental reset. But no, Boone can’t quit his obsession.

Now, CC’s telling people to relax, using Miguel Andújar as an example — you know, the guy the Yankees jerked around for years, switched positions on, didn't allow to have consistency and eventually they dumped him. And somehow, after a long road, he’s still in the Majors. Good for Andújar. Really. But comparing him to Volpe? Nonsense. Andújar never got consistent at-bats or a stable role until he found a team to allow him to blossom. Volpe’s been handed both on a silver platter and still hasn’t figured it out. In other words, the Yankees have been consistent letting Volpe play, but Volpe isn't good, but they still give him chances.  they never did that to Miguel.

CC even tossed out Gary Sánchez’s name, saying with patience he could’ve still been the Yankees’ catcher. Yeah, about that — Sánchez got run out of town because he didn’t hustle, couldn’t block, and looked allergic to effort. He had plenty of chances; he just didn’t care enough. That’s not Volpe’s issue — but it’s still the same result: too much rope, not enough production.

Look, Volpe’s not a rookie anymore. He’s had flashes, sure, but consistency isn’t just lacking — it’s vanished. If you’re out there every single day and you’re still awful, that’s not a slump, that’s who you are right now. And if Boone refuses to adjust, that’s on him too.

So yeah, CC’s saying the “right” things publicly. He’s a company guy. He’s not going to blast a young player in front of cameras. But behind closed doors? There’s no way the competitor in CC doesn’t know the truth: Volpe needs to sit. The kid’s not good right now, and no amount of blind loyalty is going to change that.

My opinion right now, and I love Sabathia!

GARY SANCHEZ IS BACK IN THE AMERICAN LEAGUE!

Remember when Gary Sanchez was "The Kraken," terrorizing pitchers and winning over Yankees fans with that sweet power swing? Yeah, those were good times… until you actually watched him catch. Then it felt like someone let a guy off the couch, slapped some gear on him, and said, “Go play.” The eye test wasn’t kind, folks—lazy blocks, wild stabs, and all the defensive finesse of a bowling ball rolling downhill. But hey, he could hit bombs, and for a while, we all squinted hard enough to pretend that was enough.

Fast forward to 2024, and guess what? Sánchez is back in the AL East! According to Jon Heyman of The New York Post, the Baltimore Orioles have signed him to a one-year deal worth $8.5 million. Yes, $8.5 million! For Gary Sánchez! Baseball truly is the land of second, third, and fourth chances.

Gary Sanchez to Orioles. One year.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 8, 2024

The O's plan to use Sánchez as the backup to franchise superstar Adley Rutschman, because, let’s face it, Rutschman is too good to sit often. Sánchez is the "break glass in case of emergency" guy for when Adley needs a day off. Maybe Gary can even DH occasionally, just to remind us all that, yes, he can still hit a baseball into orbit every now and then.

Now, to Sánchez’s credit, he did have a mini-resurgence with the Padres last year. After bouncing around like a baseball vagabond, he managed to crush 19 home runs in 260 plate appearances and post a respectable .218/.292/.500 slash line. Sure, the batting average wasn’t going to make Ted Williams rise from the grave, but it ain’t bad. It was enough to get him a gig in Milwaukee, where he backed up William Contreras and occasionally lumbered over to first base or DH duties. Serviceable? Sure. Inspiring? Let’s not get carried away.

Now, Orioles GM Mike Elias has decided to roll the dice on Sánchez. Maybe he thinks Gary’s got some veteran wisdom to impart to Rutschman. Or maybe Elias just wanted a catcher who can make Adley look even better by comparison. Either way, it’s a bold strategy.

For Orioles fans, this signing is a little like ordering a Big Mac after watching a five-star chef prepare a steak—it gets the job done, but it’s not what you’re really excited about. At least Sánchez can still hit the occasional monster homer, which should be fun at Camden Yards. Just don’t expect miracles behind the plate, unless your idea of a miracle is catching the ball most of the time.

I WANT A WORLD WHERE AARON BOONE HOLDS PLAYERS ACCOUNTABLE

 As you know, as Chief of Bleeding Yankee Blue I am sick and tired and will never EVER quote Aaron Boone before or after games again.  My writers can do whatever they see fix to not lose the flow and integrity of their own stories and I admire and appreciate Suzie and Jeana to no end and so they are in control of what they write. They are trusted.  

Me? I control me and my body of work and I decided a few months ago that there is not a single quote out there from Aaron Boone that is relevant to whatever situation he is supposed to be specific about. There is no substance to what he says about any player or situation... IT'S WORD SALAD and it's just to get through the presser.  He isn't good with the press; the Yankees should be ashamed of themselves and the most important part of this is the fact that he never EVER holds his players accountable.  I have been very unhappy with him.  

You know who I do love though? I love A.I. Aaron Boone. A.I. Boone speaks his mind. He tells it like it is. He calls players out when they are bad and is not afraid to talk to the media honestly. And so for now on, any quote from A.I. Boone that I like, I will publish it. Here's the latest press conference from A.I. Boone and it's brilliant.

Someone just sent me this. Perfect AI. In fact I will only listen and report quotes from AI Aaron Boone on #BYB for the remainder of the season UNTIL THIS INCOMPETENT MANAGER HOLDS HIS PLAYERS ACCOUNTABLE. It will make for better content. The real Boone is too soft. pic.twitter.com/1w1KS6hYD1

— Robert Casey (@BleednYankeeBlu) July 10, 2024

Now you will look at me and say, "Casey, what are you doing, that's not even real?"  OK, you are right to come at me like that.  He's my response... "Have you seen the real Aaron Boone for the past four years?"  He's a shell of what they want him to be, a puppet, a bad communicator, a lousy media presence.  He's also a terrible manager.  

Now Michael Kay came out and said that we can't blame Boone.  First off, he doesn't run me. Secondly, he's wrong.  Something called Essentially Sports writes:

"Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay has explained why Boone might be trying to avoid a similar fate.

“To get on Aaron Boone, he should get on his players, he should rip his players apart publicly,” Michael Kay said, continuing, “What do you think Joe Girardi lost his job (for)? He was ripping Gary Sanchez on the podium!” Later, Kay explained how Girardi lost his job despite taking the Yankees to ALCS game 7. And it wasn’t due to his managerial faults, but because “he wasn’t doing things they wanted him to, period.”

Let me be clear, I work my tail off for my company, but I'm also not a puppet.  That's one. Secondly, Kay is almost insinuating that he's "gotta do what his employer wants".  That is clouded and just plain wrong.  Aaron Boone is the manager of the New York Yankees.  He is not put there to BE a puppet. He is there because his job is to manage. That doesn't mean you wait for the front office to tell you what to do. In fact, what you do is you follow direction, but you also do your job.  You're not there to be a puppet. You are there to follow direction and implement your talents which is the reason why you were hired to manage?  Kay lives in a dream world.  Boone is just not doing his job and yes, if a player isn't doing his job, it is absolutely the manager to call them out.  Maybe not publicly, but DEFINITELY CALL THEM OUT.

Boone is soft.  I have news for you, so is Kay on this one. Sorry Michael, I love you but you're wrong.  I'm a manager in real life. I manager a large number of people, and when things are not done right and deadlines aren't made, they are held accountable. THAT'S THE REAL WORLD.  

But back to A.I. Boone... this is my new Boone.  Honest, fair and holding players accountable.  It's the only Boone quotes I will publish here on BYB. Why? Because the actual Boone isn't doing his job and awful with the media.

REJOICE! YANKEE TOP PROSPECTS COMING ON FRIDAY!

FINALLY! I can be excited to watch a Yankee game. I haven't felt excited about watching a game in months. That is about to change, and I know I am not the only one who feels this way.

According to multiple sources, but we'll go with the New York Post HERE Yankee top prospects Austin Wells and Jasson "The Martian" Dominguez are expected to join the Yankees on Friday, when rosters expand and allow teams to carry 28 players. The Yankees could potentially have another spot to play with if Harrison Bader is claimed on waivers, which I think he will be.

Both Wells and Dominguez will have to be added to the 40 man roster, which the Yankees would've had to do anyway in the offseason to protect both players from the Rule 5 draft. It's nice to see some more fresh blood added to this roster of lifeless veterans who have underachieved all season.

Dominguez has only played in 9 games at Triple-A but has 10 RBIs. He got off to a slow start down in Double-A but played well over the last few months to earn the promotion. It's always a good thing to have a switch hitter in the lineup, but he's also athletic, can run and perhaps his best quality so far is how he can control the strike one. The Yankees suck at that, so if he can keep that same discipline at the big-league level that will be a huge benefit for the Yankees. He looked good in spring, it will be nice to see him in action again and look at the progress.

Wells is also an intriguing option. His .254 BA in Triple-A. He has a decent bat and has made some improvements behind the plate this year defensively. He's a good receiver but throwing continues to be his weakness but I think he's teachable. Not for nothing, we watched Gary Sanchez stink it up behind the plate for 7 seasons, so giving young Wells a shot can't be worse.... right? There's potential there.

At this point, the Yankees have nothing to lose. We've watched the established "veterans" fail to hit and score runs and with the Yankees are 10 games back for a Wild Card spot. We all hate losing but the Yankees can still lose but would benefit with a better evaluation of their top prospects as they head into the offseason and see if the kids will fit into the Yankees long term plans. 

I'm ready to see the kids in action, it's been a painful season. If nothing else, Brian Cashman might get more fans in the stadium to see the young players, and this will be his distraction or smoke screen for the terrible team he has assembled. The Yankees need to do something to get some excitement around this dead team....and this is the only way to do it.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

THE ONLY "HEADACHE" WAS HAVING LAZY SANCHEZ ON THE YANKEES

Yankee fans are not mad that Gary Sanchez is in San Diego. Yankee fans are thrilled he's out of the Bronx. 

Whatever he does now is great for San Diego, but don't sweat it... hot streaks are exactly what they are, and as soon as the NL figures out how to pitch to Gary, his lazy demeanor will soon be front and center again. Truth be told, Yankee fans don't care about Gary anymore. He's old news.

For some reason Fansided thought this headline was pointed, and sure, it did annoy me: 

Another former Yankees headache is thriving with his new team

But what's the headache? That he's hitting and not helping the Yankees? I mean seriously... what can you do about it? It's kind of a stupid fight to pick. Not to mention that Amish guy Carrabis tweets this like it matters:

Look, we need to keep this real for a moment. Back when Gary Sanchez was considered the next best shiny thing in the Yankees minor league system, there was one problem; he had an attitude. Read 

WHY SOMEONE NEEDS AN ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT from June 2011. Plus, Gary wasn't performing and coming along as quickly as they liked and to be honest, the scouts were more in love with his bat with the hopes that the Yankees would one day tweak and quicken his ability behind the plate.  That was the Yankees mission, make him better behind the plate.

But Sanchez never improved and when things weren't working out for him, he just appeared disinterested and lazy.  In the end, the Yankees and definitely Yankee fans had enough. And so the marriage dissolved and it should have. He was one guy the scouts got wrong.

And let's go further. The Twins took a chance on him but didn't retain him. The Giants wouldn't sign him to a major league deal after they tried him out in the minors and the Mets gave up on him too.  The bottom line is that while the Padres see promise in this slug, it's only a matter of time before they see how bad he truly is too.   All those teams can't be wrong, trust me.

And so the word "headache" is nothing more than a poke at us Yankee fans. Well, if you're a true Yankee fan, laugh it off, because it really means nothing.  

And when it comes to Carrabis, that Amish looking rapper look alike that has no real talent whatsoever, no one really cares about this guy.  You wanna like this tool? Buy this shirt... make me rich. 

ORIOLES BELIEVE THEY CAN FIX AARON HICKS! HAHAHAHAHA

What the French toast is going on in Baltimore? I am convinced that Orioles Executive Vice President and General Manager Mike Elias might be just as useless at talent evaluation as Brian Cashman is AND has no appreciation for baseball cards. We'll get to the baseball cards in a minute....

By now we all know that Aaron Hicks plays for the Baltimore Orioles. We all rejoice that he is no longer the weak link on our team and can try and rejuvenate with the Orioles. Who knows, maybe it will work. He's not the first player that couldn't handle the heavy pinstripes. Maybe playing on a team with less demand will help him find his mojo again. 

That's exactly what Mike Elias is counting on. They hope they catch lightening in a bottle with Hicks on the team. Maybe they do, but his stats don't exactly support that. But wait, maybe Elias doesn't like baseball cards or know how to read the stats on them. So what exactly do the Orioles see in Hicks?
"We have stuff that we look at from a scouting and evaluation perspective that, as I’ve said before, it’s very different from looking at the back of a baseball card," Elias said. You can read more HERE.

Maybe their scouts have lost their marbles. The stats on the back of Hicks' baseball card aren't wrong. His best season with the Yankees was 2018 and ever since then was filled with injury filled seasons where he couldn't hit, and played subpar defense with a weak arm. Maybe the Orioles don't value players accurately OR appreciate baseball cards. That was an insult to an avid baseball fan's card collection.

"You may not get a great outcome on everything, but we see stuff with Aaron Hicks that we like and it feels like a good fit for us," Elias said. "I hope this is a shot in the arm for him, and I hope that he helps us out and helps us win some games." Well Elias, we didn't get a great outcome on....anything. The Yankees gave him countless opportunities and an extra long leash and the Minnesota Twins tried for three years before the Yankees, nothing worked. By all means though....keep searching for that shot in the arm. We hoped Hicks would help us win games too, but he turned into a huge liability.

I guess this will be the year of second chances. The Mets and Giants saw something they could fix in Gary Sanchez and now the O's are going to fix Hicks. Okay, sure. I'll believe it when I see it. Maybe I'm wrong....or maybe Elias devalues baseball cards and insanely over values Hicks.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

GARY SANCHEZ CAN'T KEEP A JOB

Disturbing news in the Gary Sanchez baseball world.  Even the Mets don't think he's very good.

Quick note because this guy was once considered an absolute unit to well... not at all. The New York Post writes:

"...the Mets elected to designate the former Yankees catcher for assignment...Sanchez played in three games with the Mets, recording just one hit in seven at-bats.

He caught Max Scherzer in a doubleheader against the Guardians, and he went 1-for-3 with two strikeouts and an RBI at the plate that game."

Now look, this is a pretty small sample size, but let's keep it real, the guy isn't helping himself by striking out as much as he does, and this doesn't help things at all.

Who knows what the future will bring for this guy. I just never saw it in him. I never understood what the scouts saw all those years ago.

PINCH ME! BEN RORTVEDT IS REAL & BACK IN ACTION!

You may have forgotten that Ben Rortvedt exists, and if you did I can't say I blame you. We've talked about him for so long, but never got to see him in action. Now we have physical proof he exists!

It's been the longest wait ever but after being traded to the Yankees during the 2021-2022 offseason, Rortvedt made his incredibly long overdue Yankees debut and he did not disappoint. I will gladly take two for four with a run scored in his first appearance. It may not sound exciting, but hey for the longest time nobody truly knew if he existed! It's a step in the right direction.

Now that Jose Trevino is on the Injured List, Rortvedt will get some time behind the plate when Kyle Higashioka needs a day off. Baby steps for a guy that did not get to play at all in 2022 and has the potential for the everyday catcher the Yankees have been missing for a long time.

I salivate when I think about a left handed hitter, because we always need those. But add in a guy that has great defensive capabilities and I'm ready to do some backflips. Rortvedt may not have the Jorge Posada pop that I always loved and miss to this day, but he has the arm that I would love to see throw out runners and make exciting jaw dropping plays. Oh and the fact that he can frame and block pitches doesn't hurt either. He's the opposite of Gary Sanchez and after that nightmare, I love the change.

I'm looking forward to the future. This is just the first step, but I like that his first game back in the big leagues and all of the potential that is there. For now, Trevino and Higashioka still stand behind the dish, and Rortvedt will still need seasoning in Triple-A, but I can't remember the last time I was this excited about the third catching option.

I can't wait to see more. Good to see ya back in action, Rortvedt!

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

GUESS WHERE GARY SANCHEZ IS PLAYING NOW?

Source: CBS Sports

Maybe I will be writing a headline like this about Aaron Hicks before the All Star Break! But right now, let's focus on one underperforming player at a time. Gary Sanchez. Remember him. He was given so many chances to perform at the high level expected. But, injuries and laziness and excuses got in the way. Now the former Yankee catcher has yet another chance to redeem himself. You will never guess where.

Source: NY Daily News

After opting out of his minor league contract with the San Francisco Giants, Sanchez found another temporary home. "The New York Mets are signing veteran catcher Gary Sánchez to a minor-league deal, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post. He's expected to report to New York's Triple-A affiliate in Syracuse," reported CBS Sports. "In 16 minor-league games this season, he's hit .164/.319/.182 with one extra-base hit and eight more strikeouts than walks. To be fair, Sánchez had only joined the Giants in April, after the season had already started. Though he did participate in the World Baseball Classic, it's fair to assume the lack of a spring training hurt his play."

Sanchez has had his struggles as a catcher and at the plate with a bat in his hand. Although he was deemed a "pure hitter" his swing got slower and his batting average diminished. Then he started to decline as a catcher, with passed balls, errors and just a lack of athleticism plaguing him. Then there were the injuries. Just too many to name and too often. He just did not have longevity and the Yankees somehow were able to unload him to the Minnesota Twins. Now he is getting yet another chance in NY, but this time with the cross-town rival Mets.

"The Mets are without free-agent signing Omar Narváez, who strained his calf early in the season. Narváez was expected to miss about two months, leaving him still weeks away from returning to the active roster. Should Sánchez show life in Syracuse, he could, in theory, see big-league action in the interim," reported CBS Sports.

Source: Sports Illustrated

Maybe this is foreshadowing for what we may eventually see with the unloading of Hicks. His early exit from the game on Tuesday after having just a little ounce of life in the last couple of games just provides even more evidence that he is just done. Perhaps the Yankees can pull some kind of deal like they did with Sanchez? One could only hope. But for now, Sanchez is in Syracuse vying for a roster spot on the Mets and Hicks is likely headed to the IL. And so the saga continues...

--Suzie Pinstripe

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @suzieprof

GARY SANCHEZ JUST SIGNED WITH A NEW MLB TEAM & HERE'S WHY NO ONE SHOULD CARE

No one cares, but we still need to report it playas!

The last time we spoke about Gary Sanchez we talked about how his signed with the Leones del Escogido of the Dominican Republic league. Read GARY SANCHEZ JUST FOUND A TEAM! if you want to chuckle.

Now comes word that he has signed with the San Francisco Giants. But this time it's a minor league deal.

MLB Trade Rumors writes:

The Giants have agreed to a minor league contract with free-agent catcher Gary Sanchez, reports Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic (Twitter link). Sanchez will make a salary of $4MM if he cracks the major league team..."

Now MLB Trade Rumors talks about improved defense with Sanchez and I have always been riding this guy as a pretty terrible catcher. Here's what MLB Trade Rumors says:

"Sanchez’s glovework did appear to be on the upswing in Minnesota. Twins brass was regularly complementary of the work that he put in, and Defensive Runs Saved went from dinging him at a -10 clip in 2021 to crediting him at +1 in 2022. Sanchez also posted positive pitch-framing grades per both FanGraphs and Statcast, and his 28% caught-stealing rate was a few ticks higher than the league-average 25%. On the whole, it was arguably the best defensive showing of his career."

I think this will be a huge factor on if this guy can get back onto a MLB club officially. We shall see, but the bottom line is that being sluggish and non-athletic for a catcher is pretty much a death sentence and that's why Sanchez has fallen as far as he has.

Good luck to Gary. Maybe this is new life for him. We shall see.

GIO URSHELA HAS DEVELOPED INTO THE REAL DEAL, HERE'S WHY

The Yankees have Josh Donaldson. The Angels have Gio Ursehla. Now we all know it didn't start that way. In the beginning, it was the Yankees with Urshela, and we were bringing the guy into the mix because he dazzled with the glove.  But what happened next was something wonderful. Gio Urshela was also able to hit and proved that to the Yankees while he was in the Bronx.

Next came this ridiculous deal. The Yankees, desperate to send off Gary Sanchez traded him to Minnesota for what really appears now to be a bag of rocks.  Josh Donaldson is about as broken down and inconsistent as we get, IKF just isn't major league caliber when he's on the Yankees level of performance and I honestly don't even think Ben Rortvedt exists. I don't think the guy ever set foot on the field since being in pinstripes. Talk about a no-show job, Tony.

Now... we as Yankee fans are seeing what we don't have. 

Gio Urshela is beloved by the Angels. In fact, when it came to a guy names Andrew Velazquez (remember him?), Gio even took his spot because he is so fabulous in the field.  By the way... to a point where the Angels are thinking about Urshela at shortstop for a few days a week. Can you imagine? I mean we're fumbling over ourselves here in New York wondering if guys like Volpe or Peraza could be the everyday Shortstop, meanwhile Urshela might have been the guy all along. But what do Yankee projectionists really know about our players anyway? Not much clearly.

NJ.com writes:

"That convinced the Angels to bring in... Gio Urshela in a trade with the Minnesota Twins. And that depth eventually sent the switch-hitting Velasquez to the minors on Friday, when the Angels optioned him to Triple-A Salt Lake.

Urshela, 31, sparkled with his glove at third base for the Yankees — and eventually was traded to the Minnesota Twins along with catcher Gary Sanchez. Many Yankees fans, frustrated by the hitting struggles of Josh Donaldson last season, longed to have Urshela back. He will start the season as a utility infielder, but he could bite into Luis Rengifo’s playing time at shortstop if he’s hitting.

Angels manager Phil Nevin — a former Yankees bench coach from 2018-2021 — said Urshela could play shortstop “once or twice a week” during the season, with the possibility of him playing even more if he’s hitting."

Ain't that something.  I don't know if you do it, but I do this for sure. I root for Urshela. I was always a fan of this guy.  He's passionate, a hardnosed ball player, and he's proving it again with the Angels. Damn right.

GARY SANCHEZ JUST FOUND A TEAM!

It's about time.

Gary Sanchez is a perfect example of a player that was overhyped as a young catcher, just to make the major leagues and really not perform to the best of his ability or anything the scouts really thought he was going to be. That why scouting on projections is sometimes stupid. Anyway, Gary's out of the MLB.

Silive.com writes:

"It wasn’t long ago that Gary Sanchez was believed to be one of the premiere catchers in Major League Baseball. Now, at just 30-years-old, the two-time All-Star is out of the league entirely.

Sanchez agreed to a contract with Leones del Escogido of the Dominican Republic league on Tuesday, the team announced in an Instagram post...

...he’s heading home to the DR, where he hopes to resurrect a once promising career. Over seven MLB seasons, Sanchez hit .225 with 154 career home runs and 401 RBI."

Good luck to Gary. Maybe we see you back in the MLB one day.

COULD ANTHONY VOLPE FORCE THE YANKEES TO INNOVATE?

Isiah Kiner-Falefa came to the Yankees at the start of the 2022 season as part a trade that sent Gary Sanchez to the Minnesota Twins. IKF played in 138 games, 131 of them at shortstop for the Yankees last season with 15 errors. He slowly declined both defensively and offensively but stayed healthy for most of the season. Yet, when push came to shove, he just could not perform the way the Yankees needed their middle infielder to perform, particularly in the postseason. 

Conversely this spring, the Yankees have seen nothing but incredible performances from rookie shortstops Anthony Volpe and Oswald Peraza, with Volpe really stealing the show. So what does all of this mean for IKF, who has had a pretty good spring training so far going 5-for-19 and batting .263? It means the Yankees may need to get innovative if they are going to keep IKF but promote Volpe to starting shortstop.

"Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters (including MLB.com's Bryan Hoch) on Tuesday that Kiner-Falefa has been working with former big-league outfielder Nick Swisher to learn the nuances of playing on grass. Kiner-Falefa will even be making an appearance in center field in spring training before the week elapses. Boone added that he thinks Kiner-Falefa could be a "natural" out there," reported CBS Sports. 

Source: NY Daily News

IKF may be an above average fielder but he has not pulled his weight in the batter's box. The Yankees need more consistent at bats from their lineup—this goes for everyone, IKF and beyond. But if IKF can add some competitive advantage through the lens of another position, I am all for it. As long as he hits and hustles. 

Source: NY Post

"It’s to be determined if there was a true competition entering the camp or if the Bombers had a favorite for the position all along. Volpe has been the clear top performer out of the bunch and with Kiner-Falefa now trying to learn the outfield, the competition has only gotten more intriguing a little over two weeks before Opening Day," reported the New York Daily News.

Yankee Captain Aaron Judge compliments what I have been preaching since I started writing this blog more than five years ago. The key to winning in this sport is putting the best team on the field and if Volpe is that guy, then he should be the starting shortstop on opening day.

“I think he’s got all the tools,” said Aaron Judge after last Wednesday’s game against the Cardinals at the Yankees’ spring complex. “He checks a lot of boxes defensively, offensively. He’s got the speed... My thing has always been, if you’re the best player, it shouldn’t matter your age. You should be up helping the New York Yankees,” reported the New York Daily News.

Innovation is something that has been lacking in the Yankees over the years. They just have not been able to play that card when they needed to or perhaps they just did not want to take the chance. But now Anthony Volpe may just be forcing their hand and that could mean big things for the Yankees in 2023. 

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