THE YANKEES & ASTROS SWAP NOBODIES!

The Yankees get better and better at frustrating fans and now players alike. Back in February, the Yankees designated Braden Shewmake for assignment to clear up a spot on the 40-man roster. But he sat in limbo waiting....and waiting until yesterday.

On Sunday, after waiting two and a half months, Shewmake was traded to the Houston Astros for pitcher Wilmy Sanchez. The shortstop that had no clear path to the majors and just sat around cleasring up a 40-man roster spot for all of last season is officially gone. This is what frustrates me about the Yankees. We had no where to put him, and he was not a clear upgrade over Anthony Volpe but let's just let him hold on to a valuable spot that anyone else could have and we could've used. That's the New York Yankee way.

And there was no reason to keep Shewmake as long as we did. He was bad at Scranton last season with a .244 BA and he was on pace for more of the same this spring. Even an extensive injury history in the infield would not have given him a golden opportunity at the big league level. We just like to hold onto scrubs.

The Astros, unfortunately need him. They have significant injuries they are dealing with and let Mauricio Dubon walk over the winter so now they are desperate and get the Yankees leftovers. Not that we are left with much better.....

So now we have Sanchez, the Astros leftovers. He's going to be the latest reclamation project for the Yankees. We all know how much Brian Cashman loves those. Now Matt Blake gets another pitcher he has to try and tune up. I will say if Blake can work his magic there COULD be an upside but it is a gamble. In 61 innings pitched last season he only gave up six home runs so it will be interesting to see if he can keep that success in New York. He also recorded 75 strikeouts so he has potential....but he does have some serious command issues holding him back but at 22 years old, he's still young enough to mold and get him ready for big league play.

Potential is always nice, but we are all tired of watching the Yankees go dumpster diving for projects. This strategy has blown up in our faces now with Camilo Doval and Jake Bird. Not to mention, there is still some trauma lingering from the failures of Clay Holmes, Mark Leiter Jr and Jonathan Loaisiga and honestly I could continue with this list but I am gonna save myself some PTSD....it's going to be a long season.

The Yankees and Astros swapped nobodies this weekend. As we sit and wait for the Yankees to make a deal for a difference maker, we all age a little more and grow more frustrated. These are not the moves of a contender, but a pretender.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

THE YANKEES MAKE SOME CHANGES BUT WE NEED MORE!

A week after the Yankees were eliminated in the ALDS by the Blue Jays and some coaching changes are being made. That could be music to any fan's ears but before we all get excited, will they be the "right" changes? 

Of course, we all want those changes to include Aaron Boone because he's a proven loser since 2018. He's a well liked loser though to Aaron Judge, Gerrit Cole and others so as much as we want to see him get dumped the Yankees have made no indication that he will be fired. Multiple sources, like the New York Post HERE say Baboonie is expected back for a ninth season, but a couple familiar faces will not be.

The Yankees are rumored to NOT be bringing back first base and infield coach Travis Chapman. That's not a big loss. After watching Anthony Volpe (VolpE6 as I call him) become a liability and the laughing stock of this team I think this is an early Christmas or Hanukkah gift! It's worth mentioning also that there was a public riff between Chapman and Baboonie back in August. Baboonie yelled at Chapman after a baserunning error from Jazz Chisholm and later expressed regret for it and wished that it was handled privately. Funny how Baboonie gets in a tizzy with Chapman and then he isn't invited back, huh?

The bigger name on this list of names not returning is longtime bullpen coach Mike Harkey. He's been around since 2008 and is one of Baboonie closest confidants. He's the only coach on this team that actually knows what it feels like to win a championship. He's not a regular face by any means but it is odd to think about a different guy in this role. Maybe it is time though after the Yankees bullpen finished with a 4.37 ERA and was the eighth highest in the majors.

After two years as the Yankees hitting coach James Rowson may be leaving the Bronx for a promotion. The Yankees have given the Minnesota Twins permission to speak to Rowson about potentially returning to Minnesota as their new manager. He previously was the Twins hitting coach from 2017-2019 and is highly respected there. Now that the Yankees achieved the highest-scoring offense in the majors this season under Rowson's coaching this feels like a no-brainer for the Twins if both sides want to reunite.

This is just the start. According to the Athletic HERE, Pitching coach Matt Blake and catching coordinator Tanner Swanson have club options. I would be surprised if Blake's option wasn't picked up because he has a lot of support with Cole and he didn't completely suck. Bench Coach Brad Ausmus and third-base coach Luis Rojas now have expired contracts. I'd be lying if I said I would miss Ausmus so I am going to spare you.

So the Yankees could look very different from a coaching perspective next year. But does it make a difference if Baboonie is still managing and Brian Cashman is pulling his puppet strings? It's still insanity no matter how you rejig everyone else.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @nyprincessj

THE YANKEES NEED MANY FIXES & FIXING FRIED IS A FREAKING MUST!

The list of all the things wrong with this team is far too long. I say this after the Yankees swept the Cardinals this weekend. That's a nice result, but the Yankees worked for that. It didn't come easy and if the Yankees don't figure it out and make changes....we may not have a postseason.

 The Yankees scraped back and won Saturday. It didn't look good early on. Max Fried turned in his eighth start in a row that look rough. He didn't look sharp. He was roughed up for seven runs on eight hits across five-plus innings. It was what we are used to seeing since July.....and we can't have that trend continue. The Yankees won because the offense picked him up.

The Yankees need the Fried that was on the mound for his first 17 starts of the season. That Fried had a 1.92 ERA and was an early favorite for a Cy Young award. Since then, he has been knocked around to a 6.80 ERA in his last eight starts. We need the Fried from early on in the season to show up and help this team compete for a postseason spot. He is a key piece to making this team competitive.

So Aaron Boone and Matt Blake need to get out there and get him back on track. There's a lot to fix, especially mechanically. Fried is off balance on pitches and forcing his off speed stuff. His control of the curveball is near nonexistent. His arm is flailing and resulting in wild pitches. When he throws, he falls off toward third which has resulted in 9 hit batsman which is the most in his career. If Blake can help him square up his delivery then his pitches will have more bite and more downward motion. He will keep more pitchers off balance and we will see him get through more innings and miss more bats.

On top of mechanical issues, Fried has dealt with blisters in the second half of the season. He's no stranger to this, he dealt with it regularly in Atlanta also. Seems he hasn't been the same since the blister issue showed up. You have to wonder if he has changed his grips to avoid the issue. If he has, it's obviously not working. so this could be a mental issue for him also. Mechanical issues paired with psyche concerns are not great odds when the Yankees are relying on Fried to be the ace this season.

The Yankees have a tough reality to face. Even if Fried is struggling, the Yankees need him. He's got the experience needed and we know he's got the talent because we saw it at the beginning of the season. We don't have enough pitching depth to imagine a world where Fried isn't available for the remainder of the season. 

Fried will be at the center of the Yankees fortunes or failures. There's no choice but to get him right....and NOW. There's no time to waste as the Yankees continue to play through an "easier" part of their schedule so every game matters. When Fried is on the mound, we need to see early season Fried....not this version. 

Get to work, Blake!

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

HOUSE OF HORRORS & LOSERS!

We asked WILL THE YANKEES RISE TO THE OCCASION? And now we know the answer is NO! There was no rising, only tripping, stumbling, falling and failing. This team is worse than the little league team your kids play on. Rogers Centre and the Blue Jays are the Yankees kryptonite. It's a house of horrors!

With a golden opportunity to tie for the AL East or at least narrow that three game lead in the AL East the Yankees failed. Now we are four games back. I've seen comments like "hey, at least the Yankees didn't get swept" and I can't take that as a consolation prize. That's not a reason to celebrate.

11 errors in 7 games.... that is horrific. Oh, and don't forget every run scored came from a home run. Without those, this team can't score a run if their lives depended on it. Rogers Centre is officially the house of horrors. We all know this team is as flawed as it gets. We see an offense that is nonexistent outside of home runs, a team that can't field and are not defensively sound. They lack fundamentals. Of course, Aaron Boone is delusional and plays better defense in post-game interviews then the Yankees do on the field. Baboonie....you CAN'T defend 4 errors in a game with several more balls just kicked around. This is NOT what a "good defensive" team looks like.

It's also not what real leadership allows to produce on the field game after game. Baboonie and Matt Blake are not capable of fixing this problem. Instead, as tensions rise in the dugout, they both get tossed after arguing a called strike three on Anthony Volpe.

The Yankees were close to losing all three games. The Yankees fundamentals have faltered consistently under Boone's "leadership." This isn't a new issue, it's just swept under the rug now and used as a punch line by other teams. The Dodgers exposed our weaknesses like a well-researched opponent would, and the Blue Jays just kicked us while we were down.

Boone isn't going to fix this. He has proven he can't fix or lead this team, but nothing is going to change. Hal Steinbrenner isn't going to hold Boone and his staff accountable. They just get a hall pass along with Brian Cashman. This team is flawed from ownership through every other facet of this organization like the medical team, trainers, scouts, analytics team, players and hell probably even the guys that maintain the field. This is not a well-oiled machine ready to compete in the World Series again. Hell, let's take a step back and talk about securing a Wild Card spot right now.

Thank the baseball gods we don't go back to Canada again for the rest of the season.....I can't stomach it anymore. The trade deadline is a week away.....adding one, two, or three pieces is NOT going to change the trajectory of this fundamentally challenged team. Sometimes the truth hurts.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

HOLY SCHLITT!

Dayum! Okay, seriously Cam Schlittler did his job in his first Yankees appearance. THAT was an impressive start of 5.1 innings pitched, 4 hits allowed, 3 earned runs, 2 walks, SEVEN strikeouts and a 99 mph laser ball, err I mean fastball. I don't think anyone could have predicted that. The Yankees needed a pick-me-up and good morale boost....and they got it. Now, can we get some more, please?

I have to admit I was pretty frustrated after hearing Clarke Schmidt was lost for the rest of this season and likely next year, too. It was like a punch to the gut. We already lost Gerrit Cole to Tommy John surgery and now a second Yankee starter is gone. Luis Gil is pitching again and working his way back, we won't see him until next month. We've had enough bad news lately.

But then comes Schlittler, rated the Yankees Number 10 prospect by MLB Pipeline. In 76 2/3 innings with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and Double-A Somerset this season, he posted a 2.82 ERA with 99 strikeouts and now he is on the big stage and he just made a strong case to stick around. Here's a reminder - in case you want to watch it again.

Schlittler looked good, damn good. He had a live arm, and I liked how he changed speeds with a curveball, but it needs fine tuning. He will need to develop another secondary pitch to keep lefties off balance. A change up or splitter would be preferable, but a cutter would also do the trick. He just needs another plus pitch to get hitters out. He gave the Mariners a run for their money, but eventually the league will catch on to him or the Yankees will misuse him and those pitches won't be as fast. This is the majors, you can't just rely on the fastball.

Now the question becomes, can the Yankees help develop that secondary pitch this season? I honestly don't know. This is the Yankees we are talking about. Analytically driven (too much) and Aaron Boone manages to screw up anything he touches....or even looks at. So hopefully Matt Blake can develop him instead of tear him down.

Speaking of that over analytically driven bullpen....What the hell was Boone thinking? He took him out with 1 away in the 6th after he blew away a guy with a 99mph fastball. Then he plugs in Jonathan Loaisiga of all people to throw a cookie on first pitch to give the Mariners two runs? Typical Baboonie move. It's a good thing the lead wasn't blown. What a doofus!

It's a win. A well-deserved (and earned) win. Not for nothing.... how can you not LOVE the reaction of Schlittler's family in the stands? That was a moment 15 years in the making, and it should be savored. 

Today was a GREAT day. We need more of these. Way to go, kid. I can't wait to see more.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

MATT BLAKE DOESN'T GET TO TELL US HOW TO FEEL AS FANS

Devin Williams can't handle the pressure of pitching in the Bronx. That's not a slight, that's not being nasty, that's a fact.  

What I don't get is how and why it was important to get this guy while we still had a guy like Luke Weaver waiting in the wings after he proved himself as the Yankees closer last season.  And so, with the news of Devin Williams moving out of the closer role, I was thrilled and also, by the way, it was the most obvious move to the casual observer. But sometimes the Yankees front office falls all over themselves to try and fit square pegs in round holes.  Whatever, the experiment with Williams didn't work, clearly. 

Now we have the Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake doing that tired move that Boone does, defends his guys like he's breaking up a fight on the kindergarten carpet during quiet time. What this guy forgets is we pay this guy's salary. We pay all their salaries, and so pardon us for being hard on a professional baseball player, playing a kid's game and not being very good at it. 

Fans get mad and fans should get mad. That's what being a fan is. Oh, you don't know what I'm talking about? Listen to this garbage, from the beginning...

Friday night the Bronx faithful did what we do best: voice our opinions. Loudly. Passionately. And yes, sometimes ruthlessly. Devin Williams took the mound and immediately gave off the vibe of a guy who’d rather be anywhere else—like, say, back in Milwaukee where high-pressure situations consist of choosing between cheese curds or bratwurst.

The crowd let him have it. Boos. Chants of “We want Weaver!” It was glorious. Cathartic. New York in its purest form. And then Matt Blake—Matt freakin’ Blake—decided to step in and scold us like a substitute teacher trying to tame a senior prank day. 

“It definitely doesn’t help,” he whined. “Negativity doesn’t make the situation better.” Relax Matt Blake, you never even played pro ball.

Excuse us, Coach Whisper. Since when did the pitching coach get promoted to the role of Public Morale Officer? Look, Matt, we didn’t sign up for your TED Talk on emotional resilience—we signed up to see games won. If a guy is blowing leads and melting down like a microwaved Mounds bar, yeah, he’s going to hear it. Welcome to the Bronx.

Blake went on to say, “The earlier we can nip that in the bud and stabilize things, the better.” No, no. The better thing would’ve been to realize Devin Williams isn’t cut out for the ninth inning in New York. That’s not bullying, that's cold, hard baseball reality. This isn't Milwaukee, Matt. You said it yourself: "There's more noise, more pressure." Exactly. And if your guy can't handle the heat, we will remind him.

Let’s not forget Clay Holmes. I liked Clay. Though he got dogpiled on too much. Maybe it was his face—people just didn’t trust it. Still, when Holmes couldn’t get the job done, guess what happened? He got demoted. Because that’s how grown-up teams with championship aspirations operate. They adjust. They act. They don’t hold pity parades for closers getting rattled by boos. Blake's ridiculous.

So, Devin Williams is out, and Luke Weaver is in. And you know what? It’s about time. Weaver has the guts, the grit, and the Bronx-approved demeanor to handle the closer role. That should’ve been obvious weeks ago. Instead, we had to watch Williams unravel while Matt Blake stood on the mound playing armchair psychologist.

And now, we Yankee fans are apparently the bad guys for booing? Please. We’re the ones paying to sit through bullpen implosions. We’re the ones emotionally investing night after night. We don’t “abuse” players—we react to performance. That’s the deal in New York. Don’t like it? Get on the first flight to Anywhere-Else-ville.

So, here’s a tip, Blake: Shut your pie hole and let fans be fans. We chirp. We groan. We boo and yes, sometimes we cheer. It’s part of the game, and if Williams can’t take it, then maybe this just isn’t the town for him.

We already knew Williams was soft. Now it looks like his pitching coach is too.

CARLOS RODON CRUMBLES... AGAIN!

I had this awful nightmare that Carlos Rodon gave up two more long balls to Jung Hoo Lee last night. I quickly realized my nightmare was a harsh reality and I'm reeling over here. What an awful weekend, and what an abysmal reminder that Rodon just doesn't have what it takes.

The Giants are feeling great right now and Lee looks like a superhero. I wish I could say the same for Rodon. I know he started off well, I liked seeing him retire 10 of the first 11 batters but the only thing that matters is the end result. Small sample size but it certainly looks like Lee has Rodon's number. First Lee took him deep on a slider and then in the sixth inning when it all fell apart, Rodon hung a curveball that Lee didn't miss. It went right over the right field wall for the go-ahead three run shot. It's the same story for Rodon, too many walks which leads to the big mistake.

To say pitching is a HUGE problem for us right now is the understatement of the century but with no Gerrit Cole or Luis Gil we need everyone to step up and deliver. Instead everyone not named Max Fried has been a liability. Yankees brass knows we need to make a move, we needed moves before the season started but here we are. No moves made with expectations to get back to a World Series with this pitching staff? That's a delusional pipedream.

Rodon's ERA is now 5.48 through 23 innings over four starts. The season is young, but he has already given up FIVE homeruns and 10 of his 14 earned runs this season have come from the long ball. Since the start of the 2024 season, he has given up 36 home runs which is the most in MLB. He's not getting the job done and Aaron Boone and Matt Blake don't know how to "fix" him. The only thing Boone can offer is more of his Boone babble on tv. "He's made a lot of big pitches. His stuff is prone to the long ball," Boone said. "Especially in certain situations, preventing that the best we can is a challenge."

We all know that Rodon's history in pinstripes shows history is repeating itself, there's no disputing that. His Achilles heel are his walks, which leads to more home runs and ultimately leads to failed outings and losses. Now that the Yankees refused to address the rotation months ago, we have no choice but to trust him and hope he figures it out and pitches like an ace. 

The Yankees have blundered here, just like Rodon has during his time with us. You can't rely on proven failing records and hope it magically changes and gets you back to the World Series....but here we are. The Yankees can only rely on more of the same from Rodon and I'm tired of writing about it.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

THE NEXT YANKEE RECLAMATION PROJECT IS HERE!

The Yankees like their projects, and the next one is here. As soon as I saw this, I knew it had Matt Blake feeling all happy and tingly. Michael Arias was designated for assignment by the Cubs on Sunday, and as of Wednesday he's a Yankee all for low price of cash considerations.

This is EXACTLY the move that we expect from the Yankees (even if it isn't met with enthusiasm), and it will be interesting to see how the Yankees mold him. The Yankees love relievers that throw hard, and that is exactly what they got with Arias. Maybe more so than what they bargained for because he has some control issues....and sometimes has no clue where the ball goes.

Okay, that might be a stretch but certainly sometimes the pitch he plans to throw is not what actually happens. Or, its location is not what was intended. There's some work to be done there but, there's also potential. The Yankees also have room on their 40-man roster so, this was an easy no-brainer in the minds of Yankee brain trust.

So, what are the Yankees working with? Raw talent. Arias was ranked as the 18th best prospect and the ability to throw a fastball near 100 mph. Last season, Arias struck out 72 and walked 48 in 60.1 innings while pitching to a 4.77 ERA. The power behind his fastball and sinking changeup are impressive to watch but the walks and control issues are a real concern. There is raw talent, especially for a 23-year-old who was converted from a shortstop four years ago.... but there is a lot of work to be done.

So, this is where Matt Blake comes in and hopefully polishes him up. Arias only cost the Yankees cash, so they have nothing to lose here. That being said, the walks need to be fixed and even if the Yankees can't "fix" him they got this kid for nothing. What’s the downside? It also doesn’t mean they can’t still add a second or third baseman which they desperately need. Even if it doesn't happen.... it's not because of the Arias addition. 

So, is this Brian Cashman dumpster diving again....or a promising reclamation project? We'll have to wait and see but considering how economical this move is, I don't hate it. Hopefully in the future it works out and I will love it. 

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

COLE CRACKS UNDER PRESSURE & LEAVES ME WITH DOUBT FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER!

I'm still trying to wrap my head around Saturday's game. I blinked thousands of times thinking what I saw was an illusion. Gerrit Cole doesn't intentionally walk a guy with one out and nobody on! That doesn't happen.... that's crazy! But it did.

It makes no sense. So WHY did it happen? There have been so many stories posted about this with different viewpoints. No matter what the reasoning is behind it, it just shouldn't have happened. It's just another Aaron Boone screw up. Why that decision in that scenario would even play out is just a huge baseball blunder. Baboonie says he takes the blame for it HERE but that just isn't good enough.

Call it a miscommunication all you want, but that strategy with Matt Blake and Cole in the tunnel was a disaster. Were there no scenarios discussed at all? Baseball is a game of strategy, but it sounds like the strategy was completely omitted. It sounds like it was just a "don't pitch to Rafael Devers" conversation gone wrong. Intentional walks certainly have their place in baseball.... just not there.

So has Gerrit Cole lost his nerve? He's always been a big game pitcher and embraced it.... until Saturday. I've always believed that Cole puts a lot of thought and analysis into his starts. He's calculated against batters, has a plan and knows their strengths and weaknesses. He also knew that Devers had his number, his .333BA and nine home runs painted an ugly picture. Cole knew Devers was going to be a thorn in his side. He needed to calculate accordingly on Saturday, and he failed. Cole said he thought he bought into the plan early on, and then Baboonie said Cole did overthink it.

Cole the big game pitcher wasn't on that mound when Devers came to the plate. He wanted no part of Devers, he was focused on Devers stats against him. The current Cy Young pitcher was missing in action, that's the only explanation I have there. You don't become one by backing down from opponents. You have to show some swagger and guts. That's not what we saw on Saturday, because you don't intentionally walk a guy in the fourth inning with one out and nobody on. That's when you ATTACK the strike zone and go balls to the wall. 

So what has happened to Cole? Is he still an ace? I'm not going to lie.... I see him differently now. He backed down against Devers and the lowly Red Sox. The team on the outside looking in for post season berth. Even if Devers would've homered off him, it would've only been one run instead of seven over two innings of work. He lost it. The question is, did he lose it just once.... or has he lost it for good?

I want to forget Saturday. Maybe not as much as Cole....but that was bad. That wasn't an ace on the mound Saturday. I just hope he comes back because we need him now more than ever.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

LUIS GIL HITS THE IL - WHAT DO THE YANKEES DO NOW?

Not the news I wanted to see on a Wednesday....but it's happened. It can always be worse, but Luis Gil is on the shelf for the next 15 days. I've enjoyed watching him this season and I'm just going to tell myself that this is just a temporary pause. He will be back soon because honestly, this could be a lot worse.

Gil has a lower back strain. Granted, no injury is "good" but some are definitely worse than others and considering Gil had Tommy John surgery in May 2022 I am thankful we aren't talking about an arm, shoulder or elbow injury here. I never feel confident in anything Aaron Boone has to say, but he believes Gil won't be out long and when he does return, he will resume his starting duties, read more HERE.

I'm thinking about to June, we wrote YANKEES TEASE A "TIMEOUT" COMING FOR LUIS GIL! where Matt Blake said Gil may get a "timeout" or get a breather in the bullpen. The Yankees have already been thinking about this early on, so this may be the perfect reason for the Yankees to make this move. It would be a tough decision to make in the middle of a good rookie season.

Gil needed a breather at some point. To date, Gil has logged 124.2 innings, which is unchartered territory for him. His workload has always been a concern for the Yankees, especially after missing the better part of two seasons after his surgery. Before this season his previous career high in innings pitched was 108 back in 2021. I get why the Yankees are concerned about his workload; I just hope they make smart decisions that don't cause more harm to Gil.

For now, Will Warren was recalled from Triple-A and he will fill in for Gil. Warren made his MLB debut back on July 30th and had an 8.59 ERA through three starts. It certainly isn't a sexy looking stat for Warren but I'm thinking big picture here. Yankees need to make sure Gil gets the rest he needs and his back heals to fight off the Orioles to win the AL East and make a push into the postseason.

Rest up Gil, we need ya.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

YANKEES TEASE A "TIMEOUT" COMING FOR LUIS GIL!

Thank the baseball gods so far this season for Luis Gil! He has been on a tear this season, but there is still a long way to go. He's in his first year back after Tommy John surgery and the Yankees will err on the side of caution and look for ways to limit his workload as we approach the midpoint of the season.

Sounds a lot like an innings limit, but the Yankees won't call it an innings limit. In fact, back in March the Yankees said Gil would have no innings restrictions, read more HERE but now the Yankees are back peddling to this. Is anyone surprised?

We shouldn't be. All of us want nothing more than to watch Gil pitch effectively for the rest of the season and stay healthy. The Yankees have their own ideas (historically bad ones), and you can feel free to throw in the Joba Chamberlain reference starting now. The Yankees ruined Joba. We all hope they learned their lesson with that but I'm skeptical.

A lot has changed since the Joba days, even Matt Blake admits it. Back in March, The Post wrote "Blake noted all the tools that now exist to measure strength and flexibility between starts and if a pitcher is, for example, lowering his arm angle during a game, as a way to assess red flags." So baseball today is more advanced, you can do more than just limit innings. You can actually see more meaningful data that helps a team understand how a pitcher is handling their current workload.

But even with that insight, Blake says Gil still might get a "timeout" or spend some time in the bullpen. So basically, the routine Gil has now likely won't be what he has in the near future. Needless to say, I am not a fan of the Yankees tactic, based on what Blake described. It just sounds like another mistake waiting to happen.

We all know pitchers THRIVE on routine. Starters structure their daily activities so they are ready to take the ball every fifth day. They have other routines they follow between starts. Not for nothin, after watching Gil's last start against the Dodgers on Sunday I don't want to change a single thing he is doing right now. As the saying goes, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." He's on a tear, let him stay on his current course!

I'm not a fan of Blake's "timeout" idea or the idea of moving him to the bullpen. A relief pitcher has a completely different routine and if the Yankees bounce Gil around like they did Joba they will burn him out and he will get hurt again. 

Gil has pitched 75 innings already this season. Bouncing him to the bullpen is not the answer to limit his workload. The Yankees need to be smarter than this and learn from their mistakes. The only person who needs a "timeout" is Blake for his stupid suggestion.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj