THE BLUE JAYS JUST GOT BETTER

Look, I don’t need to give you a strict talk on how pitching wins championships. If you’ve watched even one Yankees game this season—heck, even just the first inning—you already know. Carlos Rodón and Max Fried have been the two bright spots, doing their best impression of duct tape holding together a house during a hurricane. But the rest of the rotation? Yikes. And the bullpen? Let’s just say "volatile" is a generous way to put it.

Oh, and if Anthony Volpe could go one full week without launching a routine ground ball into the seats, we might not be in this mess. But alas, here we are—half-collapsed, semi-sad, and watching the Yankees flail around like a team allergic to dominance.

Meanwhile, just across the border, the Toronto Blue Jays are out here making big-boy moves.

In case you missed it (or were too busy watching the Yankees strand runners in scoring position), the Jays just landed former Cy Young winner Shane Bieber from the Guardians. One-for-one deal. Boom. Done. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan and MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, Toronto just added a fully rehabbed Bieber fresh off Tommy John surgery—and judging by the early returns, his arm is back and better than ever.

Twelve innings. Two starts. Zero runs. Two wins. This man’s elbow might be made of vibranium.

Bieber’s arsenal is as nasty as ever: fastball, slider, curveball, changeup, and a cutter he sprinkles in just to be rude. None of them blend, all of them bite. And with his elite command, he doesn’t just throw strikes—he paints with them. Think Greg Maddux, but taller and slightly angrier-looking.

And the Yankees? We just watched this whole thing happen like we were window-shopping at Tiffany’s with five bucks in our pocket. It’s not like we don’t need the help. It’s not like the rotation is overflowing with reliable arms. But once again, while the Yankees sit around waiting for Anthony Volpe’s bat to show up and Boone to make a good pitching change, another AL East rival gets stronger.

So now what? The Jays are coming. Actually, scratch that—they’re already here. They’re already beating us. Bieber just gave them a front-line ace, and we’re out here hoping our fifth starter doesn’t trip over his own cleats walking to the mound.

The Yankees had a chance to make a splash. Instead, we’re drowning.

And as always, we end with this: Do better, Brian Cashman. Please. Before we start reminiscing about the glory days of Aaron Small and Shawn Chacón.

REMEMBERING THAT SMALL-CHACON PUNCH OF THE 2005 YANKEES

The 2005 New York Yankees season was marked by unexpected contributions from two unlikely heroes: Aaron Small and Shawn Chacon. These two pitchers, who started the season with little fanfare, became pivotal in the Yankees' quest for the playoffs, providing stability and surprising success when the team needed it most.

Aaron Small's journey to the Yankees' rotation in 2005 was nothing short of remarkable. Small, a journeyman who had bounced around various minor league teams and had limited success in the majors, was called upon by the Yankees during a season riddled with pitching injuries and inconsistencies. Despite the odds, Small seized the opportunity, delivering an astonishing 10-0 record with a 3.20 ERA. His calm demeanor on the mound and ability to consistently deliver quality starts earned him the trust of both his teammates and the Yankees' faithful.

Small's success was not just a stroke of luck; it was the result of years of perseverance and refining his craft. His ability to mix pitches and keep hitters off balance became his trademark, and he provided a much-needed boost to a Yankees rotation that had been struggling behind ace Randy Johnson. Small's performance was a revelation, and his perfect record became a symbol of resilience and determination. 

Shawn Chacon, on the other hand, was acquired by the Yankees in a mid-season trade from the Colorado Rockies. Chacon had shown flashes of talent in Colorado, but inconsistency and a lack of run support had plagued his time with the Rockies. Upon arriving in New York, Chacon found new life. Feeding off the energy of the Bronx and the example set by Aaron Small, Chacon posted a 7-3 record with a 2.85 ERA in pinstripes.

Chacon's success with the Yankees was attributed to his ability to command his pitches better and the run support provided by the Yankees' potent lineup. His presence in the rotation brought stability, and his performances in key games down the stretch were instrumental in the Yankees' push for the playoffs. The tandem of Small and Chacon quickly became a formidable duo, complementing the veteran presence of Randy Johnson and helping to compensate for the struggles of other pitchers like Kevin Brown, who had a disappointing season.

The Yankees' rotation was in dire need of depth and reliability in 2005, and the emergence of Small and the acquisition of Chacon provided just that. Their contributions allowed the Yankees to remain competitive in the tight AL East race, and their performances under pressure demonstrated their resilience and capability. Without Small's perfect run and Chacon's rejuvenation, the Yankees' postseason hopes might have been dashed.

After the 2005 season, Aaron Small struggled to replicate his success. He dealt with injuries and inconsistency, and by the end of the 2006 season, his time with the Yankees and in Major League Baseball had come to an end. However, his perfect season remained a highlight in his career and a cherished memory for Yankees fans.

Shawn Chacon, too, found it difficult to maintain his 2005 form. He continued to pitch in the majors for a few more years, with varying levels of success, before fading from the spotlight. Nonetheless, his time with the Yankees in 2005 is remembered fondly, as he provided the team with exactly what they needed when they needed it most.

Aaron Small and Shawn Chacon may not be the first names that come to mind when thinking of the Yankees' storied history, but their contributions in 2005 have left an indelible mark. They are remembered as two pitchers who stepped up in a time of need and helped propel the Yankees to success in a season full of uncertainty. Their legacy is one of resilience, seizing opportunity, and delivering when it mattered most.

--Alvin Izzo
BYB Yankee History Contributor

THE YANKEES SIGN HAMILTON!

Do you know Ian Hamilton? Cause I barely do.

Just a quick note. The Yankees have signed a righty pitcher with a ton of upside in Ian Hamilton.  

MLB Trade Rumors writes:

"Hamilton will presumably be invited to participate in major league Spring Training.

Hamilton, 28 in June, has 15 scattered major league appearances, with 10 of those coming in 2018, four in 2020 and one last year. He has a 4.91 ERA over 14 2/3 innings in that time, striking out 14.1% of hitters while walking 12.5% of them and posting a 39.1% ground ball rate."

I know what you're thinking... What's the point? Well, sometimes the Yankees find lightening in a bottle. I can count the times it's happened. Aaron Small, Shawn Chacon in 2005. I would even suggest a guy like Clay Holmes to some extent. I didn't have much faith in that guy when he came over, but he proved himself and really showed new life.

My point is, we can be down on a guy like Ian Hamilton all we want, but you never know what dudes can do and I have faith.  

Anyway, short post, but newsworthy.

Happy Tuesday.

YANKS PANIC, TRADE MCKINNEY FOR J.A.HAPP

I'm sorry, the only name I saw in this entire trade was Billy McKinney, and he's on his way to Toronto. What kind of fool sends a prospect like that away from a rental like J.A. Happ?

Are you kidding me?

Brandon Drury? Buh-Bye. We don't need him. We didn't need him when we signed him and we sure as hell don't need him now.

Billy McKinney? He's the future folks and he's a solid future player. And you know what? I hope he goes to Toronto and turns into a superstar because the kid has heart and mad potential. And you know what? I'm pissed about it.

Anyway.  In the process, the Yanks get J.A. Happ to win now. Fine!  We'll get Mark Feinsand do the honors:

Source: Yankees sending Brandon Drury and Billy McKinney to Jays in the trade for J.A. Happ. Congressman @JonHeyman was first to report them as potential return.

— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) July 26, 2018

And now we wait. Will J.A. Happ be our savior? Will he help turn the Yankees around? Will he turn into an uncertainty in the rotation? A Jaime Garcia... a Sonny Gray.

Or will he be that Shawn Chacon, Aaron Small wild card-sure thing when we need it most.

We'll have to see.  One thing I do know is this... Billy McKinney is a major loss in this entire scenario.  We loved McKinney here at BYB.  Don't worry though... we'll keep an eye on him for you all.

Welcome to the Bronx, J.A. Happ.  Make it a good one... or else.

YANKEE INJURY & THE BASEBALL FACTORY

With CC Sabathia on the shelf, the question has arrived by several Yankee fans as to what happens next.

Sadly, injuries happen in sports and happen in baseball as well. As players get older, there are aches and pains and we have seen it happen to some of the greatest athletes alive.  The latest Yankee casualty is CC Sabathia.  Sure, the Yankees think he’ll be ready in July, but I’m pessimistic. I never believe the Yankees. That doesn’t mean I hate them or anything. All it means is that I know how they operate.  They don’t want to cause panic, they want to assure the fan base that all will be fine.  The words  are chosen wisely when they speak to the media, and when the player is ready, or not, we will all know. But for now, the Yankees are buying time with CC and when they break it to the base, we’ll either throw our arms up as if the say, “Dammit CC”, like he did it on purpose or something. Or, we just grin and take it for what it is… an injury.

In the mean time, the Yankees need a replacement. I was thinking about all the Cliff Lee chatter that happened yesterday. There was an article claiming that Cliff Lee will be the Yankees big target at the deadline, read the Boston Globe HERE, Nick Cafardo saying:

"Owner Hal Steinbrenner said last week that the Yankees could buy pitching before the trade deadline, given they’ve already lost three starters to injuries. Michael Pineda (lat) and CC Sabathia (knee) are expected back, but for the Yankees to compete over the long haul they must add a significant arm.

Baseball executives think they’ll have their eyes on Cliff Lee if the Phillies fall out of the race. Of course, that’s a big if.

The Yankees would have plenty of competition for Lee."

What does it mean? Not much. I mean Cafardo throws a ton of names out there every week, rarely do any of his insinuations or predictions come to life, but the reality is, the Yankees need an arm, he's right about that and there is no question need to make a move for a big gun.

But the Lee talk... I mean, we’ve done this already, haven’t we? We do this every season around this time. But this time, it could be the real thing.  What would happen logically is, if the Yankees can get a “big gun”, then the blow of "No Sabathia" isn’t as bad.  CC then disappears until next Spring and comes back in 2015 fully healthy.  Without a “big gun”, Yankee fans get angry and keep asking “What now?”

It’s funny, I received quite a few of those questions yesterday.  I simply say this to you all; I am flattered you are asking me for inside baseball, but I am giving you my opinion, and that’s all I can do… CC will most likely be back by the end of the season, or not at all this year.  I also am 80% positive we will have a new pitcher soon, be it now or by the All-Star break.  Truth be told, we can’t wait, we need to act. But this is the baseball factory we know and love, and it appears that every time the Yankees get on some type of roll, the pitching seems to vanish.

(In Photo: Tim Redding)
We saw it many years ago when they thought they would strike lightening in a bottle with the likes of Darrell May and Tim Redding. That proved to be a disaster.

We tried Sidney Ponson, not once, but twice and that wasn't very good.  We checked out Brian Gordon, who then went to Korea, but is now back in our minor league system.  We even brought back Chien-Ming Wang for a minute last year, only to not use him and he eventually left.

Oh, and remember Aaron Small and Shawn Chacon? That was a fun year, but even they eventually ran out of gas.  It's the baseball factory, and it's all about pitching and if you're hot, you're in. If you're not, you're out, and sometimes, if you're just "there" you're in. But there is no question this year, the Yankees can't take chances on budget basement pitchers, they need to go big to secure a playoff spot.  After last season, not making it to the playoffs, they spent big, even though they probably shouldn't have.  But the did it, because the fan base was restless.  Plus, we're the  New York Yankees... we aren't supposed to ever miss the playoffs.

Look, the Yankees are down. We lost CC, Ivan Nova and Michael Pineda. That means we have Masahiro Tanaka, David Phelps, Vidal Nuno, Hiroki Kuroda and Chase Whitley. I mean... really?  It ain't happening... the Yankees will sign someone big... they have to.

In the end, we will be fine, but it's getting there, it's the uncertainty that I hate.  We need stability in the pitching department and I believe we're going to trade for a big gun.

Lord knows we need to... but who will it be? Stay tuned...

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AN INTERESTING TAKE ON THE YANKEES GETTING RID OF AROD

I just wanted to share this because it's a unique and interesting perspective about the whole Alex Rodriguez mess, and it's opinion sure, but it's not opinion based on simple thinking. Douglas Solomon, a baseball fan, actually dug deep to find the info that many do not know.  Anyway... check it out and thanks for allowing us to publish this Douglas!  --Casey

I am more convinced than ever that Yanks are going to try this (if ARod is not banned for life by MLB).  I reviewed the Uniform Player Contract and think there is an avenue to terminate the contract.   

In fact, Section 7(b) specifically contemplates termination of the contract by the Club:

The Club may terminate this contract upon written notice to the Player (but only after requesting and obtaining waivers of this contract from all other Major League Clubs) if the Player shall at any time:

1. fail, refuse or neglect to conform his personal conduct to the standards of good citizenship and good sportsmanship or to keep himself in first-class physical condition or to obey the Club’s training rules; or
2. fail, in the opinion of the Club’s management, to exhibit sufficient skill or competitive ability to qualify or continue as a member of the Club’s team; or 
3. fail, refuse or neglect to render his services hereunder or in any other manner materially breach this contract.

The Yankees can certainly make arguments that ARod failed to conform his personal conduct to the standards of good citizenship/sportsmanship, that his PED use resulted in his failing to keep himself in first-class physical condition, and that he violated the Club’s training rules.

Contracts have been terminated before for a material breach of the contract.  I recall that when Aaron Boone tore up his knee playing basketball, the Yanks were permitted to terminate his contract and only owed him “termination pay”, which was a fraction of his 2004 salary.  Playing basketball was expressly prohibited in the Uniform Player’s contract.  The union did not even challenge the Yanks decision to terminate the contract.

I found an article (TSN, read HERE) that detailed other attempts by Clubs to terminate players’ contracts.  Clearly, it is not easy to do, as you can see from the Lamarr Hoyt, Denny Neagle and Sidney Ponson cases.  But the Shawn Chacon case should give the Yankees some hope if you are a fan of getting rid of ARod.

• "Case in point: Lamarr Hoyt. In 1987, the San Diego Padres voided his contract after he was sentenced to jail following multiple drug charges, including intent to distribute cocaine and attempting to smuggle drugs from Mexico into the U.S. This would seem to be specifically the type of conduct that would justify voiding a contract - right? Wrong. The Players Association filed a grievance and won."

• "Back in 2004, the Colorado Rockies' tried to void Denny Neagle's contract after he was charged with soliciting a prostitute. The MLBPA stepped in, and ultimately Rockies agreed to pay him $16 million of the $19.5 million left on his deal contract."

• "In 2005, the Baltimore Orioles voided Sidney Ponson's contract for driving while intoxicated (as well as some other stuff). The MLBPA grieved, and the sides ended up settling. According to reports, Ponson got a sizable chunk of his $11.2 million salary. "

• "As a member of the Red Sox in 1997, Wil Cordero was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. Cordero pled guilty to criminal charges for beating his wife and threatening to kill her. Still, the Red Sox decided not to void his contract."

"There is, however, an instance where a player contract was successfully terminated. 

• In 2008, Shawn Chacon refused to leave the team dining room to speak with Houston Astros GM Ed Wade in his office. This confrontation ended with Chacon grabbing Wade by the neck and throwing him to the ground. Each time Wade tried to get up, Chacon knocked him back to the ground. Chacon's contract was terminated with cause. The move was appealed by the MLBPA, but the appeal was unsuccessful."

Something to think about



--Douglas Solomon, BYB Guest Writer




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IT'S NOT A SURPRISE, IT'S YANKEE MAGIC

It’s funny.  Over the years there are guys that the Yankees collect that just provide this level of play that we hadn’t ever seen before, or, just when you thought a player’s baseball life was over, they turn it on when they button up the pinstripes. 

(In Photo: Shawn Chacon)
For some reason, Shawn Chacon and Aaron Small come to mind immediately. 2 guys who had less than mediocre careers, who suddenly come to New York and raise the bar and play, or in their case, pitch wonderfully, right when we needed it most. 

(In Photo: Lyle Overbay)
Enter 3 guys we thought were just filler when they were signed to the Yankees.  Lyle Overbay was a first baseman that was signed late, but the timing was right.  It just so happened that Mark Teixeira got hurt and with it, Juan Rivera was barely lighting it up as our first baseman fill in and that was obvious… he was an outfielder.  So we ditched the reunion with Rivera for a guy we needed… not to be an all-star, just to be a fill in.  Overbay’s fill in role has been wonderful.

Vernon Wells deal had been criticized because “who needs another broken down player.” Well, as my buddy said the other day…”Vernon Wells has a chip on his shoulder with the Los Angeles Angels’ name all over it.”  He’s right.  Since coming over to the Yankees, Wells has proved that he’s in fact NOT done and good for him. We signed Wells for next to nothing with the Angels picking up the most of his salary and he’s already done some pretty great things.

Travis Hafner’s only job on the Yankees is to hit home runs. Not field, not pitch, not even put on a glove… hit home runs… that’s it.  So far this season he has 6 home runs and a .286 average. He looks great at the plate, he looks comfortable and willing and able to stand in the box whenever we need him to. Why? Because he knows his role and wants to please.  Remember, this is a guy that gets hurt a lot and there is deep concern that we can’t mess with this guy’s health, so, we take him out of the humidor in the dugout every time he’s needed and when he comes to the plate, he knows he has 1 job… mash the ball… that’s it.

3 guys, 3 “broken down players”... rejuvenated and ready to execute. Why? They're New York Yankees… that’s the difference. You gotta love it.

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COULD DAN REALLY BE THE MAN?

(In Photo: Dan Johnson)
Pete Caldera of the Bergen Record brings up the name everyone has been wondering about ever since Mark Teixeira was put on the shelf for 8 to 10 weeks. Could Dan Johnson really be the guy we want to fill in a first base until Tex comes back? You can read about Johnson HERE from Caldera, but he writes:

"... with Mark Teixeira sidelined until May because of a strained right wrist, the lefty-hitting Johnson suddenly has the odds in his favor to play a good chunk of time at first base. He’d arrived at camp as a non-roster player attempting to fill Eric Chavez’s role as a backup corner infielder.

'There were a lot more safer jobs, but I feel like the upside is so much greater here,' Johnson said of turning down better opportunities on weaker teams. 'I’m willing to take the risk to come here and prove myself...'"

(In Photo: Aaron Small)
So in other words, or at least the way I'm understanding it, coming to the Yankees was a big deal, and probably is for many players looking to play. The pinstripes do something to players. We've seen players either get traded or called up and the magic happens. We've seen it happen dozens of times in our past history.  Scott Brosius, Shane Spencer, Aaron Small, Shawn Chacon.  Yeah, true, it's a Motley Crue I chose, but the reality is, those names remind me alot of Dan Johnson... never a superstar, but had flashes of success in the Bronx.  Johnson could in fact do the same.

Look, I understand we're gonna miss Tex, but the bottom line is, we either go out and get a guy like Michael Cuddyer, read HERE, or we stick with what we have in Dan Johnson and hope he catches on nicely.

Johnson told Caldera, "It’s just the lure overall of being a Yankee...". That it is Dan, we just hope you do your best and make us proud in Mark's absence.

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WHY IT’S SMALL ALL OVER AGAIN

Never before have I seen so much hype about a guy that no one really knows, but I’m happy about it. Brian Gordon had a good record from his minor league days and now he has his first outing as a New York Yankee under his belt. Bottom line, if he has a few good outings like today, maybe even a win or 2, and can hold down the fort while Bartolo Colon recovers, it’s a win for us all.

The whole signing of Gordon brings me back to another no-name, Aaron Small. His 2005 run for the Yankees was magical. A 10-0 record and he just came out of nowhere, much like Brian Gordon.

Cashman surprises me a lot. Sure, he’s made moves that are pretty significant with well-known ball players, but it’s the moves we don’t understand that turn into gold that I love the best. How about Luis Ayala?

(Photo: Getty)

Who would have thought this guy would be as great as he’s been? In 21.1 innings this year, this kid is 1-1 with a 1.25 ERA. He’s got 17 strikeouts and 8 walks. That’s magnificent and that’s Cashman taking a chance.

How about Boone Logan in 2010? 2-0 with a 2.93 ERA in 51 games. Yes, Boone’s fell off alittle this year, but to make my point, you have to point out his first year in pinstripes. Another guy Cashman thought could contribute and did.

How about Shawn Chacon in 2005? Another great pickup. Chacon went 7-3 with a 2.75 ERA. This is the same guy who was 1-7 in Colorado earlier that year.

(In Photo: Cory Wade)

And today the Yanks introduced a guy named Cory Wade, 2 scoreless innings in his pinstripes debut. He was released by the Rays earlier in the week. I liked what I saw today and I want to see more.

I’m not sure what it is… maybe it’s Cashman believing in these kids; maybe it’s putting on the pinstripes. One thing is for sure though, Cashman has a good track record when it comes to this type of thing, and I believe in these most recent moves, Gordon...Wade...Ayala. Brian Gordon may not be a super star, but he COULD be one in 2011 for the New York Yankees, and I want to be there when it happens. Go get’um Gordon.

---------------------------------------------------------

By the way, check out the latest from Bronx Goblin HERE and HERE.

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WHY SMALL & CHACON SAVED THE 2005 YANKEES

Yankees fans remember the names Shawn Chacon and Aaron Small right?

I know it's been awhile and a lot else has happened since the 2005 season, but the Yankees streak of consecutive postseason appearances was at 10 straight back then. On July 20th, the Yankees were in a dog fight with the Boston Red Sox for the division, and the Minnesota Twins for the Wild Card. The Yankees didn't have much starting pitching after Randy Johnson that season. Mike Mussina wasn't his usual self, and Jaret Wright along with Kevin Brown were injured off and on, and when they were healthy, they were rather ineffective. With that in mind, the Yankees had to make a move, or else the Yankees consecutive postseason appearances would be in major jeopardy.The first move the Yankees made was calling up journey man named Aaron Small from the minors. Small was essentially a minor league pitcher, and when he pitched in the majors he wasn't that effective. He made stops in Toronto, Florida, Oakland, Arizona, then took a few years off, then Atlanta in 2002, and in 2004 he went back to Florida. But on July 20, 2005, he made his debut with the Yankees going 5.1 innings at Texas, allowing three in an 8-4 win. And from then on, he flourished. Small pitched in 15 games for the Yankees, nine starts, compiling a perfect 10-0 record with a 3.20 ERA. But he pitched his best in September, winning five of his ten games, which includes a complete game shutout against the Oakland A's. He allowed just five hits in that outing, while striking out three and walking a pair. Small didn't really throw that hard, he just hit his spots and changed speeds. The Yankees got more than lightning in a bottle with Aaron Small.The second half of this ticket to the 2005 postseason was righthander Shawn Chacon. Chacon was in Colorado before being traded, and he wasn't that awful, at least that's what I think. He was 1-7 with a respectable 4.09 ERA. And remember, this was pre-humidor, so balls were still flying out of Coors at a rapid rate. The Yankees needed another starting pitcher, so they gave up now current Giants' reliever Ramon Ramirez and Edwardo Sierra. And like small, Chacon flourished. He went 7-3 the rest of the way for the Yankees with a 2.85 ERA. Chacon really changed scenery by going to New York from Colorado, so a first impression is key. He proved he belonged as he went six innings, allowing one unearned run against the Los Angeles Angels, a team who always seemed to hit Yankee pitching no matter who is on the mound. And in his 12 starts he made, nine were quality starts. That is very impressive, considering it being late in the season when he arrived and the bullpen was taxed before the trade was made. The Yankees could really count on him every fifth day to go deep in the ball game. Chacon also pitched in the postseason for the Yankees against the Angels, going 6.1 innings, allowing two earned. The Yankees would end up winning the game 3-2 to keep their postseason hopes alive.
(in photo: Shawn Chacon)
2005 was a great season for these two hurlers. It's a shame that they couldn't keep it going after their campaign. Aaron Small went 0-3 in three starts for the Yankees in 2006 while having a bloated 8.46 ERA. He hasn't pitched in the majors since, and at 39 years old it is a safe bet that we won't be seeing him in a major league uniform again. The same sort of thing happened to Chacon in 2006. He had a 5-3 record with a 7.00 ERA in 17 games, 11 starts. He got traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates in the middle of the season for Craig Wilson. Chacon finished the 2006 season in Pittsburgh and pitched through the 2007 season with the Pirates as well. But, when he went to the Houston Astros, things got ugly. In 15 starts he went 2-3 with a 5.04 ERA. But, the ugly part about his season came in June when he was pulled from the rotation and he attacked General Manager Ed Wade. He was immediately suspended, and hasn't appeared in a major league game since.
(in photo: Aaron Small)
Lightning in a bottle is always a surprise, and for Yankee fans, it was a delight to have Aaron Small and Shawn Chacon in our rotation. We salute these to gamers today.


--Jesse Schindler, BYB Guest Writer





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