WHAT'S THE CATCH?

Spring training has officially begun for our New York teams and with the 2018 season officially behind us, we can all dream for a better season this year. One thing that needs to improve for both teams is catching, an extremely important position offensively and defensively. So I ask all of you, what's the catch for NY catching?

Source: The Athletic

If you ask the front office in Yankeeland, the catch is Gary Sanchez.  The J.T. Realmuto deal slipped through the Bombers fingers or maybe wasn't ever anything really but we all know he landed in Philadelphia. Realmuto seems to be the real deal and a great catch but, Aaron Boone is “excited” about Gary Sanchez and what he can contribute to this 2019 season.

The manager and the catcher spent some time together during the offseason in the Dominican Republic and according to NJ.com, Boone found “a guy that frankly is very hungry to go out and show the world how good a player he is.'' He also said Sanchez has a desire to step up this year. Could Sanchez be “that guy” and a real catch for the Yankees this year?  We will have to wait and see but his passed balls' history and his lackluster performance in the batter's box needs to improve to make me a believer that the Yankees putting all their faith in Sanchez was the right move versus going all in with Realmuto.

Source: Sporting News

As far as the Mets are concerned, there was definitely potential for a catcher upgrade, as former first-round draft pick Kevin Plawecki, who was traded to the Indians during the off season, and Travis d’Arnaud is coming off of the DL. Unfortunately, d’Arnaud has had a streak of injuries, including having to have Tommy John surgery, and Plawecki turned out to be not too good of a hitter. Neither of them are great offensively with Plawecki only throwing out 10 of 60 base stealers and d’Arnaud only 11 of 66 during the past season. Not very impressive.

Source: MLB.com

Luckily during the off season, the Mets made some great moves including acquiring Wilson Ramos from the Phillies. Ramos will provide the Mets with what the lineup was missing in the past; a quality hitter as well as a great catcher. The only concern with the new catcher is his past two knee surgeries, but he says he is ready to go. "I want to be behind the plate as much as I can. That’s what I’m working right now," Ramos said via NJ.com. "I’m working to be healthy and help my team behind the plate.” With a healthy Ramos and Travis d'Arnaud, it looks like the Mets could have their catching in order.

The catchers in New York are warming up for what we all hope will be a great 2019 season and an even better inter-league battle between the Yankees and Mets.   Here's to much warmer days and competitive catching in New York.

--Missy O'Rourke
BYB Contributor
Twitter: @missy_orourke

FORGET THE SUPER BOWL, NEW YORK IS READY FOR SPRING TRAINING

Source: The Sports Daily

With Super Bowl Sunday one week away that only means one thing… baseball is almost back! For me the best parts of the Super Bowl are snacks and commercials anyway, so why not look beyond that to the dawn of a new season? Yankees pitchers and catchers report on February 13th while the Mets open for business the day before on February 12th. I, like you I’m sure, could not be more excited.  Baseball will soon be back as the 2019 Spring Training kicks off in a playful, relaxed way - giving guys time get loose and get ready for a long season ahead.

I actually attended a few spring training games during the 2016 season, and it was a great experience. Not only did I get to see some of the new acquisitions play, as well as some of Mets prospects, it was great to see veteran players in a more laid back setting.

Source: MLB.com

Like George Steinbrenner Stadium, home of the New York Yankees in Tampa, Port Saint Lucie in Mets land is an intimate field, where you can see absolutely everything going on no matter where you sit. You’re physically closer to the game and this does mean you need to keep an eye out for baseballs making their way into the stands more frequently and being more a part of the action than at a usual in-season game. And because of the relaxed atmosphere, players are more likely to talk to you and even sign autographs. 

Source: NY Post

As a Mets fan, my favorite part of Spring Training, besides the rum buckets, (clearly another benefit) was getting to see Mets ace Jacob Degrom’s wife and their then newborn son just hanging around the team store. Needless to say, I did not know what to do with myself since Degrom is my favorite player. Being close to the sights and sounds of the game is a great reason in itself to hop a plane to Florida or Arizona.

Another nice element of pre-season baseball is the World Baseball Classic, and in 2016,  I was able to go to Marlins Park to watch USA play the Dominican Republic. Marlins Park is definitely one of the more impressive baseball stadiums. This is of course, despite the huge Christian Yelich poster on the elevator doors. With Yelich with the Brewers now, I guess that site is no longer with us. RIP! 

Source: NJ.com

The Mets have certainly had a busy offseason adding a number of new players to rival the Yankees’ signings. Signing Jed Lowrie (2B), JD Davis (3B), Edwin Diaz (RP), Robinson Cano (2B), Justin Wilson (P), Wilson Ramos (C ), as well as a number of minor league players, it will be interesting to see how the new additions mesh with their returning Met teammates.

Source: NJ.com

According to an article by northjersey.com, General Manager Brodie Van Wagenen said the team is not planning on making any other big moves during this offseason. The main goals have been accomplished, including creating more depth to the lineup as well as improving catching and relief pitching. 

"We feel really good about what we accomplished. We feel really good about the team we have at this point in the offseason," Van Wagenen said. "Hopefully feel like we’re at a little bit of a competitive advantage to teams that still are trying to build their teams at this point. We’re very happy with the offseason so far."

Source: Houston Chronicle

One interesting acquisition is JD Davis, a third-baseman who the Mets may try out as a pitcher. Although he is seen as a good hitter, Van Wagenen may be interested in trying Davis out at a two-way player. 

"J.D. Davis gives us another really versatile offensive-minded player," Van Wagenen said. "With what he's accomplished the last couple of years in Triple-A and the Minor Leagues, he's proven that he can be an added value to us on the big league roster."

Source: The Runner Sports

Whether we see Davis in the infield, outfield, or a pitcher, I know he’ll make a great and diverse player for the Mets. The Yankees are pretty much done with their acquisitions as well with no Manny Machado signing anywhere, yet. The Yankees will draw their excitement from their new pitchers, Adam Ottavino and James Paxton, and essential infield piece Troy Tulowitzki. Of course crowd favorites Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton will also engage fans once again as the Yankees, like the Mets compete for a post-season pass by the end of September.

That’s a long way off for now...but each sunset does brings us one day closer to the start of the 2019 season, so, we're in the home stretch. Let the final countdown to Spring Training begin!

--Missy O'Rourke
BYB Contributor
Twitter: @missy_orourke

YANKEES HAVE NEW WEAPONS FOR POSTSEASON RUN

Aaron Hicks came back with a bang last night, robbing Tampa Bay of a grand slam with a spectacular catch in left field.  "In the very first inning of the Yankees-Rays game on Tuesday night, Hicks robbed Wilson Ramos of a grand slam. This was Hicks’ first game back from the disabled list since straining his left oblique on Sept. 2," reported USA Today.  Hicks is expected to make a big impact as he has done this season for the Yankees as they head into the post season next week.

 Source: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images North America

“I’ve got six games left and I just want to finish strong,” Hicks said. “That’s what I want to do, and I’ve just got to go out there and do it. I definitely feel I’ve made big strides, but we’ve still got more games to go.”

Source: Stephen Brashear/Getty Images North America

Another post season weapon expected to make his way back into the bullpen for the Yankees Adam Warren who is another impact-player for the Bombers.  "With the Yankees on the cusp of postseason play, Warren figures to be a welcome addition to a power bullpen anchored by Aroldis Chapman, Dellin Betances, David Robertson, Chad Green and Tommy Kahnle. The 30-year-old is 3-2 with a 2.40 ERA in 45 appearances this season," reported MLB.com.

As the NY Post reported last week, "Adam Warren can make the Yankees bullpen ridiculous." That's because the bullpen, despite their woes earlier this season, has been sensational led by Chad Green, who took Warren's spot in the bullpen rotation.  "In Warren’s absence, Chad Green has been the reliever manager Joe Girardi uses for multiple frames, and the right-hander has been brilliant. In 28 of Green’s 35 appearances, he has worked more than one frame. In those 35 outings, Green was 5-0 with a 1.96 ERA and has struck out 99 in compared to 15 walks in 64 ¹/₃," reported the NY Post.

So the Yankees have their players in place for what hopes to be a great post season run for them. Let's hope these newly added weapons are the final pieces of the toolkit ready to take on the American League's finest for 2017.

--Suzie Pinstripe

BYB Managing Editor
Follow me on Twitter: @suzieprof

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SITTING ON A GOLD MINE

The Yankees miraculously held on to Brian McCann through the August waiver deadline but just because he is still here doesn't mean the trade rumors are over. If anything, it's only heating up. I am convinced now more than ever that McCann will be on the move this winter.

The Yankees are infatuated with Gary Sanchez and so is the rest of Yankee land. The Yankees have the next big thing waiting in the wings after a successful first taste in the big leagues. We want to get younger, and stop spending so much money and part of the remainder of the old Yankee equation is still on the team.

I have absolutely nothing against Brian McCann. I was excited to have him sign with us but he is the next player to fall to the youth movement. The Yankees have Sanchez waiting in the wings for a full time job and Austin Romine can easily be a back up. The Yankees don't need McCann to be a backup catcher or a designated hitter. In the meantime, other teams out there NEED a catcher and the free agent market this season is thin for catchers.

The Yankees were strategic this season. The Cubs and the Indians are going to battle it out in the World Series starring two former Yankees. The Cubs had an enormous hole in the bullpen until Aroldis Chapman arrived. Without him, who knows if the Cubs would've made it this far. The Indians have an amazing closer in Andrew Miller....and they have him on a very friendly team contract to continue to build around after this season. The Yankees know what they are doing....and McCann is up next.

The Yankees are sitting on a gold mine named Brian McCann. There are teams who really need a catcher out there and he has an impressive resume. Teams will call for McCann's leadership and his six silver slugger awards.

Aside from McCann, Wilson Ramos was the most interesting free agent but he will be out 6-8 months recovering from knee surgery. This leaves Matt Wieters, Jason Castro and Carlos Ruiz for free agents and they don't have the same skills to offer as McCann does.

So not to sound repetitive but BRIAN CASHMAN WINS AGAIN! He is going to sit back and let his phone ring all winter. He is going to get a ton of phone calls all asking about McCann and he is going to wait and pick through all of the offers until the best one comes through. The Yankees are going to remain firm on their price because they know they don't NEED to trade him away and they can wait until they get the highest bidder. I have never praised Cashman so much until this year, and he just keeps coming out on top.

In the end, I am not saying that I want to see the Yankees trade McCann away but I know at this point if and when we do the Yankees are doing so because it only helps us in the Youth Movement. The Yankees have a reputation for winning in the past and now the future. The Yankees have helped someone else win a World Series ring this year and soon it will be our turn again. Someone is going to come calling for McCann.....the question is who and what do we get in return? I know Cashman is ready and waiting for that call.

 --Jeana Bellezza, BYB Senior Writer & Editor
  Follow me on Twitter: @NYPrincessJ

THE BRIAN MCCANN RUMOR THAT JUST WON'T GO AWAY

All season long the Brian McCann trade rumors have been buzzing. Now that the waiver trade deadline has officially come to a close it looks like McCann will be in a Yankees uniform for the rest of the season but what about next season?

Once the off season comes the rumors will be in full swing again. Should the Yankees keep him? Maybe he still fits in the Yankees new rebuilding phase but in a new role? If not....who would take him? Would he reunite with the Atlanta Braves in their new stadium?

The Yankees will have a tough decision to make. Do they keep him for hiss left handed bat and perhaps use him as a part-time catcher? The Yankees could use Gary Sanchez as their full time catcher while still keeping a valuable left handed bat in the lineup. Maybe he could DH or play first base when needed. Or, do the Yankees let him go and let Austin Romine keep a job with the team? It may come down to what Atlanta is willing to spend.

It is rumored that the Braves are willing to pay half of McCann's salary to bring him home, but the Yankees want to continue building the farm system. The Braves are also in a big rebuilding mode and have been rebuilding their farm system for awhile now. They are willing to send a prospect or two but not significant players which brought us to stalled out trade talks.

I can't say that I blame the Braves. They have struggled for the last several years and haven't had a record over .500 since 2013 so their goal is much like ours. The Braves are not desperate to get their former catcher back especially with some decent catchers that will be available in the off season that interest them like Jason Castro, Wilson Ramos and Georgia Tech product Matt Wieters. This off season is rather lack luster over all but catchers will be one intriguing option to keep tabs on.

The Braves have a lot of options to help them re-brand the team and move into their new stadium, so the Yankees are just one of many. The question is do the Yankees send him back to Georgia or do they keep his bat? The off season is going to be interesting. Do the Yankees hold one to one last veteran or do they continue to get younger and cut some money? It's a tough call that I am glad I don't have to make.

What would you do? Comment and let us know.

 --Jeana Bellezza, BYB Senior Writer & Editor
  Follow me on Twitter: @NYPrincessJ

 

WHY RAMOS KIDNAPPING HITS HOME FOR MONTERO

Roger Rubin had a great piece in the NY Daily News, read HERE, about Jesus Montero and the anxiousness he felt because Wilson Ramos lives 1o minutes away from where Montero grew up in Venezuela.

Montero told Rubin: "He is my friend... I felt sad because I’ve known him for a long time. I was really worried when I saw the news. I was crying a little bit. It’s not an easy situation he was living. Thank God everything is fine and the police, they took care of it.”No doubt baseball and the world came together when Wilson Ramos went missing. So many ballplayers are from Venezuela and the kidnapping situation there is a big concern.

Montero hit .328 with four home runs and 12 RBI in 18 games this season. While it's a small sample, it's significant. Montero could in fact be what all of baseball is waiting for, a sensation out of the Yankees farm system that could be the next big thing. That being said, Montero and alot of these players have to really be careful in their native Venezuela. These kidnappers look for stars to emerge and get the big pay day. They will kidnap and ask for ransom for their safe return. Luckily in Ramos' case, the authorities pounced and found Ramos "alive and well."
Montero also had some things to say about Jorge Posada:

"It is really hard...He’s a guy who played in the big leagues with the Yankees for a long time. He (taught) me a lot of things for three years, like three spring trainings. And now in the big leagues I got the opportunity to play with him. It was awesome because I always asked him things and he was there to help me.”

I saw it that one day over the summer and pointed it out to all of you. that one moment in the Yankee dugout when Posada and Montero shared a moment. I knew right then that Posada saw potential in Montero and had a duty to mentor. Here's the picture...Bleeding Yankee Blue were the only ones who had it:
Read WHY THIS PHOTO OF POSADA & MONTERO SPEAKS VOLUMES.

Anyway, I love where this kid's head is at... he just speaks like a New York Yankee.

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WHY IT WAS A HAPPY ENDING FOR WILSON RAMOS

(Photo: STR/AFP/Getty Images)
This is a picture of Wilson Ramos, the Washington Nationals star kidnapped in Venezuela and found last night safe after a hectic several hours. He is hugging his mother. I needed to bring this photograph to you all at BYB because I saw how many people were constantly reading our updates on this poor guy.

The Washington Times had this important information of how they finally were able to get Wilson Ramos to safety. Read the full story HERE, but here is the excerpt:

"Wilson Ramos was lying in a bed in a house in Montalban, Carabobo, Friday night, trying to think, trying to sleep — trying not to wonder how much longer he might live or how his family was doing in the wake of his kidnapping.

That was when he heard the first gunshot.

Ramos jumped to the floor, he told The Washington Times on Saturday morning, roughly 10 hours after the Venezuelan police rescued him from the armed kidnappers who’d abducted him Wednesday evening from his home in Santa Ines.

He stayed on the floor, listening to the gunfire and praying, until the police came in and told him his 50-plus hour nightmare was finally over.

“They picked me up off the floor and they said, ‘Hey, Wilson, thank God, you’re safe. Let’s go home. Your family is waiting for you.’”

Damn, it's a made for TV movie. Look, we here at Bleeding Yankee Blue are a Yankee blog, but this kidnapping of Wilson Ramos was important and we needed to tell you about it. We are relieved it's over and we were happy to bring you the details as they happened. Luckily, this one had a very happy ended.

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BREAKING: WILSON RAMOS, ALIVE AND WELL

ABC News is reporting:

"Kidnapped Washington Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos has been found alive and well in Venezuela, ABC News has learned.

'They got him,' the Major League Baseball player's agent, Gustavo Mercano, confirmed to The Washington Post. 'He's safe.'

Ramos was with police this evening, has called his family and was on his way home, Mercano told the Post. He gained his freedom in the mountains of Montalban in the state of Carabobo in central Venezuela, the Post reported, citing Venezuelan communications minister Andres Izarra."

Read the rest of the report HERE.

Thank God.

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WHY IT'S A SAD DAY FOR MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

I am sure many of you have heard of the sad story coming out of Venezuela. Washington Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos was kidnapped in his home country by armed gunmen Wednesday evening. Bleeding Yankee Blue just wanted to keep you all posted on this tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Wilson Ramos and his family. Here are some links to the latest...

UPDATE 11/11/11:

STATE DEPARTMENT MONITORING CASE: NATIONALS ISSUE STATEMENT

MLB WORKING WITH VENEZUELAN AUTHORITIES TO FIND WILSON RAMOS

WILSON RAMOS KIDNAPPING: FAMILY & FRIENDS WAIT AND PRAY

ASSOCIATED PRESS VIDEO UPDATE 11/10/2011:



UPDATED 11/10/2011:

Venezuela vows all-out hunt for Nationals' Wilson Ramos

Former teammate Denard Span on Wilson Ramos

Nationals catcher Ramos kidnapped in Venezuela

Wilson Ramos kidnapped in Venezuela

Venezuela Searches for kidnapped baseball star Ramos

--Mikey Blue, BYB Senior Writer
Email: DonnieBaseball2323@gmail.com
Twitter: @MikeyBlu23


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