BOONE: YANKEES RELATIONSHIP WITH ESTEVAN FLORIAL IS "COMPLICATED"

I feel like we have suddenly dumbed down to a social media relationship status. I bet Estevan Florial does too, and if by some miracle he doesn't, well he should.

I knew the writing was on the wall before the season started when we wrote THE BEGINNING OF THE END FOR ESTEVAN FLORIAL. He had potential that the Yankees loved, but no clear path to the big leagues and his trade value was tarnished. I hated to see the Yankees stash Florial down in Triple-A while they started useless dead weight like Aaron Hicks before finally releasing him in May. Holding onto Hicks for so long was a huge mistake, and now we get to wonder if hiding Florial was also.

Here we are in September and the writing is still on the wall. Florial won't get a shot, and Aaron Boone knows it too. He just won't come out and speak the truth. He won't say anything right now, especially if it could mean saving his job even though he sucks at it. He was asked by reporters why Florial wasn't called up when Hicks was released, and this was his weak answer:

"Yeah, he definitely deserved it. I don’t think any of us would question his talent and it’s been good to see him go out and really put together a strong season," Boone said HERE. "Look, he’s been in the conversation honestly for a long time now because he has had a strong year. Some of it’s been complicated by not being on the 40-man anymore."

I stand by what I said before, WEAK. Weak manager, weak puppet, weak everything so this shouldn't surprise anyone. The Yankees could've given him a shot. The lack of a 40-man roster spot is just hot garbage because Willie Calhoun, Jake Bauers and Billy McKinney were non-roster outfielders who were added to the 40-man roster. Boone's "it's complicated" answer is just hot garbage.

Don't be fooled by it. Florial's one stand-out weakness this season has been his strikeout rate. His .280 average, 24 homers, 69 RBI, 23 steals, and 63 walks in 94 games were all upgrades for the Yankees, especially when you compared his stats with what the Yankees were doing every game. They didn't love his 30% strikeout rate. I don't love it either, but if the guy in your system is succeeding in Triple-A, why not give him a shot? Only answer is they gave up on a 25-year-old kid. They didn't believe in him.

They didn't believe in him. That's all it comes down to. Instead, they believed in Hicks for 8 years and held onto him for so long stupidly. This organization has no intelligence or logic. I don't think Florial was the answer to our prayers, but he could've helped more than Hicks and that I am confident in.

Florial will be a minor-league free agent at the end of the season, and he will sign with another team. This new team will give him more of an opportunity than the Yankees ever did. When he gets that new opportunity, I hope he succeeds and shoves it in the Yankees face. He deserves it.

Florial will be "the one that got away" all because the Yankees screwed up. That's the truth, Boone. It's not complicated.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

YANKS JUST SNAGGED ANOTHER OUTFIELDER WITH STANTON ON THE MEND

Quick note as the Yankees continue to play decent so far this season, even though many of their top guys are on the shelf.   Look, I said it once and I'll say it again. It's only April so having guys hurt now it fine by me. We wanna be full staff soon though... I hate when our guys are hurt.

OK, the new edition with Stanton hurt and unable to play outfield? MLB Trade Rumors writes:

"The Yankees announced Thursday that they’ve signed free-agent outfielder Kole Calhoun to a minor league contract...Calhoun, 35, hit .250/.314/.281 in 35 trips to the plate with Seattle this spring and is looking to rebound from a tough pair of seasons in 2021-22. Over that two-year span, the longtime Angels right fielder slashed just .208/.269/.343 in 606 trips to the plate between the Diamondbacks and the Rangers."

Hey, is the move a smart one? Hey, it's filler. Calhoun is no spring chicken, plus they have Willie Calhoun too. The point is we gotta see what we get from him. At least it gives the Yankees options which is really what we need right now.

Welcome to the Bronx Kole. Let's get some.

BADER BACK SOON & THE END OF HICKS

Harrison Bader is getting closer and closer to returning.  Remember he was out for a bit with an oblique strain. But Clutch Points writes he could be making his way back:

"Harrison Bader, who has yet to play this season due to an oblique strain that he sustained in Spring Training, is expected to begin a rehab assignment next week."

And Bryan Hoch writes:

“Harrison Bader went through a full on-field workout today and could begin a minor league rehab assignment as soon as Monday.”

But with Bader returning, I think the big question is what happened to guys like Willie Calhoun and Aaron Hicks.  For Calhoun, I can see the Yankees keeping him around. They like him. They like his lefty bat, they like that he will do whatever they need and I'm pretty sure this dude's out of options if they get rid of him.  And so, that won't work.

Aaron Hicks on the other hand? It's the end for him. Sportskeeda writes:

" Hicks is likely counting the days until Harrison Bader returns. That will likely happen when the Yankees are able to trade him or send him somewhere. Until then, he is the backup outfielder...Barring any setbacks, Bader is expected to return at the end of this month. When he does, he'll be back in the lineup and Hicks will have no spot."

And Jon Heyman writes:

"The hitch with Hicks, of course, is that he logged two very productive seasons in The Bronx before he disintegrated, long enough for the Yankees and him to get together on a $70 million, seven-year deal. Congrats to CAA, but this was a very bad idea for the Yankees.

General manager Brian Cashman, who didn’t return a message regarding this subject, is unnecessarily castigated on social media, as he’s obviously made more good calls than bad; check the record. But this contract never made sense."

Bottom line, there is a growing concern and a lot of rumbling that the Yankees are ready to part ways with Hicks.  I really hope this is true.  Yankees need to tighten things up as they get into May.  Hicks is now a liability.  We need to dump him... that's the bottom line.

YANKEES SNAG ANOTHER OUTFIELDER WHILE RELEASING OUTFIELDER ORTEGA

Yup, you read that right.

Quick note. The Yankees have decided to release Rafarl Ortega. MLB Trade Rumors writes:

"Outfielder Rafael Ortega has requested a release from his minor league with the Yankees and that request has been granted, reports MLBTR’s Steve Adams. Ortega had an opt-out in his contract yesterday and has been informed that he won’t make the club’s roster. He is now a free agent.

Photo: Rafael Ortega

The outfielder was competing for a bench job on the roster alongside players like Willie Calhoun and Estevan Florial. Earlier today, Marly Rivera of ESPN reported that Calhoun has been reassigned to minor league camp, while Florial and Ortega were each set to fly to New York as manager Aaron Boone said the final rosters decisions had yet to be made (Twitter links). It now appears that Ortega isn’t going to get a spot and will be free to pursue opportunities with all 30 clubs."

But in the midst of all of this, the Yankees picked up another outfielder.

NJ.com writes:

"The Yankees signed outfielder Franchy Cordero to a major-league contract on Wednesday, ESPN’s Jeff Passan reports.

Barring any additional moves in the next 24 hours, Cordero will make the Yankees’ Opening Day roster.

Cordero, 28, played 84 games with the Red Sox last season, hitting .219 with eight home runs, 29 RBI, 17 doubles and 36 runs scored. The left-handed hitter was used almost strictly against right-handed pitching in 2022. "

And there you have it, making moves and making moves. GO YANKEES!!!

        THE YANKEES BASEBALL SEASON IS FINALLY HERE! BUY SOME GEAR!

WEEK 1: YANKEE SPRING TRAINING NOTES

Well, it is not new news that the Yankees are shopping internally for their starting left fielder. Besides the open outfield position, there's the starting rotation and middle infield positions potentially up for grabs. As the Yankees finish up their first official week of spring training games, how are they fairing? Let's read through BYB's week 1 spring training notes.

Aaron Hicks has a solo shot here, a hit here, but honestly I don't see much more from the incumbent left fielder. Basically, he is the same old, same old Hicks. He hits sporadically, his fielding is average and he offers no visible leadership from the bench. 

Source: Associated Press

"After going 0-for-3 against the Pirates, Hicks is 2-for-8 this spring with two singles that would have been outs in past years (due to the shift). He’s not thrilled that those are his only two hits, but he says he’s never been much of a Grapefruit League hitter," reported NJ.com. In Saturday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Aaron Hicks went 1-for-2 with a solo home run. As I said same old, same old. Hicks blames a lot of his hitting woes to the shift, which has essentially be lifted in 2023. As NJ.com reports. "The switch-hitter lost dozens of hits to it over the years while batted left-handed. Finding a hole wasn’t easy batting with three and sometimes four infielders on the right side, especially with one of them always out in short right field turning liners to the outfield grass into easy outs." The shift demise is giving Hicks extra optimism. I say, that's an excuse.

Other left fielders who have an opportunity to make the main roster include Oswaldo Cabrera who has been lighting it up this spring. In fact, Yankees skipper Aaron Boone said he'd like to get Cabrera some reps in center field as well. Willie Calhoun, who was signed by the Yankees to a minor league contract this winter, has been lighting it up this spring. Calhoun is 6-for-11 with a home run and OBP of .615 and an OPS of 1.524. Calhoun is a career outfielder but started as the team's DH this week. He will likely get some reps in left as well. Then there is Rafael Ortega, who also was signed to a minor league contract. On Saturday against the Rays, he started in left and banged a two-run homer in the fourth inning to give the Yankees the lead. Ortega has hit consistently this spring going 3-for-8 with two home runs, 5 RBI with an insane 1.875 OPS.

Source: Associated Press

However, I would like to zero in on Yankees number 2 prospect Jasson Dominguez. The 20-year-old has caught the eye of Yankee great and spring training guest instructor Bernie Williams, who has been impressed with what he's seen so far from Dominguez. 

"He’s built like a tank. I remember when I was 20 years old, I was a rail,” Williams said. “He’s got a good attitude, and from everything I’ve heard so far, he is very coachable. He wants to learn. He’s just happy to be here, and he’s not really taking it for granted. I think he’s on a great path right now," reported MLB.com. Nicknamed "The Martian" Dominguez has some more minor league time in his future, but certainly excited to see how and when he will be called up to the Bronx. 

Moving onto to shortstop, the front runner for the middle infielder position has been Oswald Peraza. He has not been playing at the caliber the Yankees expect him to be. Perreza is hitting .222 (2-for-9) with a stolen base on the spring. The Yankees will need more production from him if he is to be the opening day shortstop. The guy that has caught everyone's eye is Anthony Volpe. Volpe is 5-for-15 with a home run and two doubles. He is making a good case to make the team this spring, but many suggest he needs more reps in Triple A. I don't think the Yankees will waste too much time with Isiah Kiner-Falefa or Peraza if Volpe shows signs of growth by the All Star Break or even sooner. 

Finally, there's pitching. Luis Severino just does not seem to be the sharper, younger version of himself. Boone and his coaching staff liked what they have seen in the Yankee starter, but I still think there's work to be done, both physically and mentally. The winds were not on the Yankees' side in Saturday's game (he gave up two dingers) but still Severino has given up seven earned runs, three home runs and seven strikeouts in two starts, including Saturday. They will need more from him this season as the Yankees are already down a starter in Frankie Montas. They need more innings from Sevy. 

I would like to give a shout out to Yankee pitcher Jhony Brito, who has pitched well and is getting extra looks by Boone and the pitching staff this spring. "Brito opened eyes last season going 11-4 with a 2.96 ERA working 112 2/3 innings in 26 outings at two levels. The 6-foot-2, 160 pounder began the season going 5-2 with a 2.36 ERA in eight Double-A starts, then was bumped up to Triple-A on June 1 and had more success there going 6-2 with a 3.31," reported NJ.com. He pitched 2 and 2/3 innings on Saturday and despite giving up some late hits, he pitched well and with a lot of control. He could be an innings eater, and provide the bull pen more depth this season.

Week 1 is in the books for the Yankees this spring. I am excited to see more of the Yankees and how they gel this spring. I caution the Yankees with assuming who will be where and when this season. It needs to be an open canvas with the best team on the field everyday. Boone is known for his assumptions based on data. I need him to open his eyes and watch the game, watch his players closely and make decisions on performance not on what stat or algorithm spits out the ideal lineup. And don't wait too long to play your youth, otherwise they could be gone before they get the opportunity to contribute. 

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

TALKS WITH THE PIRATES FOR BRYAN REYNOLDS STILL A REAL THING

I personally don't have a problem using guys like Oswaldo Cabrera or any of the other outfielders the Yankees picked up in the off-season to try and fill the void in left field. 

Think about it; guys like Rafael Ortega, Billy McKinney and Willie Calhoun... even Michael Hermosillo. And yea, there's even Aaron Hicks! Now the Yankees are gonna force Hicks on us to start the season in left because they want their money to work for them. But let's be honest, Hicks is trash and there are enough outfield "parts" that we have that can fill that void in the outfield. 

And that brings me back to Bryan Reynolds. I guess my question is, do we really and truly need the guy? Is this a media grown story?

Bleacher Report writes:

" MLB Network's Jon Morosi, the Yankees are among the teams that have contacted the Pittsburgh Pirates to discuss a trade for Bryan Reynolds.

Morosi noted the Yankees could be at a disadvantage in trade talks for Reynolds because they don't have a lot of high-quality starting pitching in their system, and the Pirates prefer starters if they deal the 27-year-old outfielder...

In 493 career games, Reynolds owns a .281/.361/.481 slash line with 74 homers and 239 RBI."

The numbers look good, but the trade could be important and maybe that's the biggest issue for the Yankees. Who do they give up to get Reynolds in pinstripes and also, is it worth it?

The Yankees are in a better position in left field than you think. But I guess we just need to wait and see what will happen next.

Stay tuned.

BOONE TALKING ABOUT HICKS IN LEFT FIELD IS NONSENSE

I am so elated that the Yankees have parted ways with Aroldis Chapman. And that momentum has given me hope that the Yankees would pass on giving Aaron Hicks an opportunity to land a job as the starting left fielder. But once again, Aaron Boone does not disappoint. He is backing his veteran and says he is the likely starting corner outfielder for the 2023 Yankees.

“I feel like Aaron Hicks has a chance to really bounce back. We saw what Oswaldo Cabrera can do when we threw him into a lot of different scenarios playing the outfield really for the first time and handling himself so well. We’re really excited about him," reported NJ.com.

Although Boone admits that the field is wide open, with four to five possibilities, the fact that he really thinks Hicks can bounce back is just ridiculous.

According to CBS Sports, "Hicks, who is on the books for $29.5 million through 2025, continued his downward trend in production in 2022, slashing .216/.330/.313 with eight home runs and 10 stolen bases across 453 plate appearances. The 33-year-old suffered a left knee injury Oct. 18 that sidelined him for the remainder of the Yankees' postseason run, but after telling reporters at that time that he would require a six-week recovery period, he's likely back to full health at this point."

This kind of crap is what makes hot shots like the Blue Jays Vladimir Guerrero Jr. think the Yankees are the easiest team to beat. In his latest words to Sports Illustrated on Friday, Guerrero Jr. took another shot at his Division rival Yankees by answering a young fan's question about the easiest team to beat in 2022. He didn't hesitate in announcing the Yankees but alas I laugh at him because the Yankees' record against Toronto in 2022 was 8-11. But still, with guys like Hicks demonstrating that we are beatable through lackluster defense and just inconsistent offense, it is laughable that he is even being considered as an outfielder starting frontrunner.

Source: AP

Beside Hicks, there is Cabrera, Estevan Florial, non-roster vet Willie Calhoun, and Rafael Ortega, another experienced corner outfielder who is on the minor league roster. Of course the Yankees could still make a trade, but that is unlikely by the start of the season but much more likely before trade deadline. Of course, if things don't work out the way the Yankees hope for the start of the season.

The Yankees seem fine with status quo, which has bit them in the ass over the last several seasons, waiting too long to make moves that would strategically land them in a more competitive spot in the postseason. "The Yankees' lack of activity in the outfield market this winter is nonetheless a positive development for Hicks, who would have been on the outside looking in for a starting spot had New York not allowed Andrew Benintendi to walk in free agency," reports CBS Sports.

So while I had a day or two to revel in celebration with Chapman's departure, now I am left with that pit in my stomach that Hicks has created over the years through is inability to perform—and look like he's not even trying. I think the Yankees are shooting themselves in the foot by letting Hicks go out there and fight for a job. If we have not seen anything spectacular with him 'til this point, what makes this Hicks's year? 

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

BIG GET! YANKEES SNAG ORTEGA!

This may be the best minor league deal the Yankees got so far this off season and yes, another guy they can throw in the outfield to compete for a spot! Rafael Ortega!

Inside the Pinstripes writes:

"...the Yankees have signed a handful of outfielders to minor league deals recently.

That group includes former Rangers top prospect Willie Calhoun, ex-Cub Michael Hermosillo, and Billy McKinney, who’s played for New York before. And then there’s Rafael Ortega, who signed with the Yankees on Dec. 24...

Ortega spent the 2021 and 2022 seasons in Chicago after several years as a fringe big leaguer. He enjoyed some success with the Cubs, hitting .291/.360/.463 with 11 home runs and 33 RBI in 2021 and added a .241/.331/.358 slash line, seven longballs and 35 RBI last season."

Let the competition for left field begin!

BILLY MCKINNEY COULD PROVE TO BE A GOOD FIT IN NEW YORK... AGAIN

I've always been a big Billy McKinney fan. He's got the look, he's got the ability and years ago I was pretty annoyed that the Yankees let his get away from us.  In fact, I am one of the few that sees the decent athlete McKinney is.  Now back in 2018 the Yankees had him but traded him away for JA Happ.  Back then fans were slamming me because I called it a panic move. Read BEING A FAN IN THE WORLD OF DUNCE. Lucky for me, I documented the whole BS between fans that thought I was crazy and fans that just liked to bitch and moan.  Bottom line, the Yankees really didn't get much out of the Happ trade, did they? And in the end, McKinney is back in New York, this time competing for an outfielder's gig.  

Yup, you got it... McKinney is back. McKinney will start in the minors, but I can bet we will see him this year.  MLB Trade Rumors writes:

"The Yankees have signed outfielder Billy McKinney to a minor league deal, according to MiLB.com’s official transactions page. McKinney has been assigned to the team’s Triple-A affiliate.

...McKinney and Brandon Drury were traded to the Blue Jays in 2018 for J.A. Happ.

McKinney has played in each of the last five Major League seasons, suiting up at the MLB level for 263 games with six different teams. Only two of those games were in the Yankee pinstripes, which also marked the very first two games of McKinney’s big league career.

Once seen as a top-100 prospect and a possible future center fielder, McKinney has mostly settled into a role as a corner outfielder and even a part-time first baseman. "

And as we look at the depth chart, the Yankees could use a backup first baseman, and, they definitely need a left fielder and trust me, this stirs up some competition out there, between he, Hicks and Calhoun.

Whatever the case, dare I say I am thrilled that McKinney is back. Will he get a shot at the bigs again? Hey, we know he can do it, why not? I think the strategy however is to see him at spring training, let him get work in the minors and if they need a guy and believe he can contribute, we will see this guy on the big club... and that's the bottom line.

CALHOUN A NICE ADDITION TO THE YANKEE OUTFIELD

I've been off the last several days and I loved every second of it. There is something to be said for really taking time with the family, waking up without an alarm and just taking that time for yourself to just reset the battery and look forward to 2023.  And now here we are...

The Yankees and Willie Calhoun made a deal while I was in my slumber. It was technically in 2022.  The New York Post has this:

"The Yankees and outfielder Willie Calhoun have agreed to terms on a non-roster deal, according to MLN Network’s Mark Feinsand. Callhoun will be invited to major league camp.

The move is easy to look past, but the 28-year-old Calhoun was a highly regarded prospect when coming through the Texas Rangers’ farm system. He played six years with the Rangers before being cut and signing with the San Francisco Giants in 2022."

Now people will look at this and think, "I don't get it. We should have just signed Matt Carpenter. Who needs Calhoun." Look, this is what the Yankees and Cashman do. They sign some big dogs and sprinkle around them and if they get another big dog down the road, so be it... and if not, they have guys like Calhoun fighting for a spot.

Look, Calhoun has to prove himself spring training. It could be a train wreck, and may not be, but we gotta see.

I will tell you what though, I'll take this guy over Hicks all day long. Calhoun wants to prove he belongs on the field. Hicks lost clarity with that ridiculous contract of his.  I put money on Calhoun all day long.

DILLON TATE WILL BE SOMETHING SPECIAL

(Photo by Bill Mitchell)
We just did a piece on all the excitement surrounding Justus Sheffield yesterday. Read "A LEFTY STARTER WHICH YOU CAN'T FIND". It's a great little nugget. We love nuggets...

Today, we gotta talk about Dillon Tate!

Baseball America did a piece about Tate and talked about his struggles and his velocity vanishing before coming over to the Yankees.  Well, that has changed.  Here's a sample of some of that BA article. I encourage you to read the full piece by clicking on Baseball America.  For now... read this:

 "...Tate’s baseball life changed significantly at the Aug. 1 trade deadline when he was one of three minor league pitchers dealt to the Yankees for veteran big league outfielder Carlos Beltran. Tate certainly didn’t expect to be traded so soon after being picked near the top of the previous year’s draft, but he didn’t brood on it for long. 'It felt a little strange at first,' Tate said, 'but after a while it settled in and it didn’t take me too much time to get adjusted to being a Yankee.'...

His regular season struggles and eventual trade made Tate one of the more intriguing players to follow coming into the AFL season, and there are plenty of positive signs after the season’s first week.

Most importantly, the fastball velocity is back, touching 97 in his first AFL appearance and sitting 93-95 mph in his second game. He’s been victimized by the long ball in both games, giving up a homer to Glendale catcher Carson Kelly (Cardinals) on Opening Day and hanging a changeup for a three-run bomb by Glendale second baseman Willie Calhoun (Dodgers) in his second time out, but balls have been flying out of AFL parks quite regularly so far this season.

One evaluator at the second outing commented that Tate’s fastball looked sharp and the ball came out of his hand easy..."

We received a ton of great young talent trading away Beltran, Andrew Miller and Aroldis Chapman.  All those teams made it to the playoffs now, while the Yankees will wait to hopefully have many of these kids hit the Bigs one day in the future.  It's damn exciting, and I'm psyched to hear that Tate is working through his velocity problems.  More growth to come... but he's on his way.

Good piece by Baseball America!