THE YANKEES ARE GRINDING WITH LONG BALLS

 

The Yankees just keep coming... and if it means they need to collect a dozen turtles to do it, they will. But last night it was all about the long ball.

 

 Anthony Rizzo, Aaron Judge and Gleyber Torres tee off against Robbie Ray in the 6th. It was important for the Yankees to win this game. And of course, every game counts right now so they can get into the playoffs...wild card or not.

Meanwhile the turtle is running wild

Yankees Twitter has now just turned into Turtle Twitter 🐢 pic.twitter.com/w1PChlvR6A

— ♠ ꜰʀᴀɴᴋɪᴇ ♠ (@FrankiesTwoLoud) October 1, 2021

Here is the wild card standings right now...

Keep going Yanks!

GERRIT COLE CAN SAY 'SAYONARA' TO THE CY YOUNG NOW

I don't put a lot of emphasis on individual awards because I keep my eye on the real prize....a World Series trophy. But even though most of us are super focused on winning the series against the Blue Jays and making it into the postseason, some are also focused on the Cy Young award.

The two favorites for the AL Cy Young are playing in this series and baseball is focused on Jays starter Robbie Ray and our own Gerrit Cole. We watched Cole pitch last night, and we will see Ray pitch tonight against Corey Kluber. If Ray pitches a better game then Cole did....he may be the standout favorite.

It would be nice to see Cole win the Cy Young, but that's something you have to earn and two of his last three starts have been clunkers now. He's struggled in some big games and he did again last night, too. Aside from the stats, here is a good visual for proof.

We could all tell early on, Cole was not on his game and the Blue Jays sat back and capitalized on his mistakes. He did finally settle down after the first couple of innings but by then the damage was done. Cole threw 19 pitches in a two-run first inning and 13 of those pitches were four-seam fastballs. The Blue Jays made contact with 7 of them and put 6 in play including a ball that was right down the middle to Marcus Semien who did not miss. Bo Bichette also had a big night with two home runs including the go-ahead run to win the game. You cannot pitch middle-middle to the Blue Jays and walk away unscathed. They are too good offensively.

Cole's final line for the night looked like this: 6 IP, 5 ER, 6K and 2 HR. Cole allowed 7 extra-base hits last night. He gave up the most extra-base hits on his four-seamer in ANY game he's ever pitched. The Yankees scored 5 runs, that should be enough to win a game. The offense did not fail Cole this time. They have in the past but this time the offense bailed him out when they tied the game and he failed the team by putting them behind in the first place. 

Cole is our ace and we need to rely on him especially in these big games as we fight for postseason berth. He said last night he would be ready to pitch the last game of the season on short rest if needed. The question here shouldn't be "will he be available?" it is "should we trust him and take that risk?" Two of his last three starts have not been good.

We want and need to see Cole pitch well, but that hasn't happened lately and because of that I think he can kiss any hope of a Cy Young award goodbye. Hopefully we haven't kissed the postseason goodbye, because right now that's the ONLY thing that matters and the gap is closer now that the Blue Jays and the Red Sox won last night. 

  --Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

     BYB Senior Managing Editor

    Twitter: @nyprincessj

 

IS GEORGE SPRINGER A GAME CHANGER FOR THE BLUE JAYS?

This just got more entertaining for me. The AL East just got a little more interesting now that George Springer is a Toronto Blue Jay. It took the Blue Jays a long time to finally get a big name, but now does it make them more of a contender?

Last season I was concerned about the Blue Jays. There were times where they were heating up and winning while we were blowing some games. They made it interesting for a while, they made it a race for second place in the division which I didn't like. They looked good last season, so with Springer they can be even better....maybe.

Personally, I think the Blue Jays overpaid for Springer. In full disclosure, I wasn't a huge fan BEFORE we all found out he was a cheating ASSTRO. The year the Astros stole the World Series he hit 29 doubles and has a .283 BA. In 2019 he hit 39 home runs and had a .293 BA but the rest of his numbers are outliers. He hasn't been consistent. No batting titles, he hasn't had a 100 RBI season or 200 hits in a season. I don't see how he is worth 6 years and $150 million, but I guess if you are the Blue Jays you have to spend big to attract the big names.

The Blue Jays did well without him, so I think he will help improve the team overall....but there's one thing Springer can't fix and that's the rotation. Just like the Yankees needed some rotation help and still due despite signing Corey Kluber, the Jays are relying on Hyun-jin Ryu to continue to stay healthy and pitch effectively. They are also counting on a bounce-back season from Robbie Ray which is a gamble.

While I don't feel comfortable with our current rotation, I don't think the Jays is any better than ours. So is Springer a game changer? Maybe a little, but unless he is going to pitch too they also have more work to do.

It's going to be an interesting season and I can't wait to see what happens when we see Springer. We all know the Yankees have overpaid before but it's nice to see the Blue Jays do it instead. 

  --Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

     BYB Managing Editor

    Twitter: @nyprincessj

RUMOR: SEVERAL TEAMS ARE INTERESTED IN J.A. HAPP

It was a rocky season for J.A. Happ. He started off shaky, got better but also had some obvious frustration with his role on the Yankees. The Yankees were treading on a dangerous line of mediocrity so I wrote HAPP ISN'T HAPPY & I DON'T CARE because I was over the distraction. There was a lot of drama this season, and now it may continue into the winter.

The Yankees have several areas to improve on for next season, and pitching is an area of concern. Behind Gerrit Cole there is a giant question mark. Who are the next four starters behind him? After reading a weekend full of trade rumors I have to wonder....is Happ going to be part of the Yankees pitching plan? Maybe not.

The Angels are Rangers would be interesting landing places for Happ.

The Angels pitching staff finished with the third-worst ERA in the American League at 5.09 ERA. The Angels new General Manager Perry Minasian is familiar with Happ because they spent time together with the Toronto Blue Jays and adding another familiar face to the team could help the team move forward. The Angels are the team that can never get Mike Trout to the playoffs is constantly in need of starting pitching. Minasian said that pitching will be the top priority of the team so it sounds like their new GM is ready to make a splash, and if Happ is still upset about his usage during the 2020 season he may appreciate a new opportunity on the West Coast.

The Rangers also struggled with their rotation and finished near the bottom of the American League with a 5.02 ERA. The Rangers are in a rebuild mode and are still a few years away from being contenders again. 2021 will be the last year in Lance Lynn's contract and have to figure out what

to do going into the season. Adding a veteran like Happ to the rotation could be what they need to help rebuild their team and add some needed leadership.

We can't forget about the Blue Jays. Honestly they are the team I am going to watch closely this winter. They will probably be one of MLB's most aggressive teams this winter, and they are rumored to be interested in a reunion. Happ had two prior stints with the Blue Jays and was an All-Star for them back in 2018. The Blue Jays already addressed one hold in their rotation by signing Robbie Ray but they are still looking for more to add behind ace Hyun-Jin Ryu. The Blue Jays gave us a run for our money last season, and they think Happ could do it again. I don't think the argument of "they are in the same division it will never happen" matters as much as it used to. I think anything is possible especially now in a pandemic world - I just don't think the Yankees would want to give him up unless the Blue Jays are willing to stupidly overpay for him.

So will Happ still be a Yankee next season? I really didn't think about before. I guess anything could happen, but it's hard to imagine unless the Yankees make some good pitching upgrades. 

  --Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

     BYB Managing Editor

    Twitter: @nyprincessj

THAT "ROBBIE RAY TO THE YANKEES" RUMOR POPS UP AGAIN

I think Robbie Ray is a smart idea when it comes to a lefty pitcher that the Yankees can use.  With them already upgrading with Gerrit Cole, and guys like James Paxton and Luis Severino on the shelf, you have to wonder if the Yankees will need some help, be it at the start of the season which now appears to be around Memorial day, or even at the trade deadline in July.

12 Up writes this:

"Arizona Diamondbacks strikeout machine Robbie Ray was sought after by the Yanks at last year's deadline, though nothing materialized. Well, should the Yankees find themselves looking for a stable option at the back-end of the rotation around the deadline, perhaps they'll be able to land the 28-year-old this time...Ray has consistently proven himself to be a reliable starter. Even after a pedestrian campaign last year, he still owns a 3.72 ERA over the last three seasons...

Even a year of his services would require a decent package. If the Yankees wanted to land Ray, it would likely take a quality pitching prospect like Alexander Vizcaino, the organization's No. 7 overall prospect. The 22-year-old right-hander owns a mid-to-upper 90s fastball that, if honed properly, could make him a valuable piece in the future." 

I love where their head's at... but again, it would require a "decent" package and of course, with the season starting later, you really need to wonder if it would even happen.

Great idea... we just need to see. I had to share this...

A NEW YANKEE SECRET WEAPON

What the hell's going on down there on the Yankee farm? First Deivi Garcia... now a new guy is a phenom too?

His name is Clarke Schmidt... and he has mad potential to be great for the New York Yankees one day!

NJ.com writes:

"The Yankees refused to trade former first-round pick Clarke Schmidt in a deal that would have also sent Clint Frazier and a pair of other prospects to the Diamondbacks in exchange for lefty Robbie Ray before the deadline....

Tampa manager Aaron Tolbert explained why the Yankees believe Schmidt, a righty starter, could be in their rotation in the near future following his promotion to Double-A on Thursday. 'Clean delivery,' Holbert, who played in 17 professional seasons, said on the phone Friday. 

'Ability to command multiple pitches. I see him sticking in the starter’s role.' MLB Pipeline ranks the 23-year-old Schmidt as the Yankees’ No. 5 overall prospect."

Just when you thought the Yanks were tapped out of talent on the farm... this comes out.  Very exciting to see all parts moving with the Yankees!

HICKS TO THE SHELF & FRAZIER GETS SNUBBED

Here we go again.

The Yankees have placed Aaron Hicks on the Injured List (again) with a right flexor strain and he won't throw for the next seven to ten days. So it sounds like no Tommy John surgery, which is good news for the Yankees. But even with a hole left now in the outfield, it doesn't sound like it will be good news for Clint Frazier.

It didn't take long for Aaron Boone to say "NO" when he was asked if Frazier would be returning to the Bronx. Instead, it sounds like the Yankees will rely on Mike Tauchman and Cameron Maybin to share a part-time gig while Brett Gardner will get the majority of the fielding time. So now we sit here and will continue to debate....has Frazier been given the shaft by the Yankees? Honestly, it is easy to make an argument for either "yes" or "no."

We have watched Frazier shine at times this season but there have also been a lot of struggles. His offense contributed to the Yankees success early in the season, but his defensive woes hurt the team also and led to a rocky relationship with the media. You have to wonder if his actions after being demoted have caused a rift that can't be repaired. It doesn't look good when you clear your Instagram account, unfollow your teammates and then take almost 72 ours to report for your new assignment.

Boone says there is no bad blood between the Yankees and Frazier, read more HERE.
Maybe there isn't but since the Yankees demoted Frazier they have called up Tauchman, Mike Ford, Breyvic Valera and Tyler Wade instead. Boone says these holes were filled based on positional need and the roles those players cold fill rather than choosing them over Frazier.

So did the Yankees not call Frazier up because Hicks can be filled in the same platoon or positional basis? Considering how Frazier has been on a hot streak lately you could say now would be his time to shine. It would be the opportunity to show the Yankees that he is the right guy in the future. We've always thought he was being groomed for a future role, right?

So then why all of the trade talk?

If the Yankees are still high on Frazier like Boone just said were the Yankees just doing their due diligence at the trade deadline? Or, are the Yankees quietly waiting for another opportunity to move him?

September call-ups will be here before we know it, but until then this is an interesting story to follow. The Yankees didn't have to wait until next month to call him up. They could do that now while he is on a hot streak. So....is not calling him up a mistake? I don't know. I still can't decide "yes" or "no."

Get better Hicks, we need you back. That's the only easy "yes" answer.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @nyprincessj

WHO WILL BE THE NEXT STARTING PITCHER FOR THE YANKEES?

Source: USA Today

The subject of starting pitching is always touchy and when you get closer to the trade deadline and teams go on tears or nose dives following the All Star Break, upper management gets really cranky about picking up and selling starters for either post season hopes or team rebuilds.

"The volume of contenders seeking starters makes this a seller’s market in that area, yet no one is selling the kind of unquestioned ace for which an overpay is more palatable. For example, among those with at least 80 innings, (Madison)Bumgarner is ranked 42nd in Fangraphs’ Wins Above Replacement. (Robbie) Ray is 44th. Sandwiched in between is Domingo German. (Matthew) Boyd, Bumgarner and Ray do not have as high groundball rates as the Yankees prefer in starters, and Ray’s 11.9 walk percentage is third-highest in the majors," reported the NY Post on Tuesday.

Source: USA Today

The Mets placed starting pitcher Zack Wheeler on the injured list with a shoulder issue on Monday.  Even if he can start before the trade deadline in just around two weeks, will he even be a prospect for teams like the Yankees?  Not likely.  Even more unlikely are the Mets' possibilities of trading starting pitching to the Yankees; something they have not done in 15-years!  So not only are injuries a sensitive subject when it comes to starting pitching, but who you are "allowed" to deal with is equally sensitive.

"The Giants’ two wins over the Rockies on Monday gave them 10 victories in 12 games and (eventually they went 13-2 before dropping a game to the Mets Saturday afternoon), driving them within a few games of the second wild card despite being four games under .500. Rival executives still expect GM Farhan Zaidi to think big-picture and sell his most desirable pieces — namely Madison Bumgarner and a group of relievers led by closer Will Smith," reported the Post.

The Texas Ranger will likely be sellers and with that said pitcher Mike Minor could be a big contender in this market.

Source: USA Today

This is also the time of year where wear and tear seems to get the best of pitchers, with guys like Wheeler heading to the IL. We have heard of talks Trevor Bauer making a trip to the Bronx. Also in the mix is Marcus Stroman, as the Yankees have had multiple trades with Toronto in the last several years and the Blue Jays are likely not going to contend in 2019.  Who will make it into the final trade talks with the Yankees?

"One SNY source ended the Luis Castillo-to-the-Yankees party before it even started a few weeks ago saying it will absolutely never happen. But MLB.com may have got it going a little bit a few days ago saying the Castillo trade possibility isn't a complete lost cause. The asking price is just exorbitantly high. The Yankees are World Series or bust this year. It's really that simple. Adding Castillo makes them the instant undisputed favorite to win the World Series and if the Yankees will just put up Clint Frazier, Deivi Garcia and maybe Miguel Andujar, that deal gets done. Period. Zero doubt," reported Sporting News.

Source: MLB Trade Rumors

Rotation woes stem from not only the lack of starting pitching due to Luis Severino's injury but lack of consistency with James Paxton and Masahiro Tanaka.  As the Cooperstown gets ready to install two Yankee pitchers into its Hall of Fame, consistency is key to stay on course and carry a team to reach its post season goals.  The next couple of weeks leading to the trade deadline will be interesting and Bleeding Yankee Blue will keep close to the talks as we learn who the next starting pitcher for the Yankees will be.

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

YANKEES LIKE ROBBIE RAY, BUT THEY SHOULDN'T

Some baseball insiders seem to think that Robbie Ray is the answer to the Yankees pitching search. I could be in the minority here but, I'm not sold. I've seen enough of him the past couple of years here in Arizona to know that he has some issues. Some of these issues just won't translate well in Yankee Stadium.

The Yankees are going to continue to be linked to every starting pitcher that may or may not be available....along with numerous other teams. In fact, the Astros, Phillies and now the Brewers are also looking at Ray according to Jon Heyman. I get it, nothing wrong with looking and depth is good. I just don't think the Yankees will get the return they expect out of him.

Maybe I am wrong. I mean, Peter Gammons is sold on him. Maybe I have watched him too much and just know how to spot what I don't like about him.

I think Ray would be a good addition to a contending team as long as they understand what they are getting from him. If he's traded his new team gets one more year of team control from arbitration which is always a good thing. Ray can be exciting to watch. He is a strike-out pitcher with almost 12 strikeouts per nine rate and as attractive as that is, it also comes with concessions. This is where I say I am not sold on Ray.....

I like the strikeouts, who wouldn't? I don't like the walks at 4.5 per nine rate and I especially don't like that if he's pitching at Yankee stadium. If you walk too many guys at Yankee stadium things can get away from you fast. Yankee stadium is too hitter friendly, Chase field is pretty hitter friendly also but they don't have the short right porch to worry about. It really doesn't matter WHERE Ray would pitch, unless he can get the walks under control it is going to be a problem. Right now he has 56 walks for the season, on pace to break his record for walks in a season and is a league leader in walks. Not a good combination.

The home runs would also concern me. So far he has 16 for the season, his career high is 24. He also has control issues so a home run prone pitcher in Yankee stadium is also worth considering. I have a hard time imagining how a NL pitcher with a 3.81 ERA is going to be effective at Yankee stadium. It won't especially with too many walks and home runs added into the equation.

I just don't see how this would make the Yankees pitching staff better, but maybe I am wrong. I think Ray is an option, but I also think there are other options out there that the Yankees should give equal consideration to. Gammons may like Ray, but I'm not sold. I don't think he is the upgrade the Yankee are looking for.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @nyprincessj

DESPERATE FOR PITCHING

Source: Kim Klement, USA TODAY Sports)

As I watched the headlines unveil about the Luis Severino injury, I couldn't help but zero in on local sports reporter Bruce Beck's comment on the 6:00 p.m. broadcast last night as he said the Yankees essentially need to figure this out.  And yes, they do.  He went on to say that Jonathan Loaisiga, despite having a bad outing, could be an option.  The New York Post said, "His stuff is filthy enough it makes veteran baseball men pay attention."  Are we desperate for pitching? Desperate for Severino or a little bit of both?

Source: NJ.com

Brian Cashman said in an interview yesterday, "Obviously, it’s a concerning situation until he’s on the mound for a consistent period of time,’’ Cashman said, “to the point where you forget that it even happened. We’re obviously a long way away from that," reported USA Today.  He went on to say that the team would rely on who they have in the pipeline and re-evaluate as needed.  That doesn't sound desperate, but are they underestimating the potency of the injury?

Source: Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post

According to the NY Post Loaisiga, "is no sure thing. But he is possible thing. He has that arm. He has that slider. He got seven outs Wednesday and five of them were strikeouts, and all of those looked downright unfair. He knows he has an opportunity here, that he can pitch his way onto the March and April rotation, and if it saddens him that Severino had to get banged up to force that to happen … well, he’s been in those shoes, too. Plenty." 

Source: MLB.com

But, here's the thing...are we willing to take a chance on Loaisiga in the short term or even the long term?  I don't think so.  Even if he is the real thing.  The Yankees need someone else, and that someone else would need to be here regardless if Sevy is in the rotation or not.  And that someone may not be the obvious choice in everyone's conversation.  What if it was a one-year contract for Bartolo Colon or James Shields?

Source: Sporting News

According to USA Today, "Maybe it’s time to pick up the phone and see if the San Francisco Giants can be persuaded to deal Madison Bumgarner now instead of waiting until this summer. The Arizona Diamondbacks should be open to listening to offers for ace Zack Greinke, and perhaps Robbie Ray, too. The Cleveland Indians dangled co-aces Corey Kluber and Trevor Bauer during the winter, so maybe those talks could be re-visited." 

Source: SNY

The Yankees are desperate for pitching, starting pitching that is.  And they have been for years.  They are trying to patch the hole with James Paxton and perhaps Loasigia, but they need another stud to compliment Sevy.  He can't do it alone and hopefully, this is just a little blip and he will recover and we can forget it happened.  Wishing...

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

DESPERATE TIMES, DESPERATE MEASURES

The stage is set for Monday after a very unexpected plot twist....and I can't wait to watch. I sit here and hold my breath already as I think about it but the anticipation and mystery factor alone will make this a must see event. Last week if you started talking about Chad Green people may have looked at you funny and asked "Who is that?!" but pretty soon everyone is going to know.

Oh the difference a few hours makes. Last week Green was pitching down in AAA and he wasn't even on the Yankees 40-man roster. After Luis Severino hit the disabled list the Yankees moved Bryan Mitchell and Greg Bird to the 60 day disabled list. Suddenly the unlikely dream of pitching in the big leagues went from a long shot to a reality. The Yankees are trusting an unproven kid for a tall order....in an inter league game. How is that for drama?

The stage is set in my backyard. It is hard enough to step in and pitch when you are unknown. It's harder when you are a new kid that doesn't carry the same weight as a well known prospect. The task becomes even harder when you have to play in a National League stadium and bat....in very unfamiliar and unfriendly territory. Green is going to have the ultimate test with the Arizona Diamondbacks. This is a city where people not only don't like the Yankees, but a city that is still living in 2001 and that is all that will be talked about. It's going to be more pressure than some may realize.

Fans may not be the most familiar with Green but he was part of the trade that sent Justin Wilson to the Detroit Tigers and in his short time down in AAA he has been impressive. So far in 37 innings he has struck out 36 batters and has a 1.22 ERA. The key now will be to take the success he has had down in AAA, use that on big league hitters and pick up a bat and hit. That last part makes things even more complicated.

When talking to the media this weekend, Green mentioned that he has not hit since his days in High School. He owns no bats, or gloves and despite throwing right handed he has only batted as a lefty. The Diamondbacks will have left hander Robbie Ray on the mound so that will make the challenge even more difficult.Green is going to have a lot to work through on Monday night. There will be little breathing room. When he isn't pitching, he will be thinking about hitting. When he isn't thinking about hitting, he will be thinking about pitching scenarios. This isn't just any game.

This series with the Diamondbacks is going to start off quick and it will be intense. Can the Yankees take their momentum on the road with them? Absolutely, and I hope that is exactly what I will get to see during this series. But you aren't alone Green....because this is just as much on the offense as it is you.

To be successful against the Diamondbacks the Yankees need their pitching on point but they also need to hit. Mark Teixeira and the heart of the order need to show up this series. Playing in a National League park is a game changer. Playing against the Diamondbacks will also always mean revenge for transplanted New Yorkers like myself. This is war.

Show them what you got Green.....and BRING IT ON DIAMONDBACKS!



   
--Jeana Bellezza, 
BYB Senior Writer and Editor
Twitter: @NyPrincessJ 
 





Thank you for your loyalty to Bleeding Yankee Blue. 
Please shop at the BYB store!  
On Twitter: @BleednYankeeBlu 
On Facebook, LIKE Bleeding Yankee Blue!
Don't forget to check out the BYB Hub.