OKAY, I LIKE VERDUGO

 

Source: The Athletic

Well, I was not thrilled when the Yankees picked up Alex Verdugo. His reputation preceded him with both the Dodgers and Red Sox clubhouses having something to say about his attitude. My concern was clear: would Verdugo carry a similar chip on his shoulder here in New York? But so far, he has shown his value and I have not seen any attitude at least in from my point of view. All I see is a guy that hustles, hits and adds a powerful punch to this Yankee team. So, okay, I like Verdugo.

“Honestly, man, it’s been really fun. I’ve found the fun again,” Verdugo said. “I really like the team. I really like my teammates. I really like just everything about this organization so far. When you’re happy somewhere, you just feel so much better when you’re playing and when you’re going through s—. I just think that’s what it is here,” reported The Athletic. 

Prior to his Yankee debut Verdugo had his bouts with former skipper Alex Cora and a variety of different concerns with the Dodgers. According to The Athletic,  "With the Dodgers, veteran pitcher Rich Hill admonished him for being late. His former Dodgers and Red Sox teammate, Kenley Jansen, said Verdugo had the potential to be a Hall of Fame player if he could ever get his act together. At the end of the 2022 season, Red Sox manager Alex Cora told reporters Verdugo was the No. 1 player who needed to take a step forward in 2023. His plea did not work. Cora benched Verdugo in the middle of a game last June for not hustling."

Source: AP

For the Yankees he has filled a whole sorely needed in the outfield. Although he is primarily in left field for the Bombers, he has played center field recently, serving as an outfield specialist and providing great depth for the Yankees. And with the bat, Verdugo has delivered. Even bringing in the 2024 battle cry or shall I say dawg bark to light up the energy in the dugout and on the field. Even roll callers are barking back at Dugie as his name is called in attendance by the faithful bleachers.

Source: MLB

“He’s just a complete player,” Judge said. “He’s a guy we’ve been looking for, a left fielder that’s left-handed and competes every single day. He competes every single day. He wants to play every single day. I told him the other day in the outfield that he’s one of the best left fielders besides Brett Gardner that I’ve played with,” reports The Athletic.

Verdugo can keep doing what he's doing: producing runs and a surmountable amount of energy to rival that produced by another fan favorite Juan Soto. Yeah, I like Verdugo. Stay focused, have fun and don't bring in any of that past banter. Do your job and we are all good, Alex. 

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

THE YANKEES HAVE THEIR EYE ON A LEFTY....

(May 6, 2016 - Source: Mike Carlson/Getty Images North America)

The Yankees have not given up on their quest to get another left handed reliever in the bullpen. Of course, the Yankees aren't the only ones looking but suddenly the stakes are even higher. One pitcher has caught the interest of most major league baseball teams and it's not because he has incredible raw talent, or a killer fastball. He has evolved and may have found a way to bridge baseball and science together.

(April 6, 2016 - Source: Rob Carr/Getty Images North America)

Months ago if news broke that the Yankees were interested in Craig Breslow some people may have laughed and some may have scratched their heads. After all, last season he had a 4.50 ERA in 14 innings before the Marlins let him go. He spent a few weeks with the Rangers AAA affiliate and wasn't heard from after that. Now, according to Peter Gammons, he has the interest in as many as 20 teams and one of those is rumored to be the Yankees. How?

Move over Moneyball, Stem Cell Research, and Bill James....a new scientific theory is here to be tested. At the end of the season Breslow bought a Raspodo device which tracks a pitcher's spin, spin efficiency, velocity and tilt axis and gives pitchers just as much data as a pith f/x machine but costs a lot less. All of this data has given Breslow a new pitching strategy that he believes works, and will help him be successful again. He's also not the only one who believes in it.

(Sept. 19, 2016 - Source: Harry How/Getty Images North America)

Another pitcher the Yankees once had interest in, Rich Hill used the same science to reinvent himself with help from Brian Bannister, the Dodgers Director of Pitching analysis and assistant pitching coach. Hill went from playing in an Independent League to a reliable MLB starter two years ago after he learned how to get a better spin on his pitches and drop his arm angle. Before adopting this new scientific approach made a modest $3 million salary from 2007 through 2015. After reinventing himself, he now has a three year, $48 million contract with the Dodgers and now Breslow wants to do the same thing. So maybe science can successfully be applied to baseball.

It may sound like a bunch of hype, but when you have scouts watching him pitch and describe the movement on his pitches as "sick" AND you have Clayton Kershaw, one of the best pitchers in the game buying into it as well as others, you know this isn't a trend that is going away anytime soon. Maybe this is just the beginning. Teams are looking for that competitive edge and maybe science finally gives it to them.

(April 19, 2016 - Source: Rob Foldy/Getty Images North America)

The Yankees want some more veteran presence on their team and Brian Cashman has been saying this off season has been all about pitching....yet the Yankees have only added Aroldis Chapman. Maybe it will take some intense interest and competition for Breslow to make the Steinbrenner's open up their wallet again. Maybe a scientific edge will intrigue the Yankees so much that they just can't let him sign anywhere else. Or, maybe the Yankees just watch from afar....and have an anti-climatic ending.

Will the Yankees be swayed by science? I have my theories on this, but we will see what happens. Breslow is set to have an open audition on the 23rd....who is going to sign him?

Stay tuned.


 --Jeana Bellezza
BYB Managing Editor
Follow me on Twitter: @NYPrincessJ

RICH HILL & DODGERS ARE CLOSE TO A DEAL

(Oct. 17, 2016 - Source: Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images North America)

Just a quick note about Rich Hill, a decent starting pitcher and a guy the Yankees were looking at for one hot second.  Looks like the Dodgers may have a deal with him.  That news comes from a tweet from Bill Plunkett at the Orange County Register:

#Dodgers closing in on multi-year deal with LHP Rich Hill. Not done yet

— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) December 4, 2016

Now, a deal's not done, but could be soon.  It's being reported that Hill could get a 3 year deal worth $40 million. 

(Oct. 12, 2016 - Source: Pool/Getty Images North America)

We shall see, but that's just another player the Yankees have passed on. Earlier today it was revealed that Carlos Beltran signed a 1 year deal with the Astros, and the Yankees never made him an offer.  Now it looks like Hill may go too... and you gotta wonder what Cashman has up his sleeve in the world of this off-season.

All of it is very exciting and interesting... more to come.

GET EXCITED FOR OUR YOUNG YANKEE STARTERS!

I know... I'm fully aware that fellow BYB writer Dan Lucia is doing an incredible series on the future of the New York Yankees.  If you don't know, read:

YANKEE PROSPECT WATCH: MONTGOMERY & FINLEY

YANKEE PROSPECT WATCH: CLARKIN & TORRENS

I just needed to write this though and why not, right? 

Look, I am at the point where I am excited to see what we have for starting pitching with some of our younger minor leaguers eventually and hopefully getting to the Bigs. 

(Oct. 12, 2016 - Source: Rob Carr/Getty Images North America)

Bottom line, I wouldn’t spend the money on Rich Hill right now given his age and injury history even though if healthy he could likely be an ace for us next year. 

The Yankees really have a treasure trove of minor league starters that folks aren't talking about enough. I honestly would love to see one or two of them join the starting rotation next season and let’s see what they can do... you know what I mean? 

(Sept. 20, 2016 - Source: Joseph Garnett Jr./Getty Images North America)

We will already have Tanaka, Sabathia and Pineda as starters (assuming Pineda isn't traded), but that leaves two spots open. One of my important beliefs is that Yanks should use Luis Severino out of the bullpen. BYB Chief Robert Casey feels the same way.  We believe that putting him back in the starting rotation would be foolish. He's too valuable as a reliever. 

(Aug. 20, 2016 - Source: Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images North America)

Now, to be honest, I'm not sure Luis Cessa, Chad Green or Brian Mitchell are the answer either, but they may deserve a shot. But look, I'm very excited about the prospect of using one of more of the young guys below as a starter in 2017, or even in 2018. Check this out: 

(Source: MiLB.com)

Jordan Montgomery: In 25 starts this year for AA and AAA, this lefty was 14-5 this season with a 2.13 ERA with 134 Ks in 139 IP. After his promotion to Scranton (AAA) he had 6 starts and was 5-1 with a 0.97 ERA. He is about to turn 24 years old. Let’s give him a shot.

(Source: MiLB.com)

Dietrich Enns: This 25 year old lefty starter was 14-4 with a 1.73 ERA this year at AA and AAA with 124 Ks in 134 IP. After being promoted to AAA with a 1.92 ERA, he put up a 1.52 ERA in 14 starts at Scranton.

Photo Credit: AP

James Kaprielian: This guy probably needs more time in the minors after being injured most of 2016. But he was our 1st round pick (16th overall pick) in the 2015 draft after a dominant college career at UCLA.

Chance Adams: Perhaps a bit behind Montgomery and Enns in his development, we shouldn’t forget about Adams. He is only 22 and was a 5th round pick in 2015, but had a great year in 2016 going 13-1 with a 2.33 ERA in 24 starts at A and AA!!! Adams struck out 144 in 127 IP. Most impressive is that like Enns, he was more productive after his promotion. After going 5-0 with a 2.65 ERA at Tampa, he was promoted to Trenton and went 8-1 with a 2.05 ERA in 12 starts. Adams might need 1 year at AAA, but he may not be far from helping the Yanks rotation either.

Staten Island Advance

Domingo Acevedo: This 22-year old signed out of the Dominican Republic hit 103 on the gun last summer and consistently throws 96-100 as a starter. IN 18 starts last year, he was 5-4 with a 2.61 ERA and 102 Ks in 93 IP. He is currently listed as the Yanks #8 overall prospect. Scouts say he has an amazing change up as well, but needs some time to work on his slider and curve. But he is coming!

These are guys that the Yankees drafted, so it doesn’t even include some of the great young arms that they got in the trades for Chapman, Miller, Beltran and McCann.  Think about this, we have Justus Sheffield (Miller trade), Dillon Tate (Beltran trade) and Albert Abreu (McCann trade). But the 5 guys I mention above were all guys we had without even making any of the trades. Think about that. I am very excited about these guys and want them to get their shot! To be honest, I wouldn’t sign any free agent starting pitchers. 

(Photo Credit: Gregg Slaboda- Trentonian File)

Honestly, Montgomery and Enns are probably the only two of this group that the Yanks should consider for the 2017 starting rotation at the outset of the season, but the others are not far away, maybe later in the season additions, maybe 2018 for sure.

We also have an exciting stable of relief pitchers that can help in 2017, but I will save that for my next submission. 

Anyway, keep an eye on these guys though. It's gonna be a lot of fun!

--Douglas Solomon 

BYB Guest Writer
  

THE CESPEDES FACTOR

Source: FOX Sports

So by now you know that the New York Mets have re-signed Yoenis Cespedes to a new four-year deal totaling $110 million dollars.  And the Yankees have not signed any big bats or big arms as of the last day of November.  But with the Winter Meetings fast approaching and some big time chatter around big bats Edwin Encarnacion, Mark Trumbo and Carlos Beltran and big arms Rich Hill, Derek Holland and of course Aroldis Chapman, there is a lot of anticipation that something will happen soon.  However, as I hate to be the bearer of negativity, there could be some fallout around the Cespedes signing and the rise in costs of free-agents because of this signing.

Source: Sports On Earth

According to George A. King III of the New York Post, "An MLB executive said he believed the Mets overspent for Cespedes, and Encarnacion, 34 in January, could benefit from the deal. This might help him because some teams might think [Encarnacion] is a better purchase,’’ the executive said of Encarnacion, who can play first base but isn’t the defender at that spot Cespedes is in the outfield."

Source: Latino Baseball

Hmmm- that's kind of interesting.

But would the Yankees pay for a 34-year-old veteran bat?  How about a 40-year-old bat in the likes of Carlos Beltran?  The difference, besides six years, is that Beltran would not be looking for a long term deal like Encarnacion.  According to King, "With the Astros, Blue Jays and Red Sox joining the Yankees in search of a DH, Beltran has been linked to all four teams. The Red Sox attempted to pry the veteran switch-hitting outfielder away from the Yankees at this season’s trade deadline, but he was dealt to the Rangers."

Source: UPI

And what about Mark Trumbo, who besides Ben Zobrist, was the best bang for the free-agent buck of the 2016 season?  According to the Baltimore Sun, "They (the Orioles) did, however, assign a qualifying offer to right fielder/designated hitter Mark Trumbo, who led the majors with 47 home runs this season. If Trumbo accepts, he’ll be paid $17.2 million on a one-year contract in 2017. If he declines and opts to test free agency for the first time in his career, the Orioles will get a compensatory pick at the end of the first round of the 2017 MLB Draft."

Source: MLB.com

So with the Cespedes signing comes a rise in the need and cost of other free agents and a frenzy for the biggest bat.  It will be interesting to see what transpires, but if I had a pick or wish, I would wish for Trumbo but his price tag may have just elevated thanks to the Mets.

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

ARE THE YANKEES REALLY IN "HOT PURSUIT" OF RICH HILL?

(Oct. 17, 2016 - Source: Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images North America)

I'm not sure it's that intense, folks.  I'm not getting that vibe at all. I know they want "cheap" and good, but I don't know if they are truly in "hot pursuit" of Rich Hill. I know they like him. I know they think he could help them, and I don't doubt that. But if some other team showed up and signed him, I don't think Brian Cashman would kick the cat over it.

(Oct. 17, 2016 - Source: Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images North America)

Whatever the case, the "hot pursuit" line came from Empire Writes Back, and good for them, they got me clicking, but then I found the source, and it's from Jim Bowden.  Oh boy.

Rich Hill has four teams that are all "in" full pursuit of him and they are the Yankees, Dodgers, Rangers and... https://t.co/2ndy5ujLgs

— Jim Bowden (@JimBowden_ESPN) November 29, 2016

"In pursuit" is more like it, but remember, this is Jim Bowden... he's rarely right when it comes to this stuff!

Now, no disrespect to anyone here, not the blog, not Jim. I like Jim a lot.  The bottom line is that it's my feeling (and I'm just a regular guy like you out there), Rich Hill's on the list... but when it comes to "Hot Pursuit"... I'd equate that to an Ardolis Chapman type.  That's just me.

Whatever the case, God bless them all.  The rumor season has been very enjoyable.  But on this Rich Hill rumor... we gotta wait and see...

Sit tight everyone.

YANKS AT THE MERCY OF TANAKA'S SUCCESS OR FAILURE

 (Source: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images North America)

I hate the way that headline sounds.  I don't want to be at the mercy of anyone or anyone's fate and I don't want the Yankees to be either.  But unfortunately, we are at the mercy of other's performances in life and in sport and we are at the mercy of our own.

  (Source: Anthony Gruppuso/USA TODAY Sports)

                                                            
According to Andrew Marchand of the New York Daily News, "If Tanaka repeats his 14-4, 3.07 ERA season, he most assuredly will opt out or threaten to opt out, leveraging a clause in Year 4 of his seven-year, $155 million contract. If Tanaka struggles in 2017 or, worse, is severely injured, then he likely would stay on to finish out the final three seasons of his deal."  That sounds like a lose-lose for the Yankees.  And here is another nugget for you to chew on: The Bronx Bombers have no other veteran pitchers signed to long term deals passed 2017.  As Marchand explains to Yankee readers, "Michael Pineda and CC Sabathia are free agents after this upcoming season. Luis Severino took a huge step backward last year. Bryan Mitchell, Luis Cessa and Chad Green have a total of 25 starts between them. Adam Warren has proved to be better as a swingman than a regular starter."

                                                                                  
So when Brian Cashman says we need some starters, we need some starters.  And as much as I hate to admit it, and I don't know if this is the place to do so, but Tony Romo had some wise words to share with regards to his diminishing role as a starting quarter back for the Dallas Cowboys.

"Here you are, sidelined without any real ability to help your teammates win on the field," Romo said. "That's when you're forced to come face to face with what is happening. Seasons are fleeting and games become more precious. Chances for success diminish. Your potential successor has arrived."  Could this be Tanaka next year?  Are we at the mercy of Tanaka's successes or failures?

(Source: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images North America)

I have always been of the belief of "next guy in" when someone falls to an injury or is unable to perform at his/her best for whatever reason.  But in a game like baseball, where you are paid an exorbitant amount of money, you are sort of "stuck with" the guy who is getting the obnoxious pay check even if he sits the bench while you pay another guy to take his place at the same time.  Romo could move on to another team or stay with the Cowboys as a coach on the sidelines.  What role would Tanaka have if he doesn't pitch or can't pitch?

(Source: Getty Images)

I like to live in the positive, glass half full world.  I have a growth mindset, but when I read Marchand's article, I threw in the towel.  I am hopeful that we win with a young, growing pitching staff.  I don't really like Chris Sale and Rich Hill.  And I don't want to be at the mercy of Tanaka.  So I am rooting for him to do well and let fate do the rest.

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

YANKEE SURPRISE IN THE DEAD OF NIGHT

Well, not totally, but for me it was! I went to be early! That's parenthood on a Friday for you! I missed this news!

(Aug. 9, 2016 - Source: Jim Rogash/Getty Images North America)

The Yankees have appeared to have cut 2 veteran Yankees. Nathan Eovaldi and Dustin Ackley. Wow... they're not kidding about getting young, huh?

The New York Post writes:

(May 27, 2016 - Source: Brian Blanco/Getty Images North America)

"Knowing Nathan Eovaldi was going to miss the 2017 season because of Tommy John surgery and Dustin Ackley had been replaced by Ronald Torreyes as a utility infielder, the Yankees designated Eovaldi for assignment and unconditionally released Ackley on Friday."

Not only that,  They traded James Pazos, the lefty pitcher to Seattle for righty Zack Littell! What the hell is going on?

Credit: MLB Pipeline

Cashman is on a tear, he even added to his 40 man roster.  Miguel Andujar and Jorge Mateo were added!

(Oct. 17, 2016 - Source: Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images North America)

Look, with the designation of Eovaldi, you can damn be sure the Yankees will be making more significant moves this off season.  The question is, what will they be? We could obviously use a starter, and you gotta wonder if the Yankees will pursue someone like Rich Hill or if they will try and trade for someone like Chris Sale.

Whatever the case, I was very surprised when I woke up this morning.  Let me rephrase... I wasn't surprised, I was taken back... but satisfied.

Happy Saturday.