ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS ANOTHER STARTING PITCHER

Source: Elite Sports

So, I was settling in on the idea of the five-man rotation of Luis Severino, Masahiro Tanaka, J.A. Happ, James Paxton, and CC Sabathia and then CC had heart surgery and I became unsettled.  Truth be told, I was never really sold on Sabathia being the fifth starter because of his endurance issues and re-occurring knee injuries, but now I am really out on it.  So, Santa Cashman, I am making a last minute request, "Can you please sign another starter for Christmas?" 

Source: Sporting News

According to the New York Post, "There are plenty of lefty starters still available in free agency: Dallas Keuchel, Gio Gonzalez, Derek Holland, Francisco Liriano, Brett Anderson, Wade Miley, Martin Perez, Jaime Garcia, Drew Pomeranz and Japanese star Yusei Kikuchi, plus Clayton Richards was designated for assignment last week by the Padres, and lefties such as Texas’ Mike Minor and perhaps Arizona’s Robbie Ray could be had in trades." 

Source: New York Post

Cleveland Indian Corey Kluber is being heavily pursued by the Dodgers whose blockbuster trade on Friday left them with a lot of salary to sweeten the pot for a stud like Kluber.  Honestly, I want in on him.  I know we are expected to get Jordan Montgomery back sometime in the early part of the season, if all goes well with his rehab from Tommy John surgery, but the Yankees need insurance and actually, they need another big guy on the hill.  I would say Keuchel, Pomeranz or Kluber would satisfy my Christmas list.  Santa, please?

Source: Twitter

According to LA Dodger sports writer Howard Cole, "The Dodgers are getting some difference-making players this offseason. Corey Kluber is almost certainly on the team’s wish list (and at the top of mine). A real catcher (and perhaps J.T. Realmuto) is coming as well."  So, I have some competition for Kluber, not to mention I am thinking the Indians want to keep him, presumably and contend again.

Source: NY Post

If the Yankees want to truly contend, they need more than a robust infield and bats.  They need a lock-solid starting rotation and that means, another stud on the hill.  All I want for Christmas is another starting pitcher.  I can be patient...I can wait until January.

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

MACHADO FAVORS THE YANKS. DO THE YANKS FAVOR HIM?

Manny Machado loves and wants to be a New York Yankee. We know that already and we've known it since he was in Baltimore. The question is... will the Yankees pull the trigger on him?

I have a feeling they will.  I think the money is there, but I think part of that meeting was two fold. I think they wanted to go face to face with him and say "Hey, you better hustle your ass off if you're in New York. Those 'Johnny Hustle' comments were stupid."

The other part of it is, "We're not paying you $300 million for 10 years. We're done with that. Let's negotiate another number and we'll get this done." 

And then, it will be done.

There's no question guys like Carlos Beltran and Alex Rodriguez are in Cashman's ear.  They are letting him know just how important this deal is.  And Cashman knows this... but I think he's trying his best to be a smart, disciplined GM and not salivate over the fact that this is reality.

In the end, the deal will be made in my opinion. But we won't know a thing until after the New Year, or that is at least what's being reported. Jon Heyman writes this...

Manny Machado has conveyed to the three known interested teams — White Sox, Yankees and Phillies — that his decision will come after the new year.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 21, 2018

Truth be told, Heyman doesn't know much, but he may be right about that.  That makes me believe that a verbal agreement is in place between the Yanks and Manny and they are just sitting back and chilling knowing the marriage will happen no matter what after New Years.

If I'm wrong, I'm wrong. I hate speculation anyway.

I do know this... the Phillies are right there and could make a huge offer too. I just feel like Manny wants to and longs for being in the Bronx.  And that's that.

DON'T LET KLUBER GET AWAY!

I love Corey Kluber. Hell, I love Dallas Keuchel. I'd love both of them in pinstripes before Manny Machado, but as I've explained to the many fans that try and rip me or ask me complicated questions about contracts and "who to trade"... I'm a fan... I root for the uniform. In the end, I don't control the money and I don't have inside knowledge of what the Yankees are doing and aren't doing. By the way, neither do you.

I root for the team whomever is on it.  That's been going on since the 70's for me. It has been going on since Bobby Meacham, folks.  I didn't like the guy... but you know what? He was a Yankee... and it was what it was.

Now comes a report that the Dodgers, who just made a blockbuster trade shipping Yasiel Puig to the Reds, could now be eyeing Kluber.

Next order of business for the #Dodgers is Corey Kluber.
Per Source: #Dodgers and #Indians are once again discussing a trade centered around Corey Kluber. One rival executive told me: “I’d be blown away if Dodgers don’t get Kluber.”

— Michael J. Duarte (@michaeljduarte) December 21, 2018

Is anyone out there gonna call out the Dodgers for being worse than the Yankees in recent years when it comes to signing big time free agents and making major trades for top players and still not being champions? I think the Dodgers are worse than the Yankees, especially now. And the craziest part as my kid says... THEY DON'T WIN.

Sure count making it to the World Series all you want, but they don't win the whole damn thing, and isn't that the idea? They always fall short.  They're kind of foolish.  But I guess when you have money hanging out your butt, you just pay for whatever.

Bottom line, I don't want the Yanks to lose Kluber to the Dodgers. I know we may need to trade away Miguel Andujar to do it, but I say do it, we need a hot, solid pitcher.

I know, I know, the Yankees have pivoting and are going after relief and maybe Machado. I get that.  But damn... if you have the possibility of snatching up Kluber or even Keuchel… I say you find a way to do it.

We shall see.


 

YANKEES SCOUTING TULOWITZKI

Many of you hate the idea of Troy Tulowitzki in pinstripes.  The point my son was making to me over a week ago was that the Yankees have this idea in the back of their head to go cheap, still have some stability and veteran status in the shortstop spot, and then when Didi comes back, we figure it out.  With Manny Machado in the mix, he says... you have a log jam of a hefty contract for a lot of years, and then confusion when Didi returns, and concern about flipping Miguel Andujar, a beloved Yankee to many of us fans. And you know what? It makes perfect sense.  My son will be an agent or GM if he's not a ballplayer... you mark my words.

Tim Brown wrote this about the Yankees scouting Tulowitzki…

"By late Tuesday morning, a half-dozen or so teams had told or hinted to Troy Tulowitzki that he could be their next shortstop or third baseman or second baseman, the non-binding smiles and shoulder claps representing about half of those who showed up to watch the former All-Star and sudden free agent at Blair Field near Long Beach State. He has not played since July 2017, that due to injuries, the list of those long, the most recent being bone spurs in both heels. 

The Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Angels, San Francisco Giants, Chicago White Sox, Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, Detroit Tigers, Pittsburgh Pirates and others came for a look at Tulo. General manager types Billy Eppler (Angels) and Farhan Zaidi (Giants) attended, as did Giants manager Bruce Bochy, who hitched a ride from San Diego with Tigers special assistant Alan Trammell. 

'I think I needed to get myself right, mentally and physically,' Tulowitzki said. 'I took a year off to get myself right. I’m looking forward to playing the game I love.'”

Look, there's no way of knowing for sure if the Yankees will go for a signing of Troy, but I can tell you that it's definitely a possibility at this point.

As the aftermath of the Yanks-Machado meeting are revealed... a lot will be discussed over the next few days.  I really wonder how this will unfold. I love this time of year.

MANNY MACHADO MANIA!

Yesterday was Wednesday. Normally not a big deal right? Well, when the Yankees have a meeting scheduled with one of the biggest names in baseball Wednesday isn't just Wednesday.....it's all hell breaks loose day! It's also rumors go flying day! Take a deep breath though....

Yes, Manny Machado met with the Yankees yesterday. After much anticipation and crazy social media debates it has finally come and gone. Next up Machado gets to visit the Phillies. If you were waiting for any tidbits on potential offers well, I hate to burst your bubble (or maybe I don't). This is only just the beginning.

All day yesterday was filled with nothing but Machado rumors. If there is any truth to the visit it was fast, read that HERE. Now if that is true and the meeting was only 90 minutes long....big deal. As far as I am concerned, it means nothing. Nada. Zilch. Yesterday's news. Some people think it is a big deal though.

I could be wrong, but I don't think the length of the meeting matters. It could've been three hours and I wouldn't feel any clearer about the probability of Machado in a Yankee uniform. At the end of the day, this is a long drawn out love affair between the Yankees and Machado whether fans like it or not.

The Yankees are interested in Machado: FACT

Manny Machado has interest in being a Yankee: FACT

Both sides have a mutual interest so the duration of the meeting doesn't mean anything. A longer meeting doesn't mean more interest. Both sides know what they want and are feeling each other out to see if a match can be made. Machado and the Yankees have been talking for a long time already, this is just another part of the process. That's all it is.

This is different then the meeting with Patrick Corbin. Sure, Corbin wanted to be a Yankee too, the same fascination was there. The difference here is Corbin was coming off of one really good year, who wasn't expecting the same contract as Machado and isn't a premier pitcher. Machado is one of the biggest names in the game who also has shown all of baseball some character flaws. 

So now we sit and wait to find out what happens next, but I think the short meeting has some people in a panic. We've been writing about Machado constantly for months now. You may like him and want him on the team and you may not but there has been a lot of talk about backup plans to Machado in the last week especially. The first name to be pitched was Freddy Galvis HERE who is obviously not nearly as exciting.

But now Marwin Gonzalez is an alternative candidate. Some people really like him, he certainly was a difference maker for the Houston Astros last season. I guess no matter how I feel about Machado it is hard to really call anyone a possible alternative. There's just no one else with his skill set....

But is Gonzalez really a name to consider? Is he better than Galvis?

I don't know that I can call him "better" than Galvis but I would not argue that he is a worse player. He may be slightly overrated though. He is versatile so he has a great deal of value for a league-average bat and good defense. He has some pop to offer, but really his best year was 2017 when he won the World Series. It would be nice to have a guy that can play every infield position and even left field to platoon with Brett Gardner when needed, but his versatility is the best part of his skills.

It never hurts to explore options, but if the Yankees can't sign Machado and Gonzalez is the best alternative I think his future with us would be at second base, not shortstop. Out of all four infield positions that he can play, he's had the least amount of time at shortstop and he's progressively getting worse defensively. Using Gonzalez at shortstop makes that side of the infield even weaker. If this is the route the Yankees chose I would hope they would move Gleyber Torres to shortstop and put Gonzalez at second.

I'm ready to finally get this Machado soap opera over with. Is Machado the answer to the Yankees problems? Some fans say yes. If Machado doesn't sign is there another good solution? There's a solution out there but you can't compare that to Machado. It just doesn't work. That is the only thing I am convinced of at this point.

Oh, one other thing that I am convinced of.....no matter what there is no "right" answer for the Manny Machado dilemma. It causes too many Twitter wars! Wake me up when it's all over.

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

CARLOS BELTRAN COULD HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY ABOUT MACHADO

Source: New York Post

Today, Manny Machado will step into the General Manager of the New York Yankees' office and Carlos Beltran will be there in tandem with Brian Cashman.  Beltran who played for the Yankees for two years from 2014-2016, has accepted a job as special advisor to Cashman.  He will most certainly help vet the All Star shortstop who has to sell himself to the greatest franchise in baseball history.

Source: New York Post

"Machado will need to explain his comments about not hustling, especially since at the owners’ meetings last month, Steinbrenner said, “That ain’t gonna sell where we play baseball,” reported the NY Post.  It is unclear if Steinbrenner will be there today when Machado crosses the door frame into the Yankees' front office as he is busy planning his mother, Joan Steinbrenner's funeral.  But Beltran will be there and ready to ask some questions of Machado.

Source: NJ.com

"That is pure coincidence," Beltran said of the timing of his new role and the Machado negotiations. "I have been discussing this with Cashman for some time now, and on Monday I made the decision to accept it. My job will have nothing to do with Machado´s situation. But I did tell Cashman that I am available to help in whatever is needed and also with the recruitment of Machado if that is necessary," reported ESPN.  Another important nugget here is that Beltran and Machado share something in common; they have the same agent, Dan Lozano.

Source: The New York Post

Beltran is ready to step up and support the General Manager and the team anyway he can.  He is happy to be back in New York.  "It is a job I had considered and taking it with the Yankees made all the sense in the world," Beltran told ESPN. "They are a storied franchise and I know them well because I played there. Also, I will be in New York, where I have a home. This is the first step toward a new career, now in the office and I am very happy about it. Right now I am not setting huge goals nor am I thinking over the long term. I am just taking one step at a time."

Source: Twitter

What will Beltran, an even-keeled, hard-working player, ask Machado?  Not sure, exactly but I hope if he is given the opportunity to speak up, he asks him about his leadership skills, his regiment before and after the game and his hunger for winning.  Following tomorrow's face to face, Machado heads down the NJ Turnpike to Philadelphia.  He is expected to talk to other teams as well and after that, we will just have to wait and see what's next for the Machado Chronicles!

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

YANKS SIGN REX BROTHERS

No, it's not the Rex Brothers, it's Rex Brothers.  It's a dude. One dude, not 2 guys that happen to be Brothers with the last name Rex. For example... Simon and Fred Rex were not signed by the Yankees. Instead, a lefty pitching dude from the Colorado Rockies... Rex Brothers, has signed with the Yanks.

NorthJersey.com writes:

"... the Yankees signed Rex Brothers to a minor-league contract. This comes after New York made the J.A. Happ signing official and waived Parker Bridwell to make room for the veteran lefty.

Brothers, 30, has made over 300 relief appearances during his career with the Rockies and the Braves, where he spent the last two seasons."

And that's it, folks. Good stuff.

P.S. If Simon and Fred Rex were signed... this is who I picture.

Enjoy your night.

WE WERE RIGHT ABOUT TULOWITZKI...

So the other day BYB wrote a piece called YOU GOT ALL WORKED UP FOR NOTHING. In it, I planted a nugget. Something to get the readers riled up about and something to get the folks on social media talking.

I received some emails, but nothing really substantial.  I was surprised, because for years the topic of Troy Tulowitzki to the Yankees usually draws a lot of disgust or praise.  But this time, it seemed to be swept under the rug. No biggie. I simply wrote this:

"... will the Yankees get Tulowitzki? Makes better sense believe it or not. That's usually how the Yankees operate. Plus, with Didi coming back, it makes better financial sense. The downside? Troy gets hurt like...all the time... so I'm not sure it's smart. But there is no question that the Yankees are thinking about it. "

But then... Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe wrote something interesting. And damn... it's so similar...

"...Nobody knows if Tulowitzki can resume his career after two heel surgeries. As one AL executive said, “We’d have to see him work out. I haven’t heard of any plans like that so far but for teams to feel comfortable that he can play any infield position, we’d have to see how he moves.” With Didi Gregorius out, the Yankees will monitor the Tulowitzki situation...."

Here's the thing, it makes sense, especially if he's temporary and his able to move.

Manny is just so much more expensive, and I don't wanna give up Miguel Andujar somewhere down the road. I love that kid.

Stay tuned on this one...

REMEMBER PARKER BRIDWELL? ME NEITHER

Photo: AP

That headline's not a slight at Parker Bridwell. It's baseball... and it's business. Don't get crazy.

With the signing of JA Happ, 2 years, $34 million, someone had to be waived... and so, it was Parker Bridwell.

NorthJersey.com writes:

"The Yankees made the J.A. Happ signing official on Monday, which meant someone had to go on the 40-man roster to make room. That player was pitcher Parker Bridwell, who was waived by the Yankees."

OK then. We will keep an eye out for what happens next.

A POSSIBLE MACHADO ALTERNATIVE HAS EMERGED

In case you missed it, Manny Machado is on his way to the Bronx for his interview on Wednesday, read more HERE. Yeah, I am calling it an interview. He's got a lot of explaining to do with  his "Johnny Hustle" comment and he's going to have to convince the Yankees that he isn't the dirty player some perceive him to be.

I'm glad the Yankees aren't blindsided by their intrigue with Machado. He's a shiny new toy many teams would like to have, but they have to have more than just a "Plan A" on board. The Yankees shouldn't be caught with their pants down if Machado doesn't sign with us. I'm glad there is talk of a "Plan B" even if it isn't as flashy and that plan could be Freddy Galvis, maybe.

According to the New York Post HERE, the Yankees could make a run for Galvis but they aren't the only interested suitors. He has a lot of attributes that the Yankees could benefit from while they wait for Didi Gregorius to return sometime between June and August. He is versatile, he can play second, shortstop or third base but the Yankees are likely drawn to his 655 games played at shortstop. He's a good defensive infielder and he's also a switch hitter with some pop in his bat. He's got some nice positives there....but there is one area of concern to consider...

Galvis doesn't fit the Yankees ideal mold for a hitter with his career on base percentage of .290. No player is perfect, right? But is that enough of a concern that the Yankees decide to look at other "Plan B" alternatives? Maybe not. There are other candidates out there, namely Alcides Escobar and Adeiny Hechavarria but they finish first and second respectively for worst OPS amongst active players.

Adding Galvis to play shortstop until Didi comes back would strengthen the infield. This should continue to be an important element for the Yankees until Didi returns, especially with the defensive concerns they have with Miguel Andujar at third base. Considering the alternatives to Machado, Galvis may be the best option.

Some of Yankeeland is "all-in" for Machado and let's face it....no other free agent comes close to his appeal. Whether you are in on Machado or Galvis or neither, the Yankees should continue to be smart and look at this from all possible angles. I guess we will know more about any Machado plans or "Plan B's" after Wednesday.

Stay tuned.

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

MACHADO WILL HEAD UP THE TURNPIKE TO THE BRONX

Source: MLB Trade Rumors

The Manny Machado tour has begun as the All Star infielder interviews in Philadelphia next week.  According to The New York Daily News, "The superstar shortstop is scheduled to meet with the Phillies in the City of Brotherly Love this coming week, MLB.com reports, so it would only make sense for the 26-year-old to hop on the busy road and make his way to the Stadium afterward."

Brian Cashman has stated that he continues to have interest in Machado and will not hold his unprofessional performance against him should he interview with the Yankee general manager.  "I’m sure it wasn’t his best moment, but that doesn’t mean that’s the moment that should define him either,” general manager Brian Cashman told YES Network earlier this week as reported by The New York Daily News.

Source: Yahoo Sports

Yankee manager, Aaron Boone, has also weighed in on Machado, respecting him for his talent and minimizing the so-called hype with regards to his lack of hustle.  “There is an expectation that we have and hopefully as a professional that there is a certain way you go about things, and running balls out can certainly play into that,” Boone said. “Frankly, it is a little bit down the list as far as what I define what makes a player. My definition of a player who plays hard, who plays through adversity and is tough and brings things behind the scenes and has the ability to post when it is not easy. Those are things that define playing hard a little more to me," reported the News.

Source: Yahoo Sports

So we know a few things about the potential interview with Machado.  He will meet with the Philadelphia Phillies this week.  It would make logistical sense for him to head up the NJ Turnpike to the Bronx shortly after and then hop a plan to Chicago, where the White Sox have some interest in him and a chip to play as they just traded for his brother-in-law Yonder Alonso.  Where will Machado play in 2019?  It's anyone's guess right now.  I am hoping somewhere other than the Yankees.  It's more than just hustle, it's attitude, and we don't need his kind of attitude in New York.  Been there done that over and over again.  Have a nice trip to Bronx, Manny but don't let the door hit you on the way out.

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof