SABATHIA DEFENDS VOLPE, BUT THE ARGUMENT FALLS FLAT

Sure, I get why CC Sabathia is backing Anthony Volpe — I really do. CC’s a Yankee legend, a straight shooter, a guy who bleeds pinstripes. Of course he’s going to support the kid. But let’s not act like this is breaking news. It’s not. It’s not even a headline — unless you’re desperate to make it one.

Here’s the truth: CC is the best, but CC in my opinion, is wrong. And that’s fine. You don’t need advanced analytics, exit velocities, or “projected WAR” to figure this out — just use your eyeballs. Watch Volpe flail at the plate. Watch him get lost in the field. Watch Aaron Boone drool over his golden boy like he’s the second coming of Derek Jeter. Even the beat writers who’ve covered this team for decades know Volpe isn’t it right now — many just won’t say it out loud, some do, and I respect that.

The other night, Boone finally benched Volpe and started José Caballero at shortstop. Guess what? Caballero didn’t do much hitting ninth, but at least shortstop wasn’t a circus act. That was the smartest move Boone’s made all year. And yesterday? Volpe’s back in the lineup. That’s not just bad managing — that’s malpractice. The kid needs a week on the bench. A full mental reset. But no, Boone can’t quit his obsession.

Now, CC’s telling people to relax, using Miguel Andújar as an example — you know, the guy the Yankees jerked around for years, switched positions on, didn't allow to have consistency and eventually they dumped him. And somehow, after a long road, he’s still in the Majors. Good for Andújar. Really. But comparing him to Volpe? Nonsense. Andújar never got consistent at-bats or a stable role until he found a team to allow him to blossom. Volpe’s been handed both on a silver platter and still hasn’t figured it out. In other words, the Yankees have been consistent letting Volpe play, but Volpe isn't good, but they still give him chances.  they never did that to Miguel.

CC even tossed out Gary Sánchez’s name, saying with patience he could’ve still been the Yankees’ catcher. Yeah, about that — Sánchez got run out of town because he didn’t hustle, couldn’t block, and looked allergic to effort. He had plenty of chances; he just didn’t care enough. That’s not Volpe’s issue — but it’s still the same result: too much rope, not enough production.

Look, Volpe’s not a rookie anymore. He’s had flashes, sure, but consistency isn’t just lacking — it’s vanished. If you’re out there every single day and you’re still awful, that’s not a slump, that’s who you are right now. And if Boone refuses to adjust, that’s on him too.

So yeah, CC’s saying the “right” things publicly. He’s a company guy. He’s not going to blast a young player in front of cameras. But behind closed doors? There’s no way the competitor in CC doesn’t know the truth: Volpe needs to sit. The kid’s not good right now, and no amount of blind loyalty is going to change that.

My opinion right now, and I love Sabathia!

GIO URSHELA'S STILL GOT IT

The Oakland Athletics are keeping the offseason interesting, and the latest chapter involves none other than Gio Urshela! Now, I’ll admit, I had this wild scenario in the back of my mind where the Yankees swooped in, gave Gio a spot at third, and shifted Jazz Chisholm over to second base. Hey, it could’ve worked, right? But alas, Gio is off to Oakland, and honestly, I couldn’t be happier for the guy.

Last season, Gio posted 104 hits, 9 home runs, a .250 batting average, and 52 RBIs while splitting time with the Atlanta Braves and Detroit Tigers. He’s that steady veteran you can count on—a guy who doesn’t strike out much and is always looking to put the ball in play. Sure, he’s not exactly a power-hitter, but his glove at third? That’s where he really shines. Gio is a defensive wizard, and the A’s are lucky to get him in their infield.

Plus, Gio isn’t flying solo in Oakland. He’ll be reunited with former Yankee teammates Miguel Andujar and Luis Severino, which feels like a bit of a reunion tour. I’ve always been a fan of Gio—he’s just one of those guys who quietly goes about his business, does his job, and gets it done without all the drama. So, while I’m still daydreaming about a Yankees-Gio reunion, I’m thrilled he’s got a fresh start in Oakland.

Wishing Gio all the best with the A’s! You’ve earned it, my dude.

MIGUEL ANDUJAR GETS ANOTHER SHOT IN THE BIGS!

It's a small story, but an important one only because it's just another guy that the Yankees had down on the farm and got rid of.  It's Miguel Andujar who's with the Pittsburgh Pirates now.

Fastball on Fan Nation writes:

"As rosters expand to start the month of September, the Pittsburgh Pirates are giving former New York Yankees young star Miguel Andujar another chance in the big leagues...

The 28-year-old has hit .338 in Triple-A this season with 16 home runs and 86 RBI. He's certainly worth the flier for a Pittsburgh team that is 61-73 and in fourth place in the National League Central."

If anything, you have to admire his courage and resilience. Never give up baby!

ESTEVAN FLORIAL & HIS WILD RIDE

I have always liked Estevan Florial just like I used to love Miguel Andujar. The Yankees had these guys, groomed these guys and eventually they both saw some time in the major leagues with the Yankees. But much like Yankee fans do, the Yankees too moved onto "the next shiny toy".  If you all remember, Andujar moved on... to the Pirates. We wrote MIGUEL ANDUJAR JUST OUTRIGHTED BY THE PIRATES back in January.  Well then it became Florial's turn.

MLB Trade Rumors writes:

"The Yankees announced that outfielder Estevan Florial has been outrighted to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He had been designated for assignment last week when the club added Colten Brewer to its roster.

Florial, 25, has been on the Yankees’ roster since November of 2019. He’s hit just .185/.302/.278 in the big leagues so far for a wRC+ of 69, indicating he’s been 31% worse than the league average hitter. He also struck out in a third of his plate appearances at the big league level.

Despite that uninspiring performance, it comes as a surprise to see Florial pass through waivers unclaimed. "

Yup, you read that right. Just when you thought Florial would be claimed after being on waivers and end his time in the Bronx, nothing happens.  And so, MLB Trade Rumors goes on:

"Florial will now stick with the Yankees but without occupying a spot on their 40-man roster. Since this is his first career outright and he has less than three years of MLB service time, he doesn’t have the right to reject the assignment and elect free agency. He’ll report to the RailRiders "

A tough place to be in. So, what should Florial do? Continue to work. 

I'm a fan. I know this kid can make it. He's 25, hardly old and still totally moldable. I have faith. I want him to succeed.

GONZO! SO LONG, ANDUJAR

No big surprise here, but Miguel Andujar is officially gonzo!

Andujar got a new home, just like he wanted. Maybe not exactly like he wanted, it took quite a while but it did finally happen. His most recent request to be traded happened back in June and honestly I wanted him to get his wish which is why I wrote I'M TEAM ANDUJAR BECAUSE THE YANKEES MAKE BAD DECISIONS! It was sickening to watch Andujar get passed over for worthless scrubs like Joey Gallo and Aaron Hicks but things have a way of working themselves out.

So now Andujar is a Pittsburgh Pirate and I hope it works out for him. He deserves to get some playing time ad not be stashed away in the minors as a 27-year old infielder / outfielder fill in. Is he the greatest baseball player? No, hardly. He's a far cry from where he was back in 2018 but he's not getting any younger and he has no opportunity as a Yankee. 

It's funny to look back now and think about how the Pirates asked the Yankees to include Andujar and Clint Frazier in a trade to get Gerrit Cole and the Yankees said NO. The Yankees considered Andujar to be untouchable at the time, and here we are four years later and the Pirates got him for free.

Now Andujar gets to reunite in Pittsburgh with several other ex-Yankees including Manny Banuelos, Greg Allen and Ben Gamel just to name a few. Hopefully this is the only similarity that Andujar sees on his new team because he deserves a clean slate.

So this is it....it is finally the end. It was a long time coming, too. I really think the Yankees should've cut the strings sooner and it is only being done now to free up roster space because it's just another thing the Yankees can't seem to manage properly. Andujar can finally pack his bags, get a fresh start and stop thinking about the Yankees.

Good luck to you, Andujar. I am sorry it didn't work out for you here, but best of luck to you in Pittsburgh.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj 

ANDUJAR'S BACK - BUT FOR HOW LONG?

It sucks to see Miguel Andjuar get another opportunity due to Matt Carpenter's injury. I wanted to see Andujar get his opportunity because Joey Gallo sucked and was useless. Then I realize how crappy this situation is. So Andujar is back but.....for how long?

I know A LOT of people who have been crying for Andujar to get "a fair shot" as they all have told me. I've been told several times he is an underdog and you can make arguments that he is and he isn't. Depending on your own argument, it is the ultimate reminder that we as fans grow attached to our favorites and to MLB this is all business.

And it is for players like Andujar, too. He has hit well and produced in Triple-A this year but hasn't had consistent, lasting success in the big leagues since 2018....and that's a scary thought in 2022 for a 27-year old. Since 2019, Andujar has a .231 BA, 7 HR's, 7 doubles, 1 triple in 312 MLB at bats. Those aren't pretty stats.

So now here we are again - Andujar is back in the show and I know I want to see him catch lightning in a bottle because this could be his last stint with the team. Sure, he's not a free agent until 2025 but the Yankees have been keeping him down in Triple-A because he just doesn't fit on this team. Andujar fans can tell me I'm being mean....or whatever name you want to call me but it is true. He's 27 and not a regular for the Yankees. He could and would be on many other teams....but not this one.

So I really hope that Andujar makes the most of this opportunity. It's August, the end of the regular season will be here before we know it. At the end of the season the Yankees will have to make a decision about if they want to commit to Andujar and my gut tells me.....that's just not going to happen.

Sorry Miggy fans.....don't be mad at me. As I have always said, if I am wrong I will own it and I can honestly say I would also be okay with it.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

COULD AARON HICKS' TRIP TO IL TRIGGER A TRADE WITH KANSAS CITY?

The Yankees kicked off a three day stint with the Cincinnati Reds Tuesday night and what seemingly appeared to be just another typical game in the Bronx, turned into much more. In the third inning, Aaron Hicks took a pitch off his shin and left the game barely able to walk. According to Bryan Hoch, "Aaron Hicks is leaving the game after fouling a ball off his right shin. Was hardly able to put pressure on the leg as he hobbled off the field." In typical Twitter fashion, fans called for the Bombers to quickly get a deal done for outfielder Andrew Benintendi, who the Yankees have shown interest in for some time. Could this trip for the IL for Hicks be the trigger for a trade with the Royals?

Source: SI.com

According to MLB Network's Jon Morosi on Monday, "Yankees are looking at a number of outfielders on the trade market, with Royals CF Michael A. Taylor among them. Taylor won a Gold Glove in center last year and would help Aaron Boone to keep Judge, Stanton, and Hicks healthy in 2nd half and postseason." With Hicks likely out for a while given his injury record, will the Yankees move quicker to get a deal done with Taylor or Benintendi?

Source: USA TODAY Sports

"Benintendi has been one of the more productive outfielders in baseball this season, getting on base at a terrific clip and maintaining above-average overall numbers despite lacking power in his bat. He's also a solid defender in left field who won an American League Gold Glove award less than a year ago for his efforts in 2021. Benintendi has yet to come to terms with the Royals on a contract extension, however, making him a prime trade candidate as a soon-to-be free agent that a contending team could be in the market for," reported Jordan Foote of Inside the Royals earlier this month. 

There is no secret that both Hicks and Joey Gallo are struggling this season, perhaps Gallo more than Hicks. Despite the Yankees being the best team in baseball, their weakest links are surely this pair. And even if Hicks did not go down and out in Tuesday night's game, the Yankees were likely to trade for another outfielder. Taylor's offense this season far surpasses his teammate Benintendi, which could make him more appealing for the Yankees, who could use another bat in the game. 

It will be interesting to see how the Yankees respond to the Hicks' injury. In the interim we will likely see either Miguel Andujar or Estevan Florial make some appearances in the lineup through the All Star Break. After that, the Yankees could make their move ahead of the August 2nd trade deadline, and either Royal could find themselves in pinstripes. 

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

THE OUTFIELD MOVE THE YANKEES COULD MAKE THAT NO ONE IS TALKING ABOUT

I still really like the idea of Andrew Benintendi in pinstripes, but it may not happen. Even if it doesn't happen, there is still one less splashy move that could still help give the Yankees the upgrade they are looking for. 

Benintendi's price tag is rumored to be "too high" for the Yankees right now and it's only going to get more expensive as we get closer to the trade deadline. I can't say I blame the Royals, they should ask for as much as they can get for him, but that doesn't mean the Yankees should be willing to pay a plus prospect for a true rental. 

No matter what the Yankees do, they really need to find a way to dump Joey Gallo because it is hard to imagine a move for anyone else while dumping garbage Gallo that wouldn't pay off. At this point, if the Yankees could just find someone who would be willing to take a shot on Gallo as a buy-low opportunity and replace him in house, it could work. No one is talking about this though....and they should because this could happen.

I hope Brian Cashman is on the phone and talking to the Rangers or maybe even the Padres who are honestly a long shot, but there are connections there, read more HERE. Both teams are very familiar with Gallo and there are rumors that both teams may be interested at the right price. Honestly, getting Gallo off of this team and paying some money to move him isn't a bad idea.

And if that could somehow happen, replacing him with Miguel Andujar or Estevan Florial could work IF the trade market isn't very robust this season, and if you read more on that HERE, that could be a reality. Florial has been hot lately and Andujar has been more useful than Gallo has and he's earned a spot in the big leagues rather than being stashed down in the minors. We already know there is drama between the Yankees and Andujar, and this is how the Yankees can give him that big league playing time he has asked for.

The Yankees need a plan B if Benintendi (or anyone else) isn't possible and this is it. Keeping Gallo's useless bat in the lineup in August isn't an option just for his serviceable defense. If I have to watch Gallo beyond the trade deadline I will lose my mind. It's time to move on and accept that Gallo just didn't pan out.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

THE RESURGENCE OF ESTEVAN FLORIAL IS HERE! NOW WHAT?

It's time to make a move....but what kind of move, exactly? That's the real question. If you haven't been keeping tabs on Estevan Florial lately it is time to start!

It's been a tough ride for Florial, he's been in a decline since 2019 and it has been very hard to watch but he's been tearing it up lately. Maybe he has finally turned the page and the consistent playing time in Triple-A is exactly what he's needed. 

He's locked in right now. Florial has a .308BA with 10 home runs, 29 RBI, 41 runs scored and 26 stolen bases in 62 games with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. In the last week he has a .480BA with five homers, eight RBIs, 11 runs and four doubles and was named International League Player of the Week from June 27th-July 3rd. He's hot at the right time, especially as fans continue to lose faith in Joey Gallo. 

So now that Florial's stock is rising again....what do the Yankees do with him? What's the move?

There's two obvious moves here. First, give Florial a shot in the big leagues. His offensive production is what the Yankees have been waiting for. It's been a long time coming and it's finally here. The strikeouts are still high but....so are Gallo's for crying out loud! Strikeouts are a part of the game (again, see Gallo) and as long as he plays reliable defense, steals bases and makes contact what else can we ask for? We aren't getting that from Gallo or Aaron Hicks either. He's also 24 and running out of options and earned consideration for the next step up. If not now.....when? The time has never been better to see if he can make it in pinstripes.

And if the Yankees aren't ready to give him playing time in the big leagues the other answer is to trade him. The Yankees haven't shown a willingness to consider options to replace Gallo or Hicks. Take Miguel Andujar for example, he's been up and down with the Yankees for years now. He's been just as good as Florial and he has more major league experience. The Yankees will soon run out of options to call Andujar up thanks to restrictions in the new CBA that passed earlier this year. So maybe that is why the Yankees hold onto him....because they are already planning to use him when Andujar can't be called up again. That time is coming.

The Yankees have said they think highly of Florial.....but how highly? I think we will soon find out. If the Yankees don't think Florial fits their future plans he will be gone in less than a month and the Yankees will get something to win. 

So what's the right move? I'm glad I don't have to decide and I can just speculate. The clock is ticking.....

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

I'M TEAM ANDUJAR BECAUSE THE YANKEES MAKE BAD DECISIONS!

Say what you want about Miguel Andujar's talents or opportunities he has been given here with the Yankees, he's had many opportunities. It hasn't worked out the way I had hoped for sure but he has deserved better this season. There is no other way to say this....the Yankees have screwed up and they need to OWN this.

So we've all seen the headlines by now but HERE it is again, Andujar is fed up with the Yankees and has asked them to trade him. It's not the first time he's made this request, and in the past I really didn't voice an opinion, but now I am.

I'll be straight and to the point with this.....I have no problem with this request at all. It is time for Andujar to start thinking about what is important to him and where he will be happiest. All players want to be on a winning team, and the Yankees have enjoyed a lot of success so far but they also want to PLAY regularly. At this point, that's all he wants and while we all remember him as the great prospect that had such potential time is no longer on his side.

At the end of the day, I can't ignore that he is 27 years old, playing for brief appearances in the majors and in his last year of arbitration. He's a guy on the 40-man roster that is used on a brief rotation basis that has made more of an impact than two other idiots who the Yankees have more money or years committed to.

It's hard for me not argue FOR Andujar's request. Do the Yankees have to honor it? Of course not, but Andujar has good reason for the request. He has done everything the Yankees have asked from him after coming back from an injury. They asked him to learn how to play the outfield.....and he did it. Is he the greatest outfielder? No, but I'd rather watch him in left field than Aaron Hicks and he's not going to be a guaranteed out like Joey Gallo is when he steps in the batters box. What grinds my gears even more is to think that we are stuck with Hicks for three more years thanks to Brian Cashman's TERRIBLE contract.

Andujar is a casualty only because the Yankees won't cut Gallo even though he's in a walk year and we have a long term deal with Hicks. There are other teams out there that Andujar COULD be an everyday player on. He could play everyday if he was a Tiger, National, Red, Diamondback or Oriole! 

One other important part I can't ignore and no one seems to be talking about....we have a new CBA that says players can only be optioned five times per season and after that, it requires outright assignment waivers to the Minor Leagues. It's the beginning of June and there's a lot of baseball left but Andujar has already been optioned three times. That's a concern.

I'm on Andujar's side on this one. The Yankees should follow what the Mets did. If they can cut Robinson Cano who they owed $40 million to through the 2023 season there is no reason they can't cut Gallo, but they won't make that move.

When merit is no longer the reason for why you stay or get sent down, it is time to demand a trade for a better opportunity. The Yankees screwed this up big time and I hope in the future Andujar gets the last laugh.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

AN UNJUST DEMOTION FOR CLARKE SCHMIDT!

Boy do I feel bad for Clarke Schmidt right now. He's done everything the Yankees asked him to do, but sometimes it's just not enough. Schmidt was reassigned to Triple-A following Sunday's win against the Kansas City Royals and I feel for him.

I am willing to bet a lot of us do. It sucks when you can't stay and play when you have clearly earned the opportunity, but what can you do? It's a reminder that baseball is a business and it has rules to follow. This is just another one of those "life isn't fair" moments.

The Yankees had to cut their roster from 28 to 26 before today's game so two players had to go. Miguel Andujar also suffered the same fate but that doesn't make it easier to swallow. After making the Opening Day roster, the right hander posted a 2-2 record with a 1.08 ERA in 8.1 innings. He will head back to Triple-A to build up his pitch count. We know this isn't 'goodbye' forever, but it still sucks. 

And no one can say it better than Schmidt did HERE.

"It’s a real tough pill to swallow," he said. "It’s just tough. There’s no easy way to put it. I’ve been throwing well, I’ve been feeling well, comfortable and doing my job getting guys out."

He's right, he's been effective and he's helped the Yankees win. He's worked hard since he was drafted in 2017 and you can see the progression. It's frustrating when the Yankees can't reward him for his hard work with a spot right NOW. Even Aaron Boone the bonehead knows he's earned a spot on the big league roster. His words make sense for once.

"Obviously, Clarke’s a way better pitcher than he certainly was this time last year," Boone said. "He obviously pitched really well for us. He’s a big part of this. I’m sure he will be moving forward."

So I am reminding myself that I have to be patient, because he will have another chance. My gut tells me we will see him sooner rather than later. I don't want to see someone get hurt to give that opportunity again to Schmidt, but it could happen. Schmidt is the first one on the list, so we will just have to be patient and wait it out.

Too bad patience is not my strong suit....demotions that aren't deserved sure do SUCK.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

TRADES & STRATEGIC THOUGHTS ON THE NEW YORK YANKEES

Last week you read A MUST READ ON THE STATE OF THE NEW YORK YANKEES. I was fired up... here's the second part of my thought process. A strategic look at fixing the New York Yankees.

We will then need to trade some of our current players if we ever want to make a run for anything in the future of this team!

Trade Luke Voit: Luke Voit will still have value as a lower salary guy that led the majors in homers in 2020. Then how about we get something for him. Prospects!

Trade Clint Frazier and Miguel Andujar: Look, we all like these guys but it's time to cut bait on these two former top prospects. It’s not happening for them here in the Bronx. I realize value not very high right now, so not expecting much, but let’s get some future prospects and see what happens.

Consider a Gleyber Torres Trade: I am not opposed to trading Torres. The Yanks had a plan to put him at 2B, but this creates a problem if we sign a first baseman like Freeman for example. If DJ is not playing 1B and Gleyber is at 2B and a new shortstop is there, but a Seager, then the Yankees have only 1 spot for DJ and Urshela. I think I would consider dealing Gleyber and keeping DJ at 2B and Urshela at 3B. I wouldn’t give him away for nothing, but if we could land a decent catcher (more on that below), we may need to do that. The Yanks probably need to trade Gleyber or Urshela because no way DJ is not going to start and play every day somewhere on the infield.

Consider Trade of Gary Sanchez: A very tough call here...what to do at catcher? In a perfect world, the Yanks need to upgrade defensively over Sanchez. His defense is very bad and he is not hitting enough (.204 or lower in 3 of the past 4 years) to make this bad defense worthwhile. The problem is there is not a clear alternative. Higashioka is a very good defensive catcher, so he is probably our best alternative, but he hit .181. If Yanks could get a Wilson Contreras from the Cubs, perhaps in a trade that includes Sanchez (plus more of course), it might be worth doing. The Yanks probably need to move on from Sanchez, but they are not going to do it if they don’t feel there is a viable alternative that can hit over .200. I think if they get all the offense that I suggested, it would be fine to cut bait with Sanchez (perhaps even non-tender him) and go with Higashioka as their top catcher next season.

Other thoughts on 2021:

The Bullpen: I really loved our bullpen by the end of the season. Britton is gone, but Chapman seemed to return to form and after that was a lot of depth. Loaiziga is amazing. Green had some rough games, but is still a very good reliever. Clay Holmes looked amazing and was a great find by Cashman (his best move of the season was getting Clay Holmes) for nothing. Michael King was great as well and his future as a reliever looks very promising. I liked what I saw from Wandy Peralta as a lefty out of the pen as well. Yanks have a lot of depth and options here to have a great bullpen in 2022 without having to make any additions. Chapman, of course, was shaky at times, but he will close again in 2022 but with numerous options to take his closer role (likely Loaiziga) if he falters.

The Starters: After Cole, the Yankees will seemingly finally get Severino back in 2022 as a real #2 starter. They have plenty of options here for the 3, 4 and 5 starters with the surprising year from Nestor Cortez (2.90 ERA), solid work from Jordan Montgomery (3.83 in 30 starts), and some good work at times from German and Taillon. Since they probably won’t follow my plan to fix the offense with Seager, Freeman and Marte, they may try to go get another top starter. Interesting that Verlander, Kershaw, and Max Scherzer will be available as free agents, so that might be something they consider. 

After Cole, the other starters had trouble going deep into games. Cortes was basically a 5 inning pitcher and Montgomery not much more than that. The Yanks could use someone aside from Cole to get them 7 innings regularly to preserve that great bullpen and keep them fresh for October. Hoping Sevy can get to that point next year, but hard to predict that. Obviously, the most important thing the Yanks need with pitching is for Cole to be dominant like he is supposed to be (unlike his final two starts this season, including his terrible Wild Card performance).

Philosophy: After 5 years of failure in the post-season, the Yanks philosophy has not worked! 

The idea of loading up with guys that hit dingers and strikeout a lot is a bad approach. It's why getting Gallo made no sense when you are adding him on top of Judge, Stanton, Voit, and Sanchez. It's why DJ was so great for the Yanks in 2019 and 2020 because he was not that kind of hitter. The Yanks need to get away from this approach. They need more athleticism and speed. I love watching Tyler Wade play because he brings that different style of play to the Yanks that they are utterly lacking when he isn’t in the game. It’s why someone like Marte would help  this team. It’s why someone like Seager is a great fit. It’s why we need to trade Voit and try to replace Sanchez. 

I'm not sure if Cashman realizes this yet or will just keep trying to succeed with his philosophy. If he doesn’t change the philosophy, we will be back here again next year having this same discussion.  Just my opinion of course.

--Douglas Solomon

BYB Guest Writer

YANKEES LIGHT THINGS UP IN BALTIMORE—WITH UNLIKELY HEROES LEADING THE WAY

Source: New York Post

No one is happier than me to see Tyler Wade go 3 for 4 in the Yankees 8-2 victory over the Orioles on Saturday night. Finally, he is making a greater impact offensively. There is no doubt that he makes the Yankees a better team defensively, but the question has always been could he be a solid infielder and even outfielder but also hit for average? Then, there is the story of Gio Urshela, who is quickly becoming a hero for this team. And the steadiness of Brett Gardner,  along with the early contributions of Miguel Andujar. Sure, the Yankees have been lighting things up in Camden Yards, but beneath the power and might are the most unlikely heroes who are making an impact. 

Source: Associated Press

Ken Davidoff of the New York Post called Gio Urshela the Yankees glue guy; the one who keeps them together. Delving deeper, he was reporting what skipper Aaron Boone said about his most valuable player outside of the obvious MVPs who seemingly steal the limelight like Gerrit Cole and Aaron Judge. 

“I think that’s a good way of putting it. He has been an absolute glue guy for us,” Aaron Boone said of Urshela. “He’s hit everywhere in the order for us. Gotten a ton of big hits. And obviously special defensively for us as well,” reported the Post. 

Urshela and the rest of the unsung heroes of the team are making up for the loss of guys who you expected to be there but due to circumstances facing all teams, they can't be, at least right now. "Hicks’ specific injury is a serious concern and anything with Stanton generally sets off alarms. Gleyber Torres, moreover, missed another game due to his positive COVID-19 test, although it sounds like he might be the quickest to return," reported the Post.

Source: NJ.com

The Yankees are calling on guys like Wade and veteran Gardner to step up and keep the Yankees consistently winning because if the Yankees don't, they simply will be out of the race. But it has been Urshela leading the pack. "As their lineup has struggled mightily, with some key guys underperforming and others not available, no one has produced more steadily than Urshela, and we’re just now getting around to his defensive excellence," reports the Post.

The Yankees will finish up their series with Baltimore this afternoon and head out to Texas before returning home next weekend to host the Chicago White Sox. Can there heroes keep on performing, and lead this team to consistent wins? My answer: "They have no choice!" 

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof