GREGORIUS & TORRES COULD BATTLE FOR SHORTSTOP

I read an interesting nugget on NJ.com at the end of the week that thrusted Didi Gregorius into the limelight and a head to head pseudo battle for shortstop with hotshot prospect Gleyber Torres. I say pseudo battle because neither are face to face battling for a position, which Gregorius has held rather well since taking over for our retired Captain Derek Jeter.  But...it could happen and may happen even as early as this season.

According to NJ.com, "Gone are the chants for Derek Jeter. But now Didi Gregorius faces a new challenge: Showing the Yankees that he's the shortstop of the future, not their hot shot prospect Gleyber Torres."  This concept brought back some memories of another battle for SS that never really was a battle but a concession and contract caveat from the player and the Yankee administration.

When the Yankees signed Alex Rodriguez, hot shot Texas Rangers shortstop, Rodriguez said he would move his position from shortstop to third base so that he could be a Yankee. Brian Cashman almost passed on the deal because he was more than satisfied with Derek Jeter's performance at the shortstop.

As written in the The New York Times in 2004, "The impetus for the Yankees' deal came on Jan. 16, when third baseman Aaron Boone seriously injured a knee while playing pickup basketball and Cashman could not find a replacement. Rodriguez, sensing an escape from what had become a gilded prison in Texas, decided he would shift from shortstop to third base if the Rangers dealt him to the Yankees. It was no small concession from Rodriguez, who has won Gold Gloves for fielding excellence at shortstop the past two seasons. But Rodriguez has never played in the World Series, and according to one person familiar with the trade talks, he told the Rangers' owner, Tom Hicks, through an intermediary early last week that he wanted to be traded to the Yankees."

Source: The New York Daily News

We already have Torres but the 19-year-old is not expected to make his debut in the Bronx this season.  According to insiders, Torres will start the season at the Trenton Thunder and could see time in the majors in 2018.  This is now, but as we all know, anything can happen.  This leaves Gregorius with 2017 to impress and solidify himself as the Yankee starting shortstop of the future.  "If everything goes right, Gregorius expands on his power, hits at least 20 bombs again, but improves defensively, winning his first Gold Glove by not just making SportsCenter Top 10 plays but by breezing through routine ones effortlessly — and consistently."  And this would not only be great for Gregorius but for us as well.

Source: CBS

If not Torres, it could be one of many talents we have in place at shortstop.  Jorge Mateo, Kyle Holder, Wilkerman Garcia, Tyler Wade and Diego Castillo are all shortstops to keep an eye on as they move through the ranks to the majors.  And let's not forget Ronald Torreyes and Ruben Tejada who could get some playing time this season and perhaps make a name for themselves at short.

Bottom-line, Didi Gregorius has to perform and perform at the top of his game in order to not only hold onto his position at short but hold onto a position on the roster.  I'm not trying to put unnecessary pressure on the guy, but at the end of the day, it is about consistency both at the plate and in the field and Gregorius isn't there yet with either.  Now, 2017, could be his year and I hope it is.  But, for all of us, the idea that someone else could snap up shortstop as his own is definitely a possibility.  Everyone is replaceable and the battle for shortstop is real.  Just something to look forward to as we head into spring training within the next week.



--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

DON'T WORRY, WE GOT TEJADA!

(May 19, 2016 - Source: Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images North America)

This, my friends is the biggest story in today's Yankee Universe.  I'm serious.  Besides BYB Managing Editor Jeana Bellezza's widely popular piece today titled THE JACOBY ELLSBURY PROBLEM, the only other thing worth reading about when it comes to the Yankees is of course the BYB archieve and the fact that Ruben Tejada signed a minor league deal for the Yankees.  We'll take that nugget from Manny Randhawa of MLB.com who writes:

"The Yankees have agreed to a Minor League deal including an invitation to Spring Training with infielder Ruben Tejada, according to an ESPN report. The club has not confirmed the deal."

(May 4, 2016 - Source: Scott Kane/Getty Images North America)

Now, I found that last sentence interesting, but I don't really think it's a secret or anything. The Yankees would want infield competition, and so, when the Yankees finally announce the deal, you will be able to intelligently speculate that the Yanks will create a competition between guys like Didi Gregoirus at short, Chase Headley at 3rd and Starlin Castro at second base and Tejada.  Remember, Tejada can play anywhere.

Good pick up. Life goes on in Yankeeland.  Man oh man, the news is kind of blah, huh?


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THE RUBEN TEJADA NUGGET

As many of you may know, the Mets released Ruben Tejada, an infielder that I believe has a lot of upside, maybe not so much as an every day infielder, but as a backup.  Just my opinion of course.  Well, because the Yankees are looking to add some depth in that department, it would almost make sense that Tejeda be made an offer, right? Right.

Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News has tweeted this:

Source: Yankees offered Ruben Tejada a minor-league deal and it was rejected. Tejada is believed to have a major-league offer elsewhere.

— Mark Feinsand (@FeinsandNYDN) March 18, 2016

Look, at least the Yankees are looking to bolster their infield, something Yankee fans would like. You gotta credit them with that.  Now sure, it would have made a lot of sense for the Yankees to sign someone like Mike Olt with a minor league deal, third baseman, worry about Chase Headley, but they didn't.  I will never really understand that.
 

(Read MIKE OLT IS OFF THE MARKET...)

Someone like Tejada though, a kid with a dream, 26 years old, career, .255 hitter... Plays SS and second base makes perfect sense. Here's the thing... Tejada didn't want a minor league deal!  He wants a major league one, and so... the Yankees didn't get him, and now we see what happens next.

Yup... it's a Tejada nugget, and it's brought to you by BYB.  Enjoy your Saturday.

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RAPID REACTION TO THE UTLEY "SLIDE"

It's not a Yankee thing, but it's a pretty significant debate and we are covering it best here at BYB.

The reality is, Chase Utley went in pretty hard on Ruben Tejada the other night.  Tejada left hurt and that sucks, but just so you know Mets fans... Utley didn't go in with the intention of hurting the guy... it was an unfortunate incident.  That being said, I stand by my opinion... Chase Utley's job is to go in hard to break up that double play... Tejada's gotta be nimble there... bottom line.

Now Utley was suspended for his "actions", whatever that means, and I don't get it.  As I stated in comments yesterday, there have been several... several similar incidents with similar results... yet no player was disciplined, and furthermore... the umpires didn't follow the rules as many Mets fans were trying to point out to me.  Relax Mets fans... you shouldn't be mad at my opinion.... you should be mad at the officials. They NEVER follow the rules that apply to breaking up a double play.  Well... now they may.

ESPN writes: "Major League Baseball has suspended Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Chase Utley for Games 3 and 4 of the National League Division Series... Utley will appeal the suspension. The Dodgers expect the matter to be heard quickly, likely well before game time Monday night, a source said....'The Dodgers stand behind Chase Utley and his decision to appeal the suspension issued tonight by Major League Baseball,' the team said in a statement. 'Chase did what all players are taught to do in this situation -- break up the double play,' Utley's agent, Joel Wolfe, said in a statement."

And that's what all you Mets fans forgot about when your cherished Tejada got hurt... every players job is to break up a double play... even Tejada if he was chugging into second.  It's your job!

The reaction to my piece SORRY FOLKS. RUBEN TEJADA NEEDS TO BE MORE AGILE was comedy... but to be fair, it was also opinion different than mine and so, I wanted to share some of the really good ones... check it out:

Marc wrote:

"ahem..the difference is Tjejada's back was to him. Utley is an All-Star. He must have thought Ruben was the second coming if he thought the play would be made. By rules Utley should be out for intentionall missing the bag to slide like that. It's the RULES!!!!! .00–IMPROPER PLAY, ILLEGAL ACTION, AND MISCONDUCT

6.01 Interference, Obstruction, and Catcher Collisions
(a)(7.09) Batter or Runner Interference It is interference by a batter or a runner when:

(5) Any batter or runner who has just been put out, or any runner who has just scored, hinders or impedes any following play being made on a runner. Such runner shall be declared out for the interference of his teammate;
 
(6) If, in the judgment of the umpire, a base runner willfully and deliberately interferes with a batted ball or a fielder in the act of fielding a batted ball with the obvious intent to break up a double play, the ball is dead. The umpire shall call the runner out for interference and also call out the batter-runner because of the action of his teammate. In no event may bases be run or runs scored because of such action by a runner;

(7) If, in the judgment of the umpire, a batter-runner willfully and deliberately interferes with a batted ball or a fielder in the act of fielding a batted ball, with the obvious intent to break up a double play, the ball is dead; the umpire shall call the batter-runner out for interference and shall call out the runner who had advanced closest to the home plate regardless where the double play might have been possible. In no event shall bases be run because of such interference."

BYB wrote:

"Rules are rules. That is 100% correct. Here's the problem; The umpires rarely follow that rule and go as it happens. If you apply that rule to last night, apply it to when Justin Turner of LAD slid hard on Rockies' Nolan Arenado in September. How about when the Rangers played the Angels in the beginning of October when Rougned Odor went in hard on Angels' Johnny Giovotella? Nothing happened there either, just complaints, no discipline. 

Back in April, Alcides Escobar was hurt when Brett Lawrie of the A's went in spikes high to break up a double play. In all these instances, while all the slides were "controverisal" like Utley's, the umpires did not refer to the rule book. What makes this case any different? Your complaint is not with me... it's with the way they umpire this game. You should send them a letter.... ahem."

Here's a fun one on Twitter:

@lendog1313 @E_Rock14 sure we would, but I think Jeter may be a bit more coordinated around the bag. Don't get angry, it's an opinion

— Robert Casey (@BleednYankeeBlu) October 11, 2015

Nice right? Come on.

Facebook had a bunch:

Kathryn wrote:

"I'm disappointed in this article and attitude. Just because this has always been allowed to let slide (pun intended) does not mean it's right. As quoted above rules are rules and they should have always been enforced and haven't been. We don't need to go back and re-correct all the wrongs, we just need to stop doing it wrong from here on out!" 
 
BYB wrote:

"Hate the article, you are entitled. Don't hate the attitude, it's an opinion. This kind of play has been going on forever. I am NOT saying it should be allowed. I am saying umpires never ever call it despite the rule. It's unfortunate."

Kathryn wrote back:

"I just said disappointed, neither the article or opinion warranted being hated. I agree it's been going on forever, I just don't think it should be. Its a sport, it's a game but it's also a business and the players' livelihoods. Therefore I feel that the rules are in place for very good reasons and should be adhered to. In this specific example of course I don't believe it was Utley's intention to break/fracture a bone, but his actions were without regard to the consequences beyond the one he desired. A broken bone can for all intents and purposes end or at least adversely effect a player's career. I'm hugely disappointed in that type of play."

There's a common theme in all of this... opinions, ALL opinions in  this situation are welcome... even mine.  It appears that the biggest complaint was that the officials didn't do enough.  Guess what, I don't umpire any games and haven't since I was about 15 years old when I did it for Little League.  I also will not apologize for having a baseball mentality opinion when it comes to a hard slide into second base.  Things happen and it sucks for Tejada... but life goes on and MLB is doing their thing now.

That suspension by the way? Is something else I disagree with.  I leave you with this... it's a quote from my wife...

"How about people stop being such wimps... and toughen up. It's a competitive sport... he's not gonna tip toe in there."   --Mrs. Casey

Boom. That just happened.

 

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SORRY FOLKS. RUBEN TEJADA NEEDS TO BE MORE AGILE

I mean, is the media mad at the Chase Utley's slide, or are they just mad that the New York Mets lost?  I mean, I know the Mets are America's team these days, but the slide that Chase Utley made in a critical moment in last night's Game 2 of the NLDS was nothing that hasn't happened 100 times before.

Here's the thing, the media is in love with the Mets.  And let me go further, and let's be honest; if Ron Darling doesn't ask the question in the booth, "You don't think that play is dirty?", I'm not sure we're talking about this. Watch the clip below. No one seems shocked.  It's business as usual until it's determined that Tejada is hurt and Darling starts stirring the pot.

Darling also states... "They wouldn't even allow that in the NFL."  Charged words. And, OK, it's really not part of baseball to even drag that into the conversation. But clearly Darling is rooting for the Mets.

Look, Ty Cobb used to go in spikes high. That was dirty.  That was later banned.  But we all know that runners going to second on a potential double play have to try and take out that fielder. And guess who also knows that? Infielders.  We have all seen it happen for years in baseball.

Your job as a runner is to break up that play so your teammate can make it to first and so your inning can continue. Bottom line.

Sometimes you slide in hard. Sometimes you slide in really hard. Sometimes you even slide in exceptionally wide to go after that fielder.  It happened the other night between Beltre and Tulowitzki.

Sometimes you even slide in really late, you throw your hands up or you go in real aggressive as to get that fielder to lose balance or to not get that throw off... and you know what?

That's the game ladies and gentlemen! That's the game!  Ruben Tejada? He needs to get the hell out of the way!  Why in the hell is no one talking about that?  I mean... look at it?

No question Chase Utley comes into the base awkardly and slide is late. Trust me, I'm no fan of Chase Utley. But I do not see what the different is between his slide and others I've seen in Major League Baseball over the past 25 years, even longer.



Tejada needs to be athletic. Tejada needs to be more nimble, more agile. Tejada needs to move his ass and get that runner out at first. That's his job!

Look, I feel bad for Tejada.  The Mets are having a nice season and now the guy is out. That sucks. But the media is in love with the Mets this season, after all... it's a nice story.  But let's call that Utley slide what it is... it's baseball,  and whether you call it clean or not, the bottom line is Utley had done what plenty of runners coming into second base have done forever... BREAK UP THE DOUBLE PLAY... and he did his job there.

The Dodgers tied it up against the Mets right then and eventually won.  But no one is talking about that. They are instead falling into the bias trap. "The Mets got robbed!"

No... the Mets lost... get over it.

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STEPHEN DREW COULD BECOME MORE APPEALING NOW

Here's a good nugget I almost missed, but thanks to me being literally bored out of my mind from every Yankee news story out there recently... I was able to find something hidden on ESPN's page from a few days ago. In short, Stephen Drew is much appealing now, to me at least, than he was 10 days ago.

"Scott Boras wants an opt-out clause for Stephen Drew after Year 1 of a multiyear deal, a source told ESPNNewYork.com."

Some thing that's a deal breaker. I don't, in fact, I like that idea and here's why; I've stated Drew is a wizard with his glove, but not with his bat and if the Yankees can perhaps offer him 2 years and see how things pan out after year, well, it could work out for everyone.  Drew could feel antsy, have a good season and take a hike. Or, he can have a decent season, enough to stick around for that 2nd year with stability. Plus, no doubt the deal would be cheap in the first place, so, we're not wasting a ton of dough on a guy with a hole in his bat, make sense?

Now, the truth is, Adam Rubin's ESPN piece heavily targets the Mets as the team that should probably land Drew, writing, "The Mets would consider a two- or possibly even three-year deal for Drew, although there still appears a question of how much Drew is worth over incumbent Ruben Tejada... As for the opt-out, that's a deal-breaker for the Mets, apparently. That's because Drew could again enter free agency after a good season in 2014. And with a poor season he would be locked in to one or two more seasons guaranteed -- placing all of the risk on the team side."

For the Yanks, there is no risk on the team side. The Yanks have plenty of infield help if Drew didn't want to stick around.  In other words, consider Drew a visitor, an Irish traveler, travelling through the Bronx. He's be temporary.

I don't know, it's just an interesting nugget in the free agency world. Look, Drew still isn't signed for a reason... and that's hitting.  But if there is any indication that the Yanks would like to bolster their defense... even in what could only be 1 season, they should consider it.  Otherwise, let's just get on to Spring Training already!

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