LET'S GO WITH FOUR & SEE WHAT THE SPRING BRINGS!

With the Yankees being bit by the injury bug only a few weeks before spring training, I have to wonder do the Yankees need to decide who slides into the fifth spot now? In case you are unaware, the Yankees stated late last week that their fifth starter, Frankie Montas will not be ready for the start of the 2023 season—leaving that slot wide open. I don't like the obvious choices of Clarke Schmidt and Domingo German to fill that void—sorry skipper aka Robert Casey. Not a fan of Schmidt and honestly he has been given dozens of chances last season alone and he has underperformed. And German, I have no desire to even see him in pinstripes any further. So my question is this: Can the Yankees go with four and see what the spring brings before naming their fifth starter?

Competition does a lot for a team. It brings out the best in people as they work to be their best selves. Personally, on Tuesday mornings right at sunrise, you can find me at a local track, running 200 repeats to increase my speed and endurance for an upcoming 10-miler this spring. Putting in the work, hard work, is humbling and reminds you what you are going for, what you want in your goals and aspirations. Spring Training does the same thing—giving players an opportunity to perform at their best, showing the coaches and scouts what they can do and pushing themselves to their threshold of power. All this to say, why not let the spring play out, bringing the best of today's youth to the mound, throwing for their spot in the rotation.

"Almost all of the time since the Yankees did last win the Series, they haven’t had enough pitching. They never had the starters to drag them across the finish line the way Justin Verlander and Framber Valdez did against the Phillies when the ’22 Series was two games apiece, and the way Lance McCullers Jr. and Charlie Morton did against the Yankees in that ’17 ALCS," reported Mike Lupica in his recent post on MLB.com. The Yankees have four great starters: Gerrit Cole, Nestor Cortes, Carlos Rodon and Luis Severino. When healthy, they can be lethal to the batters they face. Are they akin to the Yankee starters of 20 years ago? Andy Pettitte: 21-8, Mike Mussina: 17-8, Roger Clemens: 17-9 and David Wells: 15-7 were those starters and the answer to the question, why not?

Source: NY Post

"The best starting rotations are the ones when you have a deep talented staff, and every day, yesterday’s starter hands the ball off and the competitive spirit to his teammate and says, ‘Now top that.’ If you can get a collection of talented pitchers that have that type of capability and makeup, that’s when some magical things have a chance to happen," said Brian Cashman when he introduced the Yankees newest starter Carlos Rodon.

This brings me back to the point of competition. Healthy competition can put you and your team in the best position to reach your goals. So, let the pitchers compete for a spot. This spot could be permanent or temporary as Montas continues his rehab to full strength. We really have not seen a healthy Montas pitch and perhaps the almost 30-year-old needs to see a youngster in his slot to empower him to get better and take his spot back. The Yankees have one of the best farm systems in the majors. So, let's see them compete. And go with four and see what the spring brings.  

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

WITH MONTAS OUT, MAKE CLARKE SCHMIDT THE 5TH STARTER

You know, as I wrote in FRANKIE MONTAS & CARL PAVANO MUST BE FRIENDS, "Frankie Montas was a pitcher that the Yankee fan base wanted only because the media fueled our need for him. We never really needed Frankie Montas. And now that we have him, he's literally a 6th starter, the odd man out... the guy that we no longer need because, let's face it, he's not that good. "

This is true.  Now that he's hurt, we have a hole in the 5th rotation role.  I believe it should be up for grabs and whomever performs best in Spring Training should get it.  Like... what about a guy like Clarke Schmidt?

Great piece here on SB Nation and Andrés Chávez writes:

"Let’s start with some of his overall numbers. Schmidt was mostly a starter in his stint at Triple-A and left with a 3.27 ERA in 33 innings, alongside a brilliant 2.11 FIP and a rock-solid 9/46 BB/K ratio. In the majors he was mostly a reliever, starting just three of his 29 games. He was often used for multiple innings, though, and had a good 3.12 ERA (3.60 FIP) in 57.2 frames, with a 23/56 BB/K ratio."

Now you're asking me... "What about German?" Great question. My opinion is that the Yankees have cooled on him. If they didn't, they would have worked him out and showed him off in the post season last year. But they didn't.  That gives me an indication that they really don't love this guy, OR, they feel he's just not ready.  And that's why I think the idea of Schmidt makes better sense.

Look, it will all shake out in spring training.  For now though, give that SB Nation article a look. It's great and makes a good argument for Clarke.

ARBITRATION SHOWDOWN! IS GLEYBER TORRES WORTH WHAT HE'S ASKING FOR?

Tough break for Gleyber Torres, actually you could argue tough BREAKS for Torres. His future with the Yankees has been very unclear for a while now and now it just got more uncertain.

The Yankees and Torres failed to come to a salary agreement before Friday's deadline. Torres filed for $10.2 million for 2023 and the Yankees countered at $9.7 million. It's hard to imagine the Yankees blink at a difference of $500,000 but they did and now we all get to debate about if that was wise or a giant waste of time.

There's still time and both sides could come to an agreement before the end of the month, so maybe we won't even have to think about a future battle for $500k but if not - does Torres have a good case to get what he wants?

I said Torres has some tough breaks, and he does. The Yankees have some exciting infielders coming up that are making him less relevant on this team. He also hasn't helped his own cause. I don't think he has always exercised the best judgement and I'd say he hasn't given us everything he's got sometimes. That's a dangerous combination when younger and talented are coming up behind you.

So, when you aren't performing at your best and could be phased out that's a bad spot to be in. For the New York Yankees $500k is spare change, but in any business, you want to spend your money wisely. When you look at his time in pinstripes, he had a great first season but has underachieved since then. He didn't pan out at shortstop, and he's had some moments of greatness, but has he done enough to earn over $10 million next year?

I have to say in this case.... I understand why the Yankees would like to avoid paying him at his asking price. I just don't think he's earned that. I know some may not agree and I know it is a small amount of money for the Yankees to swallow.... but at the end of the day this is a business.

So honestly, pennies aside settle this thing before it goes to arbitration and get it done for $9.9 million and work towards trading him at some point this season. At the end of the day, he's an expensive piece on the roster that has reached his expiration date. No hard feelings.... but it's time.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj 

COULD THE RED SOX BE CALLING THE YANKEES FOR GLEYBER TORRES?

Source: AP

Earlier this week we learned that Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story had surgery to repair a ligament in his right elbow. This injury will likely sideline Story for most of the 2023 season. And with the Sox parting ways with longtime player Xander Bogaerts, the wide open middle infield position will be a focus for the Yankees' division rival Red Sox. Both Gleyber Torres and Isiah Kiner-Falefa could be a target for the Sox. And with Torres declining the Yankees qualifying offer to avoid arbitration Friday, he could be the one to go. Could the Red Sox call the Yankees for Torres? Let's dig into it. 

Source: NBC Sports

According to NESN, "The middle infield was an area of need before Story went down. Now, it’s a potentially crushing weakness, unless Boston dips into free agency and/or makes a trade. While the Red Sox probably would prefer to stay away from doing business with the Yankees, they simply can’t afford to leave any stones unturned. There just aren’t many impact options available in either market."

The Yankees themselves have a need for a corner outfielder, specifically a left fielder and of course who doesn't need pitching? What would the Red Sox be willing to give up for a guy like Torres?

On Friday, the Red Sox avoided arbitration on five of their essential players which include utility player Christian Arroyo and outfielder Alex Verdugo. Presumably neither would be trade bait which leaves the Yankees to pull from the Sox minor league system which is ridiculous given that the Yankees have depth of their own in their farm. The Sox will likely plug the hole with Arroyo or maybe shift Kiki Hernandez into that role. Hernandez is a guy I would love to get my hands on—that would give an amazingly stacked outfield if Harrison Bader or Hernandez would be willing to move to left field. 

Could the Red Sox call for Torres? Sure but I don't believe Brian Cashman will be answering unless they are willing to give up premier players. The Yankees certainly have the upper hand and have protected their second baseman over the years. This year may be different but I don't see Torres in a Red Sox uniform anytime soon—Kiner-Falefa might be a different story. As far as the Yankees and their left field hole? That might be a hole for a long time, at least into the beginning of the season. Will be interesting to see how the spring shapes up for the Yankees and who will rise as top dog for that position.

--Suzie Pinstripe

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @suzieprof

BREAKING: YANKEES SNAG INTERNATIONAL PROSPECT BRANDON MAYEA!

It's a big deal and just another potential addition to the Yankees outfield! The Yankees have signed Brandon Mayea.  

Yardbarker writes:

"...they landed themselves the No. 9 ranked international prospect in Brandon Mayea, per Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com.

Mayea signed a $4.4 million deal to join the Yankees’ ranks. Out of Cuba, the young outfielder has shown plenty of promise as a young prospect. Mayea will earn most of the Yankees’ bonus pool allocated toward international prospects... Mayea is an intriguing athlete. He’s a right-handed hitter that has plenty of pop to his bat at 17 years old. Standing at 5-foot-11 and 170 pounds, Mayea is considered a tremendous athlete that can pull the ball effectively. FanGraphs believes he has great contact and fundamentals throughout the process of his swing. The Yankees love hitters that punish baseballs, and Mayea is certainly capable of doing just that."

Check this out:

Is it too early to start the Brandon Mayea hype? (Video via his IG) pic.twitter.com/CcjD06qX8M

— Eli Fishman (@elijfishman) January 27, 2022

I'm really happy with this. We will see how things shake out!

FRANKIE MONTAS & CARL PAVANO MUST BE FRIENDS

Frankie Montas drives me nuts and he hasn't even been with the Yankees that long. It was kind of the same way I felt about Carl Pavano when he came to New York. 

Often injured and looked like he never was going to return to the Yankees rotation.  Jacoby Ellsbury was another one. I pulled my hair out. The guy would be healthy, but oh wait, he just pulled a hamstring.

Frankie Montas was a pitcher that the Yankee fan base wanted only because the media fueled our need for him. We never really needed Frankie Montas. And now that we have him, he's literally a 6th starter, the odd man out... the guy that we no longer need because, let's face it, he's not that good. 

Now comes word he's hurt. How convenient.

The New York Post writes:

"Frankie Montas’ first full season with the Yankees will start much in the same way his ended last year, with the right-hander dealing with shoulder inflammation.

Montas is expected to miss the first month of the 2023 regular season and is, according to sources, between eight and 10 weeks behind in his offseason training."

Whatever.  Maybe and up and comer with our team can slip into that 5th starter slot and we can be done with Frankie.  He does nothing for me.

NESTOR CORTES IS A TOTAL FAN FAVORITE

You gotta root for a guy like Nestor Cortes. 

The road has been long. But the best part about Nestor is that he's determined and hard working.  This is the type of guy that visualizes what he wants to accomplish and no matter how long it is, will work on it. This is the type of guy that grew up working hard, understanding sacrifice and understanding patience.  Nestor is a fan favorite because of it. It's the American way.

NJ.com writes: 

"Yankees left-hander Nestor Cortes avoided arbitration on Friday night by agreeing to a $2.3 million contract for 2023, according to several reports.

Cortes then delivered an emotional message on Twitter: “It’s a special day for my family and me. Specially my parents. Sacrificed so much for the “American dream”. Always put me ahead of their needs. For EVERYONE keep grinding and stay hungry. This is the start! No matter what comes next.”

Nestor is a class act, a leader. 

Cortes will also represent Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.  But get this, he's gonna make sure he doesn't ignore his Cuban roots.

SI.com writes:

"...the Yankees southpaw will pitch for Team USA in the 2023 installment.

Cortes called the invitation a “full-circle moment,” one that “honored and humbled” him. The 27-year-old went on to explain that while he hoped to play for Cuba in the past – he was born in Surgidero de Batabanó – he is grateful for Team USA’s consideration.

“In the past, I’ve expressed playing for Team Cuba one day, but when Team USA reached out to me towards the end of October I immediately said YES! I was born in Cuba and arrived in the United States very young as my parents were chasing the American dream they so strongly believed in and still stand by,” Cortes wrote. “Today I can say another dream of mine has come true as I will represent Team USA in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. I love my Cuban roots and the Cuban blood that runs through my veins, but the land of opportunity has once again put me in a position to be part of what I once saw only as a dream, and to some this dream is more than just baseball, but all I am is a baseball player, and I will represent this great country with honor and thankfulness as nothing less should be expected.”

The dude's incredible. I hope he dominates as a Yankee this year. He's so levelheaded, so positive!

WHY I HAVE A NEW FOUND RESPECT FOR TOMMY KAHNLE

We all bleed Yankee Blue here and so does Tommy Kahnle. We also love beating the Red Sox and the season hasn't even started yet but we already have one nice victory under our belt....and I love Kahnle more for it, too.

Free agency is a whirlwind for players and fans alike. We get to sit and talk about rumors while players are looking for contracts that give the most money, but also give the most years. It's all about the money AND the stability. Ask Carlos Correa about that - I loved watching him go from a 13 year deal all the way down to six. I actually laughed hysterically at him. He's nothing like Kahnle. It's karma.

In case you missed it, read more HERE because it might change the way you feel about Kahnle. I always liked the guy but now I like him more because he has real love for the game. It's about more than just the money, he has unfinished business with the Yankees. He wants another chance to win it all....in pinstripes.

"There were a couple of teams interested right away and one of them was the Yankees. I didn’t expect them to be interested in me again. To see them come out of the gate and be right in it — I had some good conversations with them. I know everyone missed me. I always loved being a Yankee. It just made sense to me to return. ... I was really close to going to Boston but in the end, I made the choice of the familiarity of knowing all of the coaches and knowing what role I would have going into this situation. ... It just felt right. One of my big goals in my career is to win a World Series and be a part of one. I left in a weird way and I want to come back and help this team and city get a World Series ring." 

How can you not have mad respect for him after reading that? He "left in a weird way" and wanted to come back and finish what he started. He could've signed with Boston for more money.... but he didn't. For once, it wasn't all about money. He said "no" to more so he could be a Yankee again. THAT gives me chills up my spine. THAT is something you just don't find often anymore, and it makes me a bigger fan.

Baseball may not be back yet - but Kahnle's attitude is already a walk-off homerun in my opinion. It reinvigorates my love for the game because it's a refreshing change. Now I'm more anxious to see him on the mound again.

Welcome home, Kahnle!

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj 

 

LAZY GARY SANCHEZ STILL LOOKING FOR A HOME

I was hopeful when Gary Sanchez came up with the Yankees, but the biggest thing I heard about Gary was that he was NOT what the scouts and Yankees were suggesting about him. He was not a phenom, not a superstar.

The biggest issue was his slowness behind the dish. Yes, he could hit for power, but the question was, when was he going to get a hold of one.

We saw it in New York. We all became frustrated. Sure, there are still some die-hard Gary fans that wish he never left, but for the most part, we needed him to go. Now look, the return wasn't stellar in guys like Josh Donaldson and IKF, but flipping Gary was important all the same.

Now comes word this guy still doesn't have a home.

Bleacher Report writes:

"The San Francisco Giants are showing interest in veteran free-agent catcher Gary Sanchez, according to MLB insider Héctor Gómez....

Sanchez is a solid power hitter, having hit 16 home runs and 24 doubles while driving in 61 runs during the 2022 campaign, though don't expect him to hit for average as he's strikeout-prone.

In 128 games, he slashed .205/.282/.377 and struck out a career-high 136 times, which was the most among MLB catchers.

Additionally, Sanchez's defense is questionable, and the Twins ended up replacing him with a better all-around catcher this winter by signing former Boston Red Sox and Houston Astros backstop Christian Vázquez."

I have no idea how this will pay out for Gary. After all, I don't hate the guy, I'd like him to be a success. The problem? He has to play like he cares, and the perception right now is that he's just going through the motions.  

DO WE NEED OMAR MINAYA?

I was never a fan of him when he was with the Mets. In fact, I think that Omar Minaya actually made the Mets worse when he was there.  Now, years later it looks like the Yankees are stock piling executives and adding Omar Minaya? I mean, is this necessary?

The New York Daily News writes:

"The Yankees continued their efforts to bulk up the front office Thursday bringing in Omar Minaya, the former Mets general manager to work as a senior advisor to baseball operations...

Cashman asked for permission to interview Minaya last March but at the time, the executive was working on various international projects with the league, including an international draft, and wanted to see some projects through. Now, he’s ready to join Cashman and bring his experiences to the Yankees.

“There’s a lot of connectivity, a lot of people and I’m a big believer that it’s about people,” Minaya said on a Zoom call with reporters Thursday afternoon. This game is about the human element.”

We shall soon see what this really adds to the Yankees team. I say nothing really. It makes no sense to me.

THE BEGINNING OF THE END FOR ESTEVAN FLORIAL

The Yankees have had a busy winter, but they still have one area they could upgrade, but will they?  We are all waiting and wondering if the Yankees will upgrade left field or if they will run with what they have.... for now.

The Yankees have options, but some may be more appealing to fans than others. Some also may be running out of time. I'd like that to be true for Aaron Hicks, and it still could be but.... I think Estevan Florial is quickly running out of time. It's the beginning of the end, but how close is the end?

That's the big question. Sometimes effort and progression don't always make a big league opportunity in the Bronx and it sucks.... but I think that is where we are at with Florial. He's hit well down in Triple-A but he hasn't torn it up either and there's this expensive guy names Aaron Hicks in the way. We can't forget about Harrison Bader and Oswaldo Cabrera also who were both impressive last season. Florial is a former top-100 prospect that has only had 63 big league appearances in the past three seasons and he is out of minor-league options so he can't be sent down without being exposed to waivers. 

The Yankees love his makeup, athleticism and potential the 25-year-old has but he has no clear path for a big-league roster spot. Right now, he would probably be fourth or fifth on their outfield depth chart. Ultimately, I think the Yankees will look to trade him before the season opener. His trade value may not be what it once was, but there are teams out there (especially teams that are rebuilding) that would give him an opportunity in the big leagues to see if they could tap into his potential. There is a team out there that will take a chance on him.

I have really enjoyed watching Florial's journey, but we have some new kids on the block stealing his thunder and a giant roadblock named Hicks in his way. There's no clear path for him in pinstripes so I think the Yankees have a tough decision to make. I think Florial's days are numbered, and I hope I am wrong.... but I don't think I am.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj 

THE ASKS FOR PIRATES OUTFIELDER BRYAN REYNOLDS ARE SIMPLY UNREALISTIC!

Source: CBS Sports

The Yankees signed Aaron Judge to a nine-year, $360 million contract that will keep the American League's Most Valuable in pinstripes for life. Judge earned that contract through his leadership on the field and in the clubhouse and of course for his Triple Crown numbers plus let's not forget the regular season AL home run record in 2022. Judge isn't a superhero, an Avenger of sorts, but rather a guy who simply put in the time and work and it paid off in a big way. Could the same be said for Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds? Not quite. In fact the asks from the Reynolds camp are simply unrealistic. No, I am not comparing Reynolds to Judge by any measure. What I am simply saying is this: you have to earn your reward by putting down the numbers and behaviors to demonstrate your worth. Reynolds just has not done that yet.

Source: AP

"While sources say the Pirates offered over $75 million for six years with no team options, Reynolds’ camp originally mentioned the $168 million, eight-year deal Matt Olson received as a comp (though their request was lower than that)," reported the New York Post on Friday. Although the Pirate outfielder hit a career-high 27 home runs in 2022 and in 493 career games has a .281 BA, .842 OPS and 127 OPS+, he's not worth $168 million nor would the Yankees be willing to give up the number of prospects the Pirates have inquired about in their talks.

As NJ.com reports, "The Yankees wouldn’t even consider trading (Oswald) Peraza straight-up for Reynolds. Peraza is their long-term solution at shortstop, where he’ll partner with second baseman Anthony Volpe. I do think a package of Everson Pereira and right-handers Will Warren and Clarke Schmidt is something the Yankees would at least consider, However, I’m not sure that would be enough for the Pirates."

The piece to consider here is the Pirates really don't want to trade their All Star outfielder. He is part of their three year rebuild plan. So any deal they make will need to have equal to better value than their current 27-year-old slugger. 

"The Yankees have a glaring need in left field and have remained an obvious fit for Reynolds, a switch-hitter with all-around ability and three years of team control remaining. He has been an in-demand trade target for several years now and Pittsburgh has maintained a high asking price throughout. At this point it feels like the Yankees (and other teams) are simply waiting until that asking price drops. New York's in-house left field options are Aaron Hicks and super utility man Oswaldo Cabrera," reports CBS Sports. 

Reynolds could be a good fit and provide complimentary offense to the Yankee lineup. He, Harrison Bader and Judge will also make for a superior outfield—with the left corner clearly an Achilles Heel for the Yankees currently. Is he worth the asking price? No. Could the Yankees find their guy in-house this spring and wait until the trade deadline for a guy like Reynolds? Maybe, if he is still there. Other teams like the Texas Rangers, Cleveland Guardians, and Los Angeles Dodgers are interested in closing the gap in their outfield as well. 

It will be interesting to see what happens here with Reynolds and available free agents as we move one week closer to Spring Training 2023. 

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