BETANCES HANGS UP HIS CLEATS

All good things must come to an end, eventually. Sooner or later every baseball player will exit the big league stage and move along to something else and that time has come for Dellin Betances.

Yup, yesterday Betances decided to hang up his cleats after he pitched in parts of 10 seasons with the Yankees and the Mets. It feels like just yesterday, I remember when the Yankees picked in him in the eighth round in the 2006 draft and how excited I was. I remember all the hype surrounding him as a promising young starter and watching him eagerly as part of the "Killer B's" trio. Now here we are, coming to the end of the 2022 season and the end of his career.

His hype as a starting pitcher never came to fruition due to his control issue and various injuries but in his best years as a Yankee he was a consistent, reliable closer that I loved to watch. I'm going to remember him as the four-time All-Star who finished third in voting for the American League Rookie of the Year behind Jose Abreu and Matt Shoemaker. He was a favorite of mine to watch in his earlier years, I felt confident when he was on the mound. I definitely miss that feeling right now.

But I am also not going to forget his ugly arbitration case back in 2017 where Betances and the Yankees were $2 million apart and the Yankees won their case, paying him $3 million as opposed to the $5 million Betances wanted. I remember the aftermath and how bad it made the Yankees look when Randy Levine had to go gloat and look like an a-hole. Do you remember this?

"It's like me saying, 'I'm not the president of the Yankees, I'm an astronaut," Levine told reporters, stating that Betances didn't get more money because he was only a set up man. "I'm not an astronaut and Dellin Betances is not a closer." 

Looking back at this it is no wonder why Aaron Judge had preconceived notions heading into his own hearing this season. He got a front row seat to Levine the douchebag back then. Unfortunately, once the 2019 season came Betances made one short appearance for the Yankees before he got injured and then spent the remainder of his big league career with the Mets. He tried to bounce back this season with the Dodgers in the minors but it didn't go his way. He was released by the Dodgers yesterday and then announced his retirement.

Dellin, I wish you luck in the next chapter of your life. As far as Randy Levine goes, I wish we could send him up in outer space as an astronaut and then leave him stranded out there. 

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

TRACKING CUBAN LUIS ROBERT

Back in February, our fearless leader Robert Casey asked me to write up a piece about a kid from Cuba named Luis Robert. Read ANOTHER "CUBAN SENSATION" WE NEED TO HAVE for more on that.

This past weekend, Robert was finally able to sign with any team since officially being declared a free agent in April. According to the rules of international signing, a number teams would not be in contention for his services. Teams like the Yankees, Dodgers, and Red Sox among others, were only able to sign an international player to a contract of up to $300,000. You can read more about the International Signing Rules in this piece from Baseball America.

Photo: redbirddaily.com

According to this article on MLB.com, Luis is finalizing a deal with the Chicago White Sox.

"The deal is expected to be worth more than $25 million, and likely in the $26-27 million range, according to the source, and it will be the second-highest bonus for an international amateur under the current signing guidelines. Cuban prospect Yoan Moncada set the record when he signed for $31.5 million with the Red Sox in 2015."

Photo: MLB.com

With the signing of Jose Abreu in 2013 and the acquisition of Yoan Moncada this past offseason, the South Side of Chicago now has 3 of the highest touted Cuban Defectors in recent years. Fascinating!

Good Luck to Luis as he makes his way to the Majors!!!!

--Michael Carnesi
BYB Writer
Follow me on Twitter: @sevn4evr

LET'S RAID THE WHITE SOX LOCKER!

The Chicago White Sox have a lot to offer, and the Yankees would be smart to see what's doing over there.  While I would hate to offer up our future, Brian Cashman would be a fool to not have a dialog with them. What am I talking about? This...

Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe has a great little nugget.... read it and pay attention to those names, and the Yankees needs:

(Aug. 8, 2016 - Source: Ed Zurga/Getty Images North America)

"Chicago White Sox — More than one GM has said that White Sox GM Rick Hahn is open for business on just about his entire roster. That includes Chris Sale and the rest of the rotation, Jose Abreu, third baseman Todd Frazier, and closer David Robertson."

(Sept. 16, 2016 - Source: Jason Hanna/Getty Images North America)

I gotta tell ya, We need a starter, we need a bullpen guy, and we would definitely need a third baseman if the Yankees could figure out a way to ship Chase Headley out of the Bronx.  BYB Managing Editor Jeana Bellezza will have a feature on Headley  tomorrow.  But honestly, Frazier is a beast, and it's something to definitely think about.

Now, could we go on without the White Sox? Sure we could.  Our youth is our future... our team is slowly getting younger and over time, better. And to be honest, if most Yankee fans have patience, we will be back to our winning ways.  Will it happen in 2017? To be honest, probably not, but the future's coming.

(Aug. 20, 2016 - Source: David Banks/Getty Images North America)

And so, I just wanted to share those names with you.  I found it interesting that all those studs are being floated out there.  Hell, maybe if we get even 1 of those guys, and help build around them with our young guys... could that work?  Maybe a Sale in our rotation? Maybe being DRob back to help out in the pen?  Maybe an upgrade of Todd Frazier at third base? Maybe just one of them, surrounded by Dellin Betances... Starlin Castro and Didi Gregorius...and the rest... Bird, Sanchez and the like.

We shall see.

GARY SANCHEZ IS A WHITE SOX TARGET

Not sure if the Yankees will ever trade the kid, but there have been kicking tires and sniffing hydrants around Gary Sanchez lately. In fact, there have been trade rumors circling him for about a year now.

The most recent one came a few days ago from George King of the New York Post:

"The White Sox inquired on Wednesday about Yankees catching prospect Gary Sanchez. The talks never got serious when, a source in the know said, the Yankees’ asking price was 'far too high.’

The White Sox are looking for a catcher after placing Alex Avila on the 15-day disabled list with a hamstring injury."

The Yankees have long touted Sanchez as the next big prospect.  Many in baseball have actually, so I have no reason to doubt what King is saying here about the Yankees asking price being "far too high". 

If they do want to flip him to the Sox, they want a lot in return... I like where their head is at. Chris Sale anyone? How about first baseman Jose Abreu? Nice right? Right there I'd love to trade Sanchez.

Look on the other hand, I also hope to hear they aren't interested in trading him. I kind of want to see what he'll do in pinstripes.

Anyway... it's a rumor and a nugget, and I just wanted to share. Enjoy.

SEVERINO & THE CRAPPING OF ONE'S BED

Luis Severino may have been touted as the "next big thing" too soon.  Maybe it was the pressure of the Yankee fan base that forced Cashman's hand.  Maybe Cashman and Yankee brass really thought he would be amazing. And he still may be, but there is something very suspect about the way this guy pitches suddenly.  He's not Cy Young... he's not Stephen Strasburg... I don't even think he's Mr. Tobe, the old man that used the live down the street from my grandmother's house in old Whitestone growing up.

(In Photo: Not actually Mr. Tobe)
Tobe was known to play a great baseball game back in the day...

Bottom line, the pressure appears enormous, and I just don't know what to think about Luis Severino right about now.

The New York Times maps out the night:

"Severino departed in the third inning after being bombarded in his shortest outing of the season. But that may not have been the gloomiest news for Severino, the 22-year-old starter who fell to 0-6 with a 7.46 E.R.A. in the Yankees’ 7-1 loss.

After allowing a two-run homer to Jimmy Rollins, Severino threw one pitch to Jose Abreu before Manager Joe Girardi and the trainer Steve Donohue came out of the dugout. Donohue walked off the mound with Severino as disgruntled fans jeered his effort — two and two-thirds innings, seven runs with seven hits, four walks and one hit batter.

The Yankees later announced that Severino experienced soreness on the back of his right elbow. Severino had a magnetic resonance imaging scan after the game, and he was found to have a mild right triceps strain. He will not pick up a baseball for five to seven days and be placed on the 15-day disabled list."

And so, now we lose another player.  Maybe a player that isn't exactly outstanding, but still, touted as "The future".  Sure, injury happens, and sure, pressure can beat young players some times. But you gotta wonder if this is the case of a kid trying to live up to what he's not, or if he just isn't there yet.  

Whatever the case, Sevy is on the 15 day DL.  What else can go wrong? Tell me.

 
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AROLDIS CHAPMAN IS MR. "TEAM USA"

Nice little nugget from Cuban Aroldis Chapman.  He wants to play for Team USA.  Gotta love this stuff.

According to ESPN, "Aroldis Chapman has no concerns about being banned from the Cuban National Team in the 2017 World Baseball Classic.

And that's because the embattled Yankees closer has another uniform in mind, that of Team USA.... Cuba will maintain its ban on baseball players who defected the country and will not allow them to play with the national team in the 2017 WBC, excluding not only Chapman, but also stars such as Yasiel Puig, José Abreu, Yoenis Céspedes and Kendrys Morales....

Chapman replied: 'I am a U.S. citizen; I can play for Team USA.' and said he would welcome a call from Team USA manager Jim Leyland."

Chapman became an American citizen on March 29th this year.

I hope Leyland gives him a call. I'd like him on Team USA.

 


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MLB CUBA GOODWILL TOUR PLAYERS ANNOUNCED & MORE

The MLB is about ready to go to Cuba for the first time in 16 years. MLBPA executive director Tony Clark, Chief baseball officer Joe Torre, and special advisor to the executive director, MLBPA, Dave Winfield lead the group of baseball players in the tour which will include children's clinics and charity events.

The players headed on the tour includes Cuban-born Jose Abreu, Brayan Pena, Yasiel Puig and Alexei Ramirez. Clayton Kershaw, Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz and Jon Jay also join the. This goodwill tour is an incredible opportunity for the players, and the league itself. It allows them the opportunity to enlighten and encourage children that would otherwise not have that opportunity.


The MLB will also provide Friends of Carita Cubana with a $200,000 grant. They are a US based, non-governmental provider of humanitarian, social and emergency services. A piece on the MLB site described the organization.

"Caritas Cubana focuses on assisting Cuba's most vulnerable citizens, including the elderly, children, single mothers, people with disabilities and people living with HIV/AIDS. In addition to conducting programs for these populations, Caritas Cubaa distributes medicines and provides emergency relief as needed."

The organization is also included as one of their stops during this Goodwill tour.

I like the idea of taking the game of baseball to other places. The MLB going to Cuba is huge. It's been 16 years since the last time since the Baltimore Orioles played against the Cuban National team in an exhibition game. Baseball is huge in Cuba. I think it's smart to make this trip to Cuba now. It opens up new ventures for the MLB and brings a new perspective to the game for those in Cuba.


 

--Erica Morales BYB Senior Writer 
Twitter: @e_morales1804


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TORRE & WINFIELD LEAD BASEBALL GOODWILL TOUR

The MLB will be returning to Cuba from December 15th to the 18th for the first time in 16 years, and Joe Torre and Dave Winfield will lead the tour.

According to ESPN the Cheif Baseball Officer, and the union special advisor will be joined by a group of current players that have not yet been announced. The tour will include children's clinics and a charity event.

I am a bit excited by this. The MLB has not been to Cuba since 1999, when the Baltimore Orioles played an exhibition game against the Cuban National team. Baseball is one of the most popular sports in Cuba. Players like Yasiel Puig, Yoenis Cespedes, and Jose Abreu have had to defect from Cuba in order to play in the MLB. This may not be the case for long. 

Previously, the US Government required Cuban nationals to present proof of residency in a country outside of Cuba to be given a general license to work for a US company. Further, the MLB required even more licensing. With the US and Cuba are now working towards ending the embargo this may no longer be necessary. Meaning that Cuban players seeking to join the MLB would not have to defect. It also means that the MLB will be able to scout talent from Cuba. 

This trip is clearly not political in nature. Not in terms of ending the embargo anyway. It will, however, allow Cuba to see our talent, and vice versa. In this respect, there is no one better than Torre and Winfield to lead our guys out there.

--Erica Morales BYB Senior Writer 

Twitter: @e_morales1804

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TALKING CHISOX VS. YANKEES WITH A CHICAGO GUY

I thought this was cool and so we posted it for your enjoyment. This is my friend Paul Chivari from Chicago.  He's the guy that came up with this terrific BYB jingle:


We wrote about it in  THE BYB JINGLE YOU CAN'T GET OUT OF YOUR HEAD. Anyway, he wanted to share a preview for the Yankees - White Sox Weekend.  I hope you enjoy it.  Be nice, he's a good dude.  -Casey

The last time the New York Yankees visited Chicago it was for back-to-back series against the Cubs and the White Sox in May of last year.  That was when I reached out to Robert Casey to have him appear on my radio show and gain the New York perspective on what that road trip would mean for the Yankees. At that time I had no idea that I was in store for one of my most treasured friendships that I’ve gained in the world of sports. After all of our interactions and contributions to each others projects it feels like more time than just fourteen months have passed.

Now that the Yankees are back in Chicago I felt that it would only be right if I gave my Chicago perspective on what the forthcoming White Sox-Yankees series means to me.  So I present to you, BYB nation….

The White Sox are finally playing their best offensive baseball all season. In their last eight games they outscored their opponents 56-17 while winning seven of those contests. All of those games were on the road, but they were against weaker American League squads in Cleveland and Boston. Ace right hander Jeff Samardzija, who is in a contract year, started the road trip as a big trade piece for a team towards the bottom of the league standings. Now, with the trade deadline falling just hours before this series kicks off Samardzija is in a position where he may stay with the team for the remainder of the season. Only 3.5 games out of the final Wild Card spot, the White Sox front office feels that they are contenders and choose to remain buyers rather than the sellers many expected them to be at the deadline. With both teams looking to add help to their respective rosters in the hopes of a run to a title, anything can happen to either the White Sox or the Yankees at the deadline. Both teams may stand pat, though both have been linked to big names.

Trade rumors?

The Yankees did acquire outfielder Dustin Ackley but they desperately need some starting pitching. This was a known fact before right hander Michael Pineda was scratched from his Thursday start in Texas then placed on the 15-day DL. Despite this setback to the rotation, the Yanks were linked to San Diego Padres closer Craig Kimbrel.

The school of thought is that by adding Kimbrel the Yankees will have a formidable back of the bullpen with Andrew Miller and Dellin Betances.  That never happened. The biggest names of the starters that were connected to the Yankees were David Price and Cole Hamels.  They're both gone now.  James Shields is still available, but with three years remaining on his deal, the cost may be too rich for even the Yankees.  Who knows….maybe Jeff Samardzija could switch locker rooms this weekend.

The White Sox trade hopes aren’t as bright. With the Detroit Tigers in demolition mode the only viable option for the White Sox would have been Yoenis Cespedes, but he's a Met apparently.  The Sox did land Justin Sellers for infield depth, but probably won’t be the boost their offense could use.  

What to expect

The White Sox recent success shouldn’t scare anybody right now. A home stand against the Yankees and Rays followed by a three game series in Kansas City will more than likely bring them back to where they were a week ago - at the bottom portion of the American League standings. This weekend will be a big series and they may have run out of momentum after Thursday’s loss at Boston. Their 24-22 home record needs to improve and their starting pitching has been good all year, but if the Yankees are anything like the team that posted an average of nearly nine runs a game in Texas this week the White Sox pitching staff could be in for some long games. The Yankees will face two left handers in Rodon and Danks and are 18-11 against lefties this season.

While the White Sox may be hot, they have yet to prove themselves against any major contenders at US Cellular Field. Melky Cabrera has been on fire and Jose Abreu brings a ten game hitting streak into Friday’s contest. Rookie lefty starter Carlos Rodon may struggle against the veteran Yankee sluggers unless his slider is dominant. John Danks has been better recently but is 2-3 lifetime against the Yankees and has had trouble against Mark Teixeira and Jacoby Ellsbury.

Jeff Samardzija is the only real x-factor the White Sox have to combat the Yankee power bats only allowing five home runs in nine starts this season at home.

Prediction: Yankees take two out of three

--Paul Chivari, White Sox fan
    & Friend of Robert Casey
    Twitter: @PaulChivari



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IF SAMARDZIJA'S FOR SALE, I'M BUYING

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports plants a nugget out there about the White Sox and Jeff Samardzija.  He tweets:

Sources: #WhiteSox in “listening mode.” Samardzija most likely to go; only potential free agent of significance. Team also could add.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 20, 2015

Now that's significant, but for all of you that are now shouting "Don't deal Aaron Judge, Rob Refsnyder, Luis Severino and Greg Bird..." at me... let me tell you, I'm with you. 

Here's why;

Hardball Talk writes of the Chisox: "Rosenthal adds, however, that the Sox are not likely to do a wholesale tear-down which involves crazy things like shopping Chris Sale or Jose Abreu."

That being said, flipping Judge, RR, Sev and Bird would be equally "crazy" and if that conversation with Rosenthal's source is legit, and there is no reason to believe it's not... then this idea of the Yankees going out there and getting Shark at a reasonable trade makes perfect sense.  The idea of them trading Shark for Judge is ridiculous... and yes... CRAZY.  The deal has gotta be right, for both sides.

Something to think about. 

But I ask you... do you as a Yankee fan want Samardzija? Who would you give up to make that deal happen?

Stay tuned... I have a feeling this trade deadline is going to be very interesting for the Yankees. 

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ABREU & DEGROM WIN ROOKIE OF THE YEAR AWARDS!

The votes are in... here's how it went down.

In the National League it was Mets stud, Jacob DeGrom.

No big surprise here, the kid was great for the Mets. He may have been the only real bright spot for them this season.

For the American League, it was Jose Abreu of the Chicago White Sox.  According to Hardball Talk, the dude won unanimously...

"Jose Abreu, who finished third in the AL in homers and first in slugging percentage last season, was the unanimous choice for the AL Rookie of the Year award, announced Monday.

Abreu topped Angels starter Matt Shoemaker and Yankees setup man Dellin Betances for the award in a strong class of AL rookies. Any one of those three, Collin McHugh, Masahiro Tanaka and Yordano Ventura probably would have won the award in 2013 over 88 games of Wil Myers... Betances got seven second-place votes and was named on 13 ballots."

Again, no big surprise, although you always root for the hometown guy and Betances earned it this season, there was just someone in his way.  To be honest, if Abreu wasn't on the list, Betances would have had a better shot, plain, simple and obvious, I know.

Congrats to the winners.

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BETANCES, ROOKIE OF THE YEAR & THE BBWAA AWARDS

Quick note.  The awards for all the top honors will be announced soon. 

Monday, Nov. 10: Rookie of the Year
Tuesday, Nov. 11: Manager of the Year
Wednesday, Nov. 12: Cy Young
Thursday, Nov. 13: Most Valuable Player

You know our buddy Dellin Betances? He is one of the finalists in the Rookie of the Year category.  I find this to be a true bright spot in Yankeeland right now!

 According toe Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News:

"Jacob deGrom and Dellin Betances are considered two of the hottest rising stars in baseball. Tuesday, they were stamped as finalists for their respective leagues' Rookie of the Year awards... Betances is up against Chicago's Jose Abreu - the favorite - and Matt Shoemaker of the Angels."

Man, I hope Betances gets it.

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