YANKS CHOOSE .162 HITTING CATCHER OVER ADLEY RUTSCHMAN

Yikes!

Baseball's trade season always feels like a poker game where everyone insists they're not bluffing—right up until an ace disappears across the table. If reports are accurate, the Boston Red Sox are on the verge of landing star switch-hitting catcher Adley Rutschman from the Baltimore Orioles in a blockbuster deal that could reshape the American League East.

For Boston, it's the kind of move that says, "We're done rebuilding. Hand us the chips." Adding one of baseball's premier catchers to an already dangerous lineup would instantly make the Red Sox better.

 
And then there's the Bronx.

If the Red Sox are loading up while the Yankees stand still, the question practically asks itself:

Brian Cashman, where are you? 

Are you really content with Austin Wells? Wearing an orange chest protector as a tribute to Thurman Munson is a classy gesture—but how about paying tribute with the bat? Thurman built his legacy by producing when it mattered, not by hitting .162. 

It's a freaking gimmick.

The Yankees aren't a franchise that celebrates effort alone; they're measured by results. If your biggest rival is making franchise-altering moves while you're watching a catcher struggle to stay above the Mendoza Line, that's not patience—that's complacency.

The Yankees don't need nostalgia. They need production. Wake up, Brian Cashman.

CASHMAN ALREADY USING THE PHRASING "IT'S BEEN TOUGH" THIS OFFSEASON

The New York Yankees, a franchise that once defined toughness, accountability, and championship DNA, are now apparently trying to sell us on the idea that Austin Wells is a real catcher. Not a placeholder. Not a stopgap. A solution. And that alone tells you how far off the rails this organization has gone.

Let’s be clear: Austin Wells is not gritty. He is not intimidating. He is not Thurman Munson. He is not Jorge Posada. Hell, he’s not even a poor man’s version of either. Munson looked like he’d fight you in the parking lot after the game. Posada looked like he’d block the plate with his face if it meant winning in October. Wells looks like he was focus-grouped by the marketing department to sell jerseys and smile for camera day.

And that’s the problem.

Brian Cashman and his army of spreadsheet worshippers keep confusing presentable with competitive. They think clean uniforms, good vibes, and “strong makeup” are substitutes for edge, urgency, and a pulse. They are not. They never have been. And they never will be.

Yet here we are, once again, watching the Yankees admit they “need depth” at catcher while doing absolutely nothing that resembles ambition.

Yes, Wells is penciled in as the starter. That alone should set off alarms. The Yankees could look for a tandem partner. They could look for someone to push him. They could look for an actual upgrade. Instead, they did what Cashman always does when faced with a real roster problem: ducked it.

Enter Miguel Palma.

Palma was signed to a minor-league deal with a spring training invite, which is Yankee-speak for “please don’t expect anything.” He’s described as “well-liked” with “good makeup,” which at this point might as well be printed directly on the back of Cashman’s business card. He’s 5-foot-9, bounced around the Astros’ system last year, and—shockingly—will start out in the minors.

Because of course he will.

This is the same tired song. Another depth piece. Another lottery ticket. Another guy whose main contribution will be organizational filler while the major-league roster remains incomplete and uninspiring.

And Cashman’s excuse? You already know it. The market is thin.

It’s always thin, Brian.

Every offseason starts with bravado: We’re going to get what we need. Then reality hits, and suddenly it’s hard, complicated, challenging. Translation: the Yankees don’t want to pay the price—financially or prospect-wise—to actually improve.

Cashman even gave us his annual word-salad masterpiece, the kind that manages to say absolutely nothing while sounding like it should mean something:

“We’re just staying engaged, trying to match up with some things. But it’s been tough so far. Don’t like the asks coming our way, and I guess the opposing teams don’t like what I’m trying to pull from them.”

That’s it. That’s the plan.

Other teams ask for real value. Cashman tries to pull a fast one. Talks stall. Nothing happens. Rinse. Repeat. Yankee fans are supposed to applaud the effort while the roster holes remain wide open.

Meanwhile, the organization wants us to believe Austin Wells is the guy. That this soft-edged, analytics-approved, aesthetically pleasing catcher represents the future of a franchise built on nastiness and winning.

Sorry. Not buying it.

Championship teams are built on mentality, not marketing. They’re built on players who don’t blink in October, not players who look good in a brochure. Until the Yankees remember that—and until Brian Cashman is no longer in charge of redefining “good enough”—this franchise will continue spinning its wheels.

Same excuses. Same half-measures. Same doomed results.

And yes, let’s just say it plainly: Austin Wells isn’t the answer. He’s part of the problem.

A DISGRACEFUL SHOWING & A MANAGER THAT IS NOT QUALIFIED TO BE THERE

Sure, you can blame the Yankees for not hitting — and believe me, that’s fair — but what’s truly infuriating over these last two games is how this so-called “dominant repeat” team has looked anything but dominant. Remember the hype? The 2025 Yankees were supposed to bulldoze the league. They were supposed to be the 2024 encore tour — louder, meaner, unstoppable. Instead, we got a front office asleep at the wheel, a manager without a plan, and a dugout full of players being micromanaged like lab experiments. The word MICROMANAGING is the key to all of this, folks.

Aaron Boone — the master of mediocrity — has once again proven he’s not qualified to lead this team. I don’t care how many spreadsheets they hand him, how many analytics reports Cashman’s army of interns print out — this man couldn’t manage a lemonade stand at a Little League game. He’s a “vibes” guy surrounded by people who think spin rate wins championships. The result? A team that looks robotic, joyless, and flat-out lost.

Even Luke Weaver hinted last night that he’s being told things about how he’s performing and needs to adjust — that’s me paraphrasing, but the message was clear: he’s being micromanaged to death, which ultimately has him second guessing and sucking. 

Somewhere in the bowels of Yankee Stadium, a bunch of front-office statisticians are dissecting every breath these guys take and it's destroying this team. How do you expect anyone to play freely like that? It’s baseball, not a coding competition. You can’t play instinctive, winning baseball when every decision — from pitch selection to defensive positioning — has to pass through a corporate algorithm.

And that brings me to today’s disaster. The Yankees, who supposedly can hit anyone, couldn’t even touch Trey Yesavage. His first postseason start. A kid with four regular-season games under his belt. I called it before the game — the Yankees wouldn’t hit him. Why? Because they’ve never hit unfamiliar pitching and there ain't much data for the loser nerds in the back office. It’s tradition at this point. Some rookie shows up, throws strikes, and suddenly the Yankees are swinging like they’ve never seen a baseball. Yesavage didn’t need to be special — he just needed to be unknown.

Max Fried? He wasn’t great. Gave up five runs. But the Yankees didn’t hit either and they probably could win the game if Fried's in longer. But, like clockwork Boone — naturally — made it worse. In comes Will Warren. Now listen, Warren isn’t a bad pitcher. He’s fine. But at this point in the season, he’s the mop-up guy. The “get us through this without embarrassment” guy. And Boone, in his infinite wisdom, decided that was the moment to call his number. Bottom line, Fried had more in the tank to allow the Yankees a shot and Boone didn't allow it. It’s like watching someone pour gasoline on a fire, then complain about the smoke.

And let’s not pretend Game One was any better. We all knew Luis Gil wasn’t going to outduel Kevin Gausman. Everyone did except Aaron Boone. You don’t start the kid against Gausman in Game One of the ALDS — not unless you enjoy digging your own grave. But Boone did it anyway, because his gut told him to. Translation: the analytics team told him to. Gausman is a bona fide ace — filthy stuff, veteran poise — and we treated him like a pop quiz we forgot to study for.

Meanwhile, the rotation depth I’ve been screaming about since April? Nonexistent. Fried and Rodón are your only dependable starters, and “dependable” is a stretch. Rodón is a coin flip every start. I said it all year: the Yankees’ rotation was shallow. I said it at the trade deadline when Cashman decided to collect four closers instead of adding a starter. FOUR. The man stockpiled relievers like he was preparing for an apocalypse. What good is that when your starters can’t get through five innings?

This is not a pitching staff. It’s a house of cards built by a GM who’s lost touch with how to construct a winner. Brian Cashman has spent the last few seasons convincing himself that he’s the smartest man in baseball, when in reality he’s the most stubborn. He can’t admit when he’s wrong, so instead of correcting mistakes, he doubles down on them. Cashman’s been running the Yankees like a tech startup — data-driven, buzzword-heavy, emotionally empty. The man who once built dynasties now builds spreadsheets.

And as bad as that is, let’s talk about Austin Wells. I like the kid’s spirit, but he’s been exposed. Can’t hit. Can’t frame as well as he thinks he can. And the most important part which is obivous at this point, Can’t call a game. Thurman Munson caught through broken bones and World Series pressure. Austin Wells sits more in one season than Munson did in his entire career. And it shows. Our pitchers look lost. There’s no rhythm, no leadership behind the plate. Wells calls games like he’s guessing what pitch Boone’s spreadsheet wants next.

And Anthony Volpe — I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again — he’s not the answer right now. We needed him the most today. What did we get? Two strikeouts, zero fight. If you can’t rise up in moments like this, what’s the point? We’ve protected him, pampered him, and excused him all year. Enough. You either produce or you don’t. The Yankees can’t keep giving away at-bats in October because someone might develop in 2027.

This team has no edge. None. They’ve gone soft. The fire that once defined the Yankees — gone. Mike O’Hara, who writes for Bleeding Yankee Blue, texted me tonight and said it best: “Volpe is a disappointment. The team looks lifeless. Cam will pitch 3, 5, and 7 at this rate.” You gotta hand it to Mike — he still believes. But how can any of us, really? This team doesn’t look like they want to win. They look like they’re waiting for someone to tell them how to.

And Boone? He’ll walk into that postgame presser, blow his bubblegum, and mumble the same clichés. “We had good swings.” “We just ran into a better team.” Spare me. You didn’t run into a better team. You got out-managed, out-prepared, and out-hustled. Boone is an excuse machine in a uniform. He manages like a man allergic to accountability.

The Yankees are now down 0–2 in the ALDS, and does anyone feel good about this team? Be honest. You can’t. Because deep down, we all know what the problem is: the front office is complacent, the manager is clueless, and the roster is built for mediocrity. Boone doesn’t inspire players — he babysits them. Cashman doesn’t build winners — he builds “projects.” And the analytics department has turned this proud franchise into a collection of decimal points and theories.

This isn’t a bad week. This is who they are. They played catch-up tonight just like they’ve been playing catch-up all season — because bad decisions have consequences. Remember August? Total collapse. Boone “rested” players, managed scared, and the team fell apart. You don’t rest your way into a World Series. You fight. You grind. You lead. And the Yankees have done none of that.

So yeah, yell at me if you want. Tell me I’m negative. Say I’m repeating myself on Bleeding Yankee Blue. But guess what? I’m right. This team isn’t built for a championship — never was. I said it in January 2025, said it in July, and I’m saying it now: the Yankees need to clean house. READ MY ARCHIVE. From the front office, to Boone, to the coaching staff. Complacency kills, and this team’s been flatlining since the All-Star break.

Boone sucks. Cashman’s vision is outdated. The analytics crew runs the show. The players look like they’re drowning in instructions. And the fans — the real ones — we’re left watching the same movie every October.

If the Yankees want to win again, it starts with this: humility. Fire Boone. Rebuild leadership from the top down. Put baseball people back in charge — not computer people.

Because right now? The New York Yankees are a numbers experiment masquerading as a ballclub — and the results are in. Failure.

#FireBoone
#FireCashman
#WakeUpYankees

RICE IS JUST A BETTER CATCHER THAN WELLS...

And the Yankees front office picked wrong again.

The Yankees didn’t draft Austin Wells out of Arizona because he was the next Thurman Munson. No, they grabbed him because he was a college catcher with a solid bat and because Michael Fishman and his analytics brigade saw some glittering “upside” buried in their spreadsheets. Unfortunately, as we sit here on August 12, it looks like they were digging in the wrong mine. Ben Rice is flat-out a better catcher and hitter right now, and that’s not just opinion—it’s scoreboard reality.

Seriously, does anyone in the Yankees’ front office know what they’re doing? The math department clearly isn’t failing to find numbers—they’re just picking the wrong ones to bet the farm on. And the way Aaron Boone talks about it? He sounds like a man trying to sell you a broken lawnmower.

Here’s Boone before the Twins series opener (which the Yanks won 6-2):

“He’s been struggling a bit, obviously, offensively. A part of it is I want to keep Ben [Rice] in there, and I think Ben has done a really good job behind the plate, too… It’s just trying to get the best grouping out there, day in and day out, to give us a chance to win a game.”

Translation: Wells is cold, Rice is hot, and Boone is pretending this is some complicated roster chess match instead of the obvious—play the guy who isn’t an automatic out. Boone is stupid at trying to act smart.

And yes, Wells should be seeing less playing time. While we’re at it, so should Anthony Volpe, but that rant deserves its own post. When you’ve got two everyday players giving you weak at-bats and gift-wrapping runs for the other team, you’re not building a playoff roster—you’re building a highlight reel for the opposition.

Wells isn’t just struggling—he’s soft behind the plate and miles away from the days of Posada and Munson. Yet Boone keeps handling him like a piece of fine china. The New York Post even quoted Wells insisting he’s “close” to figuring it out, saying:

“I’m just off the barrel on a lot of breaking balls… I think I know I’m getting a lot of off speed [pitches]… it’s just a matter of getting my body in the right position to hit a little harder and not at people.”

That’s nice. But with 43 games left, “almost” won’t cut it. If Rice is hitting and catching better, the decision should be simple—bench Wells, ride Rice, and at least pretend like you’re serious about winning.

At this point, the Yankees don’t need another pep talk. They need a jolt. And if Boone keeps running out Wells, that jolt is going to be the sound of fans slamming the door on the 2025 season.

WELLS CAN'T SIT CAUSE THEIR BACKUP CATCHER SITUATION HAS DWINDLED

He needs to, cause Austin Wells isn’t good. The Yankees front office are a bunch of freaking idiots, aren't they? 

Look, Wells was OK last year and that is really where the story ended. But here we are, watching the Yankees try to sell us on the idea that this is their catcher of the future, while he continues to hit like a guy who should be managing a Shake Shack, not catching for the New York Yankees. No offense to anyone who manages as Shake Shack, you get my point.

And now the Yankees have a real problem. If they want to give Wells a rest—which, let’s be honest, he needs—they can’t. Why? Because they don’t actually have another real catcher on the roster. Tremendous planning. Bravo, Brian Cashman. Boy genius strikes again.

Let’s take a walk down memory lane, shall we? In recent seasons, the Yankees traded away Carlos Narváez, Agustín Ramírez, and Rafael Flores—all catchers with potential and actual functioning bats. And now? Now the Yankees are so thin at catcher, if Wells breaks a nail, which he will because he's soft, we might have to resurrect Jorge Posada from a beer league in Miami. 

Wells is already 25 and came into 2025 as a guy that Boone wanted to be a lead off.  That lasted about 2 games in the spring.  What's even a bigger joke is that Yankee projects analytics suggested he could be the next big thing. That had to be a joke, right?  He’s slashing .209/.268/.419 with a .687 OPS. And yes, he has 15 home runs, but that’s like sprinkling powdered sugar on a burnt waffle—it’s not fooling anyone.  Fans see how awful he is. And what's worse, he strikes out a lot, he doesn't walk much. 

I don't want to hear about Wells and his exit velocity... it is not helping him at the plate. His numbers tell the truth.  His 47.3% hard-hit rate DOES NOT MATTER. Why? I'll you why... because again, HIS PRODUCTION NUMBERS TELL THE TRUTH.  He has a better chance stepping on a rake than he does raking to a .250 average.

Now let's talk toughness, cause Austin Wells is no Thurman Munson. He’s not even Barry Foote. Watching Wells behind the plate is like watching a Roomba try to pick off a runner—it’s robotic, awkward, and painful. People gave Gary Sánchez a ton of grief for being clunky behind the dish, but Gary at least gave us some dingers and a little fire. With Wells, we’re just left wondering if he’s sleepwalking or waiting for a timeout that never comes.

Meanwhile, Carlos Narváez—who the Yankees gave away like a pair of old socks—is hitting .252/.323/.415 with a 105 OPS+ for the Red Sox, of all teams. That’s right. The Red Sox have our castoff catcher putting together quality at-bats while our starter is swinging at pitches like he’s trying to swat a mosquito.

And sure, the Yankees always Ben Rice. He’s got a .791 OPS, 16 home runs, and actual plate discipline. But let’s face it—Rice has been stretched thinner than a Boone postgame excuse. He WILL get hurt because he's all over the place. He’s playing everywhere, all the time. Boone uses him like duct tape. Problem is, he can’t be a reliable full-time catcher if he’s never actually catching full-time.

Oh, and remember a month ago when Wells was given a break "for wear and tear"? WEAR AND TEAR? Thurman Munson used to bleed pine tar and chew on foul tips for breakfast. Jorge Posada once caught a 13-inning game with one functioning knee. And Wells? He needs a breather after what, crouching for three days? That's Boone being overprotective and sensitive to Wells feelings. Give me a break, you catch for the New York Yankees. You want to want to be out there every day. 

Bottom line: the Yankees mismanaged the catching situation into oblivion. They got rid of all the decent backups, propped up a struggling starter, and now they’re caught with no safety net. Wells might have the bat speed of a prospect, but his results scream fourth-string backup. And unfortunately for us, there’s no help coming through that clubhouse door.

Yankee fans have gotten robbed this season and there is no end in sight. We are picking everything apart. Why? Because it's clear we don't have a serious franchise. That's the bottom line.

"WEAR & TEAR" KEEPS SOFT WELLS OUT OF LINEUP

Ladies and gentlemen, the 2025 New York Yankees: home of the soft, sanctuary of the pampered, and unofficial rehab facility for men with slightly discolored fingers.

Austin Wells—the catcher who hits like a pitcher and blocks balls like he’s allergic to leather—is out of the lineup again. The reason? Not a broken bone. Not a concussion. Not even a foul tip to the face mask. No, the 25-year-old Wells has been sidelined because of a circulation issue in one of the fingers on his non-throwing hand.

Let that sink in. A guy who’s already barely hanging onto a roster spot is now missing games because of some finger discomfort caused by, as Aaron Boone delicately put it, “the wear and tear of catching.”

Wear and tear? This kid just got here. What wear and tear? He’s caught a handful of big-league games, hits .214, and somehow already needs a day at the spa because one finger got tired. Is this what the Yankees have become? A daycare for fragile ballplayers who flinch at adversity?

Austin Wells is not a major league catcher. He’s a part-time breakfast burrito salesman with a lefty swing and a laundry list of excuses. He’s got a noodle bat, shaky defensive instincts, and now, apparently, the hand circulation of a 92-year-old retiree. And somehow, he’s being protected like a franchise cornerstone.

It’s ridiculous. And you know who’s enabling all of it? You guessed it—Aaron Boone, the world’s most enthusiastic babysitter. Boone’s doing what Boone does best: shielding his guys from accountability with a smile, a shrug, and a stack of empty words.

“We’ve gotten good feedback from the tests,” Boone said, talking about Wells like he’s some war hero recovering from battle instead of a slumping backstop with a sore finger. “It’s not something that bothers him from a performance standpoint,” he added.

Wait… what performance? Wells is slashing .214/.280/.323 with all the impact of a folding chair. His defensive metrics aren’t saving him either—pitchers don’t trust him, runners don’t fear him, and fans barely notice him until he’s out of the lineup for another mystery ailment. This guy couldn’t hit water if he fell out of a boat. But sure, let’s protect him like he’s the second coming of Johnny Bench.

And while we’re here, let’s talk about what being a Yankees catcher used to mean.

 
Remember Thurman Munson? Yeah, the guy who batted .292 for his career, drove in over 700 runs, won an MVP, and played with a constant grimace and a permanent limp—but never came out of the lineup unless someone dragged him out. The only thing that ever truly kept Munson off the field was a tragic plane crash. I'm not being mean, the truth is he was a true Warrior. It’s not hyperbole. That’s truth. That’s toughness.

 
Jorge Posada? Criticized for his defense, sure, but he put up monster offensive numbers (275 home runs, .273 batting average) and never ducked a challenge. The man was a grinder. He took foul tips to the throat, stayed in. Bruised ribs, played through it. Dislocated fingers? Tape it up. Back behind the plate the next day. No excuses. No pampering. No Boone standing over him like a concerned helicopter parent.

Yogi Berra? That man caught Don Larsen’s perfect game with an iron jaw and a baseball IQ unmatched in the sport. He didn’t need circulation tests—he needed the ball and a win. And if you asked him to sit out because of a sore finger, he’d probably punch you in the face and go catch both ends of a doubleheader just to make a point.

But now we’ve got Austin Wells. Taking two days off while J.C. Escarra—who might’ve been bagging groceries last week—suits up behind the plate. The Yankees aren’t just soft—they’re running a clubhouse that seems more concerned with emotional wellness than winning baseball games.

How did we get here? How did we go from one of the toughest positions on the diamond—the catcher, the field general, the warhorse—to a pampered safe space where guys sit for finger discomfort? I’ll tell you how. It starts with Aaron Boone and a front office that treats players like fragile Fabergé eggs instead of elite athletes. They’ve built a culture of coddling. A padded, mollycoddled, media-coached, finger-scanning comfort zone where accountability has been replaced with carefully-worded injury updates.

And the fans? We’re supposed to just nod along and accept it. “Trust the process.” “It’s precautionary.” “We don’t want to rush him back.” Give me a break. You don’t need to rush Austin Wells back because the dude barely contributes when healthy. Again, more truth.

This is a guy who’s lucky to have a job. Instead of seizing every opportunity like a guy fighting for his baseball life, he’s riding pine for something a catcher with any real toughness would laugh off. This isn’t 162 games of grueling baseball—this is tee-ball with a medical staff.

Aaron Boone should be embarrassed. Brian Cashman should be ashamed. And Austin Wells? He should be grateful if he’s still wearing pinstripes by September.

Because at the end of the day, we’re not asking for much. Just a catcher who acts like a damn catcher. Wells isn’t that guy.  And the Yankees—once proud, once feared—are now a parody of themselves.

Bring back the grit. Bring back the fire. Bring back the days when you had to drag a Yankee off the field—not pamper him off it.

WHY DANDY THE YANKEE MASCOT REALLY DISAPPEARED

In the long, storied history of the New York Yankees—where legends are born, pinstripes are sacred, and facial hair policies are stricter than the TSA—there was once... a mascot. Yes, a mascot. His name was Dandy, and his existence was so brief, awkward, and ill-timed that the team has essentially memory-holed him like a bad haircut in a high school yearbook.

Let’s rewind to the summer of 1979. Baseball was a little looser, a little weirder. The Philly Phanatic was flopping around like a green fever dream, and mascots were quickly becoming MLB's hot new thing. So naturally, the Yankees—America’s most buttoned-up baseball franchise—decided to join the party.

Enter Dandy: a giant, pinstriped bird with a peach-fuzz mustache and a mop of brownish hair. Picture a love child between a cartoon pelican and Thurman Munson after a long weekend. Not that Dandy was intended to look like the Yankees’ beloved captain, but… let’s just say the resemblance wasn’t subtle.

Here’s where things take a sharp turn into tragic territory. Just days after Dandy waddled into Yankee Stadium for his debut, Thurman Munson died in a plane crash on August 2, 1979. Suddenly, Dandy’s cheery appearance felt more like an accidental tribute to a fallen hero. Understandably, fans and players were not in the mood for anthropomorphic comedy relief.

The Yankees swiftly pulled Dandy from the field, hoping to cool off the awkward vibes. But the damage was done. Dandy was relegated to the upper decks, far from the spotlight, and even further from anyone’s affection.

Adding to Dandy’s misery was a complete lack of support from Yankees management. The mascot had been commissioned by MLB, not directly by the team, and owner George Steinbrenner reportedly hated mascots—which is kind of like hiring a magician for your birthday party and then having your dad throw his hat at him. Steinbrenner later even claimed he didn’t remember Dandy, which might be the most New York passive-aggressive diss of all time.

Fans weren’t into him either. Yankees faithful weren’t exactly clamoring for slapstick bird antics between innings. They came for cold, hard baseball. Dandy? He came with a mustache, flailing limbs, and the worst timing in mascot history.

By 1981, his contract quietly expired. The Yankees chose not to renew it. No ceremony. No farewell. Just a giant bird being told to fly south—permanently.

Today, Dandy is a ghost in Yankee lore. No bobbleheads. No retro merch. No warm nostalgia pieces. It’s like the franchise collectively decided, “Yeah, that didn’t happen.” And given the Yankees’ famously corporate, no-nonsense image, it kind of tracks. Mascots are fun. The Yankees don’t do fun. They do business.

So next time someone tells you the Yankees have never had a mascot, lean in close and whisper: “They did. His name was Dandy. And they erased him like he was never even there.”

--Alvin Izzo
BYB Yankee History Contributor

IS AUSTIN WELLS HURT OR SOFT?

Austin Wells must be hurt, right? Why else is this guy taking it easy as it's being reported. 

Wells still hasn’t taken a full swing, though he did hit in the indoor cage on Sunday. According to him, it’s not due to an injury—he’s simply “not ready yet” and is “taking it a little slower.” That sounds like an odd excuse for a 24-year-old rookie coming into his first full season, especially when his late-season performance was already a concern. Before September, Wells was hitting .259 with a .795 OPS and 12 home runs over 94 games, but then he completely fell off, batting .111 with a .411 OPS and just one home run over his final 21 games of the regular season. It didn’t get any better in the playoffs, where he managed just a .120 average and a .460 OPS.

So, what exactly is going on here? Why are we treating a young player like he needs to be eased into anything? He should be out there getting as many reps as possible, especially after how he finished last season. I can’t picture a Carlton Fisk or Thurman Munson ever handling things this way. Instead of ramping up and trying to prove himself, Wells is now reportedly going to sit out start of the Grapefruit League entirely. And we’re just supposed to believe this is all normal? Boone said Wells won't make his Grapefruit League debut until March 1 due to last year's heavy workload. That comes from the Daily News reports. Sweet Lord, have we gone soft.

Frankly, something doesn’t add up. Aaron Boone spent the other day assuring everyone that “all the physicals were good,” yet now we’ve got Cousins, Stanton, and possibly Wells dealing with mysterious issues. (Read SO ARE THE PHYSICALS GOOD OR ARE THEY NOT? ) 

Boone’s word means nothing at this point. He’s become the mouthpiece for an organization that increasingly looks like it’s trying to hide something. Are the Yankees being honest about Wells' condition? Or is this another case of Boone blindly covering for a front office that refuses to be transparent with the fans? It is my opinion that something is up.

At what point do we stop taking this manager seriously? Every year, we hear the same vague explanations, the same non-answers, and the same blind optimism, all while injuries and underperformance continue to plague the team. If Wells is hurt, just say so. If there’s something else going on, be upfront about it. But if this is just another example of Boone’s soft approach to managing, then the Yankees have a bigger problem than just one catcher sitting out of spring training.

AARON JUDGE IS A YANKEE LEGEND IN THE MAKING

Aaron Judge’s 2024 season stands as a towering achievement in the storied history of the New York Yankees, a franchise synonymous with excellence and greatness. By capturing the American League MVP Award, Judge etched his name alongside some of the most legendary figures ever to don the iconic pinstripes.

Judge became just the third Yankee to win an MVP while serving as team captain, joining the revered Thurman Munson and the indomitable Lou Gehrig. These names evoke the rich tapestry of Yankees lore — Gehrig, the Iron Horse whose durability and grace defined an era, and Munson, the gritty heart of the 1970s Yankees resurgence. Judge, towering both literally and figuratively, continues their legacy, reminding fans that Yankees history is alive and thriving.

The magnitude of Judge’s 2024 MVP win only grows when considering he is just the second Yankee to receive the honor unanimously, joining none other than Mickey Mantle. Mantle’s unanimous MVP in 1956 remains a benchmark for dominance, achieved during a season when the Mick hit for the Triple Crown. Mantle's .353 batting average, 52 home runs, and 130 RBI in that magical year have become the stuff of baseball folklore. Now, Judge has earned his place in that rarefied air, proving that Yankee greatness transcends generations.

In 2024, Aaron Judge put together a season that will be remembered as one of the greatest in Yankees history. Playing a career-high 158 games, Judge slashed .322/.434/.725, a masterful performance that included a jaw-dropping 58 home runs and a league-leading 144 RBIs. His 1.159 OPS cemented him as the most fearsome hitter in the game. Judge’s brilliance helped the Yankees reclaim their throne atop the AL East with a 94-68 record, a testament to his leadership on and off the field.

Comparisons to the Yankee legends that came before him feel inevitable and deserved. Mantle, the five-tool phenomenon of the 1950s and ’60s, finished in the top five of MVP voting nine times, taking home the award in 1956, 1957, and 1962. In his back-to-back MVP seasons, Mantle slashed .358/.487/.686, hitting a staggering 86 home runs across those two campaigns. And then there’s Gehrig, whose MVP wins in 1927 and 1936 remain emblematic of his unparalleled consistency and power. Gehrig's 1927 campaign coincided with the Yankees' historic Murderers' Row lineup, while his 1936 MVP season came as he seamlessly transitioned to a leadership role following Babe Ruth’s departure.

Judge embodies the same traits that made Mantle, Gehrig, and Munson such revered figures in Yankees history: a combination of skill, leadership, and a sense of destiny that makes fans feel they are witnessing something transcendent. It’s humbling to think we are living in an era where we can watch Judge patrol Yankee Stadium, hit towering home runs, and make history with every swing of the bat. For Yankees fans, Judge’s brilliance is a reminder that while the legends of Mantle, Gehrig, and Munson may seem like folklore, their spirit lives on every time Judge steps onto the diamond.

--Alvin Izzo

BYB Yankee History Contributor

LUIS GIL MADE IT HAPPEN!

Luis Gil, the Yankees' 26-year-old right-hander, made headlines Monday night by snagging the 2024 American League Rookie of the Year award, adding yet another feather to the Yankees’ cap—or perhaps another notch in their pinstripes. He becomes the 10th Yankee to earn this prestigious honor, solidifying the Bronx Bombers as the AL's Rookie of the Year dynasty. Only the Los Angeles Dodgers (18 winners) can top that number, but hey, we’ll let the NL have something to brag about.

The race wasn’t without drama. Gil narrowly edged out Baltimore Orioles outfielder Colton Cowser in what felt like a baseball reality show finale. With 106 points to Cowser’s 101, Gil clinched the prize by just five points. It was a nail-biter, folks—Cowser earned 13 first-place votes and 11 second-place votes, but Gil outpitched him in the popularity department with 15 first-place and 10 second-place votes. It was as close as a ninth-inning, bases-loaded showdown, but in the end, the kid from the Bronx took the crown.

Gil now joins an exclusive Yankees club that includes legends like Aaron Judge, Derek Jeter, and Thurman Munson. That’s not just good company—it’s Hall of Fame waiting-room company. His season wasn’t perfect—call it a roller coaster with more ups than downs—but it proved one thing: this kid is here to stay. And while the BBWAA voting doesn’t factor in postseason performance, it’s worth noting that Gil was the starting pitcher in the Yankees’ only win during the 2024 World Series. (Cue polite cough about the rest of that series.)

But Gil’s journey to Rookie of the Year wasn’t exactly a straight shot. He first appeared on the MLB stage in 2021, throwing 29 1/3 innings over six starts. Thanks to the magic of rookie eligibility rules (and a bit of luck), he stayed under the 50-inning limit and didn’t stick on the active roster long enough to burn through his status. Fast forward to 2022, when a torn UCL derailed his season before it even began, sidelining him through 2023. It wasn’t until this spring that he finally landed a rotation spot, sliding into the No. 5 slot left vacant by Gerrit Cole’s early-season elbow troubles. Talk about making the most of an opening.

From there, Gil didn’t just run with the opportunity—he sprinted, leaped, and did a celebratory bat flip for good measure. Interestingly, Gil’s victory marks the first time a Yankees pitcher has taken home Rookie of the Year honors since Dave Righetti in 1981. That was back in MLB’s strike-shortened season, when Rags posted a jaw-dropping 2.05 ERA in 15 starts and helped the Yankees to the World Series (where, unfortunately, the Dodgers had the last laugh). While Gil’s 2024 campaign wasn’t quite that historic, it was enough to end the Yankees’ 43-year Rookie drought for pitchers. Somewhere, Righetti is probably tipping his cap.

The Yankees actually had two finalists for the award this year: Gil and catcher Austin Wells. Ultimately, it was Gil who emerged victorious, bringing home the team’s first Rookie of the Year trophy since Aaron Judge in 2017. So, here’s to Luis Gil: from rehab stints to the Rookie of the Year podium, he’s proved that resilience and talent are a winning combo. And if his name wasn’t already on your radar, it better be now—because this kid isn’t just a rookie anymore. He’s a star in the making.

YANKEES VS. DODGERS: A RICH HISTORY

As the New York Yankees look ahead to the 2024 World Series, they do so with the weight of history on their side—especially when it comes to their storied rivalry with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

For many of us,1978 and the 1981 World Series are most memorable. It is true that 1981 may have been a rare blemish in that history, but it only serves as a reminder of the Yankees’ resilience and determination to come back stronger. After all, this rivalry has largely belonged to the Bronx Bombers, and with that legacy, the Yankees are poised to reclaim their rightful place at the top in 2024.

Let’s rewind for a moment. In the 1978 World Series, the Dodgers jumped out to an early 2-0 lead, but the Yankees, true to their championship spirit, stormed back with four straight victories to win it all. Lou Piniella's clutch walk-off hit in Game 4 was a turning point, igniting the Yankees' charge. Then, in Game 5, captain Thurman Munson led the way with a heroic five-RBI performance, putting the Yankees in control. With their trademark resilience and determination, the Yankees proved once again why they are baseball’s most iconic and unstoppable team.

Then the rematch, 1981. The Yankees appeared to be on track for another triumph against the Dodgers, much like they had done countless times before. From Brooklyn to Los Angeles, the Yankees had consistently outplayed the Dodgers, with iconic victories in 1949, 1952, and 1953, leaving Dodgers fans heartbroken and frustrated. New York simply had the Dodgers’ number.

The 1981 Fall Classic started much the same way. The Yankees took the first two games at Yankee Stadium, and it seemed like another chapter of their dominance was about to unfold. But the series shifted to Dodger Stadium, and suddenly, the tide turned. Rookie sensation Fernando Valenzuela ignited the Dodgers with a Game 3 win, sparking a comeback that led to four straight victories and an unexpected championship for Los Angeles. Pedro Guerrero’s Game 6 heroics capped off the upset, with the Dodgers winning 9-2 and sending Yankees fans into shock.

It was a rare moment of disappointment for Yankees fans, but even that loss can be seen as fuel for the fire. George Steinbrenner, never one to accept defeat lightly, famously issued an apology to the people of New York after the series. It wasn’t just a statement—it was a promise that the Yankees would be back, stronger than ever. And if there’s one thing the Yankees have always done, they work to deliver on that promise.

History, after all, is a Yankee stronghold. While the Dodgers celebrated their 1981 victory, it’s important to remember that this rivalry leans heavily in New York’s favor. In 11 World Series matchups, the Yankees have won eight, including a 6-1 domination over the Brooklyn Dodgers before they packed their bags for Los Angeles. Even in moments of defeat, the Yankees have bounced back, often with a vengeance. The 1981 loss? Just a blip in the grand scheme of things.

 

Look back at the defining moments of this rivalry, and you’ll see why Yankees fans should feel confident heading into 2024. Don Larsen’s perfect game in 1956 is still the only one in World Series history, with Yogi Berra jumping into his arms in celebration. Johnny Kucks threw a three-hit shutout in Game 7 of that series, sending the Dodgers packing and cementing the Yankees' status as the team of destiny. The Bronx Bombers have been built on these legendary moments, and 2024 could very well be the next chapter.

Yes, the Yankees have faced adversity before, but that’s precisely what has shaped them into baseball’s most successful franchise. And if history is any indication, the Yankees have a knack for rising to the occasion when it matters most. As they gear up for another World Series run in 2024, it’s not just about the present—it’s about drawing strength from their past. The Dodgers may have gotten the better of them in 1981, but the Yankees have shown time and again that they know how to bounce back.

With a record of dominance over the Dodgers and a tradition of excellence in October, the Yankees are more than capable of writing a different ending in 2024. The ghosts of their past triumphs—Larsen, Berra, Mantle—are all there, ready to inspire this new generation of Yankees to reclaim the crown, Soto, Judge, Cole. 2024 could be the year they bring another World Series title back home.

So, as the Yankees march toward another Fall Classic, fans can take comfort in the fact that history—and the heart of a champion—are on their side. The 1981 World Series may have been a painful chapter, but it’s part of a larger narrative, one that has the Yankees standing tall as baseball’s most iconic and successful team. Come Friday, don’t be surprised if the Yankees are once again celebrating on top of the baseball world, proving that in the end, the Bronx always finds a way to win, especially this team.

--Alvin Izzo
BYB Yankee History Contributor

REIGNITING THE YANKEES-ROYALS RIVALRY

Few rivalries in baseball history have sizzled quite like the Yankees vs. Royals showdown of the late '70s and early '80s. This wasn’t just some friendly competition over who could grab more beer sales at the stadium; it was a full-blown, bad-blooded feud that had more drama than a soap opera and more punches thrown than a heavyweight boxing match. For five straight years, these two teams clashed in the postseason, and trust me, if you were a fan back then, you didn’t need fireworks on the 4th of July—this rivalry lit up the skies on its own.

Let’s rewind to 1976. The Kansas City Royals, a bunch of scrappy up-and-comers, made their first playoff appearance, only to find themselves staring down the barrel of the Yankees—who were fresh off an 11-year World Series drought. Talk about bad luck. The Royals were the new kids on the block, thinking they could hang with the big boys, while the Yankees were ready to prove their Bronx swagger was still alive and kicking. And boy, did it all go down in Game 5 of the ALCS at Yankee Stadium. George Brett—yes, that George Brett, who’d go on to terrorize New Yorkers for years—launched a towering three-run homer to tie the game in the 8th. 

But the Yankees were like, “Nah, not today, junior.” Chris Chambliss stepped up in the bottom of the 9th and smacked a walk-off bomb, barreling through a sea of lunatic fans who stormed the field. Classic New York: wild, chaotic, and straight to the World Series.

That game didn’t just crank up the heat; it dropped the match into a powder keg. The Royals were furious, and the Yankees? Well, they were just getting started. Fast forward to 1977. The Royals, still salty, held a 2-1 lead in the ALCS, thinking they finally had the Yankees right where they wanted them. But in typical New York fashion, the Yankees snatched victory out of their hands, breaking hearts and beer bottles all over Kansas City. 1978? Same deal. Brett gave it everything he had—three homers in Game 3 at Yankee Stadium, practically trying to carry the Royals on his back. But Captain Thurman Munson, playing with a bum shoulder, said, "Not on my watch," and blasted a two-run, go-ahead homer. Once again, the Yankees sent the Royals packing.

By this point, the tension between the two teams was hotter than a New York sidewalk in July. The Royals were tired of being the Yankees’ punching bag, and George Brett was turning into a one-man wrecking crew, determined to settle the score. 

And in 1980, he finally got his shot. Facing Goose Gossage—who made hitters wet their pants just looking at him—Brett smashed a three-run bomb into the upper deck of Yankee Stadium in Game 3, sending the Royals to the World Series with a sweep. It was sweet revenge for Kansas City, and Brett probably still has dreams about it. As for the Yankees? Let’s just say the champagne stayed on ice that year, and manager Dick Howser was unceremoniously booted from the Bronx despite leading the team to a 103-59 record. How’s that for gratitude? He wound up in Kansas City, where he led the Royals to their first World Series title in 1985. Oof.

And then... the Pine Tar Game. If you don’t know about this one, are you even a baseball fan? It’s 1983, and Brett, already a nightmare for Yankees fans, steps up and smashes what looks like a go-ahead homer. But hold up—Yankees manager Billy Martin, always the crafty one, noticed something fishy. Brett’s bat had more pine tar on it than a lumberjack convention. Martin waited, patient as ever, for Brett’s homer to hurt the Yankees before pouncing with the protest. The umps sided with Billy, calling Brett out, which sent George into one of the most iconic meltdowns in sports history. The man lost it—charging out of the dugout like a madman, fists flying, eyes bugging out like someone told him the Royals were moving to New Jersey. The clip is pure gold. Of course, the call was eventually overturned, and the Royals were awarded the win when the game was resumed. But by then, Brett's freak-out had earned him a permanent spot in the Yankees-Royals Hall of Infamy.

Sure, the rivalry fizzled after 1980 when the Yankees stopped bothering with Kansas City in October. But those few years? They were electric. Punches were thrown (literally—thanks, Brett), homers flew, and Yankees fans saw their team rise above the scrappy Royals time and time again. Whether it was Chambliss knocking out fans like bowling pins, or Brett’s infamous pine tar tantrum, the Yankees-Royals rivalry will forever be one of baseball’s greatest—and most hilariously heated—chapters.

The Yankees and Royals are back at it in the playoffs, and the rivalry is officially reignited. Sure, legends like Chambliss, Thurman Munson, Hal McRae, and George Brett are long gone, but this ALDS is about to explode with stars like Bobby Witt Jr., Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Seth Lugo, and Salvador Perez. For all the old-school baseball fans out there, let’s hope the Royals can at least keep it interesting—because the Yankees are about to remind everyone who really owns October. Get ready for fireworks, because this one's going to have all the drama and dominance of the glory days!

In New York, we don’t just win; we do it with flair, fireworks, and a little controversy for good measure. 

Royals fans? Thanks for playing.

--Alvin Izzo

BYB Yankee History Contributor

COULD AUSTIN WELLS WIN AL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR?

Source: USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

Wow. When Paul O'Neill read out Austin Wells' stats for the season against the rest of the American League during Tuesday night's game against the Royals,  I was blown away. According to MLB.com, "At the plate, his 121 wRC+ (meaning he's been 21% better than a league-average hitter) is now the best among AL catchers -- Wells leapfrogged his counterpart with the Royals, Salvador Perez, thanks to his big game Monday. Behind the plate, Wells has been the AL's second-most valuable defensive catcher behind only the Mariners' Cal Raleigh, per Statcast, thanks to excellent pitch-framing and blocking." 

Wells has been a white knight in this Yankee lineup, consistently and quietly helping the Yankees win games like they did in the opener against Kansas City on Monday night. Could Austin Wells win ROY honors? Yea, he really could. 

Source: NJ.com

According to MLB.com, "The 25-year-old catcher has emerged as one of the top contenders for AL Rookie of the Year honors down the stretch, along with the Orioles' Colton Cowser. Wells is batting .295 with a .511 slugging percentage and .891 OPS in 39 games since the All-Star break." He came in for the ailing Jose Trevino who went down with a quad injury earlier this season. And he hasn't stopped his persistently strong offense and defense, among the top rookies and catchers this season.

As The New York Post reports, "Wells has a .252/.342/.438 slash line with 13 home runs and 49 RBIs in 100 games for the Yankees this season." Among other favorites for the AL Rookie of the Year are Orioles phenom Jackson Holliday and Wells' standout teammate Luis Gil. Both have slowed down in their dominance once shown earlier this season, leaving the door open for Wells. Not since 1970 has a Yankee catcher won Rookie of the Year honors. And that guy was Thurman Munson. 

Wouldn't that be something? Aaron Judge wins AL MVP and Austin Wells wins AL ROY in the same season- homegrown stars in the Yankee organization. Now top that with a World Series victory and a Judge Triple Crown- I just can't. Exciting times for the Yankees if they can just get out of their own way. For Wells, I am just overjoyed for this young man's success. He has battled and if he continues to demonstrate his talent the way he has over the last several weeks, he just might find himself as the 2024 AL Rookie of the Year. 

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