CABRERA IS DONE, BUT HIS WORDS TO JUDGE SHOWS YANKEE PRIDE!

Let’s just get this out of the way: Oswaldo Cabrera is now my guy. The slide was routine, but in a freak accident, the man appeared to be shot down at home plate like a hero in a war film—face in the dirt, heart in his chest, and pain written all over his twisted left ankle. It was dramatic and expected for a freak slide like that. I feel terrible for him.

For any of you that didn't see it, Cabrera was trying to score, giving it every ounce of hustle he had, tagging up on a fly ball from Aaron Judge with the bases loaded and one out. The moment he pivoted awkwardly to dodge Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh’s tag, his ankle said “no thanks,” and down he went.

And we all felt it. The air went out of all of us. This wasn’t one of those “he’ll walk it off” moments. He pounded the dirt three times with his fist—once for the pain, once for the frustration, and once because sometimes baseball just isn’t fair. He didn't just need help standing—he needed the full cart treatment, the kind you never want to see unless it's delivering bubble gum and sunflower seeds.

Yankees head trainer Tim Lentych was right there, comforting him as Cabrera covered his eyes. Probably trying to block out the pain, maybe the crowd, maybe the thought that the rest of his season just disappeared in a cloud of bad luck.

Meanwhile, over at MSG, Jayson Tatum of the Celtics managed to hurt himself without even being touched. Tripped on a ghost. Slipped on a vibe. Whatever it was, it left him crumpled on the hardwood with less than three minutes to go. Celtics center Al Horford said he was “concerned about Jayson,” and sure, that’s valid. But let’s be real—Tatum’s going to get a wheelchair fit for royalty and a recovery timeline sponsored by three orthopedic surgeons and a Netflix docuseries. It was a weird night for ankles.

Back to Cabrera: he doesn’t get the red carpet. He gets grit. He’s always gotten grit.

And that’s what makes this such a gut punch. Cabrera isn’t just some warm body off the bench. He’s the Swiss Army knife of the Yankees roster—the guy who will play anywhere, do anything, and smile while doing it. He was never supposed to be the star, but tell that to Yankee fans who’ve watched him turn bloopers into doubles, bad hops into outs, and quiet at-bats into clutch RBIs.

Every team dreams of having a guy like Oswaldo Cabrera. The Yankees had him—and now, thanks to a bad twist at home plate, they might not for a long time. He’s almost certainly done for the season. And no, these kinds of injuries aren’t easy to bounce back from. You don’t just ice it, slap some pine tar on it, and jog back out to third base.

And the saddest irony of all? While I'm praying daily for Oswald Peraza to finally get playing time, nobody wanted it to come like this. Not even close. Cabrera didn’t deserve this—he deserved more chances, more at-bats, more appreciation.

Because if you ask anyone in that clubhouse who bleeds pinstripes, Cabrera’s name is at the top of the list. He loves being a Yankee. And if you needed any proof of that, here’s a quote that deserves to be carved in Monument Park:

According to the G.O.A.T. Pete Caldera of The Bergen Record, when Aaron Judge knelt beside Cabrera as he lay in pain, Cabrera didn’t ask for help. He didn’t complain. What did he say?

“Judgie, did I score?”

Wrap that quote in pinstripes and hang it in the dugout. That’s who Oswaldo Cabrera is—a competitor, through and through. He wasn’t worried about his ankle, his season, or his MRI. He wanted to know if he got the run in.

Judge said it best: “Kind of shows you what type of guy he is. He loves being a Yankee, he wears his jersey with pride.”

So yeah, the Yankees won the game. And yeah, the Knicks now lead the Celtics 3–1. But nothing feels like a win when your heart-and-hustle guy gets carted off the field.

Here’s to Oswaldo Cabrera—Yankee glue guy, hustle king, and the kind of player every fan should root for. Heal up fast, Cabby. Bronx baseball isn’t the same without you.

THAT CARLOS CORREA RUMOR IS HOT & HEAVY AGAIN

Well,well, well… Newsweek is stirring the pot again, and this time it smells like Carlos Correa sautéed in pinstripes.

According to Zach Pressnell of Newsweek, the Yankees might want to go shopping in Minnesota’s discount aisle and grab Carlos Correa to play third base. You know, because clearly what the Yankees need right now is another shortstop to not play shortstop. Pressnell says, “Correa would slot in at third base for New York, but he has the flexibility to move all around the infield…” which sounds suspiciously like code for: “Hey, if Volpe continues hitting like a pitcher, we might have to move Correa back to short.” That's what I hope at least.

Because let’s be honest—Anthony Volpe’s batting average is slowly morphing into a really bad SAT score. At this point, he’s flirting so hard with the Mendoza Line, Mario Mendoza himself might be texting, “Bro, give me some space.”

Look, Correa has a hefty contract, and yes, the Yankees might ask the Twins to eat some of it—which is fitting, because the Twins might want to eat glass rather than keep paying Correa while he figures out how to hit again. But still, if the Twins are open to subsidizing a good chunk of that monster deal, and Brian Cashman can pay in expired prospects and used chewing gum, this rumor could have legs.

Of course, third base has been the Yankees’ version of musical chairs—except the music stopped last July, and Jazz Chisholm Jr. just sat down and stayed. Now that Jazz is back at second, Oswaldo Cabrera and Oswald Peraza have been doing their best impression of a third base platoon… and by “best impression,” I mean they’ve been holding the position hostage without making much noise with the bat.

To be fair, they’re trying their best. But trying doesn’t always hit baseballs, just ask Volpe. So naturally, when you hear Correa’s name again, the imagination runs wild—like a little league team after free donuts. Remember when Pete Caldera dropped that juicy little nugget in NorthJersey.com a while back? He reported that the Yankees were willing to ship off three of their top six prospects—George Lombard Jr., Chase Hampton, and Will Warren—for Correa. Back then it sounded like pure fantasy, but Caldera doesn’t throw smoke. If he’s hearing it, there’s fire—at least the rumor kind.

We even wrote about it back then: A BIG CARLOS CORREA NUGGET JUST DROPPED IN MY LAP—and yes, we’re still proud of that title. It felt real then. Then it didn’t. Now it does again. Such is the life of a Yankees rumor—rising from the ashes like a Bronx phoenix in cleats.

So, is Correa coming to the Yankees? Who knows. Is he playing third? Maybe. Should he play short instead? Possibly—especially if Volpe keeps trying to reinvent the art of the non-hit. 

What we do know is that this isn’t a trade rumor to ignore. It has names. It has legs. It has Caldera and now Newsweek. Stay tuned. Hold your hats. And maybe start watching Twins games… just in case.

THE YANKEES GOT THEIR RELIEVER BACK!

The New York Yankees have made a brilliant move by bringing back lefty reliever Tim Hill on a one-year, $2.85 million deal. The contract includes a $2.5 million salary for 2024 and a $3 million team option for 2026, with a $350,000 buyout. This signing locks in a reliable bullpen arm who knows how to get the job done.

Hill isn’t just another reliever—he’s a game-changer. His funky, deceptive delivery completely throws hitters off, making him a nightmare matchup, especially for lefties. His ability to keep batters guessing, paired with his consistent ability to get outs, makes him the perfect weapon for the Yankees’ bullpen.

We had a strong feeling this was coming, and sure enough, Pete Caldera of The Bergen Record—the Yankees’ ultimate insider—saw it before anyone else. The man just knows. Once again, his prediction was spot on.

This move is a no-brainer for the Yankees. Hill is tough, reliable, and a true team-first player. 

Welcome back, Timmy!

ALL THAT CHATTER ABOUT CARLOS CORREA FOR WHAT?

Remember back in early January when the rumor mill went absolutely bananas with talk about Carlos Correa possibly landing with the Yankees? Yeah, that was wild. My source? None other than Pete Caldera, a dude who doesn’t mess around when it comes to reporting. If Caldera’s saying it, you better believe I’m paying attention.

I even wrote about it over at Bleeding Yankee Blue in a piece titled A BIG CARLOS CORREA NUGGET JUST DROPPED IN MY LAP. I said:

“According to Caldera’s report in NorthJersey.com, the Yankees might be willing to part with three of their top six prospects—George Lombard Jr., Chase Hampton, and Will Warren—to acquire Correa from the struggling Minnesota Twins.”

And then? Well, life happened. The rumors cooled off in the Bronx, and I totally forgot about it. There’s just so much out there—it’s like trying to keep track of a million spinning plates.

Fast forward to now, and I get an email from Raymond, a fellow Yankees fan and BYB reader who’s clearly been holding onto this story tighter than a 3-2 slider with the game on the line. He wrote:

"How’s it going, Casey? Raymond here. I was so hyped when I heard my guy, Carlos Correa, was rumored to be heading to the Yankees. But after Pete Caldera and a few analysts started speculating trade packages, it all went radio silent. Honestly, I think Minnesota’s going to move him eventually, but I have no clue why they haven’t yet. Whenever you can give a random fan some peace of mind, I’d appreciate it."

Raymond, my guy, here’s the deal: I don’t know. I wish I had a crystal ball, but I don’t and I am sorry about that. What I do know is that ClutchPoints recently gave us a little update. According to them, there was a moment when Correa’s name popped up in Twins trade chatter, but Minnesota shut that down real quick. And Correa himself? He’s unbothered.

He’s got a full no-trade clause, loves Minnesota, and is out here saying stuff like, “I don’t worry about that, brother. I’m not on social media much. I’m with my kids all day. And I love Minnesota. I love the fishing here.”

Fishing! This man is living his best life while we’re over here spinning trade scenarios. 

So, Raymond, for now, that’s where we’re at. If I hear anything new, you’ll be the first to know. Sit tight and keep the faith, my friend.

HOG DODGERS, OTHERS CIRCLING TIM HILL

Tim Hill, who closed out the 2024 season with the New York Yankees, has become a sought-after name late in free agency. Known as "The Groundball Guru," Hill is generating significant interest from teams looking to strengthen their bullpens, and the Yankees appear to be at the forefront. Focused on securing reliable middle relievers and setup arms, the Yankees seem well-positioned for a potential reunion with Hill.

Per Jon Heyman, the Yankees are actively pursuing several bullpen options, with Hill being a standout choice. His 2024 season was a story of redemption. After struggling with a 5.87 ERA during his stint with the White Sox, Hill turned things around dramatically in New York, delivering a sparkling 2.05 ERA and proving himself as a valuable asset. That kind of rebound doesn’t go unnoticed.

Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated has reported “mutual interest” between Hill and the Yankees, though other teams like the Mets, Dodgers, and Diamondbacks are also in the mix for the veteran southpaw. Pete Caldera of The Bergen Record predicts that the Yankees are likely to bring Hill back to the Bronx.

For Hill, returning to the Yankees would make perfect sense. He excelled in pinstripes, played a key role in their postseason success, and could continue to thrive in a bullpen that’s shaping up to be a strength. Plus, with the Yankees making bold moves this offseason, Hill might see this as the perfect opportunity to stick with a contender. 

Another guaranteed deal seems inevitable, and staying with the Yankees could be the best way for Hill to build on his success and chase another championship.

CARLOS CORREA & THE "GUESS FACTORY" THAT IS THE OFFSEASON

In the swirling chaos of baseball’s free-agent frenzies and trade rumors, there are two types of people: those who throw darts at a board hoping something sticks and Jeff Passan, Jack Curry, and Pete Caldera—my holy trinity of rock-solid, take-it-to-the-bank baseball reporting. These guys are like the Gandalf, Dumbledore, and Yoda of sports journalism, guiding us mere mortals through the murky waters of rumor and speculation with their crystal-clear insights.

Now, I’m all for titles that sound impressive, but let’s be real: the term "baseball insider" is like calling yourself a "self-taught psychic." It’s catchy, sure, but most of the time, these "insiders" are just really, really good at guessing, but yet bad at it. If we’re being honest, we should just call them “masters of the guess” and let them keep playing their version of baseball roulette. They spin the wheel, toss out a name, and when a trade happens that vaguely resembles their prediction, they pop the champagne like they've cracked the code to the universe and if they're wrong, they fall back on "my source was wrong" and move on... or they don't say anything at all and hope no one notices. Well, I notice.

But let's get back to the real MVPs. Jeff Passan, Jack Curry, and Pete Caldera are not in the guessing game. These guys are the journalistic equivalent of seasoned chefs who won’t serve you a dish until it’s perfectly cooked and seasoned. They don’t just sprinkle half-baked rumors over your sports plate; they marinate in facts, bake them in credibility, and serve you a dish that’s ready for prime time. That, my friends, is why I trust them with my baseball soul.

So, last week, when I wrote A BIG CARLOS CORREA NUGGET JUST DROPPED IN MY LAP, I didn’t just trust anyone—I trusted Pete Caldera. Pete’s like that one friend who always knows where to get the best tacos, even in a city he’s never been to. He just knows. And when Caldera says the Yankees might be willing to part with three of their top six prospects—George Lombard Jr., Chase Hampton, and Will Warren—to pry Correa from the Twins, you better believe I’m listening. That's why I made sure you all knew about it.  

In fact, in that article, I wrote, "According to Caldera’s report on NorthJersey.com, the Yankees might be willing to part with three of their top six prospects to acquire Correa from the struggling Minnesota Twins."  Why? Because it’s Pete Caldera, and the man doesn't mess around with garbage. His stories are like diamonds—rare, valuable, and always polished to perfection. He's gonna text me later and tell me to pump the brakes, but I'm just a fan, let's leave it at that.

But here’s where it gets funny. After Caldera’s report, suddenly everyone else wants in on the Correa trade prediction game. Enter Robbie Hyde, a name I hadn’t heard before, but apparently, he’s got some thoughts too. In a recent Sporting News story, it was reported that Hyde predicted a trade involving Clarke Schmidt, Oswaldo Cabrera, Will Warren. Hyde proposed this in a YouTube video. Yes, you read that right—a YouTube video. Now, I’m not knocking Hyde, but when it comes to breaking news, and copycat reporting, I’ll take a well-researched article over a video thumbnail with "MUST WATCH" in the header.

Now, let’s talk about Carlos Correa for a second. The man is just two years into a six-year, $200 million contract, with four vesting options totaling $75 million through 2032. The Twins might be looking to unload that hefty deal, and yes, the Yankees could be interested, especially given Correa's .905 OPS in 86 games last season. But here’s the kicker: Do the Yankees really need to do this?

With DJ LeMahieu, Oswaldo Cabrera, and Oswald Peraza already in the mix, the Yankees might just be fine without adding another high-profile name to their roster. They've got a powerhouse lineup as it is, and bringing in Correa could be more of a luxury than a necessity.

At the end of the day, while everyone else is throwing darts, I’m putting my trust in the journalists who do it right—the ones who dig deep, check their sources, and don’t publish until they’re sure they’ve got something of substance. That’s why I’m always going to side with guys like Pete Caldera. He’s my guy, and when it comes to the Carlos Correa saga or any other major baseball story, I know he’ll lead me right.

So let’s all sit back, relax, and wait for the dust to settle. Because if there’s one thing we can count on, it’s that the truth will eventually come out, and when it does, I’ll bet you a hot dog at Yankee Stadium that it’ll be guys like Passan, Curry, and Caldera who’ve got it right.

MAYBE STROMAN TO THE BLUE JAYS MAKES THE MOST SENSE

 It makes the most sense because Pete Caldera says so.  

There has been widespread speculation about Marcus Stroman's future and whether he might be on the move. However, the bottom line is that it increasingly feels like the Yankees are determined to trade the right-hander.  We had written a previous article on Stroman and the idea of him going to the Cardinals too. Read ARE THE YANKS TRYING TO SHED STROMAN OR ARE US FANS TRYING TO? for more on that. 

Legendary Yankees reporter Pete Caldera, whose insights I’ve trusted and followed for years, has shared a significant prediction that fans and analysts alike should take seriously. After acquiring Max Fried, the Bronx Bombers traded away Nestor Cortes Jr., yet they still face a logjam in their starting rotation at the big-league level.

Currently, New York has six major league starters, alongside a handful of top prospects poised to join the rotation by 2025. The math is simple: someone else has to go, or the Yankees risk losing players for nothing.

Pete Caldera of Northjersey.com recently predicted a specific move involving Stroman that could resolve this overcrowding:

"Seeking to unload Marcus Stroman's $18 million contract for '25, GM Brian Cashman trades the right-hander back to the willing-to-spend Toronto Blue Jays for two lottery pick prospects," Caldera wrote.

A trade like this would make sense for the Yankees. Offloading Stroman’s $18 million contract for the 2025 season would free up significant payroll space, allowing the team to allocate resources elsewhere.

Additionally, moving Stroman could open the door for the Yankees to address other roster needs—most notably, the opportunity to pursue a better option at third base.

As the speculation intensifies, it’s clear that Stroman’s future in pinstripes is uncertain. Whether the Yankees finalize a deal with the Blue Jays or another team, fans will be watching closely as this story develops. I know I will.

Stay tuned.

Read More about Pete Caldera:

NO ONE DOES THE YANKEES BETTER THAN PETE CALDERA

A BIG CARLOS CORREA NUGGET JUST DROPPED IN MY LAP

A BIG CARLOS CORREA NUGGET JUST DROPPED IN MY LAP

 And Pete Caldera's greatest nugget yet! God love ya, Pete!

When Pete Caldera speaks, the baseball world listens—at least, it should. Caldera isn’t one to toss around baseless speculation for clicks or buzz. He’s a straight shooter, a trusted voice in the sports journalism landscape, and when he ventures into the "Baseball Insider" arena, you know there’s substance behind the whispers. So, when Caldera drops a nugget about the Yankees eyeing Carlos Correa, you might want to sit up, take notes, and start imagining No. 4 donning pinstripes...as another number of course.

The Yankees are in fact an intriguing position. DJ LeMahieu, once the steady heartbeat of their lineup, has become a question mark. Injuries and declining performance have cast a shadow over his reliability. Sure, he’s an internal option for solving the infield puzzle, but it’s clear the Yankees aren’t content to hope for a resurgence. Enter the idea of external solutions—and one name towers above the rest: Carlos Correa.

According to Caldera’s report in NorthJersey.com, the Yankees might be willing to part with three of their top six prospects—George Lombard Jr., Chase Hampton, and Will Warren—to acquire Correa from the struggling Minnesota Twins. Imagine that for a moment: Correa at third base, a lineup-transforming bat, and a Gold Glove-caliber glove fortifying the left side of the Yankees' infield. It’s a vision that makes your baseball heart race a little faster. Again, in my opinion when this story first dropped days ago, I laughed. But with Pete Caldera putting some names together based on his reporting, this is very real.

But let’s pump the brakes and examine the situation. Correa is no free agent; he’s locked into the third year of a six-year, $200 million contract. Trading for him isn’t just about sending talent to Minnesota—it’s about convincing the Twins to shoulder a significant portion of his salary. That’s no small ask, even for a front office wizard like Brian Cashman. The price, both in prospects and dollars, would be steep. Yet the reward? Potentially franchise-altering.

Even Alexander Wilson of Empire Sports Media can’t help but gush over the possibilities. Correa, he argues, would bring postseason pedigree, a dynamic offensive presence, and an elite glove to the Yankees. He’s a proven winner who thrives on big stages—the kind of player who could solidify the infield and turn the Yankees from contenders to bona fide threats. Wilson paints a picture of Correa as a game-changer, and it’s hard to disagree.

Still, questions abound. Do the Yankees really need Correa, or would this be a move to block Boston from adding another star to their arsenal? Can the team absorb the financial strain of his contract without crippling future flexibility? How does Cashman sell this deal to a fan base that might balk at the idea of mortgaging the farm for a star with a hefty price tag? And perhaps most tantalizing, how does he convince the Twins to play ball and absorb a chunk of Correa’s salary?

These are questions without easy answers. But one thing is crystal clear: Pete Caldera, one of the best in the business, doesn’t throw darts at a board. His insights are measured, thoughtful, and often prophetic. If he’s talking Correa-to-the-Yankees, it’s not just idle chatter—it’s a storyline with legs, maybe even wings.

So here we are, paying attention, hanging on every word. Do the Yankees need Carlos Correa? Maybe. Do they need the financial strain his contract brings? Maybe not. But if Pete Caldera says this is a possibility worth considering, you can bet it’s worth every bit of your attention. I really believe that.

Read more about Pete Caldera:

NO ONE DOES THE YANKEES BETTER THAN PETE CALDERA

I HOPE THE YANKEES BRING BACK TIM HILL

Pete Caldera of The Bergen Record—our favorite soothsayer and certified Yankees whisperer—has gazed into his baseball crystal ball and predicted that the Yankees will reunite with Tim Hill. We love Pete here, mostly because he keeps things interesting and occasionally makes us question reality and how do you not love his nuggets.

The Bronx Bombers, currently on a mission to shore up their bullpen, are reportedly in the market for reliable middle relievers and setup men. And who better to fill this void than Tim "The Groundball Guru" Hill? After all, he’s already a fan favorite, at least to me, and nothing says “Yankee magic” like bringing someone back for round two. It's what we do.

According to Jon Heyman (who we imagine delivering this news in his best deadpan voice), the Yankees are sniffing around several relief arms, including Hill. Why Hill, you ask? Well, last season, he pulled off the baseball equivalent of a glow-up. He went from a 5.87 ERA with the White Sox—a number that screams “get this guy outta here”—to a dazzling 2.05 ERA with the Yankees. Talk about a makeover. Tim Hill didn’t just turn it around; he did donuts in the parking lot.

But let’s not get carried away. Hill’s secret sauce is being an extreme groundball pitcher, which means he’s either a magician or a guy who loves living dangerously. Sure, his ERA for the Yankees tells a glowing story, but if you dig deeper, there’s more nuance than a Shakespearean tragedy. Those big swings in performance are what keep the fans biting their nails and yelling at their screens.

For me, the bottom line is that Hill seems poised to cash in on another guaranteed deal this winter. Wouldn’t it make sense for him to come back to the Yankees? The pinstripes treated him well, he thrived, and let’s not forget the run in the World Series. Plus, with all the moves the Yankees have made this offseason, the guy might just be thinking, “Why not ride this train all the way to glory?”

So, Yankees fans, keep your fingers crossed, your gloves ready, and your memes loaded—because I'm listening to Caldera, I want Hill back!

WILLY ADAMES? YOU CANNOT BE SERIOUS!

Bob Nightengale of USA Today is back, tossing offseason spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks. This time, he’s stirring up the Yankees rumor mill, throwing out a scenario so convoluted it feels like a fever dream. If the Yankees don’t re-sign Juan Soto—because apparently, that’s an option—they might respond with a mad scramble to:

1.Sign free-agent first baseman Christian Walker.

2.Bring in either Willy Adames or Alex Bregman to play third base.
3.Move Jazz Chisholm to second base.
4.Trade for Cody Bellinger.

Simple.

It’s like one of those overcomplicated heist movies where you lose track of the plot halfway through. Classic Bob Nightengale. 

Let’s cut through the noise: there’s no real traction to this Adames-to-the-Yankees idea. It’s speculation, pure and simple, and Bob’s good at that. But hey, it’s fun to imagine. Maybe next Trevor Bauer will go to the Mets.

Willy Adames is coming off a solid year and would be a fantastic addition to any team. He’s one of the best power-hitting shortstops in the game and has said he’d prefer to stay at shortstop. However, he’s also open to shifting to third base if needed—versatility that makes him a tantalizing target for teams like the Yankees or Mets apparently.

For the Brewers, losing Adames wouldn't be great. Not only is he a key player, but he’s also a leader in the clubhouse according to reports. I don't know the Brewers well, but that's the way it seems. 

Adames has hinted he’d take a hometown discount to stay in Milwaukee—but only to a point. As he told The Athletic: "I’m willing to stay here for less money, let’s say, but I just want to be fair for what I deserve in my career. We just have to wait and see where we’re at."

And now we get to the voice of reason: Jeff Passan. When Passan speaks, baseball fans listen. He’s right up there with Jack Curry and Pete Caldera—arguably the top three baseball reporters out there. While Nightengale’s rumors are like a fast-food drive-thru, Passan is the five-star restaurant of insight.

In his offseason preview, Passan doesn’t just toss Adames at the Yankees for fun. Instead, he points to the Giants as the most logical landing spot. With new president of baseball operations Buster Posey prioritizing the shortstop position, the fit is almost too good to ignore.

Sure, Passan acknowledges the Yankees, Mets, and Dodgers could be in the mix, especially with Adames’ willingness to move to third base. But Passan’s call of Adames to San Francisco? That’s the kind of grounded, well-sourced prediction that makes sense.

So, could the Yankees swoop in and snag Adames? Anything’s possible, but this feels more like Bob Nightengale playing offseason DJ, spinning hypothetical hits. Meanwhile, Jeff Passan is the guy calmly taking the pulse of the market—and if he’s leaning toward the Giants, I’m buying it.

It's just how I feel, sorry Bob.

YANKEES SIGNED MARK LEITER JR. FOR ONE IMPORTANT PITCH

Great nugget in a Pete Caldera story today. That's why I will always love a legend like Pete. There is always something you take away from his stories that you do not get anywhere else.  

This story has to do with newly acquired Mark Leiter Jr. and his pitch that will be vital for him and the Yankees as we go down the stretch.

Caldera writes:

"Leiter Jr. first threw his version of a split-fingered fastball during a college game at NJIT.

The splitter became more refined during his past three seasons as a Chicago Cub, and it was on prominent display in Sunday’s 10-inning win against the Toronto Blue Jays.

After striking out Joey Loperfido on a splitter to end the ninth, Leiter Jr. fanned George Springer and Alejandro Kirk on splitters to finish a 4-3 victory at Yankee Stadium."

Boone made some stupid comment about Leiter and his split finger fastball and said that the Yankees went after him because of that pitch.  Like, give me a break.  Leiter is a solid all around pitcher.  Boone has a tendency to prop up the wrong things. Just a terrible communicator.

Anyway, Caldera has this stat too which I loved:

"According to MLB Statcast, batters are hitting just .076 against Leiter Jr.’s splitter in 2024, a pitch he throws 33.8 percent of the time, at an average speed of 84.3 mph."

I see great things for this young man.  I hope things pan out for him in the Bronx for sure.

ADD MOROSI TO THE "BASEBALL NON-INSIDER" LIST

If you read Bleeding Yankee Blue, ya'll know I can't stand bad info and the fact that over the years we have noticed a shift in the MLB when it comes to reporting and getting information out there. This new title of "Baseball Insider" was invented for guys that are "in the trenches" and knew sources and were "getting the inside scoop". But as we have seen, other than guys like Jeff Passan and Jack Curry... the actual baseball insiders aren't that at all.  Put it this way, their one job is to get the info, right? I mean they are the ones with the sources, and we are so relying on them for good information. Their info is supposed to be air-tight.  That's what a "BASEBALL INSIDER" is. Oh my, how we have fallen. 

I look at all the mistakes that are made over the last few years... they're laughable and irresponsible. It's like they are fumbling over each other to get the story out first, but they are not doing one important thing when they report... they aren't getting it right.

It's better to be right than to be first. That's my rule of thumb.  I also would never self-proclaim myself a baseball insider even if I could proudly wear the fake title, because, let's face it, with all the recent mistakes... why would you want to be known as that?

Bob Nightengale's was one of my favorites:

Trevor Bauer would eventually go to the Dodgers.  We all know that time Jon Heyman said that Arson Judge was going to the Giants. 

Clearly he meant Aaron, but he was wrong anyway... and the Yankees even made fun of him a few days ago when they signed Juan Soto.

Jon Soto appears headed to Yankees

— New York Yankees (@Yankees) December 7, 2023

The latest comes from Jon Morosi of MLB.  Now Shohei Ohtani is one of the biggest off-season acquisitions of our generation, and I guess feeling the need to get it right didn't matter to Jon, as long as he was able to get it first.  

Yardbarker writes:

"On Friday, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported that Ohtani was on a flight to Toronto, hinting that an agreement with the Blue Jays was either done or close. That was not the case..."

Well, that proved catastrophic... I would even suggest embarrassing. Morosi apologized:

I'd love to know Jon's source, because clearly he needs new ones.

Meanwhile, what I think was more embarrassing was that the already-exposed "baseball insiders" that were wrong before him for Bauer and Judge were the guys trying to straighten it out for everyone. 

Comedy at it's best.  

I guess to get back in our good graces maybe? I guess they wanted to act like they were still considered "baseball insiders"? How very noble of you Bob and Jon. Seriously, you're already not followed by me.  

Look, who knows... but let's face it, the whole thing's embarrassing. All these guys are out there trying to get the story first... but let's face it, when it comes to baseball insiders, and if you REALLY AND TRULY watch their actions online, the really good ones are air-tight and have to correct information.  This is journalism whether they want to believe it is or not.  You gotta be right... so why not wait!  

Hats off to guys like Passan and Curry, and my guys Pete Caldera and Eric Boland... these guys are tops in the industry.  Thorough and eager to follow some journalistic integrity.  

I no longer follow Heyman, Morosi or Nightengale.  Why would I? Why would you?

Let me also state that my opinion on this is probably different than yours.  That's what makes opinions fun.  I take no offense to readers who won't read me because they don't agree with me. I know that sometimes I come off harsh or rotten or even complimentary to fellow writers.  But one thing I will always believe in is having an opinion, sharing that opinion and following standards of journalism.  I don't expect to be the best every day... but what I do expect of me and my writers at BYB is that we do it with a presentation we can be proud of.  If I didn't believe that, Bleeding Yankee Blue wouldn't be here since 2010.  

Like us, hate us, I don't care.  Respect us? You must.  I'm sure that goes across the board to certain "baseball insiders."

EMERGENCY PRESS CONFERENCE SLATED FOR 2PM TODAY ON YES!

There's heavy speculation the Yankees have their man.  The rumor is, and it's a big rumor... is that Juan Soto will be announced to be a New York Yankee today at 2pm on the YES Network. Or is it Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Whatever it is, tt's no joke.  

Also, I have no way of knowing that is what is happening and neither do any of the baseball insiders.  Not Jon Heyman, not Buster Olney, not SNY, not Andy Martino.   

I stick with guys like Jack Curry, Pete Caldera and Jeff Passan when it comes to legitimate Yankee transactions so those are the guys to listen to. Follow those guys and their tweets.

All of us will be watching the Presser at 2pm today on YES.  

More to follow!

HOMER BUSH'S KID IS A CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK!

We love Homer Bush over here at Bleeding Yankee Blue. We interviewed him back in 2011, and it was a really good chat and since then he's been part of the fam over here... like Steve Karsay, like David Robertson, like Laura and Jorge Posada... even like our guy Pete Caldera.  

These are the names that helped build this brand into the cult classic Yankees blog it is today. Read EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: HOMER BUSH for more on Homer.

But more to that... let's talk about Homer and his kid.  I saw Homer post this on Twitter and I have to say, as a kid that still plays baseball as well, when your kid does great stuff on the baseball field, you gotta share it.  Seeing Homer's post made me proud:

Proud dad. That’s all. That’s the tweet. https://t.co/WSxM46EEc2

— Homer Bush (@BushHomer) May 20, 2023

Now look, there are a ton of great college players out there. As you know I just recently wrote about Jac Caglianone in THE AMERICAN OHTANI. 

We love college guys with real ability. This is the MLB's future. It's awesome.

Homer Bush Jr plays for Grand Canyon Baseball as you can see. He's a junior.  .321 average as we speak right now, and from last year, 2022 with only 7 stolen bases... he's jump to 23 in 2023.  Quite impressive.  

I just want to say congrats to the Bush family. Gotta love the moments! 

PRE-ORDER JACK CURRY'S NEW BOOK ABOUT THE 1998 YANKEES!

This is a quick note. If you love baseball and the New York Yankees like I do, many times you get sucked into who you read when you read about them in the newspaper. For me, that goes back to Jack Curry when he was with the New York Times and my guy Pete Caldera with the Bergen Record.  Yup, I'm showing my age here, but that's how much I admire these guys and how long I've been reading them, and it just goes to show you how I even dipped my toe in the journalism pool as well, creating Bleeding Yankee Blue all the way back in 2010. Since then, I've interviewed both of them for Bleeding Yankee Blue. While these interviews are old at this point, they are worth a read again. Check out:

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: JACK CURRY (2011)

NO ONE DOES THE YANKEES BETTER THAN PETE CALDERA (2012)

Caldera also did an audio interview with BYB during COVID in 2020. You can hear that at: 

THE GREAT PETE CALDERA TALKS COIVD-19, CC SABATHIA & THE ASTROS CHEATING SCANDAL!

So, what the heck am I talking about? Oh yeah, my journalism idols and what Jack Curry is doing right now.

A little while ago, Jack Curry put out this Tweet below about his new book coming out in May and how he wants true Yankee fans like you and me to pre-order it.  The book is called "The Inside story of the Greatest Team ever: The 1998 Yankees". Check out Jack's video tweet:

98 seconds about my 1998 Yankees book and how you can receive some cool giveaways by pre-ordering the book. Thanks for watching and thanks for any consideration. pic.twitter.com/oW1shzQAPg

— JackCurryYES (@JackCurryYES) February 21, 2023

Now look, I have no dog in this fight only to tell you that when it comes to the good guys, THE REALLY GOOD GUYS, Jack and Pete are my guys. Fine journalists, good and honest people.

Jack put this tweet out and all he asks is that you check out his book, maybe preorder it.  That's it.

Why am I helping? Because I want to be that guy and I try to be and have been for a long time here at Bleeding Yankee Blue. It's not easy to be a Yankee blogger. You get a ton of heat for your opinions. But there is a respect level when it comes from guys like Jack, Pete, Lorenz, Hoch and many others. They understand I'm trying to cut my teeth in this biz, they respect it even though the world I'm in isn't exactly how they started. And so yea, I try to give back to my idols.  I've been to the Carnegie Club a few times to support Pete Caldera and watch him croon and I will continue to do that when I can. In addition, any time guys like Jack and Pete have anything going on, consider this the place to help them promote it.  Hands down 2 of my favs!

So, check out Jack's video above, listen to his wish and pre order THE 1998 YANKEES, coming out in May!

Hey Jack and Pete, hope you're ok with the love fest! Let's get ready for the 2023 season!

ZACK BRITTON'S BACK BABY!

 A smart move and no doubt we need him. Some would even suggest we take Aroldis Chapman out of the closer role and put Zack Britton there in his place. Let's not get ahead of ourselves.

The New York Post writes:

"...Zack Britton — perhaps their best arm in the bullpen — is coming back for two more years.

The Yankees had until three days following the World Series to pick up Britton’s $14 million option for 2022, and they did that Thursday, according to a source. If they hadn’t, Britton could have opted out of the $13 million he is due for 2021 and would have become a free agent.

“Very excited to continue the pursuit of a championship with the Yankees,” Britton tweeted."

When is came to Brett Gardner, that same courtesy did not happen. 

The great Pete Caldera of the Bergen Record writes:

"Gardner's contract called for a $2.5 million buyout to be triggered in the event the Yankees declined his 2021 option. 

There might still be a path to bring back Gardner, 37, on a one-year deal. He was the longest currently tenured Yankee during the 2020 season."

Brett's a great player and had a lot of good years for the Yankees, but it is very possible his time in New York is over.  Not sure what will happen with him. 

This is do know, Britton is a very important piece.  Glad that got worked out.

2 AUSTRALIANS WALK INTO A BAR. AND THAT BAR... WAS FOLEY'S

Life takes crazy turns sometimes.  When Shaun Clancy of Foley's in New York City announced Friday that they were closing up shop because of the Coronavirus, it was pretty much devastating to everyone in New York or anyone that loves baseball.  In fact, I mentioned Pete Caldera in my article, our bud over there at the Bergen Record. He was one of the guys that was a true bro of Shaun's, and wrote this just a few hours after the announcement...

"...Foley’s could not survive the COVID-19 crisis, and now it goes the way of Toots Shor’s and Runyons, the legendary New York places where sports figures and celebrities mingled with fans and tipplers. I was lucky, so lucky, to be in that sphere. Luckier still that Shaun Clancy is my friend. "

The truth is, everyone that walked into that bar felt like Shaun was their friend. It just goes to show that while Pete was a true friend, Shaun's friendly nature, the atmosphere of Foley's really sucked you in.  My buddy Joey Moses from Australia sent me this. And it just goes to show how everyone went to Foley's because it was the most fun place on earth...

Photo Credit: Joey Moses

Brother,

Just read your article, can’t believe Foley's is going! It was probably my favourite joint in NYC. I remember going there for the first time in 2007 with one of my friends, and all I could think about was how awesome this place would be to come back with my dad. Then when dad and I eventually did come back in 2012. We met you person on that trip, remember? On that vacation I knew Foley's had to be the first place I took him to. And then I wanted to make sure he went to Mickey Mantle's across from Central Park too. He loved it! Was such an amazing vibe at Foley's. I still can’t believe it won’t be there anymore.

--Joey

Photo Credit: Joey Moses / Photo of Charles Moses

Joey's dad is Charles Moses, and both of them are friends for life, all because of Bleeding Yankee Blue, a place where people can read about the Yankees and become part of our family and a place where conversations can be had about our greatest spots in New York... Foley's of course being one of them. Sad. Sad day.

Everyone wants to jump in and help keep Foley's open. But Foley's put this out last night:

Must read if you love @FoleysNY @ShaunFromFoleys https://t.co/nEP2nl91yj

— Robert Casey (@BleednYankeeBlu) May 29, 2020

No one likes the end... but that's life. People die, people are born. Places close and new places open. Evolution.

Sorry Joey. Next time you come to NYC, we'll find a new spot to call our own.