ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER CUBAN THE YANKEES MIGHT LIKE

I'm tired of the Cuban guys that the Yankees have private showcases with, only to pass them up because they "weren't the right fit" or they "really weren't that interested" in the first place.  I'm at the point where I'm willing to wait to be sure the Yankees sign a Cuban guy. 

That being said, we need to report this stuff because it's important to the baseball world and to the New York Yankees. After all, it's the off season. Yankee fans like to see action.  So, let's bring you what we know, shall we?

Yoan Moncada is a stud.  MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez says:

" Moncada has established residence in Guatemala and will hold a showcase for interested teams on November 12. Moncada is waiting to be unblocked by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) before he can sign with a major league team.

Moncada is 19 and is a switch hitter, drawing praise from scouts as “the next Jorge Soler“. Naturally, he has also drawn comparisons to Yasiel Puig, Rusney Castillo, and Yasmany Tomas."

You remember the other guys right? All those guys are guys the Yanks were possibly "in" on, only to be "out" for a variety of reasons.  Not sure why the Yankees won't pull the trigger on certain Cuban players. I guess it's whatever fits their needs at the time and the timing is off. Well, I will tell you this though, Moncada is appealing to me. Moncada can play shortstop, and last time I checked, we need one.

Kiley McDaniel of Fangraphs says this of Moncada:

"Moncada is 19 and packs a lot of tools into his 6’1/210 frame. He’s a plus-plus runner with above average raw power from both sides of the plate and the tools/skills to stick in the infield, possibly at shortstop. Moncada is the quick-twitch type with big bat speed that clubs covet and his track record of hitting at big tournaments and in Cuba’s professional leagues is excellent considering his age."

The Yankees will no doubt be at the November 19th showcase.  We'll report more on Moncada then... don't get crazy... you know the Yankees track record with the Cuban players. They are slow...or is it considered overly cautious. You tell me...

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DAVID WELLS ON CENTERSTAGE TONIGHT!

It's good to have a relationship with the YES Network...

We just got word that David Wells will be on Michael Kay's Centerstage tonight!

The best part that I noticed was more info on that world famous perfect game that Boomer pitched on May 17, 1998.  Was Boomer blasted or hungover that day? We've heard the rumors. We've heard David say he was, then he said he wasn't.  Then he said he was hungover.  What was it?

Well... check out this sneak peak:

"I went to dinner with my son the night before the perfect game, and then went to the Saturday Night Live show. Marcy Klein (SNL producer), just started antagonizing me. She was egging me on, saying, “Hey, you know, why don’t you come to the after-party, they're fun.” I’m like, “Well, I gotta pitch tomorrow.” She goes, “Well, Dennis Rodman came to a party, (and afterwards) he had his best game ever.” Before you know it, one, two (o’clock in the morning), and then (SNL cast members) Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers, the boys come over, and it just turned into one of them nights. 

I came in (got home) about 5:30 (Sunday morning). It was… I don't know, about 10:30 (a.m.) when I woke up.  And I avoided everybody (upon arriving at Yankee Stadium). I went in the massage room. I felt ill. When I was warming up, I was throwing curve balls, and they were, like, 49 feet. So I got mad, and I threw two balls out of the stadium. And Mel Stottlemyre (then the Yankees pitching coach) would just go, “Boomer, you're alright.” I turned around, I said, “Don’t patronize me,” I said, “It’s not alright.  I’m struggling right now.” (As he is walking in) I’m in front of Mel, and then I hear Joe (Torre, then Yankees manager) say, “How’d he throw?”, and he (Stottlemyre) goes, “He did good.”  I turn around, and I start yelling at Mel. I went to my locker, just regained my composure, walked out, and that (the perfect game) happened."

I love this stuff.  It's nuggets like this that I love reading about! Great job from Michael Kay for getting the real story out of Boomer! 

Anyway, be sure to check out Centerstage tonight, November 3rd at 10:30pm eastern time.  It's immediately following the Nets - Oklahoma City post game show. 

Special thanks to YES Network for getting this to us here at Bleeding Yankee Blue!

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QUALIFYING OFFER TO DROB HAPPENS TODAY

The Yankees will make a qualifying offer to David Robertson for the amount of 1 year, $15.3 million.  We knew this was coming.

David Robertson will probably decline that offer.  That's me speculating... and there is nothing unusual with me saying that.  That's because it's business.

According to the New York Daily News:

"...those receiving the offer having one week to accept or decline. The Yankees will extend a qualifying offer to David Robertson, though it’s unlikely the closer will accept it. A league source said no less than six teams are interested in the righthander, who is the premier closer available and thus should command a multiyear deal.

Players who decline the qualifying offer are allowed to continue negotiating with their former team, while the team will receive draft pick compensation if the player signs elsewhere."

Here's the reality ladies and gentlemen, and we've seen this for years. While David Robertson loves being a New York Yankee, he has never had that opportunity to hit the free agent market and who are we to tell him not too.  You do what's right for yourself and your family in a situation like that.  Fan favorites Nick Swisher and Robinson Cano have done it in recent memory... again, it's not a bad thing, it's just business. I reminded you all of this in THE YANKEES MIGHT BE WILLING TO PART WITH DROB. DRob needs to think about his future... and so do the Yankees.

I want David to stay.  I'm sure many of you want him too as well.  But we just need to see how it breaks down and we'll try to keep you informed best we can.  

Stay Tuned...

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JUST HANGIN' WITH JUDGE & BIRD

 If I walk into a bar with these dude's behind me... I doubt you're messing with me...

Once again, I had the honor of Robert Casey asking me to do a write up on my experience at the Arizona Fall League. This time though, it's not so much about the league and instead about a meeting.  It's about two Yankees having a terrific Fall... Aaron Judge and Greg Bird.  This picture above was taken of me and our boys. 

Throughout the past month, I have been to quite a few games in Arizona. As a result, I've had the chance to talk to the kids trying to make it to the Bigs. They know who I am which is cool, and usually I can walk up, shake hands and talk a bit. 

On November 1st, I attended the Annual Fall Stars game. The Yankees had Aaron Judge and Greg Bird representing. I was looking around the field for them & I saw them down the left field line. They were signing autographs for a bunch of people.  I walked down to wish them luck. As I was standing there, to my surprise, Greg came up to me shook my hand and asked how I was doing. Aaron was right next to him and he did the same. Just really nice guys!  I asked if I could get a picture with Greg. Greg grabbed Aaron and I got some random guy in the crowd to take the shot. That's what you see above.

Look, this may not seem like much of a post, but this is the future!  The Yankees need a youth movement. The fans have been screaming about it for a few years now.  These guys are coming... I really hope so, at least.  These are 2 big boys playing excellent baseball. Trust me when I tell you... the Yankees are noticing!  By the way, when I say big boys, I'm not kidding. Aaron Judge is 6'7", 230. Greg Bird checks in at 6'3" 215. 

Let me tell you, the future looks bright for these two kids and the New York Yankees.

Read my other post on BYB as a guest writer: 

BASEBALL IS MY LIFE: THE ARIZONA FALL LEAGUE

--Mike Kirk, BYB reader & Guest writer for Bleeding Yankee Blue





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AROD TROUBLES MAY CONTINUE... BUT THAT'S OLD NEWS

Last week, The Daily News posted an article about Alex Rodriguez, and his possible post suspension troubles. Basically they were bringing attention to the DEA case against Anthony Bosch, Yuri Sucart, and others in connection with Biogenesis. Back in August, a number of people were arrested for distribution of performance enhancing drugs to athletes, including a number of high school students. Including Bosch, and Sucart, there have been seven indictments in this case, with the possibility that more are to come.

They theorize that if Sucart were to blow the whistle on his cousin, ARod may face the same fate as him and Bosch. Sucart pleaded not guilty to the allegations, while Bosch pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing. IF Sucart were to turn ARod in, then the Yankees would be able to get out of his contract. However, the DEA is looking for the suppliers, targeting those responsible for the distribution of PED's. "Whether or not Rodriguez will be charged in the federal Biogenesis case remains unclear. Prosecutors in the case have so far targeted suppliers and distributors, not users," said the daily news. According to Sucart's lawyer, Edward O'Donnell, ARod is not being targeted by the government. Which makes sense. This is a DEA case. They want to shut down the suppliers. Like I said in  "BIOGENESIS: ONE YEAR LATER  & STILL NO END."

Back in August, when Bosch was first arrested, I wrote, "The DEA probably doesn't care as much about  the user as they do the supplier. It's like a Hydra. You can't just cut off the heads, because new ones will grow in it's place. You must burn the source of the regrowth. In other words, why go after Jesse, when you can take down Heisenberg?" 

Of course there is some fear that other MLB players will be named. Remember, there is this mysterious list of names. But what exactly would outing the users do for a government case? I said it then, and I'll say it again, outing these athletes does nothing to further the investigation in favor of the DEA. They couldn't possibly careless how many games ARod was suspended for. At the end of the day, he's not even Jesse Pinkman. He's Badger. He's just one small step up from the bottom of the totem pole.

All of my "Breaking Bad" references aside, BYB has been covering this story for over a year now. We've been good about providing you the information when it comes out, in a way that is informative, and non-bias. 

I won't discredit another writer or publication, but we've known this for a while. Yes, it is possible for ARod to face further legal troubles, but it is very unlikely, and so is the idea that the Yankees will get out of paying him what is left on the contract. Considering the fact that everyone from Hal Steinbrenner to Joe Girardi have said several times that he is expected back, the very idea that they want to get out of the contract seems highly unlikely.

We'll continue to keep you up-to-date with this Biogenesis ordeal.

--Erica Morales BYB Senior Writer 
Twitter: @e_morales1804

 


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GIVE ME HEAD...

LEY.  Chase Headley.  I want him on the Yankees next season.  Seriously.

Don't mind that girl GIF. I was trying to be funny with the headline and Headley's name.  It was probably an epic fail. There's only so much you can do sometimes on a blog to try and make a joke.  Oh well... life goes on... don't hate me.

Back to the post at hand.  I know that Chase Headley likes the Yankees.  I also know the Yankees like Chase Headley.  Here's the thing... and George King III of the New York Post put it together brilliantly... we have a situation, and that situation is ARod AND whether or not the Yankees are ready to spent huge dollars on Pablo Sandoval.  It's a big situation, and let's be honest... Chase Headley doesn't need to wait around.

According to King:

"...there are questions to be answered on each side of the situation.

Where Hal Steinbrenner will set general manager Brian Cashman’s budget is high on the list, but a bigger factor could be what fellow free agent and postseason stud Pablo Sandoval gets from the Giants or somebody else.

Then there is the question of Alex Rodriguez. Headley would be foolish to commit to the Yankees without knowing what the team’s plans are for Rodriguez. And the club might not know until after full spring training.

Though the Yankees don’t appear to be in on Sandoval — whose strong postseason probably put the 28-year-old, switch-hitter in the five-year, $90 million neighborhood — it is hard to ignore what the Giants third baseman has done in the postseason, in which the Yankees haven’t participated the past two years."

Now the reason why I like Headley are a few reasons.  He's cheaper than a Sandoval and I love his defense. I also love the energy he brought when he was with the Yanks for that short time this season. It was electric.  He comes up in the clutch.  What did he have, like 3 walk-offs in the Bronx? Plus, you need to assume that 40 year old ARod can't play 3rd base every day anymore, even though reports are he's been working out like a monster all season That being said, assume Alex can't play 3rd alot.  That's where Headley comes in. 

No doubt he'll play 3rd more than ARod, with Alex most likely DHing a lot. Remember we need Alex's bat more than his fielding. Headley can handle that.  Then, on that occasion ARod does play, put Headley in as Designated Hitter.  All I'm saying is Headley shouldn't be shy about wanting to come back to New York.  Many of us welcome him.  The Yanks shouldn't be shy about wanting him back either.

We will definitely need to see how this plays out.  I do NOT see the Yankees signing Sandoval. Then again... they don't want the Red Sox signing him either.  We'll just have to see.

As far as my "Head" joke... that's all it was. A joke. 

Was it funny? Yes? No? OK... whatever man...

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WHO'S STAYING & WHO'S GOING

The World Series is over.  My last image of the series is how Madison Bumgarner held his team together to beat the red hot Royals who had a Cinderella post season.

The Royals are a team filled with youth and heart and I think they will be a team to contend with next year.  Enough of this... let's get to the really important stuff.  As my mind now shifts to other things, the biggest question for me and perhaps you is who is staying with the Yankees for the 2015 season and who is on his way out?  

I have my eye on Dellin Betances as our new closer.  He has big shoes to fill but I think he's the guy to fill them.  So the biggest question for me is, will David Robertson accept an offer from the Yankees to stay?  I think the Yankees will offer him something, but will he take it?  I'm not sure.  He may want to test the waters of free agency.  Robertson did pick up 39 saves in 44 attempts and could prove valuable to any team.  Not sure he will accept the Yankee offer, but according to NJ.com, "The Yankees will almost definitely extend Robertson the $15.3 million qualifying offer. He'll take it because that's more than he'll get in a single year elsewhere and because rejecting it will hurt his market value. (John Munson/The Star-Ledger)"  I guess we will wait and see what happens.  My prediction is he goes. 

I am so upset and afraid to say this but I think Chase Headley is on his way out.  I can't blame him. With ARod coming back, unfortunately, he is too good to sit the bench behind Rodriguez.  He wants to play third base everyday.  And he should.  I would like him to be at third as I have been really impressed with his skill set and drive.  The Yankees will offer, but I am not sure he will bite unless he's going to play everyday instead of back up to ARod.  

I also think we will lose Ichiro Suzuki because we under use him.  He still has a lot to give but we don't give him the chance.  According to NJ.com, "Ichiro believes he's capable of filling a bigger role than the Yankees gave him in 2014. The Yankees? Not so much."  I for one will be sorry to see him go.  He has grit and we are sorely missing that on the team currently.  

As far as starting pitching, Hiroki Kuroda has pitched his last baseball in the major leagues.  I think he will retire, leaving a void in our rotation.  Will the Yankees fish for one of the big three free agents in Max Scherzer, James Shields or Jon Lester?  I hope so, but who knows.  My favorite of the bunch is Scherzer as I feel like Shields is overrated and Lester belongs back in Beantown.  I also think we keep Brandon McCarthy. He has proven himself during a very dismal Yankee 2014 season.  He was consistent and steady.  And we need that kind of person on the hill.  

Just so much to do this off season as far as rebuilding.  I am hoping the farm system produces some guys who will make the team and bring some youth to the aging Yankees.  They truly are our future and that's where the biggest investment has to be. 

--Suzie Pinstripe, BYB Senior Staff Writer
Twitter: @suzieprof


 




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THE GOOD FIGHT

As you know, Suzie Pinstripe, one of our writers at BYB is a runner.  If you know anything about runners, it's a tough gig. Many hours of hard work and the grind in whatever race you challenge yourself in can be brutal. But if you're a runner... you love the challenge. 

You look for it.... and you look forward to your moment. There is no better feeling than finishing. After all, it's what you worked for all those months before.

Today is the New York City Marathon. Suzie ran it last year, and today, thousands will run again. You will hear many stories from individuals and why they are there. As many start the race, there are certain personal reasons for finishing.  Perhaps an individual realizes that this goal will catapult themselves in their own lives,  maybe another marathon or maybe inspire them to push harder in whatever else comes there way.  Maybe you lost a loved one and you dedicate the race to them, like this darling, Lysa.

A woman who signed up for herself... and changed her focus once her grandmother had passed just a few days ago. Whatever that focus is, whatever the purpose, she is there to do her best "HER."  It started as Lysa wanting to do it because she always wanted to, but now, it's "4 Nana"... and no doubt that will push her further.

I've even written about a woman named Kimberly before.  A runner in every sense of the word.  Hard working, dedicated to whatever is in her way, and climbing the mountains in life to be the best, not of all mankind... but for herself to build confidence and for the love of the sport. Kimberly's ran plenty of marathons, and recently, she did a Triathlon to prove she could!

Read DON'T STOP BELIEVING...EVER. She's an inspiration.

Today someone else is running that we personally know. It's someone close to the BYB family.

It's Amber Sabathia. She heads a team that will run today in the New York City Marathon and I tip my cap to all these courageous women today, who have found purpose to run, be it to better themselves or to dedicate it to others, even bring awareness. Love it! It's inspiring!

It's a life lesson.  Get a goal. Work toward the goal. Win.  Sure, if you don't win it all, it's OK. Win for you! You set the pace! You set the goal!  Push yourself. Fight. Dedicate. Inspire.  You can do it... these women are.

Happy Sunday.

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HALL OF FAMER MOLITOR TO MANAGE THE TWINS

Big ups for the Minnesota Twins. They have one of the top players in my recent baseball history to manage their club.  It's a big story.

According to several sources, but we'll go with the CBSSports.com on this one:

" The Twins are expected to hire Paul Molitor to be their next manager in a press conference Monday... All signs indicate this is Molitor's job. He is believed to be a favorite of Pohlad, was born and raised in St. Paul, attended the University of Minnesota and spent the final three years of his playing career with the Twins, so this is definitely a marriage that makes sense.

Molitor has no managing experience but was the Twins bench coach in the past."

Pohlad, is Jim Pohlad, owner of the Twins.

A fresh start for the Twins will be significant I believe. I just wanted to share this with our audience. I'm a guy who really got to love the game of baseball in the 1980's.  Guys like Molitor, and Robin Yount, Ron Guidry and Rickey Henderson were my heroes.  This is very cool to see.

Enjoy your day.

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THE YANKEES TOP TEN PROSPECTS

Baseball America has revealed their top 10 list of Yankee prospects.  Pitcher Luis Severino tops the list.

Other familiar names are first baseman Greg Bird and outfielder Aaron Judge, both who we have written about here recently, read AARON JUDGE IS CHOSEN FOR THE FALL STAR GAME! and BIRD IS THE WORD.

Both are doing great things in the Arizona Fall League.

Rob Refsnyder is someone we here at BYB want to see up in the bigs in 2015.  He's ready to blossom and do great things and besides, we could use a solid second baseman. Check out our piece on him by Steve Skinner titled, TIME TO MAKE CHANGES AT SECOND BASE from last July. Clearly we were ahead of the pulse on that one.

Here's the list:

1. RHP Luis Severino
2. OF Aaron Judge
3. SS Jorge Mateo
4. 1B Greg Bird
5. C Gary Sanchez
6. LHP Ian Clarkin
7. 2B Rob Refsnyder
8. LHP Jacob Lindgren
9. C Luis Torrens
10. 3B Miguel Andujar                                                                                   

It's been our feeling all along here that the kids need to eventually come up to the Bigs, mix with the veterans... and make things happen.

We will see what happens in 2015, but it's my belief that after 2 years of the Yankees not making it to the post season, the time is now.

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HALLOWEEN WITH THE POSADAS

I really get a kick out of Laura and Jorge Posada.  They're living life and since Jorge retired, the best part about this lovely family is Laura is documenting every move they make on the social networks for us fans! Love them!

Yesterday we shared Homer Bush with an amazing throwback photo of he and his wife Monica as Ike & Tina Turner.  It was great. (Check out: EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: HOMER BUSH)

Now Laura posted some amazing photos of she and Jorge partying it up in their Halloween costumes!  Check this out:

And here's Jorge cutting loose:

I absolutely love it!

Look, there have been plenty that say that over the years, Jorge never seemed to have fun.  There were many that suggested that he was on a mission in his playing career and he couldn't relax.  First of all, as a true Posada fan, I understood his mission and I also understood his family life was solid.  Jorge worked his tail off and while the smiles were less in his playing days, it didn't make the guy a tight ass. He was working toward a goal... he had tunnel vision. 

These days though, Jorge IS relaxed, but instead of privately, it's now public we as Yankee fans are grateful for Laura sharing with us! Thanks!


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CESPEDES... AND THE REST OF US

Yoenis Cespedes—the outfielder who’s half-man, half-cannon—found himself traded from the Oakland A’s to the Boston Red Sox at the trade deadline for ace Jon Lester. While trade didn’t exactly help the A’s get into the playoffs, the Cespedes deal was supposed to be a signal that the BoSox were planning to improve their lineup to make a run for next year’s pennant.

Well, it now seems like the Sox have maybe lost that lovin’ feeling when it comes to the 29 year-old outfielder. The Boston Globe has reported that rumor was spreading that the Red Sox could make Cespedes available on the winter market.

Some of the motivation for this move could be Cespedes’ change in representation. He recently left Wasserman Media Group to sign a deal with Jay Z’s Roc Nation Sports.

As you may remember, Jay Z’s first client was former Yankees’ second baseman Robinson Cano. After signing with the firm, Cano demanded a lofty $260 million from the Yanks. When they demurred, he found himself in Seattle with a 10-year contract worth $240 million.

Zachary Rymer has a great breakdown over at The Bleacher Report on the pros and cons of keeping Cespedes on the BoSox. The outfielder posted one of his best seasons this year with 22 homers—he also has a lot of power. Cespedes would be a great addition to a Boston outfield that’s loaded with a bunch of young and unestablished players.

However, Cespedes’ move to Roc Nation may signal that the outfielder will be jacking up his asking price—which may be more than the Red Sox are willing to pay. He is expected to earn $10.5 million next year before becoming a free agent.

His power numbers also seemed to go down after coming to Boston, which many mean Cespedes and the Green Monster may not be a good match for a lengthy contract relationship. His defense was also shaky—it was reported that the coaches “all hate” Cespedes in the lineup. Though the team has denied those comments, there certainly does seem to be a frustration from the brass about his performance. Remember, they gave up Lester, Jonny Gomes and other prospects to land this guy.

Cespedes could very well end up being traded this off-season. The BoSox would likely get quality players in return for the Cuban outfielder.

--Alexis Garcia, BYB's "Eye on MLB" Columnist
Twitter:  @heylexyg



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