THIS MIGUEL CASTRO PITCH THAT WILL MAKE YOUR JAW DROP

I'm still in awe. It's shock and awe. Miguel Castro is some sort of magician. He's a wizard. He's something that just can't be explained right now. He's worthy of a science experiment and then let's CLONE him while we are at it.

If you didn't know, Castro was swapped for Joely Rodriguez in a trade with the Mets.

What I saw on Tuesday made me all tingly inside. It was something that I had to watch again, not once or even twice. Hell, I am STILL watching it. Did you get a good look at this?

THAT right there is a thing of beauty. It is just one reason why I give people a crazy look if someone tells me that "baseball is boring" or "watching players try and hit a ball is lame compared to football." That's straight nonsense and so was that pitch Castro threw!

The pitch itself is BEAUTIFUL but it makes no sense. Like, how is it possible and it needs it's own word. They are calling this a 99mph SINKER but this is no usual sinker. It has crazy movement, it moves more left to right and it looks like a freaking two-seam fastball or even a cutter. I see that and the last thing I think is sinker. Hell, call it the Castro pitch for all I care. It doesn't matter what this is called it's just plain FILTHY.

And Alejandro Kirk was just as stunned as I was. He tried to sell it as a walk but as quick as that looked like the ball was outside it ended up being damn near middle-middle. It's magic I tell ya. He may think it is the best pitch he's seen in his very young career. I think it's one of the best pitches I have ever seen, I can't stop watching it.

Can I just add a big THANK YOU to the Mets for trading him? I'm glad you guys added another lefty arm like you wanted and you decided to get rid of Castro. I hope I get to watch this all season long. This is just super human....it's some sort of witch craft and I love it!

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

 

THE YANKEES JUST GRABBED A RIGHTY!

Not major news but stocking arms is always good! The Yanks picked up a righty pitcher from the Tampa Bay Rays.

SNY writes:

"...the Bronx Bombers are acquiring David McKay from the Tampa Bay Rays for cash considerations, according to multiple reports.

McKay, 27, was signed by the Rays to a minor league contract in March after spending his first two seasons with the Seattle Mariners and Detroit Tigers. McKay spent 2021 in the minors.

In three appearances this spring, the right hander pitched 3.2 innings and gave up three earned runs and six hits while striking out three."

Just a few days before the Yankees got Miguel Castro from the Mets for Joely Rodriguez in a swap, so they are clearly making moves to try and better themselves.

Nice job.

STEINBRENNER DECLARES WE NEED TO GET BETTER, PERIOD.

Source: CBS Sports

With the lockout in full throttle, the Yankees will be in the spotlight once the new agreement goes into place, whenever that will be. The New Post calls this the end of Act 1 and the beginning of Act 2 where the Yankees have no choice but to be active instead of their dulling silence amidst some of the biggest signings in the history of the game. We need to get better, period. Yes, thanks Hal. How we are gunna do that?

"The Yankees haven’t answered their questions at shortstop or center field, and they could use another starting pitcher (they offered one year and $25 million to Justin Verlander, who accepted two years and $50 million from the Astros) plus some more bullpen depth," reported the New York Post. And on the Yankees radar are guys like Trevor Story and yes Carlos Correa. But their failure to pull the trigger in Act 1 really makes me feel uncertain about this team and the vision for the future. 

As SB Nation reminds us, "Roughly $1.7 billion was spent in the free agent frenzy that preceded the expiration of the previous CBA, but the Yankees were conspicuously absent from the headlines. Despite clear needs at multiple spots on the roster, New York’s only piece of business before the transactional freeze took effect was the re-signing of reliever Joely Rodríguez to a one-year, $2 million deal."

I think the biggest blow for me was the Yankees tendering Gary Sanchez last week. I guess I am not surprised but I am just sick and tired of Sanchez and his inability to quite frankly, get better. I know that the Yankees are considering division rival Kevin Kiermaier but what about his teammate and catcher Mike Zunino? He is up for free agency in 2022-2023 and unfortunately for the Yankees, the Rays locked Zunino for a one-year 7-million dollar option. By the way, the Yankees are paying Sanchez 7.9 million. Frustrating. Last week, I mentioned the idea of the Yankees going after Cubs catcher Wilson Contreras, which is still a possibility.  

So the Yankees have not moved on a center fielder, shortstop or starting pitching and the Winter Meetings are now a minor league event with the lockout in progress. How are the Yankees going to get better? How are they going to make up for lost time? These are the questions that keep me up at night. Good thing I have my new Purple sheets and comfy LL Bean pajamas to help my slumber, because the Yankees are down right aggravating even when they are not playing. 

 

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

JONATHAN LOAISIGA NEEDS TO STAY RIGHT WHERE HE IS

Source: AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez

The General Managers meeting has been going on all week in Carlsbad, California as Brian Cashman begins to hunt and gather key components for the 2022 team. The Yankees need to win this year. I mean we say this every year, but 2022 has to bring more victory and celebration than defeat and deflation. And as Cashman seeks to find the next best Yankees, one Yankee pitcher has to be off limits: Jonathan Loaisiga. 

"We’re going to continue to reinforce, and we’ve got a lot of teams asking about our bullpen at the same time,” general manager Brian Cashman told reporters according to MLB Rumors. I would agree reinforcing the current bullpen, particular with the inconsistencies we saw in Aroldis Chapman is key. But Loaisiga needs to be coached, nurtured and protected as an up and coming reliever for the Yankees.

Source: AP Photo/Gregory Bull

"Cashman likely would be loathe to give up right-hander Jonathan Loaisiga, who broke out with a 2.17 ERA in 57 games last season. The 27-year-old righty struck out 69 batters in 70 2/3 innings and won’t be a free agent until after the 2024 season," reported MLB Rumors. He needs to more than loathe it, he need prevent any movement on Loaisiga. Period.

Source: MLB.com

The Yankees and lefty reliever Joely Rodriguez agreed to a one-year deal reportedly worth $2 million. This is a step in the right direction for sure. And I would like to see the Yankees keep Chad Green and Clay Holmes as well. I know the Yankees need to weigh their options between free agency and forming trade partners, but I hope the Yankee protect Loaisiga like they do Aaron Judge. He has a future and I want that future to be in pinstripes. 

As the winter trading and free agency market heats up, it is clear the Yankees need to support their foundation with functional players who can add value and chemistry to the team. Let's hope they keep Loaisiga and groom him for success, right here in the Bronx. 

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