AARON HICKS THROWS HIMSELF A PITY PARTY & NO ONE CARES!

The Yankees just won their first series of the season, and they did it without Aaron Hicks. They didn't even think about Aaron Hicks at all. It's one thing to miss a series due to an injury, but it's another when it's the first of the season and an experienced player is literally sitting on the bench. 

It sucks to be Hicks right now. There's no other way to put it. Aaron Boone chose to leave Hicks on the bench and whether you believe his explanation or not, it still proves that the Yankees have given up on Hicks. Boone sat Hicks in favor of Isiah Kiner-Falefa and justified the decision HERE

"Hicks is going to play," Boone said before the game. "Today is just not necessarily the matchup I love [against Giants right-hander Ross Stripling]. I would probably expect him to be in there the next couple of days. … But he'll play, even though he hasn't been in the lineup these first few [games]."

And even though Boone says we will see Hicks soon, Hicks doesn't seem to understand when or how he will be used. He vented to Brendan Kuty of The Athletic earlier today.

 

I understand the sentiment, but I don't feel bad for the guy AT ALL. He's had seven years to prove that he can be a healthy and productive everyday player and he hasn't done that. He's had plenty of opportunity, but no results. A starting job has to be earned, and at this point the Yankees are ready to give Oswaldo Cabrera and IKF time in centerfield to show some better results. Don't want to sit on the bench? Then be a consistent player so the Yankees have no reason to keep you off of the field. 

The fact that the Yankees are willing to give a new utility player time in centerfield over an experienced outfielder says a lot. The Yankees know Hicks isn't the answer and they are stuck with him for now. Yesterday, the Yankees wrapped up their first series of the year. With the series win on the line, they gave IKF time in centerfield instead of Hicks. That says a lot....and it will continue to happen.

So even though Hicks says his role isn't clear, it is. He just doesn't want to accept it. There is no role for Hicks on this team. There are too many other players willing to do what is best for the team to help them win, and younger more exciting players. 

Hick's role is clear.....it's not on this team. The sooner we can get to that final result, the better.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj 

YANKEES INCH ONE STEP CLOSER TO SIGNING CARLOS RODON

Source: ESPN

With Anthony Rizzo and Aaron Judge contracts intact, the Yankees look to beef up their starting rotation with another hard throwing pitcher. The Bombers have been eyeing left-hander Carlos Rodon, and are expected to make a formal offer early this week. With Wednesday upon us, San Francisco where Rodon played last season have since signed former Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Ross Stripling on a two-year, $25 million contract and now Carlos Correa to 13-year $350 million deal, reports ESPN's Jeff Passan. This pushes the envelope perhaps an inch closer to the Yankees making a deal with Rodon.

Source: The New York Post

According to the New York Post, "The initial indication is that Rodon seeks seven-plus years at $200 million plus, and while the Yankees seem reluctant to go to that length, they also seem very serious and hopeful about this pursuit." With Chris Bassitt to the Blue Jays, the Yankees need to close this deal with Rondon in order to remain competitive and support the big time signing of Yankee slugger Aaron Judge.

According to the Post, "Rodon thrived in 2022 as a Giant, posting a 2.88 ERA with 237 strikeouts over 178 innings, while leading the league among qualifiers with 12 strikeouts per nine innings and a 2.25 FIP. Rodon celebrated his 30th birthday Saturday." Seven years is a long time for a pitcher to remain healthy and competitive. 

So if the Yankees take a hard pass because of Rodon's contract requirements, who can they leverage for another big arm to keep them in the hunt for a championship in 2023? According to Yahoo Sports, it actually could be Gleyber Torres. The 26-year-old had a comeback season in 2022, and perhaps just enough to be a good trading chip for another quality arm in the rotation.

Source: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Yahoo Sports sources said that "they thought trading Torres was the Yanks’ real chance to get an impact starting pitcher, assuming they do not sign free agent Carlos Rodón. But another wondered if the rest of baseball saw Torres as enough of a big bat to lure a quality starter in trade." I can't say I disagree.

So it is safe to say a deal will happen soon for Rodon and the Yankees are the top candidate followed by the Giants and the Cardinals. The Yankees need to lock up starting pitching and plug that gaping hole in left field. Perhaps Torres could help with that issue; but that is for another piece. For now, let's hope the Yankees get Rodon and continue to build their team for what is shaping to be a fun 2023 for baseball. 

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