BOWDEN FLOATS ANOTHER BLOCKBUSTER & I'M SALIVATING!

We are less than a week away from the trade deadline and the rumor mill is working overtime. Social media is buzzing with juicy leads, some of them so juicy we practically drool thinking about them. It's enough excitement to check every push notification I get on my phone that is about baseball and stop what I am doing.

Some of these rumors are juicy enough to excite you. Then there are others that just don't have any sense of realism to them. One that has caught my eye is the Tarik Skubal storyline that is playing out. Skubal is going to be on the move, everyone is saying it, especially Buster Olney and Jim Bowden read more HERE.

But where is his new home going to be? Everyone wants to know, especially me. Bowden seems to think the Yankees will be in play for Skubal but I think that is another one of his crazy connections or trade ideas that just never pans out. Just because "Brian Cashman is absolutely everywhere looking for everybody and anything to get better" doesn't mean that the Yankees are gonna be the lucky winner in the Skubal sweepstakes. Every GM is calling the Tigers right now, they would be stupid not to. Brian Cashman has way too many holes not to be engaging with all 29 teams!

Look, every team wants Skubal and the Tigers know this. He's a generational talent that is going to hit it big in free agency but until that happens he's going to be the difference maker that could make or break a wild card to almost half of the league right now. The wild card race is tight, the American League has 8 teams within striking distance of a wild card spot, and 7 teams in the National League are in the same spot. Skubal instantly increases any teams chance of getting to the postseason, so teams are ready to pounce.

Detroit is going to command a high price tag because of this - and it's going to happen. Detroit has about a 25% chance to even make the postseason. As their chances dwindle, it makes more sense for Detroit to trade him and get some controllable talent rather than him leaving and getting nothing.

I think Bowden is right, Skubal is going to be on the move I just don't think it will be to the Yankees. We aren't going to include the pieces needed to get him and other teams have more chips to play with. I also think he's right that Cashman is living on his cellphone and calling and texting everyone trying to make a deal.

I just think the Skubal to the Yankees is another one of his wacky predictions that fall flat. I'd like to be wrong though. In the mean time, happy rumor scrolling Yankee family. It's going to be an interesting few days.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

BOWDEN FLOATS A BLOCKBUSTER & I HATE HOW I LOVE IT SO MUCH

The MLB trade deadline is almost here, and that means one thing: mock trades are flying everywhere. This latest one comes from former MLB executive and current insider Jim Bowden, who proposed a blockbuster that would send shockwaves through both the American League East and Central.

Yankees receive:

• Ryan Jeffers (C)

Twins receive:

• Anthony Volpe (SS)
• Camilo Doval (RHP)

On paper?

I can't believe I'm saying this...

I kind of love it.

Let's get one thing out of the way. Jim Bowden has become famous for proposing trades that rarely happen. Every deadline he throws dozens of ideas against the wall, and historically, very few become reality. So no, this isn't a report that the Yankees and Twins are discussing this exact deal. It's simply Bowden identifying a trade he believes both organizations could realistically agree to.

And honestly? This is one of the better ideas he's had. The Yankees have made no secret of their need to improve behind the plate.

Ryan Jeffers has quietly developed into one of the better offensive catchers in baseball. He brings legitimate power, gets on base, and has experience handling a pitching staff. He's exactly the type of player who could lengthen New York's lineup heading into October. Jeffers has also been widely connected to the Yankees as the deadline approaches.

Then there's Anthony Volpe.

As much as Yankees fans want him to become the long-term answer at shortstop, we're now several seasons into his big-league career, and consistency has remained elusive. He is not what the Yankee scouts said he would be. Some flashes, but the offensive production simply hasn't matched the expectations that came with being one of baseball's top prospects.

If Brian Cashman believes George Lombard Jr. is the future—or another internal option is close—it becomes much easier to consider moving Volpe in a deal that fills an immediate need. After all, we still have Jose Caballero.

Now, from the Twins' perspective, this isn't just giving away a catcher. It's acquiring a former top prospect who still possesses Gold Glove-caliber defense, athleticism, and years of team control.

Anthony Volpe would immediately become part of Minnesota's young core and gives them a player they can build around if they believe a change of scenery unlocks his offensive ceiling.

Adding Camilo Doval makes sense, too. Yes, Doval has struggled to find consistency since arriving in New York, but the raw stuff remains electric. Triple-digit velocity doesn't disappear overnight, and a fresh start could benefit both player and organization. His value has slipped in New York, making him a logical change-of-scenery candidate.

For Minnesota, that's two controllable players in exchange for a catcher approaching free agency.

But this trade comes down to one question: Are the Yankees willing to give up on Anthony Volpe?

That's a massive decision because Aaron Boone is in love with the kid and the Yankees front office will not admit they messed up with this kid. If Volpe eventually becomes the All-Star many projected, this trade could haunt New York for years. For me though? I don't see it. I think Volpe is actually as good as it's gonna get.

But maybe, just maybe the Yankees believe they've already seen his ceiling—and Jeffers helps them make a legitimate World Series run—it's a gamble worth considering. Championship windows don't stay open forever.

And so, you're asking me, would I pull the trigger? Yeah. I probably would.

Ryan Jeffers fills arguably the Yankees' biggest offensive weakness while giving them another legitimate middle-of-the-order threat for October. Minnesota gets a controllable everyday shortstop with upside plus a hard-throwing reliever who could thrive with a fresh start.

It's balanced. It's aggressive.

And for once...Jim Bowden may have actually come up with a trade that makes a lot of sense.

The funny part? Bowden is rarely right when it comes to predicting deals.

But damn... I love this one.

THE LATEST CODY BELLINGER RUMOR HAS ME LAUGHING OUT LOUD!

Say what you want about former MLB General Manager Jim Bowden, he's got a lot of experience in the show. Sometimes he has some pretty interesting soundbites out there, and oh boy did he drop a doozy on Monday. This one did not disappoint, I'm still laughing.

There's a lot of buzz out there about Cody Bellinger. He is one of the biggest free agents this winter and he's still available. The Yankees supposedly made their second offer to Cody and according to Bowden, not only could there be a mystery team we don't know about stirring the pot and engaging with Scott Boras but another interesting team out there is engaged.

Go ahead and play that again....you know you want to! Bowden's heard "whispers" of the Pittsburgh Pirates. He's right they have had a nice winter (unlike the freaking Yankees!) but come on....the Pirates? They are going to pony up the amount of money that Cody wants. OR better yet, the Pirates are going to outbid any other team to get him? That's rich.

But maybe the Yankees are the exception. We aren't spending money. We are clipping coupons and taking fliers out on minor league bench guys! That's what Brian Cashman does now. So maybe the Pirates WOULD outbid the Yankees but come on.....Cody isn't playing for the Pirates.

Cody is going to a major market team. I do think Bowden is right and Cody WANTS to stay with us. I have no doubt in my mind that is the truth, he fit in well here and he fills the Yankees need for both outfield AND first base help. He handled the New York pressure well....it's a great fit on paper.

What ISN'T a great fit on paper is Cody and the Pirates. He wants a major market. I think if the Chicago Cubs were serious and wanted him back he would even do that. He liked playing in Chicago also. That's not likely but he's tied to major market teams. He wants to stay in New York. Why settle for Pittsburgh? It just doesn't add up no matter how much the Pirates would love to have him.

If a Yankees reunion doesn't happen, he's rumored to be open to a reunion with the Dodgers even though there isn't a lot of chatter to support that either. Cody has bigger target destinations than Pittsburgh, sometimes the truth hurts.

So Bowden has me laughing. Pittsburgh.....that's a good one. But seriously, wake me when something truly buzzworthy happens and we quit clipping coupons!

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

A "ROYCE LEWIS TO THE YANKEES" JUST CAME OUT OF NO WHERE

You gotta leave it to Jim Bowden, he sure does keep us all on our toes. 

The former MLB exec turned analyst never fails to bring the chaos, and honestly, baseball is better for it. His latest masterpiece? A trade proposal that would send Twins third baseman Royce Lewis to the Yankees in exchange for a few guys, including the one and only Oswald Peraza.

Now, let’s just state for the record: this prediction is a bunch of bunk. And that’s totally fine! Bowden’s wild ideas keep the baseball world buzzing, and we all need something to debate besides whether the Yankees should have a beard policy in 2025.

But this trade? It’s just not it.

Look, I like Peraza. I really do. But the writing is on the wall—there’s just no room for him. He’s been leapfrogged on the Yankees’ depth chart by the mighty Pablo Reyes, who, according to Chris Kirschner of The Athletic, is likely to snag the Opening Day roster spot Peraza was hoping for. And Reyes has earned it, slashing .326/.434/.488 this spring while showing versatility all over the field. Meanwhile, Peraza, out of minor-league options, is suddenly the odd man out.

So, sure, trading Peraza makes sense. But for Royce Lewis? Really? If the Yankees are moving a young talent like Peraza, it should be for pitching—something the team desperately needs. Why would they ship him off for a third baseman when Reyes just proved he’s more than capable of handling the hot corner? It’s like buying another car when your house is on fire—probably not the best use of resources.

And that brings us back to Bowden. Jim, you delightful chaos agent, what are we doing here? Do we appreciate your enthusiasm for stirring the pot? Absolutely. But this one’s a hard pass. The Yankees don’t need to make this deal, and unless the Twins are in the business of handing out young stars for pennies on the dollar, they don’t either.

That being said, keep the takes coming, Jim. Baseball wouldn’t be the same without them.

JIM BOWDEN KNOWS WHERE ROKI SASAKI'S SIGNING

Jim Bowden just couldn’t help himself. 

Bowden went there. Bowden went all in like he’s playing poker with Monopoly money and loving every second of it. While other baseball insiders are stumbling around like they’ve forgotten how to tie their cleats, desperately trying to get the latest scoop on Roki Sasaki, Bowden is out here throwing fastballs of his own. And boy, did he just throw a heater with his latest prediction about Sasaki joining the Yankees. It’s so aggressive, it’s almost like Bowden's trying to sign him himself.

Bowden, the maestro of bold takes over at The Athletic, is out here waving off the Dodgers like they’re yesterday’s news. In Bowden’s world, Sasaki is either headed to the Yankees or the Padres. Why? Well, here’s the gem of logic Bowden blessed us with: "His favorite player growing up was Masahiro Tanaka, which would lead me to guess he was at least somewhat of a Yankees fan. He considers Yu Darvish a godfather-type influence, and the Padres veteran mentored Sasaki during Japan’s championship run in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Therefore, for no other reason, I’ll predict he signs with either the Yankees or San Diego."

Bowden’s putting his chips on the table, all because Sasaki looked up to Tanaka and has a bromance with Darvish. That’s it. That’s the nugget. Sure, it sounds great in a “baseball is just a big buddy movie” kind of way, but come on, Jim! Signing contracts isn’t exactly like picking your best man for a wedding.

Yes, Tanaka was Sasaki’s childhood hero, clocking in 78 wins during his Yankees days. And Darvish? He had a decent run with the Padres in 2024, with a 7-3 record and a 3.31 ERA, despite only pitching 81.2 innings. But are those the deciding factors here? It’s like saying you picked your college because they have a great mascot.

Bowden’s out here making contract negotiations sound as easy as ordering off a fast-food menu, but we all know it’s a tad more complicated than that. Is it fun to imagine Sasaki signing with the Yankees or Padres? Absolutely. Is it likely? Well, that’s another story. But hey, Bowden’s having a blast, and we’re all just along for the ride. 

Stay tuned—there’s more drama to unfold, and Bowden will surely be right in the thick of it, stirring the pot.

SASAKI SWEEPSTAKE TEAMS GETTING MORE EXCLUSIVE...

Kind of.

Jim Bowden of The Athletic claims the Yankees are one of the main teams in the hunt for Rōki Sasaki, along with the Dodgers, Padres, Cubs, Rangers, Mets, and maybe the Giants. Classic Bowden move—throw half the league at the wall and see what sticks. God love him.  Don’t get me wrong, Jim’s a good baseball guy, but let’s not confuse him with Nostradamus. Does he really know where Sasaki’s headed? Doubtful. But hey, the Yankees are in the conversation, and that’s good enough for now. In reality, you didn't need me to tell you that, just Google it.

Look, Rōki Sasaki isn’t your run-of-the-mill international signing. He’s a once-in-a-generation talent—a flamethrower who could make your team a contender or your rivals weep. Yankees fans are clinging to the fact that Sasaki grew up idolizing Masahiro Tanaka. At least I am and I know it means nothing. I mean, does that really mean Tanaka’s sliding into Sasaki’s DMs with pep talks? Maybe. Or maybe Tanaka’s just living his life while I wildly speculate.

The Yankees have stiff competition, though, and let’s be honest: this isn’t 2009 when the team could just back up a Brinks truck.  Sasaki’s tied up in international bonus pool rules and Joel Wolfe, Sasaki’s agent, says market size doesn’t matter, so there goes that Bronx swagger edge and even the Mets.

But is the Big Apple too big? Wolfe recently stirred the pot, telling SportsNet New York, “A small- or mid-market team might be more beneficial for [Sasaki], as a way to start his MLB career in a softer environment.” Okay, Joel, we see you. Basically, Sasaki might not want to deal with New York’s tabloid circus and high-pressure fans right out of the gate. Fair enough—but are we really supposed to believe he wants to start his career in, like, Milwaukee?

Even if Sasaki does have a soft spot for Tanaka and pinstripes, the Yankees are up against some heavy hitters. The Dodgers, Padres, and Mets have plenty of appeal to make things interesting. But let’s be real: until Sasaki’s holding up a jersey at a press conference, this is all just a fever dream and Jim Bowden knows it... Damn you Jim!

So, Yankees fans, keep your cool. It’s fun to imagine Sasaki in pinstripes, but don’t let Jim Bowden’s musings have you picking out parade routes just yet. And Jim? Thanks for the speculation—it’s great for the clicks.  

Love ya!

AROD, A FAKE OUT AND SWEET LOU... MAYBE

I cannot speak for anyone else, but this MLB trade deadline has given me my fill of "fake outs." A fake Joel Sherman account tweeted that Marlon Byrd was traded to the Yankees. ESPN's Jim Bowden's Twitter feed was strange, to put it nicely. He was caught stealing tweets from a fake account, that was also Jim Bowden, but the first Jim Bowden is now a Ralph. Yes, it was weird. One of BYBs favorite guys, Craig Calcaterra, spent some time entertaining the masses by mocking the fake accounts. That was probably my favorite part of the entire day. Even MLB was duped by some of these accounts.

Mass mayhem!

It was confusing, chaos, and maybe a little funny, but I've really have had all I could take. So, when Casey messaged me saying that good ol' Lou Piniella was ranting about... well, we couldn't actually figure it out, I stopped to give it a while. "I'll get to this later tonight," I told him. Something told me to just hold off. Maybe it was the fake Twitter accounts, but if something seems too crazy, it's probably a fake. Thanks, Twitter!

I'm going to post the radio interview, but first I want to make sure that we all know IT IS A FAKE. It's a bit by the radio host, and absolutely NOT LOU PINIELLA. Got it? Not Piniella! Okay, here it is:



The "interview" with the guest they only ever call "Sweet Lou" starts around the 1:30 mark. The guest seems seriously ticked off about being left alone with a group of kids. He then goes into a tirade about a certain player, who he doesn't want to name. This player is a teammate of Derek Jeter's and his first name starts with the first letter of the alphabet. A player that he happened to coach in Seattle. I wonder who that could possibly be? Maybe, Alex Rodriguez? Is that possible? "Sweet Lou" never actually mentions ARod by name, but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure it out.

Okay, I get it! People don't like ARod. People want to poke at him as much, and as often as possible. There is no objectivity to the ridicule. Most of it is based on some sort of bias. That is their prerogative, I suppose. However, now you are bringing Piniella into the mix? Okay, so what exactly do you have against the REAL Sweet Lou? If you don't see how assuming his nickname, and doing a fake interview that effectively makes Lou sound like a stark raving mad lunatic can do his reputation damage, you really don't understand the power of the internet. Unless that was your intention, in which case, you have some serious problem all your own.

Look, I'm all for comedy. Laughter is an incredible medicine. But at the sake of another person's reputation? WOW. That I can't accept. There is nothing funny about making someone else feel awful about themselves, or making other people believe awful things about them. We know it's a fake NOW. But this piece would have been completely different had I decided to attack it the moment Casey sent me the clip.

I'm just tired of all the "fake outs." It's not in the least bit funny to me. These people have worked to develop their careers, reputation, and a certain level of respect among their peers. For others to ruin even a small portion of that for a laugh is unacceptable. If you want to know what the REAL Sweet Lou thought about ARod, work your hump off, develop your brand, earn some respect, and request a REAL interview.

--Erica Morales BYB Senior Writer 
Twitter: @e_morales1804

 
  

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DON'T COUNT THE YANKEES OUT LIKE ESPN DID

"1. New York Yankees finish last in AL East.
 
It hasn’t happened in 22 years, since the Yankees finished 67-95 and seven games in back of the Milwaukee Brewers, but the Yankees could very easily go from first in 2012 to worst in 2013. And, with the American League’s largest payroll, there is additional pressure to win in addition to their own high standards of success."

That quote comes from Jim Bowden of ESPN in a piece titled 10 bold predictions for 2013 season, HERE. Let me state that I hate when ESPN commentators or writers use the word "prediction" when talking about the Yankees.  They might as well call it a "guess."  They like to diminish anything Yankeeland does and even if they seem complimentary at times, they always have a backhanded comment to follow.  It's the nature of ESPN, and we've learned to live with it... but it ain't right. This is also my opinion and observation of course... you may disagree.

Truth is, if you're a Yankee fan, you have to believe, no matter who's on the field.  If you want a better idea of what we mean, read Rudy Lauren's piece from earlier today on BYB, titled THE YANKEES HAVE WHAT IT TAKES IN 2013, and don't fall into the trap of predicting anything before a first pitch is thrown. Why? Because, if Jim Bowden's wrong, he just comes out and says "What, it was a prediction?" and he moves on. But if he's right... he gets to say... "Oh look at me, I got that right, I'm amazing... ESPN, pay me more!"  I like Jim Bowden, he's smart. He says smart stuff... but this one is just super silly stuff. You know what I mean? For the record, guys like Ian O'Connor do it right over at ESPN and he doesn't fall into that black hole.

Let's call the whole thing what it is... a guess.  Yeah, and we call these people baseball experts.

Please comment, we have DISQUS, it's easier than ever. Let me know what you think and follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and join the group Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook, just type it in.