YANKEES MAY HAVE A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH JASSON DOMINGUEZ

Not gonna lie, the Martian has me worried a little bit lately. He doesn't look like he knows where he is. He looks empty out there. Does he realize he is playing in Major League games? The Yankees need to get him back on track fast or we've got a big fundamental problem. 

I get it, Jasson Dominguez is young and he is only going to get better. I'm not denying that but, he's making some rookie mistakes that just can't happen. The Red Sox series was a disaster for him. I can't get past his overthrow to second base when that could've been an out. Then he doesn't realize what the count is and decides to travel 10 feet off of second base and gets caught in la la land and gunned down by catcher Carlos Narvaez threw the ball behind him to Trevor Story who easily tossed the ball to third and tagged him out. That just CANNOT happen.

Gotta stay tuned into the game, know what is happening and what the counts are. This is a basic, something he also had to do in the minors and when he was first learning how to play the game. I just don't get it. This was a huge blunder to a very messy series that just made the sweep even worse for me. Now I just can't stop thinking about it.

Aaron Boone says he spoke with Dominguez after the game and reinforced how important it is to stay engaged in the game and know what is happening and when but, it doesn't make me feel better. He killed the rally and at the end of the clip Boone looks pissed. If he would jump on his players like he does umpires instead of coddling his players we'd see less stupidity like this. Boone is a coddler, he didn't give Dominguez the tough feedback he needed to hear. He's soft, which makes the entire team soft.

Maybe Giancarlo Stanton coming back is exactly what this Yankees team needs. It could give Trent Grisham some more playing time and take some pressure off of Dominguez because he's cracking under pressure. Boone could platoon them more, but just because Boone CAN doesn't mean he will of course. Dominguez can hit but he struggles with fielding and defense....and apparently cant run bases or count to three.

This is a problem, and the Yankees have to get Dominguez up to a consistent and contributing major league player. The lack of fundamentals is what will kill this team. The AL East may be very average this year....but the Yankees are struggling against an average division and now have a 3.5 game lead. This is what happens when things break down.

I'm at my wits end with this one....

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

COULD THE RED SOX BE CALLING THE YANKEES FOR GLEYBER TORRES?

Source: AP

Earlier this week we learned that Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story had surgery to repair a ligament in his right elbow. This injury will likely sideline Story for most of the 2023 season. And with the Sox parting ways with longtime player Xander Bogaerts, the wide open middle infield position will be a focus for the Yankees' division rival Red Sox. Both Gleyber Torres and Isiah Kiner-Falefa could be a target for the Sox. And with Torres declining the Yankees qualifying offer to avoid arbitration Friday, he could be the one to go. Could the Red Sox call the Yankees for Torres? Let's dig into it. 

Source: NBC Sports

According to NESN, "The middle infield was an area of need before Story went down. Now, it’s a potentially crushing weakness, unless Boston dips into free agency and/or makes a trade. While the Red Sox probably would prefer to stay away from doing business with the Yankees, they simply can’t afford to leave any stones unturned. There just aren’t many impact options available in either market."

The Yankees themselves have a need for a corner outfielder, specifically a left fielder and of course who doesn't need pitching? What would the Red Sox be willing to give up for a guy like Torres?

On Friday, the Red Sox avoided arbitration on five of their essential players which include utility player Christian Arroyo and outfielder Alex Verdugo. Presumably neither would be trade bait which leaves the Yankees to pull from the Sox minor league system which is ridiculous given that the Yankees have depth of their own in their farm. The Sox will likely plug the hole with Arroyo or maybe shift Kiki Hernandez into that role. Hernandez is a guy I would love to get my hands on—that would give an amazingly stacked outfield if Harrison Bader or Hernandez would be willing to move to left field. 

Could the Red Sox call for Torres? Sure but I don't believe Brian Cashman will be answering unless they are willing to give up premier players. The Yankees certainly have the upper hand and have protected their second baseman over the years. This year may be different but I don't see Torres in a Red Sox uniform anytime soon—Kiner-Falefa might be a different story. As far as the Yankees and their left field hole? That might be a hole for a long time, at least into the beginning of the season. Will be interesting to see how the spring shapes up for the Yankees and who will rise as top dog for that position.

--Suzie Pinstripe

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @suzieprof

TREVOR STORY IS CLOSE TO A DEAL

It one of those things. The Yankees and Trevor Story have always been connected in some capacity when it came to free agency. The question was always when is was going to happen.  But then the Yankees got Isiah  Kiner-Falafa, a shortstop... and with Anthony Volpe coming up from the farm next year or the year after... it made sense. 

But now we keep hearing about Story again. It's the same old story.  

Mass live writes:

"Story “has multiple new suitors” as “the Astros, Rangers and others have joined the mix.” Heyman then reported the Yankees “have emerged as a possibility.” “Yankees and Astros likely have an edge in Trevor Story pursuit as he’d play SS in either place. Two good choices since they are also winning teams. Yankees are definitely in whereas they really weren’t in on Correa. Prefer Story.”

This comes from Jon Heyman so don't get crazy. I do find it interesting however. If it's correct and it's a 3 year deal with an opt out after 2, why not? 

CBS Sports writes:

"The Yankees have the recently acquired Isiah Kiner-Falefa at short, but he's hardly entrenched, and the Red Sox badly need a defensive upgrade over the otherwise highly skilled Xander Bogaerts. If Story winds up willing to man second or third, then that obviously widens his market."

Right now, the only thing we can do as fans, is wait. And we will.

RISING INTEREST FOR THIS YANKEE SHORTSTOP TARGET

At some point the lockout will end.... right? Hopefully sooner rather than later. Whenever it happens, the Yankees will have to address their biggest need this offseason and they may have to jump sooner than they would like. We know teams will be ready to make some deals once baseball comes back, but will the Yankees jump fast enough?

We need a shortstop BADLY and Gleyber Torres isn't it. But maybe big names like Carlos Correa and Trevor Story aren't either. In fact, other teams may be saying the same thing. Rumor has it HERE, that the market for Isiah Kiner-Falefa may be hotter than we realized months ago.

The Yankees have been rumored to be more interested in a shorter-term stop-gap option until one of our young shortstops in the minors are ready. It sounds like several other teams may have the same thought process. The Texas Rangers took a deep dive in the free agent pool before the lockout, and they threw stacks of cash out. Now they have a surplus with Kiner-Falefa who has no clear-cut defined role.

So now the Yankees are paying attention and waiting. Meanwhile the Angels, Astros, Phillies, White Sox and Blue Jays are also fits for Kiner-Falefa on paper. So with high demand the Rangers could wait for the best offer and cash in big time as the market for bigger names may change.

So the Rangers are sitting pretty. They have a nice trade piece that they can sell to the highest bidder while big names Story and Correa sit on the shelf which may be even more nerve wrecking after an already exhausting lockout. Personally, I'd be fine watching Correa get passed over and eventually watching the ASSTROS overpay for his cheating ass.... but I know I won't get that lucky.

The Yankees really don't NEED an overpriced shortstop....but they also don't need to sit out and watch any of these other teams make a big splash either. Kiner-Falefa may not be the big shiny name, but the interest is there and that says a lot.

Go to the pool Yankees, go to the pool. It's fun.
Wake me up when the lockout is over.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

THE YANKEES CAN NOT WAIT TO SIGN A SHORTSTOP!

Source: AP

Competing for a championship means you can't wait to home grow a shortstop. You just don't have the time—you a need a team that is Series-ready when they hit the field in 2022. But is that in the cards for the Yankees given the lockout, luxury tax, paydays due for other players and needs beyond a middle infielder? Let's take a closer look at the options the Yankees have in front of them.

Source: NY Post

"The Yankees could shore up shortstop for the next generation if they give Carlos Correa more than the $325 million than Corey Seager got from the Rangers. Correa, at 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, might be the best shortstop in the game not named Fernando Tatis Jr. Trevor Story would be a bit of a different question. While the bat, glove and speed are real, concerns over Story’s arm strength are loud enough to wonder whether he’d be better off at second base," reports NJ.com.

Then there is Aaron Judge who is due some cash in the coming year if they want to keep him in the Bronx. Not to mention, cash already on the books for Gerrit Cole and Giancarlo Stanton. But let's go back to shortstop for a minute. The Yankees have said that Anthony Volpe or Oswald Peraza could be there future at shortstop but they will take some brewing and polish before they are everyday players for the Bombers. But do the Yankees have time or even the patience to wait 'til either of these guys are game-ready?

"Volpe was tremendous in 2021, raking with Low-A Tampa before a promotion to High-A Hudson Valley. Across both levels, Volpe hit .294 (121-for-412) with 27 home runs, 113 runs scored, 86 RBI, 33 stolen bases and a 1.027 OPS over 109 games," wrote Sports Illustrated. But no major league experience. 

"Peraza, 21, is the closest to making his big-league debut of the pair, finishing out the 2021 campaign in Triple-A. Peraza played across three different levels a season ago, slashing .297/.356/.477 with a .834 OPS, 18 homers and 58 RBIs," Sports Illustrated reported. But neither seem to be ready to fill the big shoes at shortstop. And they will need grooming but veterans as well as coaching to even come close. 

Source: AP

But if the Yankees go all in on a guy like Correa or Story, what about the other holes in the team? First base, starting pitching and even centerfield? In the starting pitching arena, names like Clayton Kershaw, Carlos Rodon and Shane Bieber have been floated about. We've heard buzz around Matt Olson for first base and at centerfield? Who knows. Aaron Hicks will likely come out of the box ready to play but by June, he will be out like he always is. At least that is my prediction. The guy just can't stay healthy.

The Yankees can't seem to wait to sign a shortstop but there is a lot more to that to make this team Series-ready. Will the team really be able to make the moves to give the Bombers a fighting chance in 2022? Wish I could say for sure, yes, but the jury is still out on that. 

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

NOW THE YANKEES BASICALLY GAVE AWAY BUCK SHOWALTER TO THE METS

Source: Associated Press

The New York Mets have narrowed their managerial prospects to three finalists for 2022 and the short list includes former Yankee manager and YES analyst Buck Showalter. As of Saturday, Showalter is new Mets Manager. Now in my crazy head, I thought that the Yankees would swoop up Showalter to pair with Aaron Boone in the the clubhouse, enabling a duo like Joe Torre-Don Zimmer - a powerful winning combination that lead the Yankees to several championships. But in true fashion for the Yankees in this off season, they are too late to the table, giving yet another opportunity away to an opposing team.

"Showalter would bring a celebrity element to the position that the Mets haven’t seen since Bobby Valentine managed the team two decades ago. He also would break a string of first-timers hired by the Mets that includes Mickey Callaway, Carlos Beltran and Rojas, following Terry Collins’ departure after the 2017 season. Showalter, since leaving the Orioles following the 2018 season, has interviewed for managerial openings with the Phillies and Angels. He has kept himself visible as an analyst on MLB Network and YES," reported the New York Post.

Source: NJ.com

Sigh. Do something, please, Brian Cashman. Not only were the Yankees silent during the first round of free agency, they are letting great players and now a winning manager who could serve as an incredibly, experienced baseball expert in the ear of unpolished unseasoned Boone. If we are in fact stuck with Boone, at least pair him with the likes of Showalter, please. But no, as of Saturday afternoon, Showalter is headed across town.

"Player agents who continue to believe that once baseball business is reopened, Hal Steinbrenner’s team will be among the more aggressive teams -- and in particular, might revisit conversations with the representatives of (Carlos) Correa and (Trevor) Story," reported NJ.com. 

Source: CBS Sports

Movement on players is surely number 1. but one cannot underestimate the value of good coaching, and having a guy like Showalter interested in coming back to the dugout is just the kind of spark this team needs. Showalter certainly was not a shoe-in for the Mets job, although if you ask their newest most expensive acquisition Max Scherzer, he welcomes the likes of Showalter with open arms. So now that the Mets made their decision, the Yankees need to consider bringing in experience to parallel Boone's lack of it. 

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

NEW CONCERNS ABOUT POSSIBLE YANKEE TARGET TREVOR STORY

Christmas is coming fast. Yankee fans are making a list and checking it twice and the Yankees have been naughty and not nice. So far Santa Claus a.k.a Brian Cashman has not delivered Yankee fans any presents at all.

Brian Cashman already said that shortstop was an area that must be prioritized, but several shortstops went off the market before the lockout started. The Yankees have done nothing, and now one Yankee interest that is still available may also be passed over, just like the others.

Last season the Yankees tried to acquire Trevor Story at the trade deadline but had no luck. Now that the Yankees can just sign him if they want him there is some troublesome news out in the rumor mill. NJ.com has the scoop HERE and it may be cause for concern:

"Most scouts believe that the 29-year-old Story would benefit from a shift to second base due to diminished arm strength. He’s dealt with elbow strains over the past few seasons and a shift to second base might reduce the overall wear and tear."

Now we have to wonder if Cashman will pass on Story just like other free agent shortstops. Story has had some injury concerns that can't be ignored. At the same time, it is easy to be swayed and take a gamble especially if you look at his impressive numbers from 2018 and 2019. If Story's arm strength really is diminishing and his future is at second base rather than shortstop the Yankees are back to their current log jam.

The Yankees moved Gleyber Torres back to second base and then we can't forget that the Yankees envisioned DJ LeMahieu at second base also, his strongest position. It's another log jam that the Yankees would create.

And a move like Story also means more money that wouldn't be used to keep Aaron Judge around, if that is what they want. So maybe a short stopgap is what Brian Cashman will do because something's gotta give. It wouldn't be too hard to upgrade shortstop from what we had with Torres so not making a move at all just won't be acceptable.

But is Story an acceptable risk? I really don't think so only because we already have too many long term deals on the books. I don't think Story is the answer....but Cashman better move fast when this lockout is finally over. 

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

STEINBRENNER DECLARES WE NEED TO GET BETTER, PERIOD.

Source: CBS Sports

With the lockout in full throttle, the Yankees will be in the spotlight once the new agreement goes into place, whenever that will be. The New Post calls this the end of Act 1 and the beginning of Act 2 where the Yankees have no choice but to be active instead of their dulling silence amidst some of the biggest signings in the history of the game. We need to get better, period. Yes, thanks Hal. How we are gunna do that?

"The Yankees haven’t answered their questions at shortstop or center field, and they could use another starting pitcher (they offered one year and $25 million to Justin Verlander, who accepted two years and $50 million from the Astros) plus some more bullpen depth," reported the New York Post. And on the Yankees radar are guys like Trevor Story and yes Carlos Correa. But their failure to pull the trigger in Act 1 really makes me feel uncertain about this team and the vision for the future. 

As SB Nation reminds us, "Roughly $1.7 billion was spent in the free agent frenzy that preceded the expiration of the previous CBA, but the Yankees were conspicuously absent from the headlines. Despite clear needs at multiple spots on the roster, New York’s only piece of business before the transactional freeze took effect was the re-signing of reliever Joely Rodríguez to a one-year, $2 million deal."

I think the biggest blow for me was the Yankees tendering Gary Sanchez last week. I guess I am not surprised but I am just sick and tired of Sanchez and his inability to quite frankly, get better. I know that the Yankees are considering division rival Kevin Kiermaier but what about his teammate and catcher Mike Zunino? He is up for free agency in 2022-2023 and unfortunately for the Yankees, the Rays locked Zunino for a one-year 7-million dollar option. By the way, the Yankees are paying Sanchez 7.9 million. Frustrating. Last week, I mentioned the idea of the Yankees going after Cubs catcher Wilson Contreras, which is still a possibility.  

So the Yankees have not moved on a center fielder, shortstop or starting pitching and the Winter Meetings are now a minor league event with the lockout in progress. How are the Yankees going to get better? How are they going to make up for lost time? These are the questions that keep me up at night. Good thing I have my new Purple sheets and comfy LL Bean pajamas to help my slumber, because the Yankees are down right aggravating even when they are not playing. 

 

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

RUMOR: YANKEES ARE NOT SPENDING BIG BUCKS ON A SHORTSTOP

One thing we know about shortstop is that Gleyber Torres won't be playing it again in 2022. The Yankees have said it, but now we sit and wait to see who the Yankees put at shortstop instead.

And as we sit, we wonder about potential names the Yankees will chase. What about Corey Seager? Or Marcus Semien? Then there is Carlos Correa who I can't stand but someone is going to pay him and I just sit back and hope that it won't be the Yankees. We can't forget that the Yankees have been tied to Trevor Story also. But....what if it's NONE of these names?

That could be the case, at least that is what both the New York Post AND the NY Daily News have reported. We are in the Hot Stove season so why not speculate? What if the Yankees don't go for one of the big dogs on the market? It might not be a bad thing.

The Yankees already have long term deals on the books with Gerrit Cole, Giancarlo Stanton, a stupid contract with Aaron Hicks and the Yankees are interested in keeping Aaron Judge long term. None of these big name short stops are going to sign for a short term deal so if they are serious about a long term deal with Judge, an expensive shortstop deal doesn't make sense. Sure, they are the Yankees and they can "afford it" if they want to....but that doesn't make it a good idea.

The Yankees are high on Oswaldo Peraza and Anthony Volpe, two of their best prospects and believe they are close to major league ready. The Yankees don't want another big deal that blocks their path to the majors and could still upgrade their shortstop with a shorter stop gap.

Let's face it, an upgrade from Torres at shortstop wouldn't be very hard. The Yankees had interest at the trade deadline for Andrelton Simmons who offers reliable defense but not much offense. Another name that I think the Yankees may consider is Chris Taylor, but he still has some defensive concerns as well. Not as bad as Torres, but still a concern. I think the Yankees will consider a less obvious path here because they are thinking about future financial commitments.

I am interested to see who the new Yankee shortstop will be, because I am not convinced it is a big name. After all, Cashman likes to bargain shop and we've seen it for a while now AND a big name shortstop only means they would be buying more future payroll inflexibility.

  --Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

     BYB Senior Managing Editor

    Twitter: @nyprincessj

ATTENTION BRIAN CASHMAN! WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT SHORTSTOP

Okay Brian Cashman, you finally finally admitted what the rest of us already knew....the Yankees NEED a new shortstop. BAD! It's a MUST on the offseason wish list because the Gleyber Torres experiment failed. We need to fix that weakness and there are several good choices. There's also one particularly bad choice you need to avoid.

If you actually want to make improvements to this roster you need to be serious about their options. You  also need to stop giving bad long term deals that are an epic waste of money (see Aaron Hicks) when you have a good shortstop option that should be ready in a year or maybe two. Here are a couple of names you should consider:

1. Trevor Story
He's played in Colorado for 6 years and could really use a change of scenery. He also likes the idea of playing October baseball if the Yankees can get back to their winning ways. Statistically, 2021 was a bit of a down year for him so his price tag won't be as high as it would've been. He's also solid defensively and he adds athleticism that we have desperately needed.

2. Corey Seager
His postseason experience is second to none. His left-handed bat would help balance the lineup and Yankee stadium's short right porch is perfect for him. He comes with more risk due to his injury riddled history BUT that also means that the money conscious Yankees won't have to commit a long term deal at a high price tag. The Dodgers have him on a one-year deal now, he could be a logical stop gap to give Anthony Volpe more time to develop in the minors.

Now, here's a choice you really shouldn't make:

3. Carlos Correa
The popular name right now. The guy who is playing in the postseason now and has a flair for the dramatic. He likes to run his mouth and is so easy to dislike both on and off of the field. He's a Public Relations nightmare with a tainted reputation and attitude that really does not belong in our clubhouse. We already have a circus with Aaron Boone returning, we don't need to add another monkey and make it worse. He's a cheater with no respect or integrity. The last place he belongs is on the team he stole a World Series berth from. Let someone else take on that trainwreck, or better yet let him stay in Houston on a discount because everyone else hates him too. He's not Yankee material.

So Cash, you made a lot of questionable moves this season. Let's not continue that by adding Correa to the team going forward. It's time to turn the page and try and fix our mistakes. Adding Correa would not fix anything, only make it worse. Sure, pick a new shortstop....any shortstop as long as his name isn't Carlos Correa. It's time to do better. We need you to make the right move.

  --Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

     BYB Senior Managing Editor

    Twitter: @nyprincessj

TREVOR STORY'S PISSED, AND HE SHOULD BE

Trevor Story was supposed to be a New York Yankee... but I guess the Colorado Rockies just didn't want to give him up. Because of that, he's still a Rockie and now he's sounding off about it.

The Denver Post writes:

"* Make no mistake about it, Trevor Story is angry that he didn’t get traded. Story is the ultimate good soldier and team player, so when he said, “I’m confused and I don’t have really anything good to say about the situation and how it unfolded,” that was a red flag about the state of the organization.

* Interim general manager Bill Schmidt insisted that he kept Story in the loop, telling the shortstop all along there was a chance that he would still be with the Rockies the rest of the season.

“The disappointment? I understand that, but I think Trevor’s a very good professional,” Schmidt said. “He’ll move on. He’ll play through it. We’ll go on and address it in the offseason.”

But is that realistic with a guy like Story? I know he's in a contract with the Rockies, but booting a few balls because you're pissed at a Rockies front office has to be in the cards here. I'm not saying Story is spiteful, I'm saying Story needs to send a message.

More from the Post:

"* Schmidt is taking a lot of heat for Colorado’s decision to hang onto Story and not work a deal to gain prospects. Schmidt, however, was in a tough situation. His predecessor, Jeff Bridich, should have traded Story before the season started. Maybe he wanted to, maybe owner Dick Monfort said no. I’m sure the Arenado mess muddied the waters.

* Schmidt didn’t say it, but Story’s relatively poor performance this season certainly brought down his trade value..."

But did the Yankees want him? Did Schmidt make an effort to try to unload him, despite his "poor performance"?  A lot of questions, and with that Rockies front office, there's alot of miss management, just look at how long they held onto Arenado. A very public spat.

I thought for sure the Yankees would figure out a way to get Voit to the Rockies with some lower level prospects, but I guess the luxury tax was the biggest issue there.  For now, the Yankees are fine. For now... Story is not, and for now, the Rockies front office continues to bungle everything they do. 

Sad.