TYLER AUSTIN IS BACK!

Y’all remember Tyler Austin, right? Yeah — that Tyler Austin. A certified stud and a not-so-small part of the early heartbeat of Bleeding Yankee Blue. 

Back when Bleeding Yankee Blue was building and grinding, trying to carve out a voice, guys like Tyler, Ty Hensley, CC Sabathia, Brendan Ryan and David Robertson didn’t big-time us. They showed love. They backed us. And that stuff? You don’t forget it.

We’ve always respected the hell out of those guys, and we’ll always keep tabs on them here. Loyalty matters. Especially when it was real from the jump.

So yeah — Tyler Austin is back in the news.

According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan and Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Chicago Cubs just signed Austin to a one-year, $1.25 million deal. Not bad at all for a guy who took the long road and made it work.

Austin, now 34, spent the last six seasons in Japan absolutely mashing — slashing .293/.377/.568 with 85 homers and 236 RBI over 1,491 plate appearances. That’s not “hanging on.” That’s thriving.

We met Tyler and his mom, Kim, about 11 years ago when he was still climbing the ladder — minors to majors, dream very much in progress. With the Yankees, he showed legit pop, including 17 home runs in 2018, and he always felt like a guy who could’ve stuck if the breaks fell differently. Personally, I wanted him around longer. But instead of fading, he bet on himself, reinvented his game, and leveled up overseas. I respect the hell out of that.

So here’s a tip of the cap to Tyler Austin — always. Keep raking. Keep proving people wrong.

And hey Kim — hope you’re doing great.

Like this? Read This:

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: TYLER AUSTIN... WONDERBOY

TYLER AUSTIN IS CAPTAIN AMERICA FOR TEAM USA

You know how much we love Tyler Austin here at Bleeding Yankee Blue. And by now you know Tyler Austin is totally raking for Team USA in this Olympic games. It is so good to see.

The New York Post writes:

"Austin has raked at the plate throughout the 2020 Olympics to help lead the United States to the baseball gold medal game against Japan.

In the tournament, he’s hitting a team-leading .429 with a .941 slugging percentage, crushing 10 homers with 13 RBIs.

Austin will try to continue his hot streak on Saturday when Team USA team looks for redemption against Japan in the gold medal game."

My 18 year old said it best... 

"They're letting this team just play baseball. No micro managing, no noise in these player's heads, and clearly Austin's. He's just getting out there and playing ball the way he knows how. He's gonna be the hero and that is awesome. He earned that. He's a leader."

USA Today writes:

"There is a general rule of no cheering in the press box.

Except maybe these hushed celebrations, emanating from volunteers working these Tokyo Olympics, in the fifth inning of Team USA's 3-1 victory over the Dominican Republic on Wednesday were permissible.

How often can you root for a hometown team favorite in the Olympics anyway?

The clapping occurred after Tyler Austin hit his third home run of the Olympics to make it 3-0 with a solo shot to dead center that cleared the five-meter (16-plus feet) wall.

Although he's established himself as one of the United States' most reliable presences in the lineup during this tournament, it was just another day at the office for Austin — literally. He's in his second season with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars, which call Yokohama Baseball Stadium home, of the Nippon Professional Baseball Organization's Central League...

Indeed, after his home run on Wednesday – as those upstairs cheered – Austin jumped into two "elbow-fives" and had to catch his helmet while landing.

"I love our group," he said. "

Let the kid's play... let guys like Tyler Austin have his moment. It makes us over at BYB proud!

Gold medal game is next! Let's go Team USA!

TYLER AUSTIN IS STILL THE ABSOLUTE MAN WEARING 'USA' ACROSS HIS CHEST

Quick note... Tyler Austin has still got it and I just wanted to share this piece of video because it's awesome!

Former Yankee Tyler Austin flexin in Tokyo pic.twitter.com/wr5XdlY5vL

— Pinstripe Strong (@PinstripeStrong) July 30, 2021

Now we love this guy, we always have. We interviewed Tyler and his mom Kim a while back here at BYB. Read  EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: TYLER AUSTIN... WONDERBOY.

I always called Tyler Wonderboy because I was always just so impressed by the way he handled the pressure and game, despite the travels he's made in baseball. He always lands on his feet.

I love this bomb... I just needed to share it.

ALL EYES ON SEVERINO... AND VOIT

Photo: New York Post

There's been mixed reviews about Luis Severino starting tonight's game for the Yankees.  People are stuck in the past.  They forgot the dude won 19 games this season.  I say this on Twitter yesterday:

Not really. Wild card last year was a mess and he's really struggled the past few months. He can be a no doubt ace, I just wonder where he went. I hope I'm wrong but I don't think he'll be in the game long

— Adam Parison (@Bucky7588) October 2, 2018

I get it. Nerves are rattled as a fan.  But negativity kills a fan base, bro. You gotta get past it. We need to go in positive, root hard for our guy and know that in this game, the Yankees have a tremendous bullpen and guys like CC Sabathia and JA Happ if needed to shut the door.  We have tools.

Plus, as I said yesterday in WE CAN DO IT YANKEE FANS!, imagine for a moment that Sevy is lights out. If he is, we don't waste any extra pitching.  We are in good shape either way.

Let's go!

But for me personally, my eyes are on Luke Voit, a kid with a dream and a kid that earned his spot fair and square from the anointed God and first baseman Greg Bird.  Voit has been pretty dominant the past few months.  He deserves his shot.  The New York Post has a great write up about him.  Here's some of that...

"It wasn’t always all smiles for Luke Voit. One week after being acquired by the Yankees, Voit had played more games with Triple-A Scranton-Wilkes Barre than he had in the official pinstripes. On Aug. 13, he was batting .188 (3-for-16, with five strikeouts) and sent down to spend another seven games in the minors. 

The chants Voit had heard in Yankee Stadium were not confusing. They were not saying his first name. 

'It was definitely boos the first time, but luckily I changed that around, and I got back to who I was,' Voit said Tuesday. 'It’s all positive ‘Luke’ now.'”

And I get it.  I remember watching Voit at the stadium and tweeted that this guy just looks right at first for the Yankees.  Well... it was like I killed Greg Bird myself or something. I was getting some hate mail on that one.  The point was Voit was doing the job... and well. Voit was being productive, much like Tyler Austin was before him.  But at the time, the Yankees were hell bent on making Bird their official first baseman and the fans couldn't except change.  But anyone that reads BYB knows... I root for the underdog... and I root for them hard! And Luke Voit is exactly that... the underdog.

Look, I'm choosing the Yankees to win this one. We have the tools and talent and the perfect mixture of youth and veteran experience.  Look, it's true, you never know when it comes to the A's. But as a Yankee fan since the 70's, there is no question that I bleed Yankee Blue, and I hope they pull out a win here.

I'm proud of our team this season.  I just hope we pull off a nice win tonight.

Go Yanks!

IF THE YANKEES MAKE THE PLAYOFFS, BIRD MAY NOT

Photo: Getty Images

Obvious headline. I'm sorry about that.  Bottom line though is I appreciate the Bird loyalists, but many of us have given up on Bird in 2018.  He has not delivered and the Yankees really need to try and win games right now. Doing that means you go with hot players.  I would have loved to go with Tyler Austin... but he's gone. And so we will go with Luke Voit.  Hey... I'll take it.

George King III of the New York Post writes this:

Photo: Getty Images

"Bird’s return as a starter is directly related to Voit’s bat staying productive. Voit entered Friday night’s action hitting .356 (16-for-45) with a major league-leading seven homers and 13 RBIs in 13 games since Aug. 24. So what happens if Voit — who went 2-for-4 — stays hot? 

Photo: Getty Images

Certainly he would be on the roster for the wild-card game against the A’s. And with utilityman and switch-hitter Neil Walker having played first base in 32 games this season the Yankees would have both sides of the plate covered. 

That could leave Bird on the outside..."

I know, I know. All common sense.  I'm not trying to trick you. I am just letting you know that King knows his stuff and he wouldn't be floating this if the Yankees weren't already officially preparing for it.

We will obviously have to see what happens.  We all really want the Yankees in the Postseason... but when we get there... we all really want productive players playing to the best of their ability.  Bird's not there. 2018 for him was a lost season.

THE FIRST BASEMAN THAT'S NOT PLAYING FIRST

Photo: NY Post / Corey Sipkin

It's the curious mystery of Greg Bird and how he's the Yankees first baseman... and he rarely plays first base.

Can someone explain to me what is happening to first base and Bird? Tonight Luke Voit is the first baseman... again.

And why did Tyler Austin go to the Minnesota Twins? Seems like they got the better portion of that trade. Don't believe me? Ask Wonderboy's old man.  Because you know what? He's right.

The smallest of notes right here... but an interesting observation. Luke Voit is playing first.  NJ.com has that story:

"Hot-hitting Luke Voit is starting at first base for the second night in a row over slumping regular Greg Bird after belting his fourth homer in a week during Thursday night's 8-7 loss to the Tigers." 

How about this... just call Voit our first base starter.  It's clear they've lost faith in Bird.  I mean... you can't even market the guy right now.

And let me be clear, this is NOT a knock at Greg Bird. The organization has handled him poorly... bottom line.

I love the kid, but you can't suggest this guy is a starting first baseman and not play him because you're afraid of injury or concerned he's not playing well.  The only way to break the lousy gameplay is stick to your guns and let this guy work out the kinks in live games. If he falters, he falters, but he's a big league player now... a big boy... you gotta figure this out.  If you can't do that, then what's the point of having him on the club?  Put him on the junk heap. Don't worry Jacoby Ellsbury will keep him company.

By the way… speaking of marketing... look what should be arriving at my house in a few days.

Bring it bitches.

TEAM COMPETITION BRINGS THE BEST OUT OF AN ATHLETE

(Photo: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports)

Nothing should ever be handed to you. Many times a spot needs to be earned. More on that in a moment.

Love this article from Pete Caldera of the Bergen Record.  He has that nugget that everyone wants to know about when it comes to Greg Bird. Is he frustrated with his performance? 

As you all know, Birdman is struggling... big time. We all see it... we all know it. Many of us are getting fed up with Bird. For me personally... I like Bird, but they need to fix him, and in the meantime, I keep thinking about Tyler Austin and how maybe the Yankees shouldn't have traded him away but instead had him stick around, and show that playful competition between 2 teammates at one position and may the best player win the spot.

Robby Sabo, ESNY Graphic, Getty Images

Sometimes that lights a fire under an athlete's ass and for Bird... I honestly think it would have helped him.  They'd push each other... but no.  We have Austin on the Twins now, free from living in the Bird shadow and kicking butt. And then we have Bird... given a spot that he can't deliver in and by the way... DID NOT EARN.  It all kind of sucks.

Caldera writes:

Photo: NorthJersey.com

"Greg Bird’s two homers last weekend – including a grand slam – felt as if it happened a month ago. That’s what an off day and an 0-for-10 with four strikeouts against the Marlins can do to a hitter who has been searching all season to find his A-swing. 

'It’s frustrating. It (stinks) to (stink),’ the Yankees first baseman said bluntly after the Marlins’ 9-3 win on Wednesday night, earning Derek Jeter’s club a two-game split of the interleague series. 

Even the large contingent of Yankees fans at Marlins Park took to booing Bird, which really made the place sound like Yankee Stadium South. Bird’s seasonal average is down to .202 in 72 games (247 at-bats) with a flat .689 OPS."

But what happens in a situation like this? Do we bench Bird? Do we let him work through it? How long will this take?

The whole thing's frustrating, but no one is more frustrated than Greg Bird.  Meanwhile... Tyler Austin?

10-30, 3 home runs, .333 and a 1.049 OPS in Minnesota.

All very interesting.

MIKE PLAYS RIGHT

Source: Getty Images North America

Perhaps forced by the fact that the Yankees are playing in a National League park, Giancarlo "Mike" Stanton took his rightful place in right field last night in Marlins Park.  I have to say this crap about him needing to be at DH because of a strained hamstring is just that, crap.  Once again I have to refer back to Aaron Boone's managing and choices of playing the best team each night.  But for tonight and likely tomorrow, he got it right with Mike in right.

Source: Elsa/Getty Images North America

"It's getting there. We're gonna have some NL games soon, so I have to jump out in right field. It's getting better," Stanton said after homering for the seventh time in 12 games in Saturday's 11-6 win over Toronto. "We're gonna get there. Run around, test it and make sure it's ready to go," reported Newsday.

Source: Elsa/Getty Images North America

The Yankees have elected to play Shane Robinson (BA .114) and Neil Walker (BA .225) in right field in Aaron Judge's absence.  Why?  I really see no advantage to playing either of these two in right field and taking the bat out of the hands of Ronald Torreyes (BA .329) who has spent 60 days in Triple A or Tyler Austin (BA .250) who they elected to trade.  Likely, Clint Frazier would have platooned with Stanton in right if he was well, but he's not so that leaves that option out.  Luckily for the Yankees, Neil Walker has decided to start hitting and Greg Bird hit a grand slam but has gone virtually hitless since, like most of the season.

Source: Getty Images North America

"Stanton has been used only at designated hitter for 11 games in a row due to a tight hamstring and the Yankees would like to keep it that way a while longer, but he’s apparently healthy enough to play the field and he will this week when there is no DH for road inter-league games in Miami.
And if Stanton survives those one or two starts in right feeling OK, he’ll probably be back in right one or two times this weekend when Walker plays second base," reports NJ.com.

Source: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images North America

Boone, Stanton and the Yankees need to just be grittier about the way they approach the game.  Didi Gregorius, before getting injured, played consistently at short stop.  He was never out.  He always showed up and gave his best.  He played banged up.  He stayed focused.  He gave it all.  To see him go down is just heart-breaking.  His reaction to the injury was priceless.

At the end of the day, I am glad to see Mike back in right, where he belongs, every night.  With only a few weeks left of the season and Houston and Seattle breathing down our throats for the Wild Card, we need our best team on the field and that includes Mike in right.

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

BACKING YOUR KID ISN'T A BAD THING

Photo: Getty Images

As you know if you read BYB, I've always liked Tyler Austin.  We've been a supporter of the kid forever. Through the tough times... during the good times. Even during the Twins times.

The other day I liked a tweet by Tyler's Dad, Chris. He took a shot at the Yankees organization through Greg Bird (if that makes sense), because, let's face it... since Tyler went over to the Twins, he's been kicking butt, and besides that Grand Slam by Bird the other day... it hasn't been exactly wonderful. Bird's been struggling.

Chris tweeted:

"Tyler has more hits with the Twins in a week than Bird has in a month with the Yankees."

Now, the tweet has since been deleted. To be honest, he should have kept it out there for the world to see.  For 1, it's a fact... for 2... sometimes you need to stir it up. 3... it's damn OK to be proud of your kid, especially if he's been slighted by an organization that he's given his heart and soul to for years.

Photo: Getty Images

But as far as the Tweet by Chris... I get it.  I get it like a father would get it.  He's taking a shot. He's not really taking a shot at Bird though... he's taken a shot at the Yankees organization for giving up on Tyler.  And I have news for you... if you don't get that? I can't help you.

Now USA Today felt like they needed to slam the guy.  For what, I have no idea... I guess they just need clicks.

"Is Tyler Austin better than Greg Bird? Austin's dad, Chris, certainly thinks so, and he took to Twitter to make that point. The tweets have since been deleted..."

Who cares... family circles the wagon when it comes to family.  Makes sense, I tip my cap to Chris.

Keep kicking ass Tyler... become a legend in Minnesota. Prove the Yanks wrong!

And before anyone gets on my case for slighting Bird, I'm not... I'm rooting for Tyler.

TY HENSLEY THROWS A NO-HITTER!

You read that right... Ty Hensley and Matt Chavarria, both of the Evansville Otters had a combined no hitter to put the Otters on top against Freedom.  Our Sports Central writes:

"Hensley went the first five innings, walking four and striking out seven to earn his first win with the Otters. Chavarria went the final two frames, walking one and striking out three, to garner his second save of the season. "

Ty spoke about it on Otter TV after his game last night!



Here it is right here...

FINAL | It's a combined no hitter for Ty Hensley and Matt Chavarria! They blank the Freedom and we split the doubleheader. Finale tomorrow at 2:05 p.m. Evansville 2, Florence 0

— Evansville Otters (@EvilleOtters) August 12, 2018

Nice work.

This is a story about determination. This is a story about wanting something so bad, and no matter how many obstacles are in your way, you navigate and find a way to perform to the best of your ability.

Photo: Robert Anderson

I have always liked this kid and dare I say, I have done what many journalists have not done... I have become friends with this family and thoroughly enjoy them and their persistence and positivity.  It doesn't get better than the Hensleys.

I had to share this on this Sunday morning. I saw his mom post something last night and waited for the Otters and publications from Indiana to put up some news items about this triumph. It's wonderful and a Cinderella story.  Much like Tyler Austin, I love watching players like these who want it so badly, despite the challenges and setbacks, still power through to do what they love.  As my own children grow up... I bring that same philosophy to them every day. Dare I say... it's working wonders.

Congrats to Ty. I know... I know... 1 game at a time, I get that, but as fans... you have no idea how good this feels.

We love your achievement. It makes the entire journey before that moment all worth it!

Believe, kid!

THE JOY OF BEING A WONDERBOY FAN!

(AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

I just needed to share this, because it's these types of moments that you have to appreciate... especially because I've been following this guy and all he's been through over the years in New York.

Photo: Getty Images

It's just a good look for him to make it, stay there, prove his worth.  Why? Because he believed it all along.

Unfortunately in baseball though, sometimes you get the shaft from a team you really want to perform for because quite frankly... there's no room.



The Twins have room... and Tyler Austin will be a significant part of this team and that's exciting.

This happened yesterday...

Tyler Austin launches his first home run in a @Twins uniform!

Watch on #FOXSportsGO: https://t.co/lG3f6nBQls pic.twitter.com/AfIVaYa1ju

— FOX Sports North (@fsnorth) August 11, 2018

Well, I got chills. I sent a note to Kim, his mom, someone that I have been in communication with off and on ever since she and Austin did their interview with Bleeding Yankee Blue (Read EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: TYLER AUSTIN... WONDERBOY).

You know I’m loving this @austinmom03

— Robert Casey (@BleednYankeeBlu) August 12, 2018

When you believe... you will succeed.

Keep going Tyler, we still love you over here at BYB!