COULD GARDNER BECOME A RED SOCK?

Source: NJ.com

When I heard that the Yankees could move on from Brett Gardner over the last couple of weeks I got sick to my stomach. Brett Gardner is one of the hardest working players this game has ever seen. He's got grit, determination and he pushes himself harder than some of the best players today. He is loved by his teammates, the Yankee front office, other ball players and fans. And now, Gardner is closer to a contract than you think. 

Source: CBS Sports

“I love Brett Gardner,” Cashman said on ESPN radio in December. “He’s been everything you could ever want since he was drafted and he’s as tough as they come. He’s great in that clubhouse. I’d love to partner back.” But since that interview, the Yankees have not moved on Gardner. This week, Gardner stated that he intends on playing somewhere in 2021 but he would like to play where he has always played since coming up to the bigs back in 2008. And he deserves to be in pinstripes playing the outfield like he always has. But this game today is different. It is about money and power; there is money for some and nothing for others. 

Source: Sports Illustrated

Jon Lester asked his team, the Chicago Cubs, to allow him to finish his days pitching for them. But they said there was no money, so he signed as a free agent with the Washington Nationals. Then the Cubs "found" money for Jake Arrieta and signed him to a one-year contract. I scratch my head. The only thought I have is that there is simply no loyalty today and maybe there never was loyalty, but only the appearance of it. 

Source: AP Photo/Matt Slocum

As far as Gardner, it is hard to say if there is loyalty on behalf of the Yankees for him. "NJ Advance Media reported on Feb. 10 that Gardner and the Yankees hadn’t had contract talks since mid-December when agent Joe Bick was told by Cashman that the organization first had to work out more pressing issues such as re-signing reigning batting champ DJ LeMahieu and remaking a rotation that had three veterans on the free agent market. All of that was accomplished last month," reported the NJ.com. 

Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer

Earlier Saturday, the Yankees signed Jay Bruce to a minor league contract. Bruce is a pure hitter who also happens to play the outfield. Could this be a barrier for the Gardner signing? I would hope not. I would hate to see Gardner play for anyone else but the Yankees. And the recent movements in the Red Sox organization saw outfielder Andrew Benintendi sign with the Kansas City Royals and Jackie Bradley Jr. status with the Sox uncertain. Will Gardner get an offer to play for the Sox? Oh God, I hope not! 

Source: MLB Trade Rumors

This week we should learn the fate of our devoted and loyal outfielder, Brett Gardner. "According to spotrac.com, the Yankees are about $10.2 million under this year’s $210 million luxury-tax threshold, and it’s believed that managing partner Hal Steinbrenner wants to stay under due to about $250 million in losses during the pandemic-shortened, no-fans 2020 season.," reported NJ.com. If Gardner signs it will likely be for a moderate salary. Let's hope the Yankees and Gardy can agree to a contract and we see him back donning number 11 in the Bronx. 

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

 

THE NO-HITTER JINX

 Source: Mike Stobe/Getty Images North America

Yankee young ace pitcher Jordan Montgomery pitched a no-hitter into the 6th inning last night.  His stellar performance help lead the Yankees into victory over the first of two games against the Cincinnati Reds.  And although his pitching has been nothing less than consistent this season, that's not actually the topic of this piece.  It's about a no-hitter jinx that fans believe stem from broadcaster's calls from the booth.

Source: NJ.com

According to Awful Announcing, a site affiliated with NESN, "For as long as announcers have called baseball games, they’ve faced a choice in how to handle a no-no. They can either bluntly declare that there’s history in progress, or they can dance around the subject in homage to the on-field tradition of keeping the words “no-hitter” as far away from the pitcher as possible."

Source: Fox Sports

Now, clearly, I would be the first to say that when Announcer Joe Buck dances around anything with regards to baseball play-by-play, he's a jinx- remember how he ruined the All Star Game this year among other competitive events.  But what happens in the booth while players are on the field is out of their earshot, so commentator banter could not interfere with the a potential no-hitter, right?

Source: Greg Fiume/Getty Images North America

Cubs play-by-play announcer, Len Kasper heard from hordes of angry fans when he supposedly jinxed a Jake Arrieta no-no in 2014 and then again when he cursed a Jon Lester attempt the following season. “I feel like we’ve lost our way, somewhere along the line, where fans think we have some sort of mystical control over what happens,” Kasper, who has called three MLB no-hitters, told Awful Announcing."

Source: YES Network

But I think I love what former pitcher, no-hitting pitcher that is and now Yankee commentator Al Leiter said the best.  As he bantered with Michael Kay last night, who quietly alluded to the no-hitter by Montgomery through the beginning of the 6th, Leiter said that broadcasters have absolutely no affect on the performance of the pitcher on the field.  “I think it’s ridiculous,” Leiter told Awful Announcing. “Having thrown a no-hitter, I don’t believe in a jinx from somebody who is far away that’s not in earshot of the action. I find it comical, amusing or silly.”

What they do impact, however, is the fans and this impact loudly criticizes the daring broadcasters who have the audacity of saying "no-hitter." As Leiter said, it affects their passion for the game.  I for one get that, loud and clear.  I tend to stand clear of saying "no-hitter" during any game where it becomes apparent that something special could in fact happen.

Passion for the game is a good reason to get all fired up.  No-hitter jinx or not, it is great to hear fans get excited about this game.  And just so Michael Kay knows it, just talking about a no-hitter jinx could be jinx. That is all...

--Suzie Pinstripe

BYB Managing Editor
Follow me on Twitter: @suzieprof

BEST RECORD IS A LONG TIME COMING!

Found this on the net...

We have waited.  We may not have been patient, but we have waited.  And fans, we deserve the good news coming to us.  We deserve to see Noah Syndergaard cave when he realized he opened his mouth too fast from Flushing bellowing "Best Team" status.  We answered his balk with what is being considered the best team in baseball and our best start as a team since 2003.

Source: David Banks/Getty Images North America

"Even the most optimistic Yankee fans couldn’t have seen this kind of start coming. It’s been five years since the team won a playoff game or more than 87 regular-season games. New York’s 84-78 record in 2016 gave the franchise its worst single-season winning percentage since 1992. As sellers at last year’s trade deadline, the Yankees positioned themselves to be contenders again in 2018, or even not until 2019," reported the International Business Times.

Source: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images North America

Our greatest weakness last season is currently our greatest strength and quite frankly the Mets' greatest weakness this year:  Hitting.  This team can hit.  Everyone can hit.  Even our bench players can hit.  Aaron Hicks is treading on being the best hitter in baseball.  And he doesn't even play every day.  The other Aaron, Aaron Judge, is batting .317 with 13 home runs and 28 RBIs over 28 games. He took a day off on Monday to ice his knees, but as Manager Joe Girardi said, he seems unaffected. This was planned after the incredible defensive plays he made while at Fenway Park.

Source: Elsa/Getty Images North America

Our pitching has been holding its own.  We saw a great game by Luis Severino who went toe to toe with veteran Jon Lester, without blinking.  He went in and did his job.  You also have guys like Jordan Montgomery throwing well, allowing pitchers to go deeper into the game.  "The Yankees are in the middle of the pack with a 4.03 ERA from their starters. On most nights, the bare minimum needed for a quality start will probably get the job done with the way this lineup is hitting," reported IBT.

 Source: David Banks/Getty Images North America

This team has that fighting spirit from the mound, from the plate and from the field.   They are making it happen...it is a long time coming.  "Going into Tuesday, the Yankees were second in baseball in runs scored at 177, an average of 5.9 runs per game. While the 4.02 ERA of their starting rotation was only good enough for 12th in the league, they've been buoyed by the bullpen, whose 2.60 ERA is fourth-best in the sport," reported NJ.com. Let's also add nine come from behind wins. With these stats, the skies the limit.

Source: Elsa/Getty Images North America

But 161 games is a lot of games and we have to be at the higher end of the win column come September.  If we stay healthy, if we keep that Yankee grit and we stay focused, we could beat the odds and be in real contention for 28.  It's only May, but we deserve the press, we deserve the praise and we deserve being at the helm of the best team in baseball.

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

I GUESS JON LESTER IS JUST TOO GOOD FOR IMPROVING

Photo: Getty Images

I have no problem with Jon Lester. I think the guy's a terrific pitcher, a solid teammate and I like to watch him dominate, except for when he plays against the New York Yankees.  That being said, I was always fascinated with this crap about him not being able to throw to bases during his pitching appearances.  I think it's JV to make an excuse that he "can't" and that when he's on the mound and a guy gets on base... how is it possible for a professional athlete to just NOT try and pick off a dude and try to get the upper hand on the competition? Why? And why is he allowed to skate?


I think it's even more pathetic that sports commentators don't even rip the guy! These announcers, Joe Buck, the others just sit there and say, "yeah, Lester just doesn't want to throw to first because he can't." And then... they move on. No conversation about it.

(David Banks/AP)

No suggestion like... "Why doesn't Lester try to learn? I mean, he's a major league pitcher." You know what I mean?

Photo: NJ.com

Well, I just caught a piece by the New York Post about Dellin Betances and I wanted to share it with you.  It's nuggets like this that really makes me root for our New York Yankees...

"Having experienced throwing woes to bases other than home plate, Betances huddled with pitching coach Larry Rothschild in Tampa last month to work on becoming a better fielder.

(Kathy Willens/AP)

'We pretty much worked on [pitchers’ fielding practice],’ Betances told The Post via a Saturday phone call from the Dominican Republic. 'It was mutual. He wanted a couple of days and it helped me. I feel good right now. He gave me drills to do while I am in the DR. I will continue to work on it in spring training.’"

Gotta love that.  And so, I have to ask... is Lester gonna try to improve in this game? Or is he just too good to do bitch work?

Betances will improve.  I love growth in baseball!

IT'S BEEN AN INCREDIBLE #WORLDSERIES

From the first pitch, to the last, it has been an incredible #WorldSeries.  No one could have predicted this kind of excitement when we experienced the first pitch of the season back in April.  As Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo said prior to Game 7, “If you’re a fan of baseball, this is the best outcome that you could possibly hope for in a World Series anyone’s been alive for,” reported the New York Times.  You are talking 1908 and 108 year-old drought for the Cubs and 1948, a 68 year-old drought for the Indians.  It's been a wild ride. Here's a recap of the 2016 World Series.

Game 1: Lived up to the hype with more than three generations of Cubs fans and at least two generations of Cleveland fans looking to quench their thirst for a World Series Championship. As SB Nation reported, "Cleveland was in control throughout, as it put up two runs against Jon Lester in the first inning to give Corey Kluber and the Indians’ bullpen plenty of breathing room for the rest of the game." Kluber was nearly flawless in his 6 innings pitched, charting a franchise record of nine strikeouts and four hits.  The Tribe took Game 1,  6-0 behind the dominating offense of Roberto Perez. Cleveland leads the series 1-0.

 Game 2: It was the Cubs' turn to strike and it was the comeback kid Kyle Schwarber's night to shine.  Behind the dominance of Jake Arrieta, the Cubs built back their confidence from dropping Game 1. "In many ways, it was a game of gumption, and Chicago moved ahead early by scoring once in the first inning on a long double off the right field wall by first baseman Anthony Rizzo. Designated hitter Kyle Schwarber then singled in a run in the third to double the lead," reported The Guardian.  The Cubs flew the W in Game 2, tying the Series 1-1 with a 5-1 victory over the Indians.

Game 3: After making the Series even at 1, the Cubs headed home with the Indians hot on their trail. The first World Series game in Wrigley since 1945 ended with a 1-0 deficit for the home town crowd. Tribe pitcher Josh Tomlin allowed only three base runners all night long and shut out the Cubs.  This was not the welcome party Chicago hoped for when they jetted back toward Murphy's Bleachers, a fan favorite for the locals.

Game 4: The Cubs needed a win here after dropping in the Series 2-1 much to the dismay of fans in Wrigleyville, but behind the Game 1 winner, Corey Kluber, it just was not happening.  This time the Indians called upon Jason Kipnis to get the job done offensively and he didn't disappoint.  Kipnis beat up the Cubs with three hits and scored two runs as Cleveland took Game 4, 7-2. As our local news NJ.com captured in a post game interview, "We've got one more to get and it's probably going to be the hardest victory of the year, but this is a special night for me and this team to take the first two here," said Kipnis, who grew up a Cubs fan on the north side of Chicago.

Game 5:  The Rocky Theme prevails; Anthony Rizzo hyped up the team with Rocky movies in the clubhouse and the theme was his walk up song for his first at bat.  Rocky made his way from Philly to the North side of Chicago and gave the Cubs the much needed kick in the butt to help them take W for Game 5.  Cubs’ offense demonstrated multiple ways of scoring with a Kris Bryant homer, a bunt single by Javier Baez and a David Ross sacrifice fly to take the lead in the 5th.  Then it was lights out with Aroldis Chapman giving his team 8 outs.  3-2 Cubs taking Chicago back to Cleveland for Game 6.

Game 6: Was all Chicago- almost too much Chicago based on Joe Maddon's expression who looked concerned even after the Cubs handily beat the Tribe 9-3, with Chapman coming in to be sure in the 7th.  Addison Russell's grand slam solidified the lead for the Cubs, who looked confident heading into the 9th inning.  Perhaps Kris Bryant's post game interview said it all, "You dream for this."

Game 7: It was a winner takes all Game 7, the 37th Game 7 in World Series history.  Dexter Fowler got things going with one swing of the bat, and just like that, a home run  against the sparkling Kluber, who has silenced Chicago bats up to this point, dominating in Games 1 and 4, was down 1-0 in the first inning.  As Fox announcer John Smoltz reported in the game last night, the Cubs picked the right time for their bats to get hot.  Down 3-1 in the Series the Cubs battled for the chance to win it all in Game 7.  Chicago picked and picked at Kluber and they finally knocked the Indian hurler out of the game in the 5th inning.  The Cubs weren't afraid to test outfielders' arms and kicked their running game into full force.

Fox Sports asked David Ross to wear a microphone to listen in on the sounds of the game.  They captured the anxiety and excitement on the field from the vantage point of the young players that played their hearts out in front of millions of viewers across the world.  It was Rizzo who leaned on Ross's shoulder and said, "I'm a nervous wreck."  This emotion from a guy who drove the comeback bus for Chicago and carried his team into this Game 7.  But it was veteran Ben Zobrist that broke up the 6-6 tie in the 10th inning and allowed the Cubs to go ahead, 8-6.  More drama in the bottom of the 10th as Cleveland came within one run, 8-7, but a slow roller ended Cleveland's night and World Series hopes as the Cubs held on and became the 2016 World Series Champions of Baseball.

According to the Chicago Tribune's rules for flying “The W” Cubs "fans are supposed to take down the flag at the end of the season unless they win the World Series; then they get the entire off-season to fly it high."

Fly the W Chicago.  Congratulations and thank you for a great Series!  It's been an incredible #WorldSeries and an incredible end to the MLB 2016 Season.  107 days until pitchers and catchers report.  It will be here before we know it, but right now, I am happy to share my excitement for the Cubs who are goatless in 2016...Go Cubs Go!

--Suzie Pinstripe, BYB Senior Staff Writer
BYB Hot Stove Columnist
Twitter: @suzieprof

A CHICAGO WORLD SERIES COMING UP!

Was anyone rooting for the Dodgers today? Everyone I spoke to said they wanted to see the Cubs "go all the way".  Well, tonight, the Cubs made history and they are now headed to the World Series where they will play the Cleveland Indians Tuesday night.

Kyle Hendricks was incredible. I gotta tell you, I didn't know much about Hendricks before tonight because I just never thought about him, but the guy is just outstanding in every way.  I mean, the biggest stage and he just delivers with such calmness.  Truly incredible job.

Guys like Rizzo, Baez, Bryant... guys like David Ross, Arrieta, Lester.  It's one of those teams that has such balance and energy young and old.  So much fun to watch. So much excitement for the city of Chicago!

Seeing Aroldis Chapman close it out just gave me goosebumps.  I'd like to think that the Yankees had a part in that and us fans are all rooting for guys like Chapman and Miller of the Indians hard because we know them... we saw them in our colors and now they move on the bigger and better things! How do you not get romantic about this sport??

Watching the post game, seeing the energy from the fans, it is such a relief considering all the aggravation and stress of our Presidential Election.  For the moment, We all stand with Chicago and are excited together!   Thank God!

By the way, BYB will have an incredible piece coming out early tomorrow morning about the Cubs and this season by Suzie Pinstripe. You NEED to read it and you need to share it.  It sums the whole thing up beautifully.

Final: Cubs 5 - Dodgers 0

THE CUBBIES ARE ONE GAME AWAY!

There is no other way of saying it... history is being made.

My oldest kid has been in a pretty grumpy mood lately.  It has nothing to do with his personality. Usually he's a pretty good kid, but for a 14 year old... these hours of watching these late games are killing him.  He wakes up later than he should after going to bed later than he should and, he's a grouch.  He goes to school... comes home, does his homework and then, for hours he reads his phone until game time looking at stats of these post-season players, watches video of highlights over and over and over again and in some instances, recognizes some of these dudes who played for other teams of years past and is just fully engaged to the point where it almost looks like a job for him.  I should have him write for BYB for crying out loud! 

Once these games are over, he's gonna have to go to bed earlier and re-program himself. Are we bad parents? No.  History is being made and he wants to witness it and I love every minute of it. It's all baseball for him, and he's rooting hard to see the Cubs in the World Series.  I'm happy it's clicked for him. He's a good ballplayer and a big baseball fan now to boot. I'm happy to see he really enjoys the game, and I'm not gonna lie; I love the fact that he follows all the players and teams and has no allegiance to 1 club right now. I'm fine with it.

Anyway, last night the Cubs won again, and are now just 1 game away from headed to the World Series which would take place in Cleveland Tuesday night.  Just for kicks I wish they would have Jake Taylor or Ricky Vaughn throw out the first pitch in Cleveland.

Then when they go back to Chicago, have Henry Rowengartner throw out the first pitch before that game.  Yup, I'm a pop culture nerd... what do you want from me?
 

The big inning last night for the Cubs was the 8th when they scored 5 runs.  It was then that the Cubs were just up 2-1 and it was then that my kid was screaming happiness into the TV.  Guys like Dexter Fowler, Kris Bryant and Javier Baez got hits when needed and when that happened, runs scored, the way baseball is supposed to be played.

Jon Lester was awesome and even though Chapman gave up 2 runs, he was able to shut down the Dodgers.  And just like that, the Cubs now head back to Wrigley field Saturday night for a game that could mean history for Chicago. Good for them. I hope they do it.

Final: Cubs 8 - Dodgers 4