SKUBAL OFF THE BOARD & THE YANKEES GOT UGATZ

The trade deadline is supposed to separate contenders from pretenders. Saturday night, the Dodgers reminded everyone exactly who they are.

Tarik Skubal, arguably the best left-handed pitcher in baseball and a back-to-back American League Cy Young winner, is headed to Los Angeles. The rich got richer, adding another ace to a rotation that already features Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and with Tyler Glasnow working their way back.

That's what organizations do when winning is the only thing that matters.

The Braves weren't sitting around either. They landed Lane Thomas to improve their club.

And the Yankees?

Brian Cashman's big splash so far is... two prospects from Pittsburgh for Camilo Doval that most fans have never even heard of.

Seriously?

Is this really how the trade deadline is going to play out? Because if it is, it's complete garbage.

Year after year, Cashman talks about being aggressive. Year after year, the Yankees get lapped by organizations that actually understand the assignment. The Dodgers identify elite talent and go get it. The Yankees identify "organizational depth" and hope nobody notices.

This isn't about demanding every superstar in baseball. It's about showing some urgency. The Yankees have obvious holes on this roster, yet Cashman continues to operate like he's protecting the farm system for a future that never seems to arrive.

Enough already.

The Yankees aren't supposed to be stockpiling mystery prospects while the Dodgers are collecting Cy Young winners. They're supposed to be chasing championships.

There's still time to change the narrative, but the clock is ticking. If Cashman's answer to the Dodgers landing Skubal and the Braves adding Lane Thomas is a pair of anonymous minor leaguers, then don't insult Yankees fans by calling this a successful deadline.

Call it what it is.

We may be looking at another failure from a front office that's become far too comfortable with mediocrity. And if this deadline ends the way it's started, it will once again expose the biggest weakness in the Yankees organization—and it isn't on the field. 

It's sitting in Brian Cashman's chair.

WHY BLAKE SNELL & CARLOS RODON ARE TWO PEAS IN A POD

Source: Jason Szenes for the NY Post

Carlos Rodon was a bust in 2023. Sorry to burst anyone's bubble, but he was. Maybe he can bounce back in 2024, or perhaps his attitude will be his own undoing. Speaking of attitude, there's Blake Snell who many think is not Northeast material. Rodon and Snell are two peas in a pod and here's my rationale.

"Rodón had a miserable first year of a $162 million, six-year contract he signed with the Yankees. It began with a stay on the injured list for a strained forearm and included a setback while he dealt with a back injury. Rodón lost four of his first five starts after finally making his season debut July 7," reported the Associated Press at the end of the season. Rodon surfaced fiery but with a bad attitude, some have said disrespectful, which has no place in the clubhouse. "He’s been in the league for a while. We want him to go out and have a lot of success and behave in the right ways,” Matt Blake, Yankees pitching coach said.

Source: Sports Illustrated

So there's that attitude issue—west coast guy trying to make it in the east coast. Now enter Blake Snell who is demanding close to $200 million on the free agent market. Besides the money, there are his behaviors and concerns about injuries, starts and never getting past the 6th inning.

According to the New York Post, who spoke with four baseball club executives who have starting pitching needs, there were mixed feelings about Snell. You can read their perspectives here, but one really stood out to me and is worrisome, akin to the Rodon effect, or lack thereof, “He has not logged big innings. Does that mean he has a fresh arm or that he can’t log big innings. It is a little like [Tyler] Glasnow. He might not pitch a lot for you, but when he does, he is going to be an ace. The people we talked to like him, but say he is to himself. You would be getting a pitcher, not a leader. But the pitching is really good.” Too many buts, and not enough great for me to want him here in New York.

Source: AP

Leadership is such an important skill to develop, practice and execute in any clubhouse or organization for that matter. Rodon is already frustrated, which is likely the root of his attitude and if Snell can't perform at the level he did in San Diego last season could he be all in his head and exude that same kind of bad attitude?

"Right now, Snell is outpitching the bases on balls. He walked 13.3 percent of batters in 2023. That was the most by a qualified starter since Matt Clement also walked 13.3 in 2000. Snell thrived by — among other items — dominating hitters with runners in scoring position (.152 batting average, .470 OPS). But what happens if he loses a bit of his stuff in his 30s? Will he navigate traffic as well? Will he adapt emotionally, intellectually and physically as he ages?," suggested The Post. 

Bottom line: Snell is too expensive, too risky and too much of a headcase for the New York market. And adding him to the pod of Rodon who has already exhibited behaviors of frustration, the Yankees will be managing time outs vs. opportunities to put their stake in the ground and take over the AL East. 

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

 

NEW YANKEES IN MORE UNFAMILIAR TERRITORY THAN LEGACY TEAMS

Source: The Athletic

We can all agree that this Yankees team has all the makings of a championship team. They have the depth of yesteryear teams in the field, in the bullpen and at the plate. But one thing they don't have is the experience of how to make that final push to AL Division Champs. And that is what it is going to come down to if the things continue down this path for the 2021 Yankees.

"The Yankees, who were in third place (7 1/2 games back) at the trade deadline, have made it quite clear they are taking aim on the Rays and outright winning the division, and not just a place in the postseason. It’s a race that very well could come down to the last three games of the season when the Yankees and Rays square off in the Bronx," reported the New York Daily News. 

But this is somewhat unfamiliar territory for the Bombers of recent years, who edged into the postseason through the door frame of the Wild Card. And that one and done pressure, although filled with adrenaline, is as much as a mental game as it is a physical one. Most of Wild Card teams don't survive; at least that would be the fate of the Yankees of the present. Some have pulled off wins in the grandest of ways: Florida Marlins, in 1997 and 2003; the Anaheim Angels, in 2002; the Boston Red Sox, in 2004; the St. Louis Cardinals, in 2011; the San Francisco Giants, in 2014; and the Washington Nationals, in 2019. But there is something really special and resilient about a team that hunts down the first place team from the bottom the standings to claim Division Champs. 

The Yankees were 4 back of the Red Sox on August 5, 1977.  In August 6, 1978, they were 8.5 games behind Boston. Both those teams hunted down the Sox and beat them, with 1978 being that one game playoff to break the division tie. These teams also had the depth of the 2021 Yankees and suffered injuries and losses, difficult ones including the death of their captain and catcher Thurman Munson in 1978. 

The 2021 Yankees have proven that they are strong and relentless so to think that despite their winning streak they have made little to no ground on Tampa should not discourage them; instead it should fire up their rage as Tampa is the team who has to watch their backs, literally. 

Source: Mary Altaffer/AP

"Interestingly, because of Aroldis Chapman’s recent struggles, the Yankees had to take a page out of the Rays’ book in closing out games with six different relievers registering saves during their August surge. It hasn’t gone unnoticed that the Yankees have managed to keep winning, night after night, with not a whole lot of contribution from their closer, who is in the second of a three-year, $48 million contract," reported the News. And the Rays have suffered losses with their ace Tyler Glasnow who has given more than the lion's share of trouble for the Yankees, out for the season, they have had to do make magic out of their bullpen, which has served them well. 

The Hunt for October is on and this time it could come down to a real divisional race, old school style with the Yankees perhaps having the upper hand given their depth, strength and confidence which are all the necessary ingredients to come from behind and take the American League East right from Tampa. 

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

UP NEXT: THE ALDS, THE RAYS & THE BUBBLE!

It feels good to beat Cleveland, really good. It was a short dramatic series and I'm just glad it's over. Game One was an explosion of offense and game two had its own drama with Mother Nature meddling with the start of the game. MLB really messed the start of yesterday's game up. 

There's nothing like calling a rain delay when it ISN'T raining and then starting the game when it's pouring. Not sure who exactly messed that up but that's just bizarre. At least when the bad weather finally passed and the game got started it was entertaining. I was glad to finally get the win and move on but....you know what that means, right?

The RAYS are waiting for us. Yeah, those guys. The new pain in our butts that really made us look stupid during the regular season. The Rays also just made a sweep of the Blue Jays. Both of us are running on momentum....but I am willing to bet that they feel even better than we do right now.

Maybe it is weird that I am not upset about the Rays winning the AL East this season. Maybe if this weren't a shortened 60-game season it would hurt a little more. They can have the division title....I am more bothered that they beat us during the regular season series 8-2. The Rays have been beating us all season, so playing against them in the postseason is a scary thought. We already know what the Rays are capable of but....did you see them against the Blue Jays?

Here is what the Yankees should study up on:

1. The Rays outfield is dangerous in the field and in the box

During the offseason, the Rays traded for outfielders Manuel Margot and Hunter Renfroe and both guys did some damage against the Blue Jays. Margot hit a two-run home run in game one, and Renfroe hit a Grand Slam yesterday. They also have another outfielder on the bench named Randy Arozarena who also had four hits in eight at-bats and two of those were doubles.

2. The Rays have power arms in the pen

The Rays have a good closer and they have good arms to bridge to their closer. There's not one person that Kevin Cash will rely on, but many. The Rays have used 13 different pitchers this season to close out games. The 12 different pitchers they used during the regular season tied a major league record. The Rays know what to expect at the end of our games, but Kevin Cash could literally throw just about anyone at us.

3. Strong, steady starters are waiting

Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow both pitched good games. Snell held the Blue Jays to one hit and no runs and Glasnow struck out eight over six innings. They also have Charlie Morton who did not have to pitch, and is dealing with some recent shoulder inflammation. If Morton is in fact healthy and pitches effectively, the Yankees will have their hands full with three good pitchers. 

The Yankees will need Gerrit Cole and Masahiro Tanaka to be dominant and keep the Rays off balance. As good as their pitching will be, ours needs to be better and our bats need to the do their part. The Rays lost to Gerrit Cole last year in games 2 and 5 of the ALDS, we need that trend to continue. Cole is the key, and Tanaka's proven postseason record is crucial to our success.

The Yankees offensive showed up against Cleveland, but it can't go to sleep against the Rays. The difference between the Indians and the Rays is night and day...and the Yankees will need to rise to the occasion. They need to play better than the team that was 2-8 in the regular season series. 

The bubble is waiting for us in San Diego, and so are the Rays. This won't be easy....but it can be done. What do you think the Yankees need to do to beat the Rays? Comment and tell us.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

BREAKING DOWN THE AL EAST COMPETITION

The Yankees have re-established themselves as the Evil Empire this winter. The defending AL East division champs are reloaded and ready to go, but what about the rest of the division?

It's hard to compete with a splashy signing like Gerrit Cole, but this free agent class has been once of the most exciting in recent years. There were a lot of good names out there, so what did the rest of the division do? Spring Training is around the corner and judging by off-season moves so far, the Yankees look like they have a large gap between them and everyone else.

Even if the Yankees are finished making anymore moves, we should all feel confident in the team we have to start the season. So far, the Rays and the Blue Jays are the only teams that have tried to make moves and improve their roster. It's weird to say that because we have quite the history with the Red Sox....but they have been quiet.

The Rays were a thorn in the Yankees side last season and managed to win 96 games. I think the Rays will still be a team to watch and they have made significant moves this off-season including letting Travis D'Arnaud leave for free agency and trading Tommy Pham, a clubhouse veteran to the Padres for Hunter Renfroe and infield prospect Xavier Edwards....but was it an improvement? I don't know, it doesn't seem that way right now. I am skeptical about Renfroe because he can hit a lot of home runs but he also strikes out a lot. Last week they also traded a top pitching prospect to the Cardinals for left-hander Matthew Liberatore, and big bats Jose Martinez and Randy Arozarena. The extra offense look like a nice boost for now but it will be interesting to see if it pays off long term. The Rays will be a team to watch again and could win 90-plus games again if they have good seasons from top starters Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow.

The Blue Jays also had a busy winter and are another team to watch. They added more arms to their starting rotation including Hyun-Jin Ryu, and got Chase Anderson in a trade with the Brewers. They also signed Travis Shaw to replace Justin Smoak at first base. The Blue Jays new additions added to their exciting young group of Vlad Guerrero Jr, Bo Bichette and Cavan Biggio will be a fun team to watch. They will be much improved compared to their 2019 season where they only won 67 games.

As for the Red Sox and Orioles....well, they haven't made any big moves. The Red Sox and Mookie Betts came to an agreement to avoid arbitration but other than that, nothing. They are caught in a scenario where they are rumored to want to cut payroll but John Henry backtracks and claims they will remain competitive HERE. Not sure how Henry expects to remain competitive when he isn't making any moves to keep up with the rest of the division....minus the Orioles.

And as for the 2020 Orioles they are still 2019 the Orioles. They lost 108 games last season and will probably have a similar season again. They haven't made any  additions and last season they traded away their best player and then the Orioles fired their scouts. This franchise is in an embarrassing free fall.

The Yankees have made the right moves this winter. There's a lot of distance between them and everyone else. Now the just have to stay healthy and play good baseball and the wins will come. Is there another AL East team that you will be watching closely this season? Comment and let us know.

In the meantime, let's see if any other moves are made. I can't wait for Spring Training....I'm having serious baseball withdrawals.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @nyprincessj 

PICK YOUR ALCS POISON: RAYS OR ASTROS?

Today is an important day, folks and I will definitely be glued to the television tonight. We will FINALLY get to see who the Yankees will take on for the ALCS. No matter who the Yankees play, it is going to be a tough series unlike what we saw against the Twins.

So who are the Yankees going to play....the Rays or the Astros? Or maybe the better question here is...which team would you PREFER to play? There are a few things to consider.

If the Yankees play the Rays:

1. The Yankees get home field advantage for the best of seven series. The Yankees had an 8-1 record against the Rays at home this season. They also play well at home and had the third best home record this season behind only two other teams: the Astros and the Dodgers.

2. More importantly, the Yankees have had success against the Rays this season, they won 12 of 19 games against them. The Rays 12 losses to the Yankees were its most to a single opponent in any season in which it reached the postseason. The last time the Rays lost 12 games to a division rival was in 2013 against the Red Sox, who also beat them in that year's ALDS.

3. Yankees would avoid Rays big arms early on

Since Tyler Glasnow will start opposite Gerrit Cole his next turn in the rotation wouldn't be until game three. The Rays are not as likely to start Glasnow on short rest (unlike other teams) after he missed four months earlier this season due to a right forearm strain. That injury was in May of this season at Yankee stadium where he gave up three earned runs. Charlie Morton also may not be available in Game 1 either because there is a very good chance he will pitch in relief tonight considering tonight's "win or go home" finale. If he pitches tonight the Rays are likely to give him two days rest. Also important, two of Morton's worst starts during this season were against the Yankees in the Bronx where he gave up five runs in both games.

BUT If the Yankees play the Astros:

1. Redemption!
I'm still thinking about 2017. Fans are still thinking about 2017. Oh and Aaron Judge is still thinking about 2017 against the Astros, "Any year you're not the last man standing, the season is a fail. You can win every single game in the regular season, but if you lose in the postseason it doesn't matter. Each year, it left a bad taste in my mouth, especially Game 7 in Houston, never a good taste going into the offseason. But for a lot of guys, that keeps us hungry," read more HERE. It won't be easy, but if the Yankees play the Astros and play their best game they could be the winner this time.

2. Yankees would avoid Astros big arms early on

Cole is starting today, so we won't see him early on, his next time in the rotation would lineup for Game 3. Could the Astros push his start up? Maybe, but Cole has never pitched on short rest before. He's also never pitched in relief before so it is unlikely they would use him in relief in place of his bullpen day. Then there is Justin Verlander, who did pitch on short rest on Tuesday and had his worst start of the season. The Astros are highly unlikely to pitch him again on short rest. If you like stats like I do check out fangraph's latest piece HERE, it gives some very interesting insight considering Verlander on short rest and stats show his body likes pitching on schedule. There is still Zack Greinke of course who is a good pitcher, but Cole and Verlander are the more intimidating arms.

Hopefully the extra rest does the Yankees some good and at the same time, the extra playing time hurts our soon to be opponents. The ALCS won't be easy, both of these teams are very good but you have to pick one to play.

Pick your poison....do you want the Rays or the Astros? Comment and tell us why.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @nyprincessj

THE PIRATES SNAG ARCHER

I didn't see that one coming, but there you have it.

Photo: Getty Images

Chris Archer is a Pittsburgh Pirate.

MLB Trade Rumors writes:

"The Pirates have officially struck a trade to acquire starter Chris Archer from the Rays, as Stephen Nesbitt of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette first reported (via Twitter). Talented young players Austin Meadows and Tyler Glasnow will both go to Tampa Bay, as Jim Bowden of The Athletic tweeted.

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

There’s also a third player in the deal, as first noted by Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times (Twitter link). The identity is still not known..."

Soon enough that player will be revealed.

Nice move by the Pirates and I just have to laugh because of all the baseball insiders that revealed that the Yankees were the leader in those sweepstakes. Truth is no one truly knows until it happens... and it happened... and it was the Pirates!

Love it.