I HAVE PTSD WITH THESE GAMES AGAINST THE MARINERS

Source: The Seattle Times

Watching these last two games against the Mariners takes me back to the mid to late 1990s when Seattle used to beat up on the Yankees. That's when Tino Martinez played for the other side and used to pounce on us. Then there was Edgar Martinez,  Ken Griffey Jr. and who could forget "King" Felix Hernandez in the 2000s. Yeah, that team and this series against Seattle puts me right back there. For no reason, because we are better than this team. But the Clay Holmes debacle and the quiet offense on Tuesday night leaves no other choice. I have PTSD with these games against Seattle and it is quite frankly annoying.

I suppose The Seattle Times had it right when they reported, "Facing a team that had won seven straight games coming into the series and was seemingly on its way to eight straight, the Mariners were down to their final two outs in the top of the ninth inning against Yankees closer Clay Holmes. But an offense that looked listless to lifeless over the first eight innings found a way to score four runs off a pitcher that hadn’t allowed an earned run all season." 

That's Seattle and they have bested the Yankees so many times over the years. Is this an important series? Yes, they all are important. Because you can't get these games back. You can reflect. You can lament. But you can't get them back. And all of these games hold value. Especially when this year could be your year. And with the Mariners holding a 15-10 record on top of the AL West, you want to win these games.

"Yeah that one's on me," Holmes said. "I feel like I made some good pitches and definitely some balls found some holes, but I was ahead on a couple guys there, 0-2, 1-2, and put them on base which could've been big outs. It was one of those outings where I felt like my stuff was there, maybe trying to go for a little too much chase with a couple guys there. Some balls found some holes and it didn't go our way there," reported SNY after the Monday loss against the Mariners.

According to Fansided, the Mariners are "heating up" this May. Before heading to the Bronx, Seattle took a close one in Baltimore and picked off some games against the Royals. Then kept the Yankees bats quiet, particularly on Tuesday night after playing spoilers on Monday. 

People always asked me what I have against Seattle. Why won't I route for them when they aren't playing against the Yankees. I tell them what I tell you; Seattle hurt the Yankees in the 90s. That team was lethal. So yeah, I have PTSD when it comes to Seattle. And the last two nights have been a self-fulfilling prophecy. 

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

TINO & SWISHER CALL OUT MLB'S BAD UMPIRING & I'M HERE FOR IT!

I've been thinking a lot about Aaron Judge and his recent game ejection. One of the biggest names in baseball who plays the game the right way and with no ego tossed by another bad umpiring call. The umpire controversy is not going away and not getting better. In fact, it's getting worse.

Almost two years ago, I wrote about MLB's experimentation outside of traditional umpiring in RUMOR: ROBOTS ARE COMING TO A MLB STADIUM NEAR YOU. MLB is still experimenting with an electronic strike zone in Triple-A this year where hitters and pitchers can challenge balls and strikes. Even if that isn't the answer, something has to be done about the controversy that has passionate fans everywhere riled up. Even some of our Yankee favorites think change is long overdue, read more HERE.

Anytime Nick Swisher and Tino Martinez have anything to say, I am going to listen intently. I appreciated Tino's passion when he called Judge's ejection "terrible. Aaron Judge never loses his temper, and he didn’t in that situation either. He walked away; he wasn’t in the umpire’s face. He walked away like he should’ve done, and he put him out, which was a little too much by the umpire." As passionate as Tino was Swisher took it a step further and said "He didn't say anything. He said, ‘You were s***, you've been bad all day,’ which was true. I watched the game." 

So MLB is at an impasse, and Rob Manfred needs to do something. When you have veterans like Max Scherzer who have influence with the MLBPA and respected former players vocalizing how they feel, it can't be ignored. It needs to be fixed!

It won't be an easy fix, but I think the "ranking" of these bad umpires with consequences is a good place to start. Fans know there is a human element to this game. Nothing will be perfect, bad calls will be made, but it doesn't have to be so frequent. Those who have good stats and accuracy, get to stay at the big-league level. Those who don't perform, get sent down to the minors. That is how you get more credibility back in this game. It weeds out the undesirables like Angel Hernandez and C.B. Bucknor (amongst others) out of important games.

If it were only that simple though. The umpires have their own union just like players have the MLBPA. Unions are very powerful, and the umpire's union is no exception. Obviously, unions are going to act in what they feel is in the best interest of their workers AND it's not like there is a big supply of MLB umpires. 

No matter what, there needs to be some sort of accountability for the sake of this game. While Manfred sleeps at the wheel, MLB's credibility suffers. I hate turning on a baseball game and seeing the same bad umpires all the time, so I appreciate Tino and Swisher's candor. 

Something's gotta give.... before I write about this again in another two years and it's worse. What's it going to take?

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

SEAN CASEY GONZO!

 

Well Sean Casey was a pretty decent hitting coach for the New York Yankees, but now he's gone.  Unreal. The Yankees are blowing it, aren't they?

Empire Sports Media writes:

"Casey was able to impact a number of players positively, but after announcing his departure from the Yankees via his podcast, “The Mayors Office,” he cited family reasons for his decision."

How about just saying "Why would I be part of that sinking ship? No way, I'm out."  But seriously, it's not a good look for the Yankees right now. Casey actually was pretty helpful with our team... helping to get DJ LeMahieu back on track.  It was DJ himself giving Casey the credit.  

So what happens now? Alot of rumbles on Yankee Twitter throwing out names like Nick Swisher and Tino Martinez.  I honestly think it should be a guy with some heart and personality and NOT an Aaron Boone friend.  I think that's where the problem lies.  To be honest, I was really hoping Sean Casey would replace Boone, but I guess now we just have to wait and see what the Yankees do next.

Good Luck to Sean Casey... it was fun while it lasted! Thanks for your service.

LOCKOUT LEADS TO LANDING OF MATT OLSON

Now as you all know, we are waiting. And while waiting we can be speculating right? During a lockout like the one we are all experiencing, general managers are prohibited from talking or making trades involving players on the 40-man roster with opposing teams. But as The Athletic suggests, we as fans aren't prohibited from chatting it up and over the last several weeks, we have speculated, we have shared our thoughts and you have shared yours. The talk on the street, from fans, reporters and other insiders believe that once the lockout ends, the Yankees strike. And their first move is for first baseman Matt Olson.

Source: CBS Sports

According to SI.com, "On January 18, Jim Bowden of The Athletic floated a possible trade scenario that could see the Yankees land Olson. In this proposal, the Yankees offer their No. 3 prospect in shortstop Oswald Peraza, promising young pitcher Luis Gil (No. 4 ranked prospect), and maybe throw in right-hander Randy Vasquez (No. 20 ranked prospect) and/or righty Beck Way (No. 22 ranked prospect)." Woah. That is some kind of trade. All of those prospects for 27-year-old lefty bat? Will that be worth it?

"Olson’s left-handed power bat is the perfect fit for the short porch in Yankee Stadium. This move would also help provide balance to a right-handed heavy lineup by inserting Olson in the middle of the order," reports SI.com. 

Source: Associated Press

A couple of weeks I floated the idea of Freddie Freeman to swoop in and free the Yankees of their pennant drought. Recall my words in the post, FREEMAN COULD FILL THE BIG SHOES TEIXEIRA LEFT BEHIND! "Seems like the first base facelift has been a trend for the Yankees. Before bringing in Tex in 2009, the Yankees brought in Jason Giambi to replace Tino Martinez who replaced Don Mattingly. Since Teixeira, it has been a revolving door at the corner and if the Yankees act quickly and think beyond shortstop, they could have themselves a franchise player who could bring in a championship in the next couple of seasons or sooner." Swap out Freeman for Olsen? The A's notoriously look to keep their payroll lean, so they may be more apt to trade with the non-division Yankees and find happiness with lower salary rookies.

Source: San Francisco Chronicle

Olsen brings a heavy bat and two gold gloves along with youth; the kind of impact player that can consistently put the ball in play on this Yankee roster. Olson needs to come in swinging in order to shake up the clubhouse and help this lifeless team gain some momentum in 2022. Will it happen? The Yankees are expected to make a big move as soon as the lockout lifts. This could be the first of a few transactions that the Yankees make in pursuit of a championship. Landing Olson could be a playmaker and game changer for the future of this team. 

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

WELCOME TO THE LIST, PEDY

I would often refer to him as an ulcer. He was genuinely a giant pain in my ass...even standing at 5' 3" or whatever the Sox program listed his height to be. Dustin Pedroia was truly a giant in the New York vs Boston Rivalry. He played the game the right way. He busted his butt down the line...even when drawing a walk (which was infuriating!). He was always in a dirty uniform from flat out hustle. HE PROVED ANYONE of any shape or size can play this game! I couldn't stand Pedy and loved him in the same breath. He was a real ballplayer in every respect.

After many bouts with nagging injury the "Little Engine that Could" Red Sox 2nd baseman is calling it a career....and what a career it was. Years ago I wrote about the difference between Pedroia and Cano...I didn't have a crystal ball then....you don't need one to see how their stories would wrap up. 

The classic tale of the little, nut gathering worker putting in extra time to prep for winter and the lazy rabbit who couldn't be bothered with hustle playing out on a Major League diamond. Robbie is a cautionary tale to be told....Dustin may, one day, have a street near Fenway named in his honor...and I hope that street is constantly under construction...it would be appropriate given the FACT that this guy never stopped grinding to improve upon himself. Never.

This brings me to my list. A list I'm sad to admit continues to add names of enemy combatants from the Bay State. They are the Sox I wish were Yankees. Up until now the list is as follows:

Jim Rice

Dewey Evans
(C )Jason Varitek
Trot Nixon
Tim Wakefield

And now...Dustin "The Laser Show" Pedroia. They were just guys who would've been revered in the Bronx. They always hustled. They hated to lose...they had what O'Neill and Tino ran on....heart. 

I will missed Pedy. He was what was great about the Yanks and Sox. You got a sick feeling in your gut when he was at the plate in a big spot (the crouching catcher still a inch of two taller than him) knowing he'd pepper one off the Monster or go opposite field and find the untended pin that is Pesky's Pole for a 4 Beantown Bagger. That was, oddly, something I almost looked forward to. It was the fight these two clubs have always shared...it was fun to watch...just like Dustin.

Classic interview with Dustin Pedroia after a tough loss. ⚾️🔥pic.twitter.com/hLqHPa4HFX

— Hardball Highlights™ (@BSBVAULT) February 1, 2021

 

I tip my cap to this favorite son of the Boston Red Sox. He was one that I'll always remember for the best of reasons. Pedy did it right.

This one makes me think of the guy like Pedy who played the National Pastime like a true Working Class Man.

Thank you, Dustin. Congratulations on a hell of a run.

 

--Mike O'Hara

BYB Contributor

Twitter: @mikeyoh21

THE SLUMP OR THE STREAK?

We are without so much these days. We've lost our daily routines, favorite activities and opportunities to spent time with friends and family. Why? There isn't a concrete answer to throw at that one.

Yes, the novel virus that broke loose from a far away country and spread like wildfire is the culprit. Yes, the fact that it caught the world flatfooted because NOBODY knew how bad it actually was and would be is directly in the crosshairs of the Blame Cannons. But more than that...WHY?

My friends...that is always the question that we collectively ask at times like this. Sadly, we will go without an answer that brings us any reassurance. So what now?

We are standing in the batter's box against a never seen before flamethrower who rifles in heaters that touch triple digits. Do we swing wildly and pray we find the ball? No. No, we don't. We stay to a plan. We go with what has worked. We stare back at that mound without fear and see if this punk blinks first. He's got one pitch...yeah, it's a mutha f*#!*er... but we know what's coming.

I equate just about every event in life to baseball...It helps me process it all. In the box we CAN control more than we think. And sticking to a plan is the foundation for making good things happen. It's the difference in a streak and a slump.

When we try to go to superstitions, changing who we are and what we do...we begin confusing our game and the slump ensues. We become so obsessed with BREAKING OUT OF IT that we slip deeper in.

Focusing on the basic mechanics, breathing, letting the game come to us is the ONLY way out. There isn't a magic stance or angrily pouring over the box score that will bring us a different result at the plate.

We MUST play our game....the way we first learned it. In short...remember the good stuff and dig in. Block out the press, the Bronx cheers, the ump and the scoreboard above the blacked out seats. We are going to break out my friends...WE WILL.

It's a question of when, and that's the hardest thing. When will this big, hard throwing ass clown make a mistake? When will he let that number 1 bleed back over the dish so we can plant that pill like Tino Martinez in 98...soon.


He know he can't fool us. We're going to wait him out. If he tries to get cute and go off speed...we'll spit on that cheese and stand like a statues when Blue barks, "Ball!" Dig in. Know you can hit this one trick pony...we'll end up timing him like Nomo in his second year.

Yeah, that high leg kick was cute...but now we can set our watches to your garbage, meat.

Be with your families, stay on a routine.

There is a lot we can control...bank on it.

--Mike O'Hara
BYB Contributor
Twitter: @mikeyoh21
Website: MikeOHara21.com 

Tell em, Jimmy!

GARDY! PLAY FOR THE MOMENT!

Hello BYB Friends and Faithful!

Photo Credit: Anthony Causi

It's been a while since I dropped by, but after the recent series against the Sawks… I wanted to chirp from the cheap seats. The Yankees are injury plagued. They are scuffling where they should be surging. But they do resemble some great Bomber teams of the past...with a stumble out of the starting block.

Am I worried for the long run? Nope. Not a bit. Tampa will come back to earth. The World Champs? Yeah, to aggravation of my ulcer, which I've named "Yawkey Way" they'll be back and winning games in bunches. They are just too damn talented not to...damn it.

All of that stuff aside, today I wanted to talk about Gardy and playing for the moment. I'm a coach these days. I have the privilege of working with some of the most extraordinary, powerful, young women around. They work so incredibly hard every day and it is outstanding to see them become better athletes and people along the way. Recently one of them asked me what my favorite all-time race, game, match was in my own sports history. I thought for a few minutes and did a quick sprint down memory lane... I didn't remember medals, trophies or titles... I remember moments. The times I spent with my teammates. The sounds and sights I took in in victory or defeat. The moments live forever.

Trophies and titles can be lost or forgotten...the moment is why we play the games. It's about the people you shared them with. The things you achieve together. Here are some highlights from last night.



Brett Gardner's 100th career dinger was one of those Yankee Moments. We all love the little South Carolinian with the BIG OL' Heart (despite the Sports Talk Radio Experts calling in from traffic on the Deegan). He is that type of guy. We remember Gardy's moments and how they lifted the team more than him individually. His is a career built on those type of events. The passion he plays with.

He is truly playing for the moment whenever he suits up. It's about the game and the guys he plays with. Is he the best at his position? Nope. Is he an All-Time Yankee Great...not really. Will the organization hang up #11 one day? Maybe but it probably won't be because Brett Gardner wore it.

Yet Gardy is a Yankee the fans WILL always remember. And that Grand Slam last night will be a reason why. One of the true leaders on a team struggling to find it's stride in a pressure packed season...and GARDY COMES THROUGH!

It was against Boston! It was in the Bronx! It was pure Brett Gardner! Down 0-2 and as if his heart jumped out of his chest and swung the bat for him the ball laughed off the wood and into the Creatures salivating for some Yankee Magic! What does this mean going forward? Who knows. Maybe they go on a tear and rack up 10 out of 11. Maybe they hit the skids again...but the moment lives forever. It's the life blood of Sport. It's why we play any game. The moments.

I am a Gardy Guy. He, like O'Neill, Tino, Goose, Donnie, Nettles and many more, play with their hearts on their pinstripes. Their moments echo throughout the Borough of the Bronx more than the trophies, titles and stats....it's their moments and how they lived in them.

Thanks Brett. That woke me up to more than why I love baseball so much. It reminded me of why I love the game...every game that celebrates the moments.

Great to see you BYB!

Mike

** Just like BYB, this song just gets me **

--Mike O'Hara
BYB Contributor
Twitter: @mikeyoh21 

GIANCARLO STANTON, BOOS & A REALITY CHECK

(Source: AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

It has to be an unfamiliar feeling for him. Being booed, that is. Giancarlo Stanton won the NL MVP award, led the National League in home runs, and was traded to the most storied franchise in baseball. His first real chance at playing in the postseason, he hits two home runs in the season opener, and then gets booed in the home opener at Yankee Stadium. He hits his third homer of the season in the second game, only to get booed again a few at-bats later. A few more games only reinforced it.

(Source: John Munson | NJ Advance Media)

Welcome to Yankee Stadium, G. It goes to show that even if you win an MVP, striking out five times in a game makes a strong case for fans to let you have it. On Sunday, he had another 5K day. So, we are seeing a pattern here. Personally, I hate booing my own players. The thing is, we all need to get used to it. Stanton is clearly a free swinger, and we are seeing it in a major way. What is unusual and panic-inducing among some is how his strikeout rate has jumped. His career strikeout percentage (the percentage of plate appearances that resulted in a strikeout) is 27.8%. The major league average during his career has been 20%. This year so far, it jumped to 36.6%. Furthermore, the 5 strikeouts per game stat is glaring right now. He never had a 5K game before in his career, and he’s had two in a week. The last time he even had a 4K game was on July 1, 2016, which was a 12-inning affair.

(Source: Newsday / Thomas A. Ferrara)

I find it interesting that the same stats that are causing panic and frustration are reasons to be hopeful. Here’s how I see it. This is not the hitting profile of Giancarlo Stanton. To think that he is going to strikeout in more than one-third of his plate appearances over the course of a season is ludicrous. If you’re worried about that, take a deep breath and remember that we’re only 10 games in.

The other factor to consider is what I like to call “New Yankee Syndrome”. A top-flight name signs with the Yankees and they try to be superhuman out of the gate. Each time I pull up my Tino Martinez stats and now my Didi Gregorius stats and we see how trying to fill big shoes shows up in the box score. To be completely honest, I was shocked when he hit two homers in his first game. He was back within my expectations after the home opener. Because nothing says “I’m trying to do too much” like striking out 5 times in a game.

(Source: Tom Szczerbowski / Getty Images)

Bottom line, we still have an awesome lineup despite what the naysayers are saying this week. He will settle down, and the coaches will work with him just like they worked with Aaron Judge when he was swing-happy.  He will settle down and we will have his power in the middle of the lineup. If you’re worried, take a deep breath. We only just started.

--Ike Dimitriadis
BYB Contributor
Twitter: @KingAgamemnon

1 LUCKY WINNER WILL GET THIS YANKEE SHIRT LOT!

This is silly, but I gotta tell ya, I don't want to throw them out, and so, I'm willing to sell them to the BYB audience.

Quick note about a lot of New York Yankees shirts that my boys have grown out of.  Now everyone loves hand me downs, and so, I wanted to offer this exclusively to you, our audience.  This is brought to you as a first come first serve bases. 

I am willing to sell these 6 shirts for the amount of $10.00 (plus $5.00 shipping). They are used, some are more worn than others, but if you are interested, just let me know and make a purchase HERE and I will ship them out to you.  Again, IF YOU ARE THE FIRST PERSON TO BUY THIS, YOU WIN!

If you come in after someone already made the purchase, you will get an email from me that it's been sold!  I expect this lot to go fast.  Here are the details:

Tino Martinez- Youth Small
Derek Jeter- Youth Small
Ichiro- Youth Small
Derek Jeter- Youth Large
Derek Jeter- Youth Large
Johnny Damon- Adult Small

I will also throw in an original Bleeding Yankee Blue "Casey" shirt free.  Size will be: Adult Medium!

All of these items will come to you with one click! $10 bucks for this lot of shirts and hopefully your kids will get a few years wear out of them!

I hope you win!

CLICK HERE

BOB WATSON: BASEBALL'S FORGOTTEN LEGACY

The Yankees recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of the 1996 World Series. Among the guest present were the Core Four, Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte and Jorge Posada. It was a great day, but how many people noticed that a key person to that team was missing? Probably not many of you. It's strange that a name like Bob Watson isn't more common.

So, who is Bob Watson? If you're an Astros fan, you'll remember him as a former power-hitting first baseman. This was back in the late 60's, when hitting homers out of the Astrodome was an incredible feat, considering how difficult it actually was. He played in Houston for 14 years, before being traded to Boston in 1979. He went on to play for the Yankees, and the Braves, ending his 19-year career in 1984.

Watson also became the player to score MLB's one millionth run. The New York Daily News had a write up about it for the 40th anniversary (HERE). On May 4th, 1975, he ran home, and into a bit of obscure baseball lore. He was the first player to hit for the cycle in both the National league (with the Astros in 1977), and the American league (with the Red Sox in 1979).  He later became the first African-American General Manager in Major League Baseball, when Drayton McLane of the Astros gave him the position. And, in 1996, he became the first African-American General Manager to win a World Series, when he did it with the Yankees.

We all remember Gene Michael as the man behind the Core Four and Bernie Williams (because Bernie was in a class of his own READ HERE). And it seems like Brian Cashman has been General Manager since the dawn of time, some days. But Watson is the man responsible for trading for Tino Martinez, and Joe Girardi. He also brought on Cecil Fielder. Most ironically, Watson is the man who told us to trust that we would come to love "Clueless Joe," Joe Torre, when he made Torre Manager. 

"I can understand why Yankee fans are upset because Buck (Showalter) was a popular man," said Bob Watson in November 1995. "But Yankee fans also should give Joe Torre time to prove what  he can do."

"Believe me, he'll win them over."

The New York Daily News remembered their 1995 interview with Watson this week. Watson, who told us to give Torre a chance, and who revamped the face of the Yankees from 1995 to 1996, making us the unlikely underdog in the 1996 season played a pivotal role in what was our first Championship in 18 years. He went on to serve as MLB vice president in charge of discipline and vice president of rules and on-field operations. He stirred the pot a little in 2007 when, what he called, "The Francona" rule was put in place. Basically, MLB managers would no longer be able to wear team pullovers to games. They would have to wear their team uniforms. A style Terry Francona was known for.

He is also battling stage 4 kidney failure.

"I really wanted to be there," Watson told the New York Daily News,"but my health won't allow it. I am battling Stage 4 kidney failure. Not too many people know about it."

All the baseball stats seem moot. A man is battling for his life. But, I don't know... I feel like if I mention Bob Watson's name, I shouldn't get a blank stare in return. Baseball fans, especially Yankees fans, should know who he is. I don't expect people to prattle off stats at the drop of the hat. But... I mean, c'mon guys! He was the first to hit for the cycle in both leagues and MLB's 1 millionth run! He was the first African-American General Manager in MLB history and the first African-American General manager to win a World Series. At least give me that. Maybe I'm a little bit sensitive about it. The Dynasty Era was my era. And yes, Gene played a hand in that too. But give Watson his credit. He earned it!

Watson is very ill. He does 7 hours of dialysis, 3 times a week. He has kept it private, until now. And while it's important to take that into consideration, and send him well wishes, it's also important to remember the man for his accomplishments. After all, long after we are gone from this earth, all there will be left of us is the stories. And if you get to leave behind a legacy like Watson's, it should not be forgotten, and buried under the mounds of baseball lore.

The Bleeding Yankee Blue writers and family send our thoughts and well wishes to Bob, and his family during this time.

Erica Morales
BYB Senior Staff Writer
Follow me on Twitter: @e_morales1804