SPRING TRAINING IS FINALLY HERE, OR SO THE CALENDAR SAYS

Source: USA Today Sports

The 2024 season is behind us... yes really. This week, pitchers and catchers will report to Cactus and Grapefruit Leagues to get ready for the 2025 baseball season. And all is well in the universe. Yet, here I sit in my pajamas on cold winter's morning, with snow on the ground, and ice on the roof on Super Bowl Sunday. Guess what? I am not happy. I don't feel ready. And I feel like all the groundhogs on this earth are against me. And here's a big reveal: this is the first baseball season I start as a Dodger-hater. Perhaps that is enough heat to melt all of the ice and snow around me. But I am sure the Yankees are faring much better in sunny Florida. And the calendar days ahead will make them the team to beat this year.

"Pitchers and catchers report to spring training a few days before the rest of their teams, allowing hurlers a bit more time to get their arms stretched out. This year, the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers are playing two regular season games in Tokyo the week before opening day proper, and will get an even earlier start for spring training," reported USA Today. 

Source: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

And for the Yankees, they will have closer Devin Williams with them along with high leverage reliever Luke Weaver and their established player Jonathan Loaisiga hopes to return to his past form after longstanding injuries and UCL surgery. All this and more beginning Feb. 12th. That's this week! Even though we have about three more winter storms ahead. 

The Yankees have upgraded their infield with MVP first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and maybe they will be able to bring in his counterpart at third base with Nolan Arenado. Aaron Judge will have his new baby daughter likely dressed in pinstripes this season- maybe she brings that extra magic the Yankees need for a championship. I am trying to find optimism in everything. 

Source: CNN

As the final days of the off season close out, the anticipation for baseball is great. The Yankees have all the chance in the world to look and feel like champions. It is a fresh start, with a new team. Once that Super Bowl clock winds down, it's officially baseball season. The memories of 2024 are dwindling and the opportunities for 2025 are mounting. Now if the snow can just melt already, and we can rip off the final days of winter from the calendar, the Yankees can begin their road to the Fall Classic. 

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

DODGERS SPENDING HABITS ARE TOO MUCH FOR THE YANKEES

Could it be possible that the spotlight of evil is off the Yankees? The Athletic thinks so. In fact their quote is this, "Maybe the Evil Empire really has relocated to the West Coast." Yes, maybe, and eventually they have to pay up. I feel like they just keep racking in the "Bobby Bonillas". In case you don't know, this was the contract the New York Mets agreed on in order to bring in and eventually cut Bonilla back in 2001. He is paid every July 1 through 2035. The Dodgers have a few of those kinds of contracts. In fact, "The Dodgers have committed nearly a half-billion in guaranteed dollars to players this offseason, second only to the New York Mets, who signed Juan Soto to a historic 15-year, $765 million deal." So it is safe to say that the Dodgers spending habits are wide and deep, perhaps too deep for the Yankees.

According to The Athletic, "This winter, the Dodgers made the following big-money signings: Lefty starting pitcher Blake Snell, five years, $182 million; lefty reliever Tanner Scott, four years, $72 million; outfielder Teoscar Hernández, three years, $66 million; righty reliever Blake Treinen, two years, $22 million; outfielder Michael Conforto, one year, $17 million; and infielder Hyeseong Kim, three years, $12.5 million. They also landed Japanese free-agent starting pitcher Roki Sasaki, the most coveted international prospect of the winter." This is in addition of course to Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, Max Muncy, must I go on? You can see the whole payroll here.

But the Yankees haven't been quiet in the off season. They have made some upgrades for sure. But not quite at the expense that the Dodgers have. They have picked up starting pitcher Max Fried, veteran first base man Paul Goldschmidt, outfield Cody Bellinger and likely the best closer in the game right now in Devin Williams. Yet, still, the Death Star march plays for the Dodgers who have positioned themselves as not only the team to beat but the team to hate.

What likely adds salt to the Yankees wounds is that the Dodgers are favored to repeat in 2025, perhaps a rematch in the Fall Classic with their rival Bombers. But I think Hal Steinbrenner has the right mindset here, “They still have to have a season relatively injury-free for it to work out for them, and it’s a long season, as you know, and once you get to the postseason, anything can happen. We’ve seen that time and time again. We’ll see who’s there at the end.” He's right. The season is unforgiving. And injuries are inevitable. It is about who is left standing at the end. And this year, the Yankees hope it's them and that they have done enough.

With Spring Training only a few weeks away, the anticipation for the new season is high. Will the Yankees start early and stay strong? My prediction is yes. They have a good start; they lead the East through the All-Star Break, and they have a heck of half of a season. But guess what, so do the Dodgers. So, then it really comes down to do the dollar pay for endurance and greatness? We shall see. It will be interesting to watch what money can pay for. 

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

WILL DOMINIC SMITH HELP THE YANKEES?

Source: NY Post

As you know, the Yankees continue to add depth to their team as spring training 2025 approaches. According to the New York Post and Bleeding Yankee Blue just 12 hours ago (Read THE YANKEES JUST SIGNED ANOTHER FIRST BASEMAN), the team signed former Met and Red Sox Dominic Smith to a minor league deal. The lefty can play the outfield and platoon with newly signed Paul Goldschmidt. So just like that, Dom Smith is a Yankee. 

According to Athlon Sports, "New York Yankees fans may not be overjoyed with the team’s latest offseason signing but Jazz Chisholm, Jr. is clearly pleased." The Yankees infielder posted a video showing his excitement for Smith coming to the Yankees. Chisholm "has previously referred to Smith as a “big brother” and said the former Mets, Red Sox, and Reds first baseman was one of the players who looked out for him when he was younger."

Source: Forbes 

What this trade does is give the Yankees just a notch more, even though we as fans likely don't see it right now. He's come into games for the Mets and just been explosive. And hopefully he does that for their minor league team and eventually makes his way up to the Bronx.

Many call Smith a safety net, perhaps behind Goldschmidt who is a 37-year-old veteran and as a platooning outfielder, particularly as the season progresses. "For the Yankees, Smith represents a reliable, low-risk option. He won’t push Goldschmidt for playing time, but in a season where depth often decides success, having someone like Smith stashed away could make a difference. Injuries and inconsistencies happen over the course of a long season, and Smith has shown he can handle the pressure when called upon," reports Empire Sports Media. 

So, you might not be excited. And you might not care all that much. Yet, the Yankees made a good deal at a low price. Smith could pay dividends in 2025. And overall, he could make a big difference down the stretch. 

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

WAIT, SO NOW LUKE WEAVER ISN'T THE YANKEE CLOSER?

Source: New York Post

The acquisition of former Milwaukee Brewer pitcher, Devin Williams, provides the Yankees with much needed relief in more than one sense of the word. He provides another quality arm to the bullpen, adding depth/options and he gives some relief to ever reliable Luke Weaver, who bailed the Yankees out of many sticky situations in the post season, emerging as one of the top relievers in the game. But the one thing I was not counting on was for Williams to relieve Luke Weaver of his closer duties. So now I am scratching my head: is Luke Weaver not the Yankee closer?

Source: North Jersey.com

ESPN is calling Williams Mo 2.0 while Yahoo Sports reports, "Devin Williams may not have thrown a pitch in pinstripes yet, but the Yankees' new closer is seen as the best reliever going into the 2025 season. MLB Network released their annual top 10 list of relievers on Wednesday and the right-hander was ranked at the top of the list for the second consecutive year. Williams, 30, was acquired by the Yankees in a trade with the Brewers in mid-December and will look to play up to his MLB Network ranking."

Source: NJ.com

Now is this just an assumption or is it fact? Will Williams replace Weaver as the new Yankee closer? According to ESPN, "For Williams, it all starts with The Airbender. Williams grips it like a changeup and its 84-mph average velocity plays off his fastball like a changeup. But it's a changeup with an exceptionally high spin rate that breaks to his arm side -- opposite from the typical changeup -- making it resemble a screwball or a left-hander's sweeping slider. It is without precedent." 

What is actually ironic is that Williams compares his superior "Airbender" change up to another guy we all know. "Williams said the closest changeup he's seen to his belongs to Luke Weaver, whose emergence as a shutdown reliever in 2024 was crucial in the Yankees reaching the World Series. Williams happened to be in New York when the Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers played in the Fall Classic," reported ESPN.

Although no one on the Yankee brass is saying it except for this notion reported by NJ.com, "Yankees GM Brian Cashman said it’s up to manager Aaron Boone on how to arrange his bullpen, Williams figures to have the ninth inning, with Luke Weaver back in a valuable multi-inning setup role."

All publicity points to Williams as the Yankee closer for 2025, despite Weaver's incredible performance in 2024, particularly when they needed him most down the stretch. According to MLB.com, "In the postseason, Weaver remained the linchpin of the Yankees’ bullpen. The right-hander earned four saves and a win during New York’s march to the World Series and registered a 1.76 ERA across 15 1/3 frames." He stepped in cool and calm when the Yankee closer Clay Holmes began his meltdown. If not for Weaver, likely the Yankees don't even make it to the Fall Classic.

But now, he goes back to set up man to the presumably bigger Williams, again without the Yankees confirming or denying this assertion. Yet if you read the headlines, you have to assume Weaver has been demoted. Honestly, I am not okay with that. 

I say this: give everyone an opportunity to perform. And really, does it all really matter? I think all this pomp and circumstance around "the closer" is crap. Yes, there was Mariano Rivera. And he is superhuman. And perhaps he started all the closer hype. But he earned it. And guess what? So did Weaver. So perhaps we should just pipe down about who's the closer and who's not and just let the two battle it out in real time, this spring. But better yet, I would like to go with this approach that ESPN suggests, "He'll (Williams) partner with Weaver to create one of the best bullpen back ends in baseball -- in hopes of helping the Yankees win their first championship since Rivera was dominating hitters with his cutter." Yep, that works.

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

INFIELD HELP? YEP, THE YANKEES ARE STILL SEARCHING

Source: NESN

As much as many would have liked to have seen it happen, Nolan Arenado is likely not going to be the infield help the Yankees are seeking. We have reported that here at BYB. Read THEY CALL HIM "NO GO" NOLAN. Although, there seemed to be a possibility early on in the trading season, the veteran infielder has been raising his no trade clause multiple times over the last couple of months, despite the Cardinals trying to find the right deal for the All Star third baseman. So, who is next? Help wanted and the Yankees are interested.

Source: The Seattle Times

"The New York Post reports that the Yankees have "checked in" on free-agent second baseman Jorge Polanco. Polanco, 31, is recovering from October knee surgery but should be ready for a full and normal camp. The switch-hitter is capable of manning multiple infield positions, and for his career he owns a solid 110 OPS+ across parts of 11 MLB seasons. The Mariners declined their $12 million option on Polanco for 2025, which allowed him to hit the market," stated CBS Sports. 

Source: Denver Times

Hard to say at this point if the Yankees will go for this option. Another option is free agent infielder Brendan Rodgers. According to SI.com, "While Rodgers hasn't quite lived up to being the highly-touted No. 3 overall pick of the 2015 MLB Draft, the Gold Glove Award he won in 2022 combined with his steady .267/.314/.407 with 13 home runs and 54 RBI in 135 games played in 2024 shows that he could be a solid option to fill New York's second base vacancy." Another Rockie who could make his way to the Bronx to play second base, isn't that ironic?

Source: Sports Illustrated

Earlier this week, we posted about the possibility of adding San Diego Padre Luis Arraez and Dodger Gavin Lux, who recently committed to the Cincinnati Reds. The Arraez deal still puts Jazz Chisholm back at third base, which is a liability for the club. Not that Jazz isn't an incredible athlete, he's just not the best third baseman on the market. 

An interesting development is the potential that Alec Bohm could become available via a trade. Phillies insider Jim Salisbury shared in the recent podcast, "The Phillies Show" on Monday, that Philadelphia could be looking to upgrade their hot corner. According to the Philly Voice, Salisbury reported, "I think their ears are still wide open on Alec Bohm. Some of that could shake out or maybe become more of a topic when [Alex] Bregman finds his landing spot. But then the [Nolan] Arenado piece is there. That whole third base thing, there seems to still be moving parts." And what if the Yankees could be on the receiving end of that? Wow, shave and a haircut and boom you are a Yankee, Alec!

So, the Help Wanted sign is up and the Yankees are taking applications. Third base needs to be filled.

 Who's gonna be that guy? 

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

YANKEES BRING BACK A FAN FAVORITE!

Source: AP

Yup, Bleeding Yankee Blue has already reported the great news about Andrew Velazquez, but I wanted to offer my own flair on this great news!

I love it when the Yankees bring back a guy who made an impression not only on the team but the fan base. Local Bronx hero Andrew Velazquez will be fighting for a roster spot this spring now that the Yankees have brought him back in for round two as a Bomber with a minor league deal on Friday.  

According to NJ.com, "Velazquez has bounced around a lot in his 13 professional seasons, mostly as a minor leaguer. A career .189 hitter with 12 homers, 40 steals and 624 plate appearances, the switch-hitter played 125 of his 275 games in 2022 with the Angels. In 223 games at shortstop, he has a .973 fielding percentage that is higher than the .971 Anthony Volpe compiled playing short for the Yankees the last two seasons as a Gold Glove winner in 2023 and Gold Glove finalist in 2024."

Source: NY Times

With all of the transitions and trades this off season, Velazquez will likely start the season with Scranton-Wilkes Barre, which is perfectly fine. He is an excellent fielder who has filled the shoes of Gleyber Torres when he went to the IL back in 2021. Although a short stop, he certainly earned the title of journeyman and could fill in as needed, adding depth to the Yankee roster.

Source: NY Post

As the first acquisition of the New Year, Velazquez represents promise and brings in the baseball acumen that has been lacking in the club over the last several years. Sometimes you have to go elsewhere, bring what you have learned, evolve as a player and come back home and contribute at a higher level. At least, that is the hope. No, he doesn't have the big batting average, but maybe this year, his hitting will catch up with his stellar defense. And a hometown crowd could certainly be a boost for Velazquez. 

Source: NY Post

The next steps for Velazquez after finishing up a stint in the Puerto Rico Winter Leagues - is heading to Tampa to compete in the 2025 spring training experience, an invite that came with his signing. And from there, who knows. But I will tell you what, it is great to have the Fordham Prep alum back with the Yankee organization. Good luck, Squid, here's hoping you have a great spring. 

ALSO READ: THE RETURN OF VELAZQUEZ!

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

DO THE YANKEES KNOW HOW TO PLAY MODERN DAY BASEBALL?

Source: Sports Pro

With every new year that passes following 2009, I get itchy. First, it was five years after the championship, then it was filling Derek Jeter's shoes, then it was the Houston Astros and before you know it the Yankees are here: losing the 2024 World Series in five games and even further away from 2009. This all makes me ponder on the dreadful comments that my friends share with me regularly- that in fact the Yankees are not adapting to the progressive changes to the game. So my question as we head into 2025 is this, "Do the Yankees know how to play modern day baseball?"

Going back to the backchannel I have through social, text messages and in person conversations, the Yankees appear to rely on getting the big talent and hope that it all works. Some believe that they are lucky they have gotten as far as they have with the big bats that load up their lineup. Others think that the Yankees can't home grow good talent themselves, so they have to rely on other teams to do it for them. I think there is merit to some of this commentary. 

George Steinbrenner often bought his way to championships, adding fixtures, spending money and bringing in the big talent. But with that big talent, he cleverly built in insurance policies with other players who could become big players by just being a Yankee. This was a testament to who the Yankees were and how they commanded attention, often dominating other small market teams with their fanfare and of course their 27 championships. But as we move further away from that 27th championship, now 16 years ago come this spring training, the command the Yankees once had, is disappearing just like Blockbuster, Radio Shack, and analog phones. 

Modern day baseball is more about building talent, building culture and competing with players who not only have baseball acumen but prioritize it. They prioritize their full time jobs instead of all the side hustles. They prioritize winning and laying a foundation, instead of their big pay day that they think they have earned when free agency comes along.

Then there are the numbers, the statistics and records. Data analytics have a place, but if you don't work on the baseball fundamentals, balance, mental wellness, nutrition and leadership, you don't win. You don't even come close. Big bats have a place, but that can't be all of your lineup. You need diversity, defense and drive. The teams that win, have that. The teams that win, bring that year after year. Those were the Yankee teams of the 2000s but they are not the teams of the 2020s. 

I would love for the Yankees to reflect on all of this. I would love for the Yankees to pivot and adjust to modern day baseball, which is holistic in nature. That baseball brings together multiple components of playing baseball, not just home runs and velocity, but other durable skills that often get overlooked for batting and earned run averages. My wish for the new year is that Yankees learn how to play in this new era of baseball instead of relying on the days of the past. It was different back then. You can remember those days and celebrate them, but you have to rely on what matters now and get that into your players minds and hearts. Then you can win championship 28. Happy New Year, All!

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

DO THE YANKEES HAVE THE MAGIC TOUCH?

Source: NY Times

Gleyber Torres to the Tigers earlier this week was a bittersweet move. He'd be hot, but then he was not and his defensive acumen is extremely weak. So as position players leave and new ones enter through the Stadium turnstile, the question I have for all of you as we move toward our last few days of 2024, do the Yankees have the magic touch for what's ahead in 2025? Or do they need more?

Besides moving ahead with key acquisitions for first base, outfield and starting pitching, the Yankees have some bull pen needs to round things out. Last season, the Yankees bull pen had the magic touch until it didn't. This year, there can be no holes, no flaws if they want to be all in. According to SI.com, "The free agent market for relief pitching always moves slow on an annual basis but should begin to heat up once January and February roll around." Who can bring that magic to the Yankees?

The Yankees added right-handed reliever Fernando Cruz in a trade with the Reds which sent Jose Trevino to Cincinnati. They also picked up Devin Williams from the Brewers in a trade that sent Nestor Cortes to Milwaukee. The Yankees will get Jonathan Loáisiga back as well come February. But they need likely more depth to get the finish line first.

According to Newsweek, "New York could look to add more to the bullpen, with St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley being the top option potentially available. The Yankees could attempt to center a trade around Marcus Stroman, although St. Louis has reportedly declined a Stroman for Nolan Arenado deal." Analysts say that adding Helsley and perhaps his teammate Miles Mikolas could give the Yankees what they need. In fact, that could be the exclamation point. 

"Helsley is a two-time All-Star and the reigning Trevor Hoffman National League Reliever of the Year. He will be a free agent after this season. Helsley is one of the few players in the league who could give the Yankees an actual decision to make at closer. Devin Williams is also a two-time All-Star and a two-time Trevor Hoffman NL Reliever of the Year. Having both guys in the bullpen would make the Yankees nearly untouchable in close games. Mikolas is also a two-time All-Star. He had a down year last season, but the Yankees could hope to help him reach his All-Star form again," reported Sporting News.

Magic Touch or confidence? I think it is a bit of both. And with that bit of both, the Yankees can be the team to beat in 2025. Let's see what the New Year rings in and then see how things progress leading into a very much anticipated Spring Training. And let's hope that Aaron Boone doesn't mess things up. 

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