ANTHONY RIZZO MAY BE IN DEMAND

 As the new baseball season is in full gear, former Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo remains unsigned—though that may soon change. After two injury-riddled years that slowed his production, the 35-year-old veteran hasn't drawn much interest on the free agent market. But as teams across the league start recognizing gaps at first base and the need for experienced leadership, Rizzo’s value may be quietly rising again.

Despite the recent challenges, Rizzo's passion for the game hasn’t faded. Known for his professionalism and deep-rooted love of baseball, he's long been a player who commands respect in the clubhouse—not just with his bat and glove, but with his presence. Younger players look to him for guidance, and he’s never shied away from mentoring the next generation. His blend of pride in his craft and willingness to share knowledge has made him a beloved figure in every locker room he's been part of.

One potential fit for the veteran slugger could be the Miami Marlins. Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller recently floated the idea that Miami—currently lacking in veteran leadership—might be an ideal landing spot. "Colorado (Kris Bryant) could certainly use a first baseman. Perhaps Detroit (Javier Báez), too, although Spencer Torkelson has gotten out to a great start to the year," Miller wrote. "Alternatively, a return to his old stomping grounds in southern Florida could be in order. The Miami Marlins are very much lacking for a veteran presence, as no one on that roster is over the age of 30."

Rizzo, who grew up in Parkland, Florida, could offer more than just defense and occasional pop from the left side—he could provide mentorship and a steadying influence to a young, developing Marlins team that badly needs a guiding voice.

Earlier this offseason, Rizzo was candid about his current crossroads, admitting that he's considered stepping away from the game altogether. Most of the offers he's received have reportedly been for league-minimum contracts—an understandable frustration for a player who once stood among the premier first basemen in baseball. Still, Rizzo hasn’t slammed the door shut. His pride, his love for the game, and his role as a mentor continue to tug at him.

If a team like Miami takes the chance, they won’t just be signing a player—they’ll be bringing in a clubhouse cornerstone, a proven leader who still has more to offer than the box score might show.

SPRING TRAINING: CACTUS LEAGUE UNPLUGGED

Source: X

Well the Yankees are about where I expected as spring training moves into its midway point. With injuries already rearing their ugly head and a lot of growth needed, I am confident the Yankees will be competitive this year. And although I am used to following the Grapefruit League, this year, I had the opportunity to support teams out west in the Cactus League. So, if you bear with me, I will give you my take in Spring Training: Cactus League Unplugged.

Game 1: San Francisco Giants vs. Colorado Rockies Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, home of the both the Rockies and the Arizona Diamondbacks. Absolutely beautiful ballpark with great energy on a Monday afternoon. An absolute picturesque day for baseball. 

The game had depth, with a ton of back and forth, trading spaces for the lead. What was particularly fun was that the Giants seemed more like the New York Mets with Michael Conforto, and J.D. Davis headlining. Also present was the Panda himself Pablo Sandoval. 

It was a treat to see Kris Bryant at first base. He hit a bomb to give his team the lead for a time. The Rockies did eventually push through with a 12-10 win. And yes, you could not only get a sausage sandwich and a bag of peanuts but a fruit stick- literally just that, fruit on a stick.

Game 2: Los Angeles Angels vs. Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park in Mesa, AZ- aka little Wrigley Field. What a different experience. The field was outstanding giving it a Chicago feel in the middle of the desert. Chicago Dogs and Vienna Beef were plentiful. 

And on deck for all to enjoy was former Yankee Mike Tauchman who launched one out to the fences and gave the Cubs the lead in a tightly matched game. Alson the roster was Cody Bellinger, Dansby Swanson and former Met Dom Smith. For the Angels, yes, I believe he knew I was coming and performed exactly as I would expect- Aaron Hicks. What did he do you ask- struck out looking. Yep, I heckled. No, I am not ashamed. 

I enjoyed a Chicago Dog, a tour of little Wrigley, including roof top seating and some interesting beers. The staff could not have been more accommodating, thanking me for coming out. 

I drove past a few other parks including Diablo Stadium in Tempe, home of the Angels, which has some charm according to the locals. On the outskirts of Arizona State University, the park totes images of Mike Trout around campus, hoping to drive in some college students to its old school abode.  

Spring Training Cactus League style was a unforgettable experience. And although I wish I was in Florida visiting the Yankees, it was interesting to see how the other half or so lives out west. As we move into the midpoint of spring training, I am getting excited for what's ahead. Will the Yankees jump out ahead? Will they gel? Will they stay healthy? Answers for another time but the anticipation is amazing- I hope this feeling lasts. 

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

HOW DOES THIS "BASEBALL INSIDER" ALWAYS GET IT WRONG?

I find Bob Nightengale to be the guy that is just outside to circle. The guy that wants to be part of it, but he just doesn't have the stuff to get in.  Not a cool kid, more like an outcast.  Passan, Rosenthal, Caldera, Boland, Curry... they're all exchanging good info. Nightengale and Olney are scrambling trying to find the cool rumor just to be excepted. 

I know, that's mean, because I'm sure he's a nice man, but for the love of everything holy, he is never right when it comes to trades or potential moves teams make in the MLB.  You may remember one of his most famous debacles that brought Bauer to the Mets, according to him... Read BAUER TO THE DODGERS & BOB NIGHTENGALE BLOWS IT for more on that.

Now comes the latest mess up... he's so ridiculous:

I don't know what to say other than the world knew Bryant was going to the Giants before he did. And it was all because he didn't realize it was a non-registered Jeff Passan account. I mean, attention to detail is find of important right? Look at this:

Now look. People will say I'm hammering Nightengale. Well, I am, but you need to understand why. THIS IS HIS JOB. You can't get this stuff wrong, but that's all he does.

pic.twitter.com/56pt03Tdt3

— Coach Joe Thornhill (@CoachJThornhill) July 30, 2021

pic.twitter.com/V1rx6fzYuL

— rick steves STAN account (@____Aubree____) July 30, 2021

I'm so tired of the mis-cues, false info and guys being called "baseball insiders" but they ain't inside anything baseball until players actually trade hands. Being a baseball insider is a guess job. Face it.  Guys like Jeff Passan, I mean the real ones are legit.  Bob Nightengale should stick to recaps... you can't get that wrong.

Finally, let me state for the record that guys like Eric Boland and Pete Caldera are NOT characterized as Baseball insiders... same with Jack Curry. But what they do have is integrity. They will double check sources and facts before putting anything on the air.  So kudos to them.

SUNDAY TRADE RUMORS UNPLUGGED

Source: AP

As the MLB trade rumors continue to scorch, the hot stove is lit which means trades can happen at a moment's notice. Here is the run down of whose the talk of the trades and who is vying for the new guy in town.

Let's start with the Yankees and yes, of course DJ LeMahieu. According to a Tweet by Jim Bowdon, MLB Analyst & Insider for CBS Sports, "The #Yankees have made it clear that bringing back  2B D.J. LeMahieu is their top priority. As the negotiations grind on it’s also evident that LeMahieu preference is to return to the Bronx Bombers." That is the kind of Tweet that I want to hear and save with my favorites however Bowdon also notes that, "The wild card may be the crosstown Mets, who recently lost second baseman Robinson Cano to suspension. LeMahieu would be an ideal replacement, and new owner Steve Cohen has indicated he's willing to spend to win," reports CBS Sports.  Ugh. Delete that idea completely. Listen, LeMahieu has said he wanted to be a Yankee when he was not even guaranteed an everyday spot. There is mutual interest. This deal will get done. It is just a matter of when. 

Also heating up is the Washington Nationals interest in Kris Bryant. "Bryant, 29, is coming off a poor 2020 season and there has been speculation Chicago could non-tender him next month rather than pay him a projected $19 million or so salary in 2021. Despite his name value, the prospect cost to acquire Bryant in a trade could be relatively small given his projected salary and rough season," reports CBS Sports. After losing Anthony Rendon last season there has been an offensive hole in the lineup, so perhaps the Nats will go for Kris. The Nats have also expressed interest in LeMahieu. Delete that too. 

Another third baseman on the market is World Series Champion Justin Turner. He is a free agent and could find a new team in 2021. The Dodgers have a keen interest in Colorado Rockie Nolan Arenado and have for some time. "It of course remains quite possible that Turner returns to the Dodgers, but if that doesn't come to pass then L.A. may have designs on another offseason blockbuster," reports CBS Sports. Hey, it would be interesting, but my mind is on Turner returning. We have a terrific wild card at third, Gio Urshela. No interest there. 

If I had my druthers, I would like the Yankees to wrap up the LeMahieu contract by Thanksgiving Day so they can go into the Winter Meetings a week or so later with more focus on pitching and catching. Being distracted by the LeMahieu situation compromises the Yankees decision making process. So, as the last full week of November approaches, let's just get this done and move on. The rest of the trade rumors are interesting but for Yankee fans we are only zoned in on one. 

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

LAST MINUTE DEALS THE YANKEES SHOULD GO FOR

Along with Nolan Arenado...what if the Yankees signed Kris Bryant? 

Bryant is on the market and the Yankees should strike now. The reported asking price is two Major League ready prospects and possibly more, which Brian Cashman can easily meet without damaging his prospect pool. Bryant being one of the best players in the game would make the price worth it. 

At 28-years-old he's batting .284/.385/.516/.901, with 138 home runs, 167 doubles, and 403 RBIs. By making this deal, the Yankees could part with Miguel Andujar who had an injury riddled 2019 season and Clint Frazier who is not on the best terms with the team at the moment. The only current negative is the Yankees' luxury tax which would be pushed to over $300M with the added Bryant salary.

Former top prospect Taijuan Walker has recovered from Tommy John surgery, and could be a cheap deal the Yankees could benefit from. Walker’s career ERA is 3.95 in 528.1 innings, and now healthy he could get back to his old performance. 

The good thing is, rotation depth is not a current issue for the Yankees, but why not solidify that further? If all it requires is a minor league deal and a Spring Training invitation, they should definitely go for it. Give him a shot to prove he is healthy and effective, and go from there.

--Missy O'Rourke
BYB Contributor
Twitter: @missy_orourke

MAKING BASEBALL FUN AGAIN

Source: CBS Sports

The World Series has not disappointed as far as keeping things interesting even without the Yankees.  The game last night with the back and forth banter between each team besting the other was crazy fun to watch. The night before, watching Walker Buehler get excited with a fist pump as he completed a 2-hit 100+ pitch 7th inning carrying his Dodger team into the 8th with a 1-0 lead was fun to watch.  18 innings may not have been fun, but it was two good teams going at it and that I like.  The competition between two well matched teams is making baseball fun again. But there are other parts of baseball that are taking that fun right out of it.

Source: Sporting News

It was not fun to watch Manny Machado slump up to first base after smashing a deep single into the outfield on Friday night.  "Machado got caught watching a long fly ball that he thought was heading into the seats, only to watch it bang off the wall. He had to settle for a single and missed out on what looked like a potential double," reported CBS Sports. The same article reported that "Manny Machado has not been shy about admitting he'll never be Johnny Hustle. "That's not my cup of tea," he said after jogging out a routine ground ball during the NLCS." 

Source: KNBR 680

The spotlight lens has been focused more closely on the Dodger shortstop over the last several weeks, revealing some undesirable qualities in the young player. These include failure to hustle, cleating the first baseman after crossing the base and just an overall cockiness, which is just not appropriate and only collectively takes away from baseball as a fun competition between two teams, highlighting the player as an individual.

Source: Newsday

He's not the only one taking the fun out of the game.  Guys like Yoenis Cespedes do it too.  I sometimes feel like Gary Sanchez does this when he appears not to hustle down the base paths or behind the plate.  Even the mere appearance of laziness is undesirable.

Source: USA Today

There was an article published a little over a year ago about how baseball needs to brand the "Face of Baseball" in order to take the sport to the next level as far as leveraging star power for more dollars for the game.  According to ESPN, "What this sport needs now, to get back into the Face of Baseball business, is the sort of culture change that will allow the game to give people what sports fans demand in the 21st century -- a culture built around players who aren't afraid to express their personality." But to what extent?  Guys like Machado hurt the sport with their "real personalities" and Kris Bryant and Mike Trout, make baseball fun again with their behaviors both on and off the field.

When I see exciting games and inviting ball parks that welcome fans in, it makes me feel that baseball is reaching out to today's fans and making the game fun again.  When I see attitudes and lack of hustle, it takes the game down a road that it really needs to avoid.  Making baseball fun again is a trend I hope advances as the World Series winds down and a new season begins later this spring.

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @Suzieprof

YOU WANT PLAYERS TO LEARN HOW TO WIN

Source: MATT ROURKE/AP

With the final exclamation point added to the end of the 2017 season, the Yankees front office is very clear about its vision for success: "You want players to learn how to win," said a key front office person according to the NY Daily News.  "That culture is drummed into our young players early and often," he added.  And that vision will carry the team of young players into a highly anticipated 2018, where the Bombers are expected to go all the way.

Source: ROY TAORMINA/USA TODAY SPORTS

"Like the Astros, the Yankees have a nucleus of young, home-grown players, though it’s worth pointing out they didn’t tank for several years, as the ‘Stros did, to put that nucleus in place," reported the NY Daily News.  Also worth mentioning is that the 2016 World Champion Cubs also did a lot of losing before they built their nucleus of Kris Bryant and Kyle Schwarber.

Source: ELSA/GETTY IMAGES

The Yankees will continue to build those players who will quickly learn how to win.  These are players we don't even know about yet.  These are players who are being scouted and courted to the Yankees to be developed by one of the best, if not the best, farm system in baseball.

According to MLB.com minor league export Jim Callis: “The Yankees had the game’s deepest farm system before (the trades). … They still may have the deepest.”  At the mid point of the season, MLB.com ranked the Yankees the fourth best farm system.  According to Baseball America, however, "in 2017 the Yankees had the best overall won-loss record in the minors of any organization, and it wasn’t particularly close. In fact, the record posted by their eight minor-league affiliates of 491-325 (.602) represented the highest winning percentage for any organization “in at least 10 years."

The proof will be in the pudding as they say as the Yankees continue to build, strategize, and develop the core nucleus of their growing organization.  And these young players will learn very early on what it is like to be in a culture dedicated to playing at the top of its game: a culture for winning.

--Suzie Pinstripe

BYB Managing Editor
Follow me on Twitter: @suzieprof

BYB Stack Merchandise (2017)

TOPPS CARDS: ULTIMATE CARD GIVEAWAY!

And now a word from Topps Cards about a great offer this season!

The latest from Topps:

"Baseball season is back, and it begins with the launch of 2017 Topps® Baseball Series 1. Every year since 1952, The Topps Company, the exclusive trading card partner of Major League Baseball, has released its annual baseball card set that includes fan favorites, superstars, up-and-coming rookies and the recent addition of popular First Pitch™ inserts.

Today, baseball fans around the world can start ripping packs and collecting cards of amazing moments, rookies and superstars. As announced last week, Chicago Cubs third baseman and 2016 NL MVP Kris Bryant was voted by fans to be on Card No. 1 for 2017 Topps Baseball.

Bryant joins a long list of great players who have been represented on the first Topps card of the year from Jackie Robinson and Ted Williams to Mike Piazza and Derek Jeter. Also included in the series are special cards depicting on-air personalities from the MLB Network, including Hall of Famer John Smoltz, hosts Greg Amsinger and Lauren Shehadi, and former players Harold Reynolds, Sean Casey and more.

The first 10 cards of this 29-card set will appear in 2017 Topps Baseball Series 1 and the rest within the June release of 2017 Topps Baseball Series 2 and the October release of 2017 Topps Baseball Update.

Additionally, Topps is giving away two million cards in The Ultimate Card Giveaway, giving baseball fans a chance to find original Topps cards from throughout its 66-year history. There will also be opportunities to win great prizes including Topps Now™ and Topps BUNT® cards as part of The Ultimate Card Giveaway.

'Topps Baseball Series 1 is the official launch of the baseball season and a part of Americana as generations of fans eagerly await the annual baseball card release,' said David Leiner, General Manager and Vice President of the North American Sports & Entertainment Division at Topps. 'Each year, Topps Baseball includes the best players and must-have rookie cards. Collecting cards is the perfect hobby to enjoy with friends and family, and we are proud to keep that tradition alive.'

Photo: Getty Images

Much of what makes baseball and Topps cards great is celebrating what happens on the field. This year’s annual release looks at memorable moments and milestones including Jackie Robinson Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Memorial Day, and special throwback nights showcasing Clubs’ classic uniforms. Topps is also honoring MLB’s award winners from 2016 with special cards made for the AL and NL Most Valuable Players, Rookies of the Year and Comeback Player of the Year, among others.

Topps’s popular First Pitch™ insert cards also return, depicting newsworthy moments of celebrities throwing out first pitches prior to games. The set’s popularity has grown since its inception two years ago.

'As the game has evolved so has our product offering,' said Clay Luraschi, Topps Vice President of Product Development. 'This year’s release features a modern design and includes players’ social media information on the backs of cards, all while celebrating the rich history of Topps and Major League Baseball.'

Opening a pack of cards brings joy to long-time and new collectors alike. Parents and grandparents can share the thrill and excitement of a lifelong hobby with younger family members. They can also teach them about Topps’ history with special cards dedicated to 1987 Topps, featuring the memorable wood-grain design that can be found in the new packs. Topps Baseball blends its rich heritage of traditional cards with new technologies including Topps NOW, on-demand trading cards, and digital cards from Topps BUNT®, which can also be found in the BUNT app.

The celebration doesn’t end there. With The Ultimate Card Giveaway, Topps is randomly inserting two million original Topps cards into packs beginning with 2017 Topps Baseball Series 1. Fans can find cards from The Ultimate Card Giveaway throughout the year in other products, including Topps Baseball® Series 2, Topps Baseball® Update, Topps Heritage® Baseball, Topps Allen & Ginter® Baseball and Bowman® Baseball.

The Ultimate Card Giveaway includes a great blend of new and vintage cards, giving collectors a taste what Topps has offered throughout its 66 years of creating baseball cards. Many of the cards will include a special foil stamp to celebrate the joy of rediscovering Topps Baseball, from fabulous memories of the past to the game’s greatest moments as they happen.

You can also find rookie cards of the newest rising stars, including 2015 No. 1 Draft pick Dansby Swanson, 2015 No. 2 Draft pick Alex Bregman, international star Yoan Moncada, and New York Yankees standout Aaron Judge. Don’t miss out on the thrill of opening new packs of 2017 Topps Baseball Series 1 starting Feb. 1.

Celebrities and newsworthy moments depicted on the First Pitch collection insert set:

Judd Apatow

Deshauna Barber

Stephen Colbert

Luis Coronel

Brett Eldredge

Lou Ferrigno

John Goodman

Joan Jett

Leslie Jordan

Victoria Justice

Jon Lovitz

Bethanie Mattek-Sands

Keegan-Michael Key

Chris Lane

Joe Mantegna

Mase

Bob Odenkirk

Jeremy Piven

William Shatner

Paul Wall"

Be sure to check out Topps at their website: TOPPS.COM.

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