BOONE NEEDS TO STOP FORCING VOLPE ON US FANS...

Meanwhile, maybe Volpe has a tiny bit of trade value these days hitting .260 that we can finally get rid of him by the trade deadline. Alot to talk about, huh?

I mean, Anthony Volpe's batting average is finally climbing, and predictably, the Yankees are treating it like validation. It isn't.

A hot stretch at the plate doesn't erase what fans have watched for months—an increasingly unreliable defensive shortstop who continues to make mistakes at the most important position on the infield.

If anything, Volpe's recent offensive surge has given Brian Cashman exactly what he needs: an opportunity to sell high before the rest of baseball remembers why his value dropped in the first place. That's my hot take. Get rid of this kid while we still can.  The Yankees' front office has spent the better part of three seasons trying to convince everyone that Volpe is the franchise shortstop. Every slump is met with another vote of confidence. Every error is brushed aside as part of the learning process. Every brief offensive streak is treated as proof that the organization was right all along.

At some point, enough is enough. The Yankees aren't rebuilding. They're supposed to be chasing championships. Instead, fans continue to watch a player who was advertised as a Gold Glove-caliber defender struggle with routine plays, inconsistent throws, questionable decisions, and defensive lapses that simply cannot happen from a Major League shortstop.

The most frustrating part is that there is already a better defensive option on the roster. Jose Caballero.

Yet Aaron Boone continues to move Caballero all over the diamond while stubbornly keeping Volpe planted at shortstop. Caballero... Third base. Outfield. Anywhere but the position where many fans believe he could immediately improve the Yankees' defense.

It's hard not to wonder what exactly Boone is trying to accomplish. Keeping Caballero in the lineup while refusing to let him play shortstop doesn't solve the Yankees' biggest defensive issue. It simply moves a quality defender away from the position where he could have the greatest impact.

Nobody is fooled by the revolving door of defensive alignments.

If Caballero is one of your best infield defenders, and he is, then let him play the premium infield position. Instead, Boone appears completely committed to Volpe, regardless of the results.

Whether it's loyalty, belief in Volpe's long-term potential, or simply refusing to admit the organization may have overestimated him, the Yankees continue doubling down while fans watch the same mistakes happen over and over again.

Yes, Volpe has raised his batting average. Good. That's his job. But to me, that still doesn't outweigh the defensive problems. A championship-caliber shortstop has to save runs just as often as he creates them, and too often Volpe has done the opposite.

That's exactly why the Yankees should capitalize while his value is trending upward. Several clubs around baseball could still view Volpe as a young player capable of reaching the ceiling that made him one of baseball's top prospects.

The Seattle Mariners immediately stand out as a logical partner. They are constantly searching for more offensive production and have the pitching depth to make an intriguing deal. The Yankees could target starter Bryan Woo or right-hander Logan Gilbert if Seattle believed Volpe could become its long-term answer in the infield. Either arm would immediately strengthen a Yankees rotation built to contend now.

Another intriguing match is the Miami Marlins. They're in a position to gamble on young, controllable talent while continuing their rebuild. The Yankees could inquire about left-handed ace Sandy Alcantara. Volpe's pedigree may still carry weight with an organization looking toward the future.

Would those deals require additional prospects? Absolutely. But that's exactly the point. Volpe's value may never be higher than it is today. His batting average has people talking again. The Yankees should take advantage before another stretch of defensive miscues reminds everyone why so many fans have lost confidence in him as the everyday shortstop.

This organization has spent years trying to force Anthony Volpe into becoming the face of the Yankees' infield. Maybe it's time to stop forcing the issue. Maybe it's time to let Jose Caballero play the position he plays best.

And maybe it's finally time for the Yankees to admit that Anthony Volpe simply isn't the answer at shortstop.

I'm done with this front office and this kid they are forcing on us. The worst mistake since trading away Jay Buhner.

THE WORST TRADE IN YANKEE HISTORY

In the storied history of the New York Yankees, a franchise synonymous with greatness and championships, there exists a blemish so egregious, it makes even the most ardent fans wince in collective disbelief. Enter the trade of Jay Buhner for Ken Phelps. Yes, you read that right. The Yankees traded away a future star for... well, Ken Phelps. Buckle up, because this tale of woe and incompetence is as snark-inducing as it gets.

Before donning the pinstripes, Ken Phelps was, let's say, an "acquired taste." With a swing that could charitably be described as "awkward" and a batting stance reminiscent of a man trying to avoid stepping on a tack, Phelps was not exactly setting the world on fire. Sure, he had some power, but his career up until joining the Yankees was a testament to mediocrity.

Ken Phelps' pre-MLB days are often glossed over, but they're worth noting. Phelps was always rumored to be a standout softball player, known for his prodigious power and keen eye at the plate. His powerful swing and ability to crush pitches into the stands were well documented in local leagues and drew significant attention.

However, being a great softball player and succeeding in Major League Baseball are two entirely different challenges. The transition from softball to professional baseball, especially at the highest level, is a monumental leap. While Phelps managed to parlay his softball success into a professional baseball career, his journey to MLB prominence was anything but straightforward.

Phelps spent his best years in relative obscurity with the Seattle Mariners, where his stats were modest at best. He hit for power sporadically, clubbing 51 homers in his three full seasons with the Mariners, but his batting average hovered around the .240 mark. He struck out with alarming frequency and wasn't exactly a Gold Glove candidate at first base. To be fair, Phelps did have a decent on-base percentage, but let’s face it: you don't trade a promising young outfielder for a "decent on-base percentage."

And then there's Jay Buhner. Oh, Jay Buhner. The man who would go on to haunt the Yankees for over a decade. After the trade in July 1988, Buhner took his talents to the Pacific Northwest, where he blossomed into one of the most feared sluggers of the 1990s. He became a cornerstone of the Mariners' lineup, teaming up with Ken Griffey Jr. to form a dynamic duo that terrorized American League pitchers.

Let's talk numbers, shall we? From 1989 to 1997, Buhner averaged 27 home runs and 82 RBIs per season, peaking in 1996 with 44 homers and 138 RBIs. He earned three consecutive Gold Gloves (1993-1995) and was an All-Star in 1996. In short, Buhner became everything the Yankees needed and more, but alas, he was smashing dingers and robbing homers for Seattle instead.

The fallout from this trade was as epic as you’d expect. George Steinbrenner, the mercurial owner of the Yankees, was livid. The trade would go on to make Steinbrenner's blood boil like a teapot left on high heat. As the seasons passed and Buhner's legend grew, Steinbrenner's regret became palpable.

In a legendary moment immortalized by the TV show Seinfeld, the trade was mocked when Frank Costanza berated George Steinbrenner for trading away Jay Buhner, saying, "How could you have traded Buhner for Ken Phelps?! He had 30 home runs, over 100 RBIs last year! He's got a rocket for an arm... you don't know what the hell you're doing!"

Steinbrenner, for all his bluster, likely shared Frank Costanza’s sentiment. The trade epitomized the shortsightedness and mismanagement that occasionally plagued the Yankees during Steinbrenner’s tenure. It was a stark reminder that not every move the franchise made was golden, and that even the mighty Yankees were not immune to catastrophic blunders.

The Jay Buhner for Ken Phelps trade remains a cautionary tale in the annals of baseball history. It's a prime example of why patience and long-term vision are crucial in building a successful team. Buhner's departure left a void in the Yankees' lineup that was felt for years, while Phelps' tenure in New York was a forgettable blip on the radar.

So, next time you hear about a trade that sounds too ridiculous to be true, just remember: the Yankees once traded Jay Buhner for Ken Phelps. And somewhere, George Steinbrenner is still shaking his head.

--Alvin Izzo
BYB Yankee History Contributor

TURNS OUT GIO URSHELA IS NOT JOSH DONALDSON. HE'S BETTER!

In 62 games with the Angels, Gio Urshela is batting .299 with a .703 OPS. Respectable.  Josh Donaldson batted .142 this year and was out a hell of a lot. I always hated getting rid of Gio, but I was hopeful that Josh Donaldson would have a good few seasons with us.  

Defensively I loved Donaldson at third, but I gotta tell ya, defesne was always Gio's strong suit. So, when Josh showed up and literally hit worse than Gio, and still played great defense, I was like "What's the point of this trade?"

Gio shouldn't have been traded away. I remember Brian Cashman's stupid comments about Josh and Gio.

"We appreciate what Gio has done but he's not Josh Donaldson."

Infamous words from the great Brian Cashman pic.twitter.com/NlBq6MRIM2

— 4 Train Savages (@FourSavages) August 29, 2023

Turns out Josh Donaldson is not Gio Urshela.  This may be the worst trade the Yankees have ever made... right up there with Jay Buhner for Ken Phelps.  Disaster.  

You know what I'd love? If Cashman was a man and just came out and said "You know what? I really blew that trade, I regret it, I'm sorry." I think the fans would respect him more.

Donaldson send a note out after being released today. 

Look, no hard feelings. This guy's a gamer even though he can't play too well anymore. I wish Josh well.

Oh, and by the way, I was accused of being a total asshole earlier when in my post JOSH DONALDSON GONZO! when I said that I loved today after reporting that Josh got released.  I want to explain. I wasn't being heartless; I was merely suggesting that I loved today because I see movement in the Yankees organization to better the team.  This is a good step.  

Anyway, that's that. I can't wait to see what's next. Maybe we can win a few games? How special would that be.

THE CUBS MUST BE KICKING THEMSELVES

When the Cubs traded Gleyber Torres to the New York Yankees for Aroldis Chapman, they needed help and in the end, the Cubs won the World Series.

The Yankees got a top prospect, but as you know, saying a player is a top prospect means nothing until you actually see these kids perform at a major league level.

In the end, the Yankees got Chapman back, developed Gleyber Torres... and as you saw last night, Gleyber Torres is an animal and he's on a tear.  And right about now the Cubs must be kicking themselves.

Yesterday was a good day for the Yankees, but especially Gleyber Torres and Brian Cashman.  Torres performed incredibly... and ESPN has that:

"Gleyber Torres continued his decimation of the Baltimore Orioles on Monday, hitting a three-run home run in the sixth inning that moved him into Major League Baseball's record books. The home run in Game 2 of a doubleheader was his second of the game and gave him 13 total homers against the Orioles this season. 

The 22-year-old also hit a homer earlier in Game 1 on Monday."

Cashman not doubt has been smiling ear to ear about it.

Meanwhile the Cubs and Cubs fans are regretting moving Torres.

Cubbies Crib is a great site.  They write:

"In 2016, the Chicago Cubs needed a ‘lockdown’ closer. Aroldis Chapman was available, but it was going to come at a high-price. The Cubs ended up doing a 4-for-1 deal, sending Gleyber Torres, Billy McKinney and Rashad Crawford to the Yankees for Chapman.

The trade worked for the Cubs as they dramatically won the 2016 World Series against the Cleveland Indians. But Torres was one that we hated to let go. It’s becoming apparent why...It took two and a half years for Torres to develop into the player the Cubs anticipated. It was expected, but it doesn’t hurt any less."

MLB.com writes:

"That was the riskiest [trade] and in some ways the least rational one," Epstein told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand…"

And that's the thing. Theo Epstein had a shot to win the World Series, but Cashman wanted their best prospect. Epstein blinked. Yes, the Cubs won, but right now it looks much different for the Cubs.  While they may be in first, they're only 2 games ahead.  Addison Russell has started to fizzle, a perfect opportunity for Torres to come up. With Torres in their lineup it could be much different.

Meanwhile the Yankees are dominating, much of it because of the explosive Torres.

Hey, I'm not saying the Cubs are morons. I respect that organization. The Yankees have had bad ends of trades too you know... Ken Phelps for Jay Buhner still hurts.  But it is amazing how this kid is single handedly reminding the Cubs every single day... "You should have taken a chance on me."

I'm happy for Torres. I'm thrilled the Yankees have this kid. I just hope he keeps dominating. It's fun to watch.

Thank you Brian Cashman.

YANKEES NEED TO DO SOMETHING – JUST NOT “ANYTHING”

The Yankees are clearly in a tailspin and the fan base is looking for some fast, immediate fixes. The pitching especially looks completely unreliable. Even guys like Michael Pineda, who were rock solid until the recent skid, have come apart. It does not help when Masahiro Tanaka and Jacoby Ellsbury, arguably our best pitcher and best hitter when healthy, are on the mend. Never mind all the fielding errors. I could sit here and crank out a bunch of moves the Yankees could make to bring up kids from AAA or some trades they could make. Instead, I want to focus on what is going through the minds of the leaders. Recent events around baseball have reminded me of how much this is gut-check time for the front office as well. Many have criticized them when they sat idle and not made moves. Many others criticize the moves they do make. Everybody has an opinion. While it is not clear what they will do to get this team back on the rails, pressure is mounting to do something. “Do something – ANYTHING!” the saying goes. That “something” has the potential for huge success as well as a complete disaster.

Look at what is going on in Miami with Jeffrey Loria and the Marlins. There is a reactionary leader if ever there was one. At the end of April, he publicly supported then-manager Mike Redmond after he was riding a 5-game winning streak, then proceeding to win four of the next five after Loria’s comments. Almost two weeks later, Loria fired Redmond and replaced with the now demoted former General Manager Dan Jennings. I do not know Jennings, but what I have read says that he is a good guy. Still, you have to question the leader’s judgment when they place a manager who has no experience in the job. He never held a job at the major league level of manager, coach, player, or anything at all that would require him to put on a uniform and step into a major league dugout or ballpark. If you follow the thinking that doing something is better than nothing is, then take a picture because this is what it looks like. The Marlins had lost 8 of the last 11 games Redmond managed before being fired. That should sound somewhat familiar to Yankee fans. For the record, Jennings has lost his first five games as manager. I feel bad.

Now look at what the Oakland Athletics have been doing. This year has been terrible for them. As of now, their record is 14-30 and they are in last place. The team has many issues to deal with, but they identified defense as being a top priority – they are worst in the league in fielding percentage (.972) and errors (46). In fact, the second worst team in errors is the Milwaukee Brewers with 37 – almost 20% fewer. That is how far off the mark the Athletics are. So who do they look at for help? Well, Ron Washington helped the 2006 team come in second in the league in fewest errors and highest fielding percentage. Many players responded very well to his coaching in those years. Eric Chavez credits him for making him the fielder he was. Remember that he had a run of six consecutive Gold Gloves that ended when Washington left (he never won another). This team knew they would benefit from a veteran presence with a successful track record in the exact areas where they need help. So, they went out and hired a person who wasn’t even looking for the position - because they knew he was the person for the job. It is too soon to tell how much of an impact it is going to have, but I expect things to improve significantly. That kind of dynamic thinking and strategizing gets me excited. Besides, Ron Washington is a nice guy and he deserves another run on a major league baseball team.

The Yankees are in a bad place right now. Something needs to change to get the team playing to where they should be with the players they have. I have read a lot of stuff about how George Steinbrenner would have never stood for this, and that he would have dealt with this by now. Not to take anything away from his legacy, but remember that George Steinbrenner dealt with the problem when he traded the unproven Jay Buhner for the solid Ken Phelps. This was not the only example, but you get the point. They say that you make the worst decisions when you are under pressure and not thinking rationally. I do not know what Brian Cashman and Joe Girardi are thinking, but I know they are under pressure. I fully expect that change is coming, and soon. So it falls to them.

Do something. Just not “anything”.

--Ike Dimitriadis, BYB Senior Staff Writer
Twitter: @KingAgamemnon
My blog is: Shots from Murderer's Row







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SURE THE YANKEE DEFENSE IS SHODDY, BUT WHAT TO DO?

Eric Boland of Newsday has a piece out about the Yankees, their 'shoddy' defense and Brian Cashman being surprised. Really Brian?  He writes:

"Brian Cashman certainly didn't envision a 3-6 start to the season. The primary culprit, he said Thursday, is easy to pinpoint.

Pretty much everything. 

'We have fumbled, whether it's running the bases, defense, starting pitching, the bullpen,' he said by phone. 'All of it in some form or fashion has factored in the six losses.'

But one area, he said, has surprised him the most.

The Yankees have been poor defensively, committing a major league-high 11 errors entering Thursday. Nine came in the first six games."

Now, look... as fans, we're all a bit surprised.  We really didn't need an article about it, but the question is, how do you fix it?

There's been rumblings that the Yankees are high on this Braves kid, Jose Peraza. he's a second baseman, a top prospect, a ton of upside, but is it a panic move?

The names that would be included in this potential trade are Gary Sanchez, who the Yankees clearly have passed by, and Luis Severino, which, in my opinion, would be foolish. 

Look, the Yankees have 2 second baseman in the minor leagues... Rob Refsnyder and Jose Pirela.  It's my opinion that they really don't have much of an interest in bringing up Refsnyder, but from a fan perspective, there is so much buzz about this kid brought on BY the Yankees, I'd love to see them hand him the keys and see what happens. Logically, it wouldn't be much worse than what we have right now.  If we did that though, it would be obvious to me that Stephen Drew, who's playing well, would move to Shortstop, and Didi Gregorius would either be sent down, or benched, or what... I don't know. 

The same moves would be made if the Yankees traded for Peraza, but here's the thing about that... we'd give Severino and Sanchez away.  The move for Peraza really messes up the entire idea of raising Yankee farm hands to shine, but I guess the Yanks don't have the patience anymore. They clearly haven't had it for years.  Look, I'm not opposed to Peraza, but I just want consistency. We used to wait for things to blossom.

Remember what it was like when the Core Four came up? There were errors, there were mistakes, but they stayed with them and soon enough, things got better.  Repetition happened.  Consistency happened.  Wins happened and that's because there was no jerking around of kids up and down to the minor leagues.

They brought them up, ready or not, and they learned from the veterans and from playing daily in the Big show.  We don't have that anymore.  We go out and get Stephen Drew, who, I'm telling you... his lucks about the run out. 

We go out and get Didi Gregorius, who, I believe still has time to shine, but right now we look like we just got Ken Phelps for Jay Buhner.... Shane Greene is fantastic in Detroit.  You know what I mean?

(In Photo: Ken Phelps signed baseball)
We need to wake the F up. If Chase Headley is having alittle trouble at 3rd fielding a baseball, guess what, throw Alex Rodriguez at third alittle more.  Sure he's old, but he's been dynamite for us this season... showing up and playing and not saying anything dumb. 

You can still use Headley's bat, rotate he, Garrett Jones, ARod, Mark Teixeira between 1st, 3rd and DH and let's get things moving here! Big bats, decent fielding with this group... LET'S GO!

Look, if we're gonna try things, I'd rather do it now.  I just don't know what else to do. Do you?

I do know this... the Yankees have zero patience, and maybe that's because us fans are annoyed so quickly.  Hey, maybe it's a good thing, maybe they're listening.  I'll tell you what though... Yankee fandom is dwindling... empty seats, no faith. It's obvious and it's only April.

Hey, say what you will about the Mets, but the Mets are looking good right about now.  What does that say about the Yankees? Sure, Brass will say "We don't worry about the team across town." Sure... maybe not, but notice what they're doing.  Raising kids to play.  Sure, it took awhile for them, but things are starting to fall into place.  Why?  Patience. 

Maybe bring our own kids up. What do you say?  Bird's waiting in the wings.  Refsnyder is too.  Severino could be the next big stud... but I don't want to find that out when he's a star on the Braves.  I want him in pinstripes.   You feel me?

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REMEMBER WHEN JOSE TABATA WAS THE "NEXT BIG THING"?

Remember when Jose Tabata was on the Yankees farm and he was the next Derek Jeter? I was just thinking about it this week when the Pittsburgh Pirates suddenly decided that it was time to shop Tabata because they found alittle something extra in prospect Gregory Polanco. It's amazing how quickly time flies.

It was July 26, 2008 and the Yankees made a move to trade Tabata, Ross Ohlendorf, Daniel McCutchen, Jeff Karstens to the Pirates, even after they hyped up Tabata as being the prospect that was "untouchable" and someone they "wouldn't move". Well, we did move him... and that's something the Yankees seem to always do.  In return, we received Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte.

(In Photo: Damaso Marte)
Now, Nady didn't give us much, but Marte was part of that Yankee pen that put us over the top in 2009 when we won the World Championship.

But before that trade, Tabata was supposed to be the "next big thing". Tabata was psyched to be a Yankee an if you read Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News from back when the trade went down, you almost felt bad for Jose:

"... Jose Tabata was considered the top prospect among position players in the Yankees' system. A trade to the Pirates ended Tabata's dream of playing in pinstripes, but the 20-year-old believes the move was the best thing that could have happened for him. 'I think it's better for me,' Tabata said Tuesday night before playing right field against the Yankees. 'I have more of a chance here. There's less pressure, where with the Yankees, there's a lot of pressure. I feel good.'"

It was good for Tabata for alittle bit. But now, according to CBS Sports, his baseball career almost comes full circle and we see a new guy in town for the Pirates and their eagerness to ship him out:

"The Pirates top prospect Gregory Polanco really impressed the team with his performance in spring training this year, to the point that they’re now reportedly shopping Jose Tabata."

Does this affect your life in any way? No.  But I am always fascinated by certain things, one of which is how the Yankees have always given away their farm system even after they prop them up.  It's strange. I mean sure, Marte worked out, but what if he didn't? And what if Jose Tabata became larger than life in Pittsburgh, much like Jay Buhner did in Seattle, what then? All I'm saying is, I hope the Yankees learn to keep our guys and develop them right.  We actually have a lot of potential, whether Baseball America thinks so or not. Sometimes talent is part of it, but giving chances and believing in yourself help as well.

Whatever the case, Tabata's back in the news... not a Yankee anymore, but still playing and we wanted to report it, like we try to do with our former Yanks... Good luck to him.

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NOT ANOTHER "PHELPS" DEAL!

It is being reported that the Mariners were scouting David Phelps’ spring start on Tuesday.   Speculation has begun that given the Yankees need for infield help and the Mariners need for starting pitching (they have two starters injured), a deal might be in the works.

I couldn’t help but hearken back to the last time a Yankees/Mariners trade involved someone named “Phelps”.

The year was 1988 and George Steinbrenner was running the show for our Bombers.  At the time, we had a young, powerful outfielder coming up through the ranks named Jay Buhner.  He had played in just 7 games in 1987 and hit a paltry .227.  In ’88 he put 25 games under his belt and his average remained low (.188), but he did manage to hit three home runs and drive in 13.  Still, he was only 23 and his ceiling remained high.

On the other side of the continent, the Mariners had a 33-year-old first baseman/designated hitter that had never played in more than 101 games for any of the three teams he had been associated with.  Ken Phelps batting average to that point had never gone above .259, but he displayed decent power in hitting 51 home runs during the 1986 and 1987 seasons.  As a left-handed hitter, his power-stroke seemed like it might translate well in Yankee Stadium.

Timing is everything, and Phelps slugging percentage (.547) through the first 72 games of the 1988 season was the highest he’d ever had.  He was well on his way to another 25+ home run season and our owner was itching to make his team better.

With George “being George”, the Yankees owner looked past the fact that the team already had Don Mattingly manning first base and Jack Clark hitting in the DH spot, and dealt Buhner to Seattle for Phelps.

BYB writer Ike Dimitriadis wrote this article last June about the deal and I recommend giving it a read...  "WHAT THE HELL DID YOU TRADE JAY BUHNER FOR?" It accurately portrays the atmosphere and attitude of that time in the Bronx.

Needless to say, Buhner would go on to become a Mariners’ legend, hitting 307 home runs in a 14 year career on the west coast.  Phelps would become the poster-child for the failed Yankee clubs of the 1980’s, lasting a little more than one season with the team and hitting just 17 home runs in 131 games.

For Yankees fans (like myself) that remember that particular dark period of our franchise, we cannot help but feel the hairs on the backs of our necks stand straight up when we hear about another potential “Phelps” deal with the Mariners.

Even if all this much ado is about nothing, I’d prefer that any trade involving someone named “Phelps” occur with a team not named the “Mariners”.


    

--Steve Skinner, BYB Writer
Twitter: @oswegos1

   

 
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"WHAT THE HELL DID YOU TRADE JAY BUHNER FOR?"

We have all lived through it. A roster change made by our team which made us scream, cringe, or just plain feel sick to our stomach. Maybe you felt it when we didn’t re-sign Nick Swisher or Raul Ibanez, or maybe it was when we signed Jason Giambi and let Tino Martinez go to the Cardinals. But if you’re going to talk about a Hall of Shame for Yankees trades, you have to talk about the Jay Buhner trade for Ken Phelps.

For those of us who were watching at the time, the Yankees lived under the illusion that they were one trade away from a World Series team. It was the era of George Steinbrenner, a time when he would make a trade without the consultation of his front office or management. George loved hitting. He loved home runs. He especially loved trading his farm system for the proverbial missing piece which would bring him an immediate World Series win.

Jay Buhner was tearing up AAA ball in 1987 and 1988. He developed a reputation as an excellent power hitter, hitting 31 home runs in 1987 and another 8 over 38 games in 1988. Having been promoted to the majors, his success was not so striking. His grand total is three home runs in the majors for the Yankees, over 32 games spanning the 87-88 seasons. I’m sure the Boss’ need for instant gratification turned to major disappointment at the lack of home runs and his paltry .188 average.

Then he saw Ken Phelps. Phelps had 14 homers – about one every 16 at-bats. Phelps had a batting average about a hundred points higher than Buhner. He couldn’t really field – he was a career DH, never playing an inning in the field - but who cares about fielding? We want homers! So on July 20 1988, with the Yankees just a game out of first place and missing just one piece in the championship puzzle, the Yankees traded the 23-year old Buhner for the 34-year old Phelps. For those of us who knew the implications of this trade, our feelings were forever immortalized by Frank Costanza – “What the hell did you trade Jay Buhner for?!? You don’t know what the hell you’re doing!!!”



Unfortunately, we were right to be mad. The deal didn’t work out the way George hoped. Phelps’ average dropped about 20 points before the season ended. The Yankees went 32-38 after the trade, dropping to 5^th place. Phelps had only two more seasons left in him, being traded to Oakland the following year. Ironically, he won a World Series title with Oakland that year, though only contributing a double over two at-bats in postseason play.

Jay Buhner went on to a stellar career. He recorded 310 career home runs, with his biggest years happening between 1995 and 1997. He had a rifle for an arm, and a great power swing. He was selected to the All-Star team in 1996, the same year he won his Gold Glove. We remember his most for his success against the Yankees in the 1995 ALDS, where he hit .458 against them. Personally, I remember thinking that had he stayed with the Yankees, he would have been the missing piece that year for a World Series run. Funny how that worked out.



--Ike Dimitriadis, BYB Writer
Twitter: @KingAgamemnon
My blog is: Shots from Murderer's Row



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LEADING IN THE OUTFIELD: ICHIRO SUZUKI

There is a lot going on in Yankeeland. Everyday when I read the sports news section, we’ve racked up yet another injury. It makes me grateful for those few gems that we have acquired and I don't necessarily mean Brennan Boesch and Vernon Wells... I mean gems like Ichiro Suzuki.

I want to say that I have always been an Ichiro fan. With the exception of when he played against the Yankees, I have always rooted for him. He was probably one of my favorite non-Yankee players. And it was more than his game play; he just seemed like a genuinely humble guy that loved the game.

Back in June of 2012, BYB wrote about the possibility of having Ichiro in pinstripes, read ICHIRO IN PINSTRIPES? ANYTHING'S POSSIBLE. It was far fetched, but he was in the last year of his contract and, hey, we can dream, right? Fast forward a few weeks later and Jay Buhner is making some really rude comments, read (ICHIRO TO THE YANKS IS MY PIPE DREAM) about the idea of re-signing Ichiro and that making him want to vomit. About two weeks after that, the Yankees shocked the fans by announcing that Ichiro would in fact wear pinstripes! It not only put BYB on the map, it re-energized his love of the game.

Ichiro came to us hitting .261. Playing for Seattle, the Mariners were getting younger and changing and that had an affect on him. He admitted to needing a team where he felt he fit in. Just the change from Seattle to New York was enough to kick him into high gear.  Ichiro came to the Bronx and it was like a bunch of happy little fireworks lighting up the sky. Corny, I know, but true nonetheless. His veteran presence on the line-up was well received and we, fans, adored him. He ended up hitting .322 with the Yankees last season.

We are starting this season with a number of our big hitters on the DL, including Derek Jeter. It is very rare to find a player with Jeter’s ability to lead the team. Ichiro has that ability, I'm stating it now. With all the question marks looming over our line-up, there is no doubt in my mind that Ichiro will step up and help this team early on, both in the clubhouse and at the plate.

We love Ichiro Suzuki here, and we are grateful to have him. A lot of times, he has been exactly what the Yankees line-up needed. In 2013... trust me, it will be no different.

--Erica Morales, BYB Writer
Twitter: @e_morales1804

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