THE CLINT FRAZIER BARGAINING CHIP

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Hoping that one day he can carve out his own niche in the Bronx, both Casey and I have stated that we hope Clint Frazier remains a New York Yankee. Now apparently, according to this piece from the New York Daily News, so does Brian Cashman.

"Hours after Domingo German’s disastrous start on Sunday, Brian Cashman told Bruce Beck on NBC Sports Final: 'I think our starting pitching is good enough, but we want to make it better.'

The Yankees GM, though, would prefer not to part with Clint Frazier to get another impact piece in the rotation.

Photo: Getty Images

'We’re lucky to have him,' Cashman said of Frazier. 'He’s getting better. He’s a toolbox that every year since we’ve gotten him he’s exponentially improved.'” 

All GM's play cat and mouse leading up to the deadline saying things that they hope will drive up the price of certain players. How much of it is true? Only Cashman knows for sure. He says he thinks the pitching is good enough. I would love to know what his definition of good enough is though.

Photo: Getty Images

Personally, as it stands right now I don't believe this pitching staff is good enough to win the World Series. You heard it here first kids.  It might not even be good enough to win the division.  Sure, they've gotten some good starts out of the rookies German and Loaisiga. Yet, for every good start, there has been one that is equally as bad. Plus, Jordan Montgomery is done for the year and Masahiro Tanaka is currently on the shelf.

Photo: Getty Images

CC Sabathia has been good, but you always have to wonder how his knee will hold up throughout the year. And Sonny Gray... oh Sonny. He's been inconsistent at best.

Look, Cashman can say he thinks the pitching staff is good enough all he wants. If you ask me though, it's all smoke and mirrors trying to get all he can out of a player like Clint Frazier.

Photo: Getty Images

I am convinced he will unload Clint. I really hope I'm wrong and the Yankees hold onto him. I love his flair and passion and I see him as something every team needs.

Bottom line, I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

--Michael Carnesi
BYB Junior Writer
Twitter: @sevn4evr

BLAKE SNELL? I NEVER THOUGHT OF THAT

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Despite the great starts the Yankees got from Jonathan Loaisiga and Domingo German recently, it is pretty much a foregone conclusion that the Yankees will soon be seeking pitching.

It's been one of the biggest topics of conversation in almost any newspaper or Yankee blog out there. It's that time of year again where everyone will be pointing out who might be available and where they should go. Combing through various articles, I came across this one from NJ.com proposing a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays for Blake Snell.  If anything, it's interesting...

Photo: Getty Images

"The Athletics' Jim Bowden, former GM of the Reds and Nationals, imagined a deal between the Rays and Yankees: Yankees land Blake Snell from the Tampa Bay Rays for Justus Sheffield, Erik Swanson and Clint Frazier."

Photo: Getty Images

Sitting here looking at this deal, I'd like to say no way. I, like Casey would love to see Red Thunder stay in the Bronx and develop. I would also love to see what Sheffield can do. After meeting and watching him pitch this last fall in the AFL, I sort of developed a soft spot for this kid. I feel like this might be a little bit of an overpay, but unfortunately the Yankees are going to have to overpay for any pitcher that could be of help. Every team in baseball knows that's what the Yankees are after and they're going to be asking a king's ransom. Especially when that pitcher is young and under team control for four and a half more years.

Photo: Adam Hunger /AP

Could Snell be an answer for the Yankees? A look at his numbers seems to suggest it. The big positive here would be that he does have experience in the AL East where he's beat the Red Sox twice and the Yankees once this year. He also just pitched a great game ending the Astros win streak.

My main question is, would he be able to replicate what he has done in Tampa Bay and do that in the bright lights of New York?

I wonder what's going on in Cashman's mind.

--Michael Carnesi
BYB Junior Writer
Twitter: @sevn4evr

DRURY VS. AUSTIN & THE 'GOOD PLAYER' YANKEE PROBLEM

Since he's finished his rehab, Brandon Drury has been stuck in purgatory in Scranton/Wilkes Barre. Last week BYB Managing Editor Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa posted her piece about Drury being down in the dumps giving her thoughts. Since then, the New York Post says this about Drury and how he may have found a path back to the Bronx...

"Brandon Drury started at first base for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Tuesday night against Rochester, driving in both runs in a 2-0 win and playing errorless ball in the field. It was Drury’s initial start at first this season after appearing in a combined 38 games as the DH or at third for Double-A Trenton and SWB."

Expanding his versatility is most definitely the best way back to the Majors for Drury. If he can add first base to a resume that already includes 2nd and 3rd, it could be most beneficial to him and the Yankees.

Now, look, I can hear you saying "but we have Tyler Austin, what about him?"  I get that. That's Casey's guy... I hear you. The best thing way to answer that question is to send him somewhere where he can get the playing time he deserves.  You heard it here first, I'm going against the BYB grain. Mired in a slump since the return of Greg Bird, Tyler needs to play and get back into the swing of things. He doesn't need to worry about if he's finally going to play or if he will be riding the pine.

While personally, I love Tyler... it is my belief that at this moment the best place for him is Scranton/Wilkes Barre and playing first base for the Railriders. The Yankees at this time have the problem of too many good players. There is only so much playing time to go around. Unfortunately, someone will be on the outside looking in. While it's a good problem for the Yankees to have, it does suck for the players involved.

With the kids the Yankees have and the way they're playing, players like Brandon Drury, Neil Walker, Tyler Austin and Ronald Torreyes are all getting screwed a bit. But hopefully with the trade deadline approaching, things will be worked out. I'm not going to go into who should go and who shouldn't... but I will go out on a limb and say someone will.

Stay tuned...

--Michael Carnesi
BYB Junior Writer
Twitter: @sevn4evr

THE OBSESSION WITH MICHAEL FULMER

Photo: Getty Images

Just recently, I wrote a piece about the Yankees pitching problems. If you get a chance, check it out... it's titled YANKEE PITCHING PROBLEMS INDEED.

Photo: Getty Images

Since then, it has been learned that Jordan Montgomery underwent Tommy John surgery making the situation a bit worse. Plus, now there's this hamstring-gate situation where some in Yankeeland are concerned about tightness in Masahiro Tanaka's hamstring, yet, Aaron Boone and Tanaka are kind of downplaying it and even Boone is expecting Tanaka to make his next start.

Photo: Getty Images

The point is, you can almost be certain that the Yankees will be on the prowl for pitching as the non-waiver trade deadline approaches. There should be many names surfacing over the next few weeks as teams decide whether or not they will sell. One name that has been mentioned since last year has been Michael Fulmer of the Detroit Tigers.

Now look, I don't feel that Fulmer would be a wise choice at this point. In fact, this piece from the New York Post seems to think he is the dangerous choice. Check this out:

Photo: AP

"Michael Fulmer’s days in Detroit seem numbered, and while the Yankees showed some interest in the right-hander during the offseason, the former Mets prospect hasn’t looked like much of an upgrade to their rotation this year. The 25-year-old checks several of the Yankees’ boxes, from his age, to his ability to throw into the mid-to-high 90s, as well as the fact he’s not even arbitration eligible and would allow them to add a starter and stay well under the $197 million luxury tax threshold."

Photo: Getty Images

Now while Fulmer DOES check many of the boxes for what Brian Cashman and the Yankees have been trying to do, I really hope they don't go down this road and obtain another pitcher they hope will do well. The key word there is "Hope".  Especially, when you consider that no team is going to trade a young pitcher who is under team control for nothing.  It would probably end up costing an arm and a leg to get him. The Yankees have that, but do they want to part with our solid prospects?

If Brian Cashman is going to make a trade for a pitcher, that pitcher has to be almost a sure thing. With a rotation full of maybes, now is not the time for another maybe.

Yes, the Yankees need another pitcher, but it's gotta be a guy  that makes us fans say, "We got this!"

Stay tuned on this one...

--Michael Carnesi
BYB Junior Writer
Twitter: @sevn4evr

YANKEE PITCHING PROBLEMS INDEED

As of right now, I'm not so sure I can trust any pitcher on the Yankees staff not named Luis Severino. I'm serious! Something needs to change in the Bronx if the mighty New York Yankees are going to win a championship.  Unless Aaron Boone and coaching staff have some kind of magic potion, I predict a potential collapse. Something needs to change from within.

Photo: New York Post

There have been many signs this year that the Yankees need to improve their pitching. This piece by John Harper from Monday in the New York Daily News gives us just the latest example. It's a good piece... check it out:

"October is a long, long way off, but it seems clear that if the path to a World Series goes through Houston, the Yankees are going to have to outpitch the Astros to beat them, starting with Justin Verlander.

If this were the postseason, of course, Luis Severino would have been matched up against the Astros' ace, and they'll take their chances with that matchup every time. "

Photo: AP

I want you to think about that for a second, because believe it or not, it's powerful. Offense makes the game fun, but it's pitching that ultimately wins championships. Right now the Houston Astros have pitching and the Yankees staff is not exactly up to par with them. Sure, they won a few against the 'Srtros, but this is the regular season.  I worry about the playoffs. I really do.

While the four pitchers that follow Severino in our rotation have all shown promise, they don't leave much confidence at the end of the day and perhaps at the end of the season.

Remember, the "Yankees need pitching" people were saying that last year like it was some kind of revelation. But Cash listened and at the trade deadline, Cashman went out and got pitching. Needless to say, those same sentiments are being said again this year. Last year Jaime Garcia was not the answer and so far Sonny Gray isn't what we thought he was. That just leaves me to wonder what Cashman and the Yankee brass will do for an encore.

Many ideas have been floating around for months. Something has got to give, and unfortunately I have a feeling it is going to cost the Yankees dearly. Some of these prospects we don't want to let go of will have to be let go eventually.

Pitching is important to this Yankee team.  The Yankees are good, but with that extra "big" arm, they could really be great. Especially down the stretch.  Let's hope we get smart here.

--Michael Carnesi
BYB Junior Writer
Twitter: @sevn4evr

PASSIONATE YANKEE FANS & GIANCARLO STANTON

Photo: AP

Sometimes reading the posts by Yankee fans on Twitter or just hearing certain fans talk makes me want to cringe. Most of the time I'll just sit here laughing about it all, and wonder "What is this guy thinking?"

Look, I don't say too much because as you and I know, there is no arguing passionate Yankee fans. We love who we love, we are critical who we're critical of and that's it!  Passionate fans believe what they want to believe, and at that moment, there is no way to change their minds. Funny thing is the minute something goes great and things start to fall into place, those same passionate fans are very forgiving and sometimes forgetful of the things they've spewed before. Interesting, right?

Just a few short weeks ago, Giancarlo Stanton was getting booed off the field. We all remember... some of you were in the front row. Lately though, Giancarlo has found a groove and has ran with it. This piece from the New York Post talks about how he's finally settling into Yankee pinstripes. I like this line alot...

Photo: Getty Images

"Routines are firmly in place. The swing is coming together and, most of all, Giancarlo Stanton is figuring out what it means to be a Yankee nearly 50 games into his pinstripe life."

Now... the question. Did the Yankees need him? I don't believe they did. He's more of a luxury kind of guy that buys a Ferrari when he already has a Lamborghini. 

Do the Yankees have other pressing needs? I believe they do, but with the way Gleyber Torres is playing, they didn't need Starlin Castro either. See what I'm saying? It's happened many times in the past. A "superstar" from another team goes to the Yankees and struggles for a bit, sometimes their entire tenure in the Bronx. Then one day... something clicks and they take off, leaving behind the city that was more easy going and had less media attention.

Look, I get it, I really do, the Yankees didn't need him. That's kind of silly to discuss after the fact. My take quite simply is there's no need to debate and argue about it. The Yankees have him and he's there to stay. Just be happy that things are finally coming together, folks... and the big man is settling into his pinstripes.

In a sport that is all about numbers, Giancarlo Stanton starting to show it. Let's hope it sticks, and the way I see it, like the move or hate it, he's in pinstripes... root for him.


--Michael Carnesi
BYB Junior Writer
Twitter: @sevn4evr

BETTER... IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER

As I have stated here many times on the pages of Bleeding Yankee Blue, I really hope the Yankees look at what they have before going out and signing the big free-agents.  Our team is young, energetic and solid.  I'd hate to mess with that first off... and secondly... what do we really need at this point.  Let the kids play.

To further back my stance, I really loved this piece from Mike Mazzeo of the New York Daily News...

Source: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images North America

"It's still strange seeing the payroll disparity between the Red Sox and the Yankees: $234.2 million versus $169.4 million, according to Spotrac. But hey, Brian Cashman and Co. have been able to make it work despite the nearly $65 million differential, relying more on Baby Bombers than big bucks — at least relative to how things used to be in the Bronx."

Photo: Getty Images

After a few weeks of people talking and tweeting like it's the end of the world in Yankeeland, something happened.  Rhythm.  A word Casey, our BYB chief likes to use here.  You find a team in a rhythm and you find a team that not only finishes each others sentences, but picks each other up after a snag, or learns to work together... some how, some way, a different guy every night.  Whatever it is... rhythm is happening for our New York Yankees.

Things are starting to look brighter. The people that were complaining and wanting new players are suddenly very excited. The joy of winning has returned to the Bronx after an amazing three-week run.

Photo: Getty Images

Look, is everything perfect? Of course not, and it never will be...this is baseball. The Yankees don't have the best player at every position and in my opinion, they don't need to. They need players that play together and have fun on the field.

The best way to have that is having kids that are brought up together and familiar with each other. Mix that in with veterans who guide and teach through experience, and something valuable happens. Trust. That is the true definition of a team. These types are teams are the ones that win championships, not nine individuals who have to learn what the other is about only to have that change in a year or two.

It's kind of like the guy who dumped his girlfriend for a girl he thinks is more beautiful. Eventually, someday he might realize what he had was better. 

It's not about what it looks like on paper, folks. It's what they do on the field.  Better on paper? That doesn't always translate to better on the field...

--Michael Carnesi
BYB Junior Writer
Twitter: @sevn4evr

ROOTING FOR CLINT FRAZIER

Source: Elsa/Getty Images North America

On April 26th, Clint Frazier started playing in rehab games for Tampa. Last week, he was re-assigned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre.  The question... when will Frazier, if at all, return to the big show.

According to this great piece found on NJ.com, Frazier wants to make it back ASAP.

"Clint Frazier wants to be back with the Yankees as soon as possible, though it's unclear how he'd fit.

Source: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images North America

'I'm just trying to get things back in the groove and hopefully things come around pretty quickly and I can get back up there as fast as I can,' Frazier said Tuesday.'"

Look, I get it. What player doesn't want to make it to the Bigs. After all, Clint had a taste of it and he wants more. The main question here, as stated in the article, where does he fit? I know right there's no place for the man.  And it stinks, because we all want him up.  But much like Rob Refsnyder, while talented, he's a man without a spot. You gotta wonder if trading Frazier is in his future... I mean, right?

Photo: Time

Thank God I'm not Brian Cashman and have to make this decision. Look, I like Clint Frazier and the energy he brings to the team. I hope they keep him, but with the wealth of outfielders the Yankees currently... I mean come on. Aaron Judge isn't going anywhere.

Photo: New York Times

I don't see them trading Aaron Hicks or Giancarlo Stanton, and while Brett Gardner might be on his last legs in New York with this current big time slump, I still don't see anything happening here until next year when it comes to Red Thunder and even then, the Yankees have Estevan Florial waiting in the wings who the Yankees have deemed untouchable.

Photo: Times Leader

Root for Frazier, folks. I know I am, but I'm worried we won't see him in pinstripes. Best of luck to him though. As great as the Yankees are with what they already have, fitting Frazier's square peg into their round hole will be tricky.

--Michael Carnesi
BYB Junior Writer
Twitter: @sevn4evr

TORRES & THE TOE

I love Ronald Torreyes.

Photo: Getty Images

As I stated in a piece I wrote last August, titled simply THE TOE, he is the type of player that every team needs. He knows his place, he does what is asked and never complains. And if he's not needed that game, no problem... "I'm here if you need me", and usually at some point, the Yankees need him. He even goes above and beyond to help others. The Toe is a class act. This piece in NJ.com has this nugget.  We love stuff like this at BYB...

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"All week, Gleyber Torres has been at Ronald Torreyes' hip. When Torres, the Yankees' top prospect, was called up for his debut Monday, Torres spent much of his time between innings resting against the dugout fence, chatting with Torreyes, the beloved utility man...

'He calls me, I call him,' Torres said recently. 'Not just about baseball, but about family and everything. He's my friend.'"

Photo: USA Today Sports

But that bond is significant, because it's about getting new players up to speed, working with them, never putting yourself first, but about getting all the Yankee players up to speed... because ultimately its about winning together.  

Photo: Getty Images

Since his acquisition from the Chicago Cubs, we've all heard the hype surrounding Gleyber Torres. In fact, I got to watch as he won MVP in the Arizona Fall League. The kid is damn good and I believe he is where he is going to be for a long, long time. Yet, no matter how good he is, we all know New York is not the easiest place to make it. That's why I love what Torreyes is doing. Helping him with the comfort of being in the Bigs on a team like the New York Yankees.

Photo: Getty Images

Folks, this is a great time to have Ronald Torreyes as his friend. Torres should suck up every morsel of time he has with Torreyes. All these players should.  And for the Toe, well, we tip our cap here at BYB.

Nice piece, Kuty.

--Michael Carnesi
BYB Junior Writer
Twitter: @sevn4evr