KING OF THE BRONX!

Every once in a while, a young pitcher takes the mound, and you can almost feel that something special is about to happen.

Friday night was one of those nights.

Cam Schlittler didn't simply outpitch the Phillies. He flat-out embarrassed one of the most dangerous lineups in baseball. Twelve strikeouts. Zero walks. More than seven scoreless innings. Against Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber and a lineup that can ruin a pitcher's evening in a heartbeat, Schlittler never blinked.

Think about that for a second.

This wasn't some rebuilding club swinging at bad pitches. This was a veteran team with legitimate World Series aspirations. And for most of the night, they looked completely lost.

That's what great pitching does.

Schlittler pounded the strike zone from the first inning, worked quickly, trusted his stuff, and attacked hitters instead of nibbling around the edges. His fastball exploded through the zone, his secondary pitches kept hitters guessing, and every time the Phillies looked like they might build a little momentum, Schlittler slammed the door shut.

You couldn't help but smile watching it unfold.

The Yankees have been searching for homegrown starting pitching they can truly build around for years. Fans have heard the hype before. They've watched prospects arrive with enormous expectations only to disappear just as quickly.

Cam Schlittler doesn't look overwhelmed. He looks comfortable. More importantly, he looks like he expects to dominate. That's a completely different mindset, and it's showing every single time he takes the ball.

The Yankees' offense didn't exactly make life easy. Paul Goldschmidt supplied the only run of the game with a solo blast, leaving almost no margin for error. One mistake could have changed everything.

Schlittler never gave the Phillies that opportunity.

He trusted his defense, trusted his catcher, trusted his stuff, and kept firing strike after strike. No panic. No free passes. No unnecessary drama.

Just baseball the way it's supposed to be played.

When Aaron Boone finally walked to the mound in the eighth inning, Schlittler left the mound after putting together one of the most impressive pitching performances we've seen from a Yankees rookie in a long, long time.

The bullpen finished the job, but make no mistake—this game belonged to Cam Schlittler. Maybe the biggest takeaway isn't the 12 strikeouts. Maybe it's how ordinary he made greatness look.

That's what separates good pitchers from potential aces. Great pitchers make elite hitters look uncomfortable. Great pitchers control the pace of the game. Great pitchers pitch like they know they're the best player on the field.

Schlittler checked every one of those boxes. The Yankees still have plenty of questions to answer as this season rolls along. There will be ups and downs. There always are. But one thing suddenly feels different. Every fifth day, the Yankees aren't just sending another starter to the mound. They're sending out a young pitcher who is beginning to look like he could anchor this franchise for years to come.

If this is the beginning of Cam Schlittler's story in pinstripes, baseball better start paying attention.

This kid is taking over.

THE WORD "OFFER" IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN KILLING MOMENTUM & EXCELLENCE

Bryce Harper is one of the most injured guys around.  But yet, he's a star player always making things happen for the Phils. I found this headline super-interesting and I wanted to delve into it a bit with my thoughts on managing and trusting abilities and momentum killers and all of that.  First, see what I grabbed from Facebook just a short time ago:

Now I don't know what the Liberty Line is, and I'm reading this story, but I was taken by the part on top.  "Rob Thomson offered Bryce Harper a rest day today."

Now I want you to think about Aaron Boone and the Yankees and for this exercise, Aaron Judge will be part of this example.  

Day after day we'd have a guy on a hot streak and then out of nowhere... Boone decides to rest the guy.  Here are just 3 headlines of Boone resting Judge... without offering, without asking... just doing it... even during hot streaks, even when the team needed him.

And so, lets get back to that word OFFER.  For me, it comes down to bad personnel decisions by Boone. He never offers, he just does it. To me, I observe Boone as a guy that doesn't think big picture... that doesn't understand the true dynamic of a hungry ballplayer, or trust of talent and the irony is that is WAS a ballplayer.  Now this is the best part... Bryce Harper's answer:

"Absolutely not. We're in the middle of this thing. Trea's not here. We've got to go."

Do you know what happened next? Rob Thomson played Bryce Harper.  Why? Because he offered with the idea that he trusts his players, understands momentum, ability and the hunger to want to go out there and win.  

We have Aaron Judge on our team, in many regards the leader of the team like Harper is to the Phils.  They both get hurt a lot yes, but they both mash the ball and lead their respective teams.  But the difference is the manager, isn't it?

Aaron Judge can try and back Aaron Boone all he wants.  But that's because he's got a friendship with the guy. It's not because he's a good manager, trust me. Boone isn't a true manager or baseball guy, is he?  You don't shut guys down for rest if they don't want to rest.  Thomson gets it... why doesn't Boone?

Offering star players rest is much better than making them rest.  It allows streaks to be extended... momentum to continue.  Making players rest during hot streaks kills momentum.  I mean... it's common sense. What's he missing?

IT'S NOT EVERY WINTER THAT A PLAYER LIKE AARON JUDGE BECOMES A FREE AGENT!

Source: LM Otero

You can't skim the social sites without seeing an Aaron Judge headline every fifth post. Local newspapers and national ones alike, plus the hundreds of sports beat reporters and blogs have a mention of Judge somewhere in their articles and posts 10 hours ago, three hours ago, 15 minutes ago, The Daily News said, ESPN posted, Bryan Hoch stated that...and with good reason. It's not every winter a player the caliber of Aaron Judge is available on the open market. The question is, who will be lucky enough to land him?

Source: CBS Sports

"The Dodgers are one of the few teams who have shown a willingness to hand out the kind of contracts required to shop at the top of the market on a consistent basis. They absolutely have the financial flexibility to do so this offseason, too, after allowing Trea Turner to enter free agency without an extension and declining Justin Turner's option," reported CBS Sports. Certainly not necessarily new to the conversation, the Los Angeles Dodgers are always looking to add more to their arsenal. Last season they picked up superstar Freddie Freeman. The year before they picked up ace pitcher Max Scherzer and before that they exploded with a contract for then free agent Mookie Betts. The Dodgers are not afraid of digging into their deep pockets to pick up the right players for their evolving team. And this year will be no different.

Source: LM Otero

"It's not easy to clock what the Dodgers starting nine might look like because of their versatility, and because they have some other pressing questions to address this offseason -- like, who plays shortstop, and what about third base? Predictably, the Dodgers have been linked to the top free-agent shortstops, including Carlos Correa, and have even been rumored to have interest in Willy Adames of the Milwaukee Brewers," reported CBS Sports. So maybe the Judge addition is not as essential as these key infield positions. That leaves their in state rival the San Francisco Giants who have been linked to Judge since before he officially announced his free agency.

                                                                           Source: LM Otero

Recall the Aaron Judge was wooed by the San Francisco Giants and visited with the team and the higher management over several days last week. According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, “I believe that once Aaron Judge knows where at least the initial Giants offer comes in, and I do believe one is forthcoming, that there will be a fairly robust conversation to where we could see Aaron Judge signing with a team within the next two weeks, by the end of the Winter Meetings." The Winter Meetings kick off on Sunday and end Wednesday, December 7th. With an offer coming perhaps as early this week, the Yankees and maybe even the Dodgers will have opportunities to outbid and woe the slugger accordingly. 

Source: Tony Gutierrez

Judge was a Giants fan growing up. He met a number of iconic Californian sports figures while in San Francisco. But he has already tasted what it is like to be a part of one of the most winningest sports franchises in history. He has felt the nostalgia. He has been a part of history himself in breaking Roger Maris's record of 61 home runs. He has the opportunity to be the next Yankee captain. You can't top that, even if you are Steph Curry, one of the frontliners in the Giants wooing sessions for Judge.  

I am glad Judge is being lauded, celebrated, wooed after. He deserves it. But after all the fanfare subsides, I hope he can quietly reflect on the player he is and the one he wants to become. It's not every winter we get to witness this kind of lovefest over a player. But this year, is Judge's year and let's hope he chooses well. 

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

WEIRD, BUT PROVOCATIVE ANALYSIS OF WHY JUDGE WON'T PLAY IN CALI

Jon Heyman drives me crazy. There, I said it. 

But that being said, I can actually appreciate this piece of his analysis when it comes to ballparks, home runs, team needs and where Aaron Judge will play next.  Now, dare I say it means nothing when money comes into play, but it is still very interesting, and I appreciate it! Kudos to Heyman here. 

Heyman writes:

"While the Giants and Dodgers seem like the biggest threats to sign away superstar Aaron Judge, both carry potential complications in pursuits against the Yankees, who hold edges for Judge in legacy, ballpark and familiarity.

The Giants are clearly gung-ho in their efforts and said to be “elated” by their visit this week with Judge, but the idea they hold an advantage as his “hometown” team seems specious; he’s from Linden, Calif., two hours and a lifestyle away. (Judge actually lives now in Tampa, which is Yankees territory.)

The Giants have tried before for big power stars, but came up short for Bryce Harper and were rejected by Judge’s friend Giancarlo Stanton. They may have learned from the Harper try, when they came in late and low, but Oracle Park remains ranked in the bottom third for homers even if it wouldn’t hold most of Judge’s super long drives. "

In other words, what Heyman is saying is the ballpark isn't great to showcase Judge homers. Also, that while Judge's parents live in Linden, CA, he actually doesn't live there.  And when it comes to the Dodgers, they need a shortstop because Trea Turner is going through the free agency process right now. That's more important than trying to steal away Judge from the east coast.

It's a crumb, but interesting.

This theory is comforting to Yankee fans I imagine as we wait for Judge to decide on what he wants to do.

Carry on...

MAX SCHERZER TO THE YANKEES?

Source: NBC Sports

Mad Max and Gerrit Cole in the same rotation? Could that be real or just fantasy? According to Scott Boras, Scherzer's agent, Max wants to play for a winning team. As a pitcher late in his career, Scherzer could demand big bucks in this market. But could the Yankees afford him? Could Scherzer be in pinstripes this spring?

Max Scherzer hits the free agent market for the second time in his career this winter. His last trip to the open market resulted in a seven-year, $210 million dollar deal with the Washington Nationals. This turned out to be one of the best free agent investments in recent memory. But could Max demand more now, despite being 37-years-old?

Source: SI.com

According to NJ.com earlier this fall, "As for Scherzer, the New York Yankees were linked to the three-time Cy Young Award winner before the July 30 trade deadline. But the Washington Nationals shipped the 37-year-old right hander (and shortstop Trea Turner) to the Dodgers. And since then, Scherzer has only gotten better, going 6-0 with a 0.88 ERA in eight starts." Imagine having Scherzer alongside Cole? It would be a Yankees' fan dream. But at what cost?

Source: Federal Baseball

"Max Scherzer figures to be among the most sought-after talents in a loaded free-agent class. The certain Hall-of-Famer has banked over $139 million in career earnings and, despite his age (37), should be in line for another monster payday this offseason. In fact, Jim Bowden of The Athletic predicts whoever he signs with (Bowden identified the Dodgers, Giants and Angels as Scherzer’s “best fits”) will make him the highest-paid player in MLB history," reported WFAN.

Those close to Scherzer say he is looking for a three year deal, predicting that Scherzer, if he remains healthy, will pitch into his 40s. Incredible. And Mad Max is as competitive as they come. He could bring fire to this lifeless team as well as perspective and leadership. But again, the price tag could be huge and that would likely put the Yankees out of the race for other free agents to fill the void at short shop. Could it all be worth it in the end?

These are tough questions and honestly, Scherzer could find his way into the rotation of another NY team or stay right where he is Los Angeles. But if the Yankees could land Scherzer, it would be incredible—a dream come true. 

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

BREAKING: DODGERS ARE "TEAM GLUTTON" NABBING SCHERZER & TURNER

Don't come crying to me telling me the Yankees spend for every top free agent or heavy hitter. The Yankees haven't made those kind of signficant moves since Sabathia, Burnett, Swisher and Teixeira came over in 2009. I mean sure... back then we won it all, but that was the last time we grabbed everything out there.  

Yes, as we ease up to the trade deadline we were able to snag Rizzo and Joey Gallo, but it was done smartly and surgerically as not to go over the luxury tax. Now I'm hearing alot of rumblings that the Yankees aren't finished, but I seem to think they're close to done. I mean sure, I want Trevor Story, but I don't know how the hell they can pull that off at this point. We will have to see. 

Meanwhile the big fat freaking Dodgers just snagged 2 more all-stars like they are pulling money and the Yankees old playbook out of Magic Johnson's ass. It's pretty incredible. Here's the latest... 

Max Scherzer and Trea Turner are gonna be Dodgers... and here it is:

BREAKING: MAX IS GOING TO LA

Dodgers are ‘finalizing’ a deal for Max Scherzer AND Trea Turner in exchange for four prospects, per @JeffPassan pic.twitter.com/Jsvp1xjm0Y

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 30, 2021

Now, just a short time ago there was a rumor that Trevor Bauer and Corey Seager were traded in this deal, but that appears to be false. 

And that goes back to my point. The Dodgers are "Team Glutton"... grabbing evrything in their sight, monopolizing the league for their own... and it annoys the shit out of me.

Hey... they're doing what takes. You have to admire that I guess... I just hate it.

THE IDEA OF TREA TURNER ON THE YANKS IS AMAZING... BUT IT'S JUST AN IDEA

Could you imagine Trea Turner on the Yankees? I can. He'd fit all our needs.

But with a guy like Peter Gammons still alive and kicking and throwing out weird and random nuggets like this, it's kind of annoying... because, lets face it, blogs like us go crazy starting to think of the possiblities.  

Let me state for the record that there is ZERO indication that the Yankees would go after this guy. I mean, they should after reading that tweet from Gammons, but they won't because they have other pokers in other fires that are further along. Not this one for sure.

Yanks go Yard writes:

"Let’s get it out in the open: there’s a version of a Trea Turner trade that includes Jasson Dominguez as the deal’s centerpiece. In this version, the Yankees have to surrender significantly less surrounding the 18-year-old future star. If Dominguez is on the table, you can add Luis Medina and Anthony Volpe/Oswald Peraza and probably call this one.

Presuming Dominguez is not included in this trade, though, the Yankees probably up the ante with Plan A: Gleyber Torres, future Washington Nationals … second baseman?"

In my opinion... we're giving away too much if we do what Yanks go Yard wants. No disrespect to them, I just don't see it. you'll piss off the entire Yankee fan base. We haven't even seen Dominguez play on the big stage yet. I mean, why all the hype if you're just gonna flip him for a guy like Turner and the Yankees are 9 games out. It doesn't take one player to get to the playoffs... it takes a team.  Plus, wouldn't it make sense to move Torres to second on the Yanks, maybe make Odor the DH? I don't know... I'm spitballing here. 

I think personally we have the pieces we need on the field. We just need 1 or 2 more people. One of which, could be (probably not) Trea Turner... but for the right price of course.

Anyway... it's interesting the fire storm dinosaur Gammons brings to the table. Good banter.

For me... personally I think the deal with be with Colorado for Trevor Story... a deal that needs to get done. 

That is all.

KATE UPTON IS HOT, BUT SHE'S WRONG

If I am working and stuff doesn't go my way, the last thing I want is my wife fighting my battles. Justin Verlander was on the losing side of the World Series Game 6 last night.  Get over it, Kate. That's baseball.

What happened last night at the Nationals / Astros game was great for the Nats when they eventually won, but it didn't always look good.  That play at first base with Trea Turner busting down the line was a perfect running play.  If anything, what was in question was the throw, NOT the run.  Turner made it to first, then busted to second and then the umpire threw him out for interference or some garbage.

Look at this:



And then that gets me to Kate Upton. Ranting like she's Giselle after Tommy Brady lost the Super Bowl.

You're hot, but you're wrong about this one. Do you really think Umpires take into account that runners are running between the "2 lines"?

He wasn’t within the base path. Those who don’t know the rule you HAVE to run inside the 2 lines. Not sure why the review is taking so long... pic.twitter.com/SzUJTA4L70

— Kate Upton (@KateUpton) October 30, 2019

No, they are looking at the play at first base... because if you look at 90% of baseball players running to first... they aren't doing that.  Relax.

Game 7 is happening folks! If you're a baseball fan... it's what you want!