COULD PINEDA BE A PREMIER STARTER IN 2017?

Source: MLB Analysis

Okay, I am not a fan of Michael Pineda.  He started off on the wrong foot the day he was traded to the Yankees.  Actually, it was his shoulder and then it was a tear in his shoulder and then it was his recovery from shoulder surgery.  Honestly, I never understood what the Yankees saw in him, but I read something today that gave me some hope that 2017 could be his year.

"Examining his year through the window of Deserved Run Average (DRA), an advanced metric which incorporates factors like stadiums, situations, defense, weather, catcher framing, umpires and opposing hitters, Pineda ranked among the top starters in the game with a 2.58 DRA.

Only the late Jose Fernandez (2.23) posted a better DRA in 2016, with Cole Hamels (2.65), Chris Sale (2.69) and Noah Syndergaard (2.71) all trailing Pineda, who allowed two earned runs or fewer in 17 starts but at least five earned runs in 11 starts," reports Bryan Hoch at MLB.com.

Source: The New Yorker

In his article, Hoch features the theories of Jonathan Judge of Baseball Prospectus, a hub for baseball statistics.  Judge, known for his genius-like statistical analysis, sophisticated measures and statistical rigor, says that we have something to look forward to with our 27-year-old pitcher. "The Yankees' defense rates in the middle of the road, Judge said, placing more of the blame on Pineda for getting squared up so often when he isn't missing bats. Judge said that based on his numbers, a Yankees fan should tentatively be encouraged about what Pineda might deliver in 2017."

Source: The Boston Herald

"The mixed models that make up the core of DRA allow you to adjust for a lot of the factors that we've known to affect pitching, but haven't been able to measure or integrate into our pitching metrics. So factors like the framing skill of the catcher, the quality of the opposition, home or away, the park, et cetera," according to an article on CBSSports.com.  So, perhaps, much like David Price struggled with an adjustment to Fenway in 2016, Pineda is adjusting to Yankee Stadium.  But those days could  be numbered and given the fact that two years have passed, it's time for Pineda to take on a premier role in 2017.

Source: Newsday

"As long as you're striking out guys and you're eating innings like he is, and you're not walking too many guys, I would certainly keep the hopes up. It does look like something mechanically or overall does probably need to change," said Judge.  

Source: Spring Training Connection

I am going to be cautiously optimistic about Pineda as the days continue to grow nearer to the pitchers and catchers report date in mid-February.  Having Pineda in the spotlight in 2017 as a leading starting pitcher would make us all happy, wouldn't it!?

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

BASEBALL: IT'S IN OUR DNA

Earlier this week, a colleague came by to visit with me in my office.  We were having a typical conversation about how we work to support our students' success.  The conversation switched from students to current events including the elections, the tragic loss of Jose Fernandez and the results of my colleague's recent DNA test.  He shared with me that although he knew he had a certain amount of African American in his soul, he was surprised by the other ingredients that were part of his makeup including Irish-American.  As we spoke, I began to drift a bit and think about my own DNA. Then, I glanced over to an 11x14 photo of Derek Jeter, which I have on one of my walls.  I thought to myself, forget my origin from a theoretical standpoint- I'm from Cooperstown and baseball is in my DNA.

I have known baseball for as long as I can remember.  As a baby, I celebrated with my grandmother as the 1969 Mets won their first World Series.  My father quickly whisked me back to reality as the Yankees battled Boston, the Kansas City Royals and the Los Angeles Dodgers each year.  I learned the game by watching and listening to the game, every day.  Sometimes, I would record the game using my boom box...yes, cassette record so I could listen to it later.  I'd buy the long cassette tapes from Radio Shack so I could record and listen to the game later in the day.  I would even record the post game sometimes.  Announcers Frank Messer, Phil Rizzuto and Bill White, shared the airwaves and moved from television to radio almost seamlessly.  Yes, the same guys called the games and took turns between the two different media.  That's when the Yankees were broadcasted on 11 Alive and 1010 wins.  Yep, baseball is clearly in my DNA, because my recall is spot on.

When I learned early Sunday morning that we lost Jose Fernandez to a freak boating accident, I immediately thought about that terrible day when we lost the Captain, Thurman Munson, to a freak plane accident.  Although Munson was a player toward the end of his career, the pain was thick and gruesome, much like we have been witnessing with the loss of this vibrant young man, Fernandez.  #15 and #16 will forever be remembered by baseball fans for their contribution to a game that was clearly a part of their DNA.

Here at BYB, we write through the lens of our own passions.  We feel what we write, whether we are defending a player or manager or ranting about them.  You see, baseball is in our DNA.  When we say we Bleeding Yankee Blue, we mean it.  As we think about the choices we make and the way we have decided to spend our time and live our lives, we have to think about why we continue to write, day after day, loss after loss, win after win.  It's baseball.  It's our constant.  It's in our DNA.

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

APPRECIATE LIFE EVERYDAY

I woke up Sunday so excited for "Sunday Funday." I had prepared beef stew on Saturday night and cooked it in the slow cooker overnight. We had plans to make some chicken wings (which turned out great) and have a few cold ones while watching football. I was excited to see my Packers get some redemption. Then this happened...

Sickening news: Source confirms that #Marlins' Jose Fernandez was killed in boating accident. Statement coming from club shortly.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) September 25, 2016

No friggin' way. No friggin' way. I spent the next 10 minutes searching Twitter and refreshing the results. No way this was true. No way in hell.

It is true and it is devastating. Jose Fernandez was killed in a boating accident. One of the best pitchers, and best people, in the game lost his life in an accident.

I watched Don Mattingly's press conference and damn near shed a tear with him.

Marlins Manager Don Mattingly tearfully remembers the life and legacy of José Fernández. pic.twitter.com/BeuYgxHPHV

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 25, 2016

You can have everything going for you and in an instant, life is over. Sometimes there is no explanation why, sometimes it just happens and sometimes perhaps it was just your time. Whatever the circumstances, it doesn't make it easy.

Now one thing I saw that pissed me off were some Yankee fans saying that Jose Fernandez will never be a Yankee now. I swear. As true as that is though, that's pretty heartless. Jose Fernandez will now never be a father to the baby his girlfriend and he were expecting. He leaves behind family, friends and teammates.  Bottom line... being a Yankee or not is meaningless.

The Yankees have been losing lately, and honestly after reading about Jose Fernandez... I don't care. Sunday was a day of mourning to me... for all of us. Writing this is helping. A young man with a contagious smile and love for the game lost his life. It's something we will never be forgotten.

Jose Fernandez was the kind of kid you want your kid to be like. He overcame the biggest obstacle, escaping from Cuba, to follow a dream of playing Major League baseball in the USA.

In the words of Toby Keith "I'm not crying cause I feel so sorry for you, I'm crying for me." And more importantly, for your soon to be newborn baby, your family, friends and teammates.

I'm genuinely heartbroken. As Casey wrote Sunday on Twitter:

Very sad news about Jose Fernandez losing his life in a tragic accident. #PrayersfromBYB

— Robert Casey (@BleednYankeeBlu) September 25, 2016

Very sad, and still, days later, unreal.

#RIPJose

--Dan Lucia, BYB Senior Writer
Follow me on Twitter: @DManLucia

  

WHEN THE RALLY IS ABOUT UNITY

While the world was watching the Presidential Debate, I, who am not political at all, watched the Yankees pull out a big win against the Blue Jays. It was a rally. But it didn't start that way...

The Yankees were down 3-2 until the 9th inning.  To be honest, it just looked like another loss for the Bombers. I mean, it makes sense... we've been on a slide for days.

But we didn't fade away tonight.  In fact, there was life.  In the 9th inning, it was Mark Teixeira hitting a solo shot to tie it 3-3.  Then, right after that, Aaron Hicks hit a 2 run homer scoring Didi Gregorius. Jacoby Ellsbury then singled knocking in 1 more run. It was then that Gary Sanchez sacrificed home Brett Gardner.  It was then 7-3.

In the bottom of the 9th, the Blue Jays knocked in 2, but the Yankees were able to hold them, Tommy Layne got the save, and in the end it was Adam Warren who collected the win.

And just like that, the Yanks won and kept hope alive for us Yankee fans.

Meanwhile in Miami, the most touching tribute I have ever seen took place. For Jose Fernandez, the Marlins players all wore a Jose Fernandez #16 jersey in his honor tonight.  They stood around the mound sobbing before the game began.
 

They then circled and with Giancarlo Stanton leading the charge, he told his teammates that they will get through it together.  Fighting off the tears they pointed to the sky.

A moment incredibly reminiscent of Reggie Jackson sobbing in the outfield the night Thurman Munson was honored after his death.  Teams coming together to honor a teammate, a family member in a very touching moment.

The moment was gut wrenching and right. And while Jose Fernandez was never a Yankee, he was apart of a baseball family. And if you don't understand that... look around the team you root for the next time there's a big moment or a horrible tragedy.  You will see a baseball community rally t o become one.  Look at the Yankees tonight with their big victory.  Look at the Marlins tonight after the loss of Jose Fernandez.

In the end, there is victory or tragedy every day of our lives.  But that's life... and sometimes it's not fair and sometimes it's very rewarding.  But we as human beings need to stop and look around once in a while. Take a deep breath. Hug your kids, your dog, the mailman.  Enjoy every moment... and if it's not a good one, surround yourself with family and friends, be strong and rally.  No matter what though, good or bad... rally hard... because in the end, in life... rallying is unity if you have people around you, you love.

Two stories of victory and tragedy tonight.  It's incredible how 2 drastically different emotions trickle out the same outcome.

Final: Yankees 7 - Blue Jays 5
Final: Marlins 7 - Mets 3

IT WAS A SAD, SAD DAY IN BASEBALL

Yesterday was so much more than just being a Yankees fan....or even just a baseball fan. Yesterday was a reminder that there is a human element in baseball. The exciting post season chase at this time of year means nothing without the love and compassion that go with it. Some of us get to watch, listen or play for many years while some of us are taken far too early. I was reminded of that yesterday.

Vin Scully is the voice of baseball and there is no other way to put it. In 67 years he brought baseball into our lives. He was the voice of our parents and grandparents, our hopes and dreams. So as I watched and listened to the last home game Scully would ever call at Dodger stadium on Sunday it hit me.....this was the end of an era. No one else will ever be a Vin Scully. He is something that just can't be replicated. 

We have all seen some amazing games as sports fans, but Scully has seen things some of us never will. My grandfather died when I was very young, but I remember stories about the love he had for the then Brooklyn Dodgers. Scully has been announcing for the Dodgers since 1950 so he has seen the Dodgers evolve over the years. He saw Jackie Robinson break into baseball and watch the game transition from the tension we had years ago to where we are today. Between his days in Brooklyn and Los Angeles he has called about 9,000 baseball games. He's called 20 no-hitters, three perfect games and 12 All-Star games. Simply put he is a legend.

Scully will say goodbye to baseball ironically the same way he fell in love with the game....watching the Giants. The world fell in love with baseball as they tuned into their transistor radios to listen to Scully call a game. He is the voice that no one else can ever replicate. He will be missed in that booth next year and for Dodgers fans, games will never be the same.

While some of us get to walk away from the game on our own terms after long careers with life long memories some of us are not so lucky. The baseball world is also mourning the loss of Jose Fernandez, another baseball icon. This is a reminder of how short life is and how everyone has to go out everyday and give their all because tomorrow is never guaranteed to us. There isn't always another game tomorrow. Tragically early Sunday morning, Jose Fernandez lost his life in a boating accident.

We have been following Fernandez here at BYB for a long time now. We have always admired him because with his young talent....who wouldn't? But after hearing the news this morning I was brought back to reality that he was more than just a great young arm who had a very promising career ahead of him. MLB Network spoke with other players who also had fond memories of him. As I listened to David Ortiz talk about how much joy and energy and how he was always smiling. He really appreciated the opportunity to come here from Cuba and play the game he loved. It made me realize that he really touched a lot of people not only for his amazing gift, but for his spirit. Freddie Freeman shared his own stories of Fernandez saying just how approachable he was. He was always talking to everyone not only on the bench but players from other teams on the field. He brought a compassionate side into the game. He was a people person.

While the Marlins did not play yesterday other teams hung a Fernandez jersey in their dugout. I was touched to see Yoenis Cespedes hang a Mets jersey in the dugout with Fernandez written on the back of it.

As I listened to more stories from people working within the organization it hit me even harder. This was a 24-yea old young man who was about to be a father. I heard stories about how how amazed Fernandez was when he first came to the United States about automatic hand dryers and water faucets in a public bathroom. He had a real appreciation for the little things in life and took nothing for granted. It is a spirit like his that will be missed in such a great game. Like many have already expressed, our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and the organization.

So yes, we lost two baseball greats yesterday. Baseball is more than just a game, Scully reminded us that it is the little pleasures in life like baseball that bring more life to our stories. Fernandez reminded us that life is precious and to enjoy what we have and never take it for granted. Baseball is just a game with many different outcomes, but there is always a deeper story then just a stupid game.

Fellow BYB writer Dan Lucia will have a powerful piece about more of this, specifically Jose Fernandez tomorrow. It's been chosen as tomorrow's BYB feature.  Please be sure to check it out.

 --Jeana Bellezza, BYB Senior Writer & Editor
  Follow me on Twitter: @NYPrincessJ

WHEN 'PROVOCATIVE' GETS STUPID

I happened to be on Sportspyder today and I read a headline that another blog made. It made me spit out my coffee in laughter. The headline read The New York Yankees Should Consider Dealing Gary Sanchez In The Offseason. I'm not kidding. 

 Now, after all this New York Yankee team has been through, having old, broken down players, finally selling off valuable veterans, and collecting a pretty substantial haul of talented youth, and IN ADDITION, bringing up some youngsters who can finally play because the log jam was removed... why in all that's holy would the Yankees want to sell off Gary Sanchez?

He's young. He's our golden boy, and by the way, now we can actually be contenders next season with a young Yankee team.  I found the headline stupid... really provocative... and really stupid.

I dove in:

"What Sanchez has accomplished is simply unfeasible. Continuing at this rate, or three-quarters of it, would be unquestionably legendary.

With that said, it is not safe to assume it will continue. Sorry, Yankees’ faithful..."

OK, break that down for a second; every player levels out, but does that mean you just deal him before he does? I get value being up and all of that, but this is a KID with VALUE that's helping us turn the corner! Golden boy made a splash and it's the exact splash that the Yankee fan base has been looking for. Not only that, Yankee brass is loving this after the season we've had.  Flipping him for pitching is dumb. We can get pitching through free agents and trades with other players on the Yankee farm as well as other veterans... Brett Gardner anyone?  Here's more:

"Here are the crucial questions you need to ask yourself from a Yankees organizational perspective:

 If Billy Eppler dialed Brian Cashman and offered Mike Trout, a 25-year-old face of baseball, for Sanchez, do you do it?

If Michael Hill rung up the Yankees’ GM and offered Jose Fernandez, the epitome of an ace which the Yankees so desperately desire to climb over the hump in 2017 and beyond, does the well-respected GM take the deal?

If Farhan Zaidi made a bold call which featured a discussion involving Clayton Kershaw, a once-in-a-generation starting pitcher, do you entertain it?"

And so here's my question, and it's not crucial, it's just obvious... why would you assume, Trout, Kershaw or Fernandez WILL continue to be dominant or even be available? I mean, those are stars, but Sanchez could easily develop into one too. And I have news for you... the Dodgers are not looking to unload Kershaw.  The Angels will not trade Mike Trout and if the Marlins are looking to deal Fernandez, trust me, Brian Cashman is not giving up Gary Sanchez.

Fernandez, while good, has gotten slightly chunky of the years... a bit slower and not as incredible as he's been presented. But yea, still a catch. Bottom line, ALL players break down, but when you have something special, like Gary Sanchez is... you give him every opportunity to be great and not only that, you sell the crap out of that merchandise along the way.

Would the Yankees unload Sanchez?  If they did, they'd lose an entire fan base that would not cozy up to exchanging Gary for Kershaw, trust me. And to be honest, the Yankees are done with that stuff.  The Yankees are into the youth movement now.  We've seen the kids, we love the kids and we can't wait until more kids come up.  We are rebuilding and not trading away youth anymore.  And that's why I cannot get on board with such a ridiculous theory in my opinion.

Bottom line... being provocative is one thing. Being ridiculous is another. That's what this is.  Sorry Emmanuel Berbari of Elite Sports NY. I like your work. I don't like this one. In the grand scheme of things, with all the Yankees have done this season to turn things around, selling Gary Sanchez is definitely not on the agenda.

THAT JOSE FERNANDEZ RUMOR IS BACK! BRING IT!

We here at Bleeding Yankee Blue have always thought that the Yankees coveted Jose Fernandez and I have always believed that if the timing was right and the Yankees had the pieces to pry him away from Miami, they could get him.  When we wrote ARE THE YANKEES REALLY IN ON JOSE FERNANDEZ?  back in December, we were skeptical, but we liked the idea of Fernandez in pinstripes writing:

"Fernandez is a name I will definitely get on board with.  He's young, he can be lights out and the Yankees have been trade partners with the Marlins before... I can see something happening again."

Then it went away, as all rumors usually do. Until now.

The New York Daily News writes:

"...I think Cashman will look to package some of that young talent he acquired at the trade deadline a month ago in the hope of dealing for a difference-making starter.

Possible candidates: Chris Sale, Jose Fernandez, Sonny Gray, and Chris Archer.

Perhaps the most do-able and desirable of those potential trades is Fernandez, mainly because he’ll be two years away from free agency after this season, and the Marlins almost surely won’t be able to lock him up, especially after they committed $325 million to Giancarlo Stanton.

As an executive from one team told me last week, 'They’re going to trade him. It’s just a matter of when.'... So what would it take to get him? The executive I spoke to thinks it would take four of the Yankees’ young players, two of them blue-chippers.

'They’ll ask for (Gary) Sanchez and the Yankees will say no, and you start from there,' the exec said.

But at two years away (from free agency), the Marlins are driving the deal.

'They can always get a solid return a year from now, so you’re going to have to satisfy their demands to do it this winter. You don’t give up Sanchez, and maybe (Greg) Bird, but I would think all of their other young guys would be in play.'"

And to be honest, all of this makes sense. The Yankees are band-aiding their starting rotation and we have nothing!  CC is near the end, Chad Green is nothing in my eyes but an over-hyped starter and Nathan Eovaldi is on the shelf.  It's kind of pathetic. We are limping to the end of 2016 with our eye on the prize in 2017 and that starts with good pitching to help our young hitting.  The Yankees have a NEED to make a move and this is one. I can definitely get on board with John Harper on this.

That being said, remember, this is a rumor.  Sometimes they come to light... many times, they do not.

We'll keep an eye on  this for you. Happy Sunday.

UM, THE YANKS WERE ALWAYS LOOKING AT BRYCE HARPER

I like Yahoo Sports' Jeff Passan, but when it comes to certain headlines and reporting, I just shake my head.  Why? Because I guess he thinks Yankee fans are stupid.  I mean, am I the only one that could tell that the Yankees are eyeing the free agency of guys like Bryce Harper and Mike Trout?

No.. you guys can too. That's because BYB readers are smart and the best in the freaking world.

I mean, the word 'frugal' means sparing.  Economical... Right? Now we all know that these days the Yankees are very frugal, not chasing free agents, saving every penny, making low risk deals to get through the seasons and see how we do.  I mean, the last "BIG" one was Masahiro Tanaka.  And now, with other players soon coming off the books, we need to put our ducks in a row... and by ducks, I mean Count de Money.  Anyone a History of the World: Part I fan?

Anyway, the point is, Passan gets my goat with this headline: Suddenly frugal Yankees playing long game with eye on Bryce Harper.  I mean Jeff... didn't we ALL see this?

He writes:

"... there is a plan here, one that speaks to baseball's tectonic plates shifting and the Yankees readying themselves for a future that looks different from today.

Maybe even a future with Bryce Harper....the Yankees steered clear of Max Scherzer and Jon Lester, and continued this winter with their left swipes of David Price and Zack Greinke. It showed a remarkable amount of restraint... If the Yankees can manage to stay competitive enough in 2016 and '17 to ward off compulsively spending in the offseasons after, the confluence between their patience and the bonanza awaiting in the class of 2018-19 could save them tens of millions of dollars in luxury-tax payments.  teams already are banking cash in anticipation of it, multiple sources have told Yahoo Sports.

The deluge of talent that could be available – Josh Donaldson, Clayton Kershaw, Manny Machado, Andrew McCutchen, Jose Fernandez, Matt Harvey, David Price, Dallas Keuchel, Adam Jones and Jason Heyward – is led by Harper, the reigning National League MVP who will just have turned 26."

And here's what makes me laugh.  Why in the world would "multiple sources at Yahoo Sports" need to firm up details about what the world already knows... about not only the Yankees, but about EVERY BASEBALL TEAM IN THE MLB. Further more... who the hell are the sources? Passan's cousin Vinny?  The Yahoo Sports janitor? My mom? The fact is everyone knows this.

Look, the Yankees WILL try their hardest to land Bryce Harper when he becomes a free agent.  He loves the New York Yankees, wants to be a New York Yankee and if the price was right, but not the highest... but RIGHT, the Yankees would sign Bryce Harper.

In fact, BYB wrote about exactly this in WHY BRYCE HARPER COULD BE A YANKEE.  That, my friends was from 2011.  Did we need a source on that one? Nope. That's because it's common sense.

The Yankees will try and sign Bryce Harper and the Yankees ARE frugal right now for that reason.  No reason to report the obvious but act like it's not.  It is... and every Yankee fan knows this, don't we gang?



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