SPEEDSTER TIM LOCASTRO IS BACK GIVING US RELIEF FROM AIR-SWING GALLO

Thank god for Tim Locastro.  A guy with less popularity than a Joey Gallo, but more productivity. In reality... this is a good thing.  For me personality I think it means, more Locastro... less Gallo.

NJ.com writes:

"The Yankees called up Tim Locastro in another sign that the team might be ready to move on from the struggling Joey Gallo...

...they turned to Locastro, a lefty hitter like Gallo.

“(With) that crunch in who’s available where fresh arms and things like that,” manager Aaron Boone said, “Just felt like he could be a little bit of that depth in a bench role here going into the end of the break.”

One thing is inaccurate and shame on NJ.com for making this mistake. Tim Locastro is a righty hitter, not lefty.  But that being said, the keyword here is DEPTH.  Tim is a gamer, scrappy. Sure, he won't hit home runs all the time, but look at Gallo these days... he doesn't do crap.  Speed, energy, scrappiness and a solid defender is something that Locastro offers... and already it's better than Joey Gallo.

Nice move Yanks.

IS IT TIME FOR THE YANKEES TO CALL BRETT GARDNER?

Source: NY Post

The Yankees have been bitten by the injury list. It only took two months, but it has happened. One could argue that Aaron Hicks would contribute the same amount injured or not. The facts are the Yankees need to consider calling for backup and what about ringing up Brett Gardner?

"You can certainly make the argument that Gardner would help this Yankees team right now. Giancarlo Stanton and Tim Locastro are on the injured list, Aaron Hicks has struggled mightily (and is now dealing with a hamstring issue) and Joey Gallo continues to seek results," reported SI.com. 

Source: The Boston Globe

Gardner grounds the Yankees. Is he the best player? No. Does he provide the right amount of speed, on base opportunities and defense. Yes. So why is he not playing in 2022?

"According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Gardner actually turned down a one-year deal from the Blue Jays when MLB's lockout ended. The contract was worth $6 million, more than Gardner receiver from New York when he re-signed on a one-year pact last spring."

Source: NJ.com

And in Gardner style, he didn't just turn down the Blue Jays, Rosenthal reported that the Atlanta Braves also sought out the outfielder and he declined the opportunity, hoping for his 15th year in pinstripes, the only team he has played for since coming to the Majors in 2008. 

Gardner stated very openly at the final out of last season his intentions and desire to play for the Yankees in 2022. "I hope that I'm back next season," Gardner said, still donning his Yankees jersey and cap long after the final out. "I hope that I'm back in that room, and I hope that I'm in Tampa come February, but there's obviously a long time between now and then, a lot of things that need to get figured out. We'll see what happens."

Source: Yahoo Sports

Listen, when you onboard someone for the first time, it takes time to groom them, help them assimilate to the culture of your organization. All of that takes resources and time. But with Gardner, he knows this clubhouse and his role with the Yankees. He has always served nobly. It is time for the Yankees to call on the veteran one more time. He is needed. And honestly, I would take Gardner any day of the week over Hicks or Gallo. Pick up the phone, Brian Cashman. I am pretty sure Brett Gardner is eagerly awaiting your call for help. 

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

YANKEES, BOMBS AND SPEED BEATS ANY COMBINED NO HITTER!

The Yankees have been working hard and getting into a groove and it's showing.  Last night the 12-2 win was big, and it came down the teamwork and bombs.  It's fun to watch, I gotta tell ya!

The New York Post writes:

"They blasted four more homers in a 12-2 rain-shortened, eight-inning victory over the Royals at Kauffman Stadium to win for the seventh straight game and ninth in their last 10.

And they scored double-digit runs for the fourth time in five games.

Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton got the offense going with a pair of homers in the first and Aaron Judge helped seal the victory with a three-run blast in the seventh.

The home runs gave the Yankees 18 in their last seven games, a stark turnaround for an offense that homered just twice in their seven games prior to this stretch. "

Rizzo has been on fire. Just a monster. Who was it that said "Well, we may not have gotten Freddie Freeman, but home run hitter Anthony Rizzo is no slouch!" Oh yea... it was me. 

Rizzo is doing everything right. Gotta love that.

And let's talk about speed. Is Tim Locastro the fastest man on earth? I mean this guy is the most dedicated, hungry, quick player you can ever want? He plays hard, and guess what... he will be a game changer for this team in 2022! Watch this:

Tim Locastro might be the fastest person on planet earth pic.twitter.com/K0x7xMYNcy

— Gabe (@PlayoffTanaka_) April 28, 2022

Look... things are happening, and I hope they can continue for the Yankees.  I'd take this every day rather than watching the Mets throw out 8 guys to get a combined no-hitter.

I mean, it's great, good for them... BUT IT'S A COMBINED NO HITTER. What's next, are they going to give little participation trophies to everyone on the team for just showing up too?

The reason why we typically celebrate no-hitters is because it's usually one pitcher, a starter, pitching his heart out, usually with high pitch count, usually exhausted but doing his best to win the game. It's emotional, heroic and powerful to watch because it's ONE GUY!  

A combined no hitter is just feeding the beast continually getting fresh arms on the mound to beat the other team. It's QUITE DIFFERENT.

Everybody calm down. 

Go Yanks!

GARDY'S NOT RETIRED YOU KNOW...

I find Brett Gardner to be one of the last of the loyal people in sports.  It's like a guy with a job for 25 years. These days, that really doesn't exist.  Loyalty for the company and from the person usually goes out the window and people jump from job to job to make as much scratch as they can and companies these days don't really care how much you've given to the company. If they need to downside and you make the most... you're toast.  Welcome to corporate America.

But Brett Gardner didn't walk away to another team even though other teams were interested. He's sitting on the sidelines waiting... with the hope that the Yankees grab him for his services one more time.

WFAN writes this:

"Gardner “had opportunities to play elsewhere” this season, but the veteran outfielder only wants to be a Yankee. So, if the Bombers don’t have an interest in bringing him back for another year, Gardner likely won’t be playing anywhere in 2022."

Right now the outfield for the Yankees is full.  Giancarlo Stanton, Aaron Judge, Joey Gallo and former D3 college guy Tim Locastro is giving them depth. If someone were to get hurt, maybe, just maybe the Yanks would call. But right now they're not.  

I would be curious to see what happens.  If no one picks up Gardy by the end of the year, will he retire?  Look, the Yanks love Gardy and Gardy loves them, but I think right now the idea of Gardy in the Yankees outfield may be over. But don't worry... in no time they will give him a plaque in monument park. Gardy was a great soldier for the Yankees and he definitely deserves that.

Stay tuned.

YOU CAN'T DENY NESTOR CORTES, BUT BOONE DID

The Yankees should have won that game yesterday behind Nestor Cortes. It just made sense. I mean the guy had 12 strikeouts through 5 innings. And then what happened? He was relieved by Chad Green with no score in the game in the bottom of the 6th...and after that? Everything fell apart.  Who do you blame? I know who I blame... and the dude doesn't play anymore... It's Boone.

Pinstripe Alley writes:

"The Orioles finally put the game away in the eighth inning. Jonathan Loáisiga never really had it, loading the bases with one out and bringing up lefty pinch-hitter Rougned Odor while southpaw Lucas Luetge was hot in the bullpen. Aaron Boone made the decision to leave Loáisiga in, Odor singled up the middle, and it was 2-0."

 

The Yankees would eventually lose 5-0. Boone dismissed the fact that Cortes was on fire... pitching an immaculate inning, the 39th in history and even bridging to Green when you cannot stop watching the highlight of  Tim Locastro, the animal in the outfield saving an extra base hit with a diving catch. I'll say it again... the Yankees were supposed to win that game yesterday.

And look, it's April, but games against division teams matter regardless. We gotta be able to beat teams like the Orioles!  We did not... that sucks.

Let's tighten it up!

TIM LOCASTRO TO RETURN TO THE BRONX!

Not major news, but some good news. Tim Locastro is returning. 

The Yankees have announced it:

The New York Yankees announced today that they have signed OF Tim Locastro to a one-year Major League contract.

Welcome back, @TimmyLo16!!! pic.twitter.com/PbdxlXLwPu

— New York Yankees (@Yankees) March 13, 2022

Now if you remember correctly, Locastro was a former D3 guy and many time D3 players never make it to the majors. I don't want to say never. I'm just saying it's not easy. He did and that's impressive to me. This is a pretty decent ballplayer and as you know I root for the underdog. I hope he's able to stick around in NY this time and not get hurt. He could be a nice piece... an extra pinch runner, pinch hitter or an outfielder on a main starter's off day. 

MLB Trade Rumors writes:

"Defensively, Locastro can play anywhere in the outfield. He’s not going to take a lot of playing time from Aaron Judge, Joey Gallo, and Aaron Hicks, but if he makes the roster, he could be the body that the Yankees use to keep those other three fresh. As a 29-year-old with a career 82 wRC+, there may not be tremendous upside to his game, but he’s not without skills. Locastro’s speed is unique, but he’s also very capable of putting the ball in play (19.1 percent career strikeout rate), which should help him put that speed to use. Power, on the other hand, has not traditionally been a part of Locastro’s game (.097 ISO). The Yankees may view Locastro as a complementary skillset to the power-first approach of the outfield starters."

Love this. Anyway... welcome back Timmy! I'm a fan!

YANKEES LOSE VELAZQUEZ, ALLEN & LOCASTRO

Things like this suck, after all, guys like Andrew Velazquez, Greg Allen and a short lived Tim Locastro were a real young energy the Yankees definitely needed... but when a season ends, things like this happen and now those guys are gone.  Too bad.

The New York Daily News writes:

"Shortstop Andrew Velazquez and outfielders Tim Locastro and Greg Allen were all claimed off waivers by other teams on Friday. The Angels claimed Velazquez while Locastro was picked up by the rival Boston Red Sox and Allen heads to the Pittsburgh Pirates....

Velazquez, known around the clubhouse as Squid, gained notoriety for being a kid from the Bronx who achieved a lifelong dream of playing shortstop for the Yankees. He has just 96 MLB games on his ledger, but 28 of those came this year with his boyhood club, mostly filling in when Gleyber Torres went on the injured list....

Allen got into 15 games in 2021 and, like Locastro, was part of the outfield carousel in the middle of the year. The 28-year-old put up the best numbers of anyone in this group, slashing .270/.417/.432 and making good on all five of his stolen base attempts. Allen handled all three outfield positions for the Bombers, who went 11-4 in the 15 games he played in."

But one thing not mentioned was that when they were there, they played like their hair was on fire. They played hard and were energized and that was something we really missed on this Yankee club at times, and that was what the fans loved and wanted.  

Too bad they're gone, but we need to turn the page.

RYAN LAMARRE IS NEWEST YANKEE HERO

When the Yankees start to groove, they groove. And when stale, high paid athletes can't get it done, sometimes you need a spark to get it all going. A few weeks ago I said that about .200 hitting (minor leaguer) Derek Dietrich and how I was annoyed that the Yankees were letting him go to the Nationals. He was a perfect example of that "spark". No, his average doesn't say anything... but his energy did. And sometimes? Sometimes that's all you need to get a team going.

Tim Locastro was another great example. Not the best player, but a former D3 kid that made it to the majors... and the willingness and energy to make things happen.  He helped the Yanks during his short stint before his injury... an injury he went the extra mile more. It was worth it... and he'll be back.

Now you got a guy like Greg Allen. Fast and fun to watch. No one knows this guy... he's not getting 10 years and $340 million. He's just happy to be out there and play a kid's game in a Yankee uniform... and it's working. Energy high... wins start to happen.

Enter Ryan LaMarre, the latest Yankee hero. A nobody journeyman who just became a fan's favorite player. Why? Here's why...

"The Yankees made some questionable pitching decisions, the Phillies played bad defense, but at the end, the Yankees won 6-5 in extras, thanks to Clutch Hitter Ryan LaMarre’s walk-off single...

With Sánchez at second, Gleyber Torres laid down a sac bunt, and Ryan LaMarre came in to pinch hit."

That was SB Nation. And so I ask you... how can you not be romantic about baseball?

The Yankees have won 4 in a row. That's a winning streak folks. Let's keep going!

Never... NEVER give up on the underdog.

STARLING MARTE IS REAL OPTION FOR THE YANKEES COME TRADE DEADLINE

Look, right now the Yankees need an outfielder. With Tim Locastro out and now Trey Amburgey out with a hamstring cramp... the Yanks have problems out there. And so the idea of a Starling Marte keeps surfacing. Call it a rumor or call it reality, obviously no one knows what the Yankees are truly doing until it's done. And Jon Heyman is famous for that. I feel like this is a real option! 

Bleacher Report put this out and they are reporting what Heyman is suggesting.  Hey... I believe this one folks... pay attention:

"According to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, the Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees and Houston Astros are interested in the Miami Marlins outfielder "who seems likely to be traded." Heyman noted that Miami is willing to offer Marte more than the three-year, $30 million contract numbers that have circulated, but added there is still a "sizable gap" in contract discussions.

Craig Mish of the Miami Herald reported Marte and the Marlins are no longer engaged in contract talks...

New York is trying to remain afloat in the American League East at 47-44 and eight games behind the first-place Boston Red Sox. Adding someone like Marte would help it do just that..."

Obivously we will have to see what really happens, but I do see Heyman's point here and Marte will no doubt offer stability.  We shall see. Like I said many times before... Heyman is famous for making it up until it happens... just like Bob Nightengale. No real credability.

That being said, everything reported makes sense.  The bottom line is it will depend on what the Yankees will need to give up and what other teams they are competing against. It will be a fight.

Stay tuned.

LET'S HOPE LOCASTRO'S GRIT RUBS OFF ON THE YANKEES WHILE HE RECOVERS!

Say what you will about a guy like Tim Locastro, but losing him could definitely hurt the Yankees. His grit, his determination is something the Yankees desperately needed and without him, you have to wonder if the Yanks can continue they're more aggressive ways.  Since Tim got to the Bronx... that missing spark was found!

Timmy's catch last night was spectacular. It was vital in the Yankees win, but now he's out, hurt... and that sucks.

SYR.com writes:

"Locastro is headed to the IL, after suffering a knee injury on Saturday night. The New York Yankees outfielder made a catch in left field, crashing into the wall in the first inning.... Aaron Boone said that Locastro tore his ACL."

What a catch from T-Lo 👏 pic.twitter.com/LjyAE7fq42

— New York Yankees (@Yankees) July 18, 2021

And NJ.com has this:

"“I feel for him,” LeMahieu said. “It was a heck of a catch. Got up and still threw it, saved a run. Stayed in the game. He’s a beast. Obviously, disappointed. I hear he’s hurting, but it seems like he’s in good spirit. But, yeah, great catch.”

But this is the point of my concern. This is a D3 athlete, Ithaca College that made it to the big leagues. A pretty cool feat when you think about it. And when it comes to grit, that's what Locastro had to have to make it all the way to the major leagues and then to his favorite team, the New York Yankees.  

My point? This guy is going all out to prove a point... he belongs here... and that is what BYB has been talking about for years. It's about grit and determination and not being complacent.  

Suzie Pinstripe said it when she was in that documentary about Ty Hensley on FOX Nation a while back. Grit matters!

While Ty is not Tim... the message is the same. GRIT... the willingness to do whatever it takes to make it to the majors, to open eyes and to do great things.  

The Yankees won last night, but you have to wonder if they would have if that catch from Locastro isn't made.  

Bottom line, guys like Locastro help and provide a spark... but mingle them in with this talented Yankee team and watch grit get contagiuous.  Let's hope it sticks and this team can continue to win.  

Go Yanks... go! Win another one! Win one for Timmy!

JOEY GALLO TALKS ARE HAPPENING BETWEEN THE YANKEES & RANGERS

 I'm not sure I believe it, but hey, you never know.

NJ.com writes:

"As the July 30 non-waiver trade deadline approaches, expect to hear more and more about Rangers outfielder Joey Gallo ...

It’s no secret the Yankees need help in the outfield. It’s also no secret the Yankees’ lineup is heavy on right-handed hitters. The lefty-hitting Gallo can solve both of those problems. And Rangers GM Chris Young knows that...

“We appreciate Joey and value everything he brings. We expected that he would get hot at some point and put up power numbers in line with where we think he can produce. We’re starting to see that right now. It’s been fun to watch. I think that he makes the other hitters in the lineup better, especially when he’s hitting like this. He’s a threat to not only get on base but to hit for power as well. So, I think at this point we’re continuing to explore all avenues and options with him.”

And you know what makes me sick? The Yankees just picked up Tim Locastro, a solid option for the outfield for the Yankees. How many outfielders do we need, really?

Any way... another rumor during the rumor season. Bring it.  But Yanks... do me a favor, concentrate on what solid talent you have IN house... and stop appearing so desperate!

YANKEES SNAG TIM LOCASTRO!

They made a move, but they'll probably try and get more too. For now however, the Yankees got Tim LoCastro! Nice!

SB Nation writes:

"...the New York Yankees acquired speedy outfielder Tim Locastro from the Arizona Diamondbacks. According to Lindsey Adler of The Athletic, who broke the story, the Yankees will be sending Double-A pitcher Keegan Curtis to the Diamondbacks as part of the exchange...

In trading for Locastro, the Yankees have somehow reeled in one of the few available players who has been hitting worse than the guys that they have been trotting out there on a nightly basis, as Locastro’s slashline of .178/.271/.220 gives him a 38 OPS+, which is better than only Jay Bruce and Chris Gittens out of players who have played ten or more games for the Yankees this season. "

Welcome to the Bronx Timmy! We could use your help right now!

YANKS ARE CONTINUING TO MAKE DEALS!

Wheeling and dealing!!  It's how the Yankees roll this off season.  I am loving this.

Photo: Los Angeles Times

The Yankees just made another move for another player.  This one's a utility guy... and I like it.  This latest one involves a kid named Tim Locastro and we gave away righty pitcher Drew Finley in the process.  That comes from our pal Bryan Hoch:

The Yankees have acquired OF Tim Locastro from the Dodgers in exchange for RHP Drew Finley and cash considerations.

— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) November 21, 2018

On Locastro, the New York Post writes this...

"The 26-year-old Locastro made his big-league debut with the Dodgers in 2017, appearing in three games, and hit .182 (2 for 11) this year with one double and four steals in 18 games, including three starts in center field. He batted .286 with 23 doubles, four homers, 29 RBIs and 19 steals in the minors this year, mostly at Triple-A Oklahoma City."

Hey... a move's a move and we'll see how it goes.  I'm just happy to see the Yankees trying to upgrade where they can.

Just wondering when the next big pitcher will come... and if we will trade away Sonny Gray.

Stay tuned...