ONE-DAY PLAYOFF IS INEVITABLE

Source: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images North America

As the headline suggests, a one-day playoff is inevitable...potentially, if the Yankees can make it there.  The other hope is that if the Yankees do go head to head in a one-day playoff via the AL Wild Card, will they do so at home?  If you ask baseball analysts, you would probably get mixed opinions.

Source: Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images North America

If the season ended today, we would host Oakland at home.  Who would be on the mound?  If it was me, it would be J.A. Happ, who has been the most consistent starter since coming to the Yankees in July.  I actually think he has more than Aaron Boone is willing to show the world, pulling him early to potentially, "save" him from...I am not sure what.  For Oakland, who rallied throughout June and July to catch the Seattle and overtake them in the Wild Card race, they have built a tremendously close-knit clubhouse culture.  This kind of chemistry is essential for winning, but as Sporting News reported this week, could that culture be in jeopardy and potentially give the Yankees an edge?

Source: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images North America

"The front-office tinkering has upset several players, who perceive changes such as shortened outings for starting pitchers and a recent strategy of beginning games with a reliever as “gimmicky baseball.” More concerning for the team, perhaps, is the claim that decisions are largely being made without significant say from (Bob) Melvin, who less than a month ago indicated he didn't want to use the "opener" strategy."

Source: Jason O. Watson/Getty Images North America

Upsetting players and their makeup does nothing for winning.  The Yankees have had to move a lot of pieces around to support injury holes and keep the team on track.  The A's have had to do some maneuvering themselves, particularly after losing no-hit wonder Sean Manaea.  It is not clear who the A's would start if the one-day playoff was tomorrow.  Keeping guys focused and energized is key if they are going to win.  If the A's feel any kind of mistrust, it could be their undoing.

Source: Stephen Brashear/Getty Images North America

But, we still have another game in Seattle, three in Minnesota before coming home to battle the Toronto Blue Jays and division leading Boston Red Sox.  Is a one-day playoff inevitable?  It appears so.  The Red Sox continue to hold on tightly to their lead at the top of the East and the Yankees are still trying to elevate their lineup to cover up for the missing Aaron Judge and sub-par performances both physically and mentally by Gary Sanchez and Luis Severino.  It is likely the one-day playoff is looming...I just hope it happens and it is in the Bronx and oh yea, that the Yankees win.        

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

IF THE YANKEES MAKE THE PLAYOFFS, BIRD MAY NOT

Photo: Getty Images

Obvious headline. I'm sorry about that.  Bottom line though is I appreciate the Bird loyalists, but many of us have given up on Bird in 2018.  He has not delivered and the Yankees really need to try and win games right now. Doing that means you go with hot players.  I would have loved to go with Tyler Austin... but he's gone. And so we will go with Luke Voit.  Hey... I'll take it.

George King III of the New York Post writes this:

Photo: Getty Images

"Bird’s return as a starter is directly related to Voit’s bat staying productive. Voit entered Friday night’s action hitting .356 (16-for-45) with a major league-leading seven homers and 13 RBIs in 13 games since Aug. 24. So what happens if Voit — who went 2-for-4 — stays hot? 

Photo: Getty Images

Certainly he would be on the roster for the wild-card game against the A’s. And with utilityman and switch-hitter Neil Walker having played first base in 32 games this season the Yankees would have both sides of the plate covered. 

That could leave Bird on the outside..."

I know, I know. All common sense.  I'm not trying to trick you. I am just letting you know that King knows his stuff and he wouldn't be floating this if the Yankees weren't already officially preparing for it.

We will obviously have to see what happens.  We all really want the Yankees in the Postseason... but when we get there... we all really want productive players playing to the best of their ability.  Bird's not there. 2018 for him was a lost season.

EVERYONE IS WATCHING SANCHEZ BEHIND THE DISH

Photo: Getty Images

There's plenty of concern for just how bad Gary Sanchez is defensively, and now our former manager is speaking out.  I found this interesting and wanted to share it. SNY writes this:

"'Over the next four weeks, I'd try to fix his base,' Girardi said Thursday on MLB network's "High Heat" with Chris "Mad Dog" Russo. 'It's his base, the left knee collapses and he's not in a position to catch some of these balls and block some of these balls.'"

Photo: Getty Images

Most catchers become managers because most catchers can call baseball games well. Guess what else they can do? They can spot problems with catchers a mile away.  Sanchez is not a good defensive catcher... Girardi knows this. I'm actually glad to hear from him.

Maybe Boone will take that advice.  After all Gary Sanchez is tied from the most passed balls by a catcher in the AL with 13. Not good.

We need to tighten it up... especially now... especially when every game counts.  Either that, or put Romine in.  Jeez.

BAD NEWS FOR CLINT FRAZIER

Ron Sachs/CNP

Wake me up when we have some good news, please. By the looks of things I am going to have one incredibly long nap. Our luck has to change at some point, right? Right.....but it won't start with getting Clint Frazier back this season.

I had high hopes that Frazier was going to be back, we hyped it last week in our piece IT'S SEPTEMBER CALL UP TIME! We were skeptical but hopeful but now it sounds like things are a lot worse than we originally thought. It sounds like this concussion is the unwanted gift that just keeps on giving.

(Photo: Chris Pedota/NorthJersey.com)

According to multiple sources, we likely won't see him until next season, read more HERE. It's another setback in a long season with many of them. You gotta feel for Frazier, he has been dealing with this concussion since Spring Training and then aggravated it again on a diving catch in July.  It's a big blow for him and the Yankees.

Yesterday, Aaron Boone said Frazier was sent to Pittsburgh to see a neurologist in hopes to get some more answers on how to treat the symptoms. Concussions are no joke (here's looking at you Michael Kay) so to hear that a neurologist is taking a look at Frazier that isn't good.

Photo: New York Post

I'm bummed that we likely won't see Frazier until next season and a September call up is likely ruled out. The Yankees need some fresh blood in the lineup and Frazier has been waiting patiently for this chance for what feels like forever. I think a guy like Frazier could give the Yankees a spark that is clearly missing.

Photo: Getty Images

I was worried that Brian Cashman's move to get Andrew McCutchen was a quick reaction that meant Aaron Judge might not be returning. I hope that isn't the next round of news we hear because I don't think I can take anymore bad luck. The McCutchen trade is now even more important as the Yankees look for more production in the lineup and some leadership to get this team going.

Hopefully this visit in Pittsburgh will finally help get Frazier get on the road to recovery. Get better soon, Frazier. We need you in that outfield.

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

OHTANI LIKELY TO GET TOMMY JOHN

Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Well that's just a kick in the nuts, huh?

I'm going with Maria Guardado from MLB.com because she's adorable:

The Angels have recommended Tommy John surgery for Shohei Ohtani.

— Maria I. Guardado (@mi_guardado) September 5, 2018

Here's more. CBS Sports writes:

"Wednesday afternoon the Angels announced a recent MRI showed new damage to Ohtani's elbow ligament following his return to the mound Sunday, and elbow reconstruction has been recommended. No surgery date has been set and it's possible Ohtani will seek a second opinion before committing to Tommy John surgery."

Good luck to Ohtani. Get well soon. I am pretty sure he'll end up getting surgery.

WHAT'S WRONG WITH THIS TEAM?

Source: Rich Schultz/Getty Images North America

The Yankees go from highs and lows as quickly as a toddler on sugar or an athlete crossing the finish line.  They go from diving catches to three errors, ten runs to no runs, and bases loaded to no hit baseball.  The extremes are unbearable and with only three weeks or so left to suffer through this cycle of uncertainty, it is hard to predict what could possibly happen or maybe it is avoiding the possibility of coming up empty.  What's wrong with this team?  What's their destiny in 2018?

Source: Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images

The Daily News had a lot of say about the Yankees fall into this abyss, which may be too deep to climb out.  "The Yanks went into Tuesday night’s game at the Coliseum with a 3.5-game lead on the top AL Wild Card spot, which would allow them to play the game back in New York. Now, it’s about protecting that lead and not having to fly back across the country for a one-game elimination playoff against this dangerous team," reported the News. And although J.A. Happ pitched a gem last night, it took forever for the offense to get going.  This simply can't be.

 Source: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images North America

"The A’s are the young, scrappy and hungry type of team that can be dangerous in October, and the Yankees are now realizing they will likely have to figure out how to stop them if they are going to make a run," said the News.  That's what the Yankees are witnessing, a team that they once were, perhaps before the injuries, before the beat downs and before the teams they were once beating turned on them.

Source: Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images North America

If the Yankees are going to make a run of it they need to do it now.  Simply put, the Yankees need to play like champions not like these stand-ins we have been watching at the Stadium or out on the West Coast.  They need to snap out of it and go out there hungry for the win, not expect teams to just fall at their mercy.  They can't stumble.  They can't slow down.  They have to fight for what they want.  Whatever is going on with this Yankee team, it's got to stop now.  There's no more time to waste.  Put the best team out on the field and let them make it happen.  That's my call to action, folks.  No more fooling around, the post season is at stake and unless the Yankees have other plans that are more pressing than October baseball, they better get their act together, because the bus is leaving with or without the New York Yankees.

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

JUDGE'S STEP FORWARD

Photo: Getty Images

It's going to take time, in fact we may not even see Judge this season, but that being said, there was progress made with that bum wrist of his.  He's taking swings.

Newsday writes:

"Aaron Judge hit off a tee Monday morning, the first time he’s put bat to ball during his rehab. Even more significantly, Judge — who has been on the disabled list since July 27 with a chip fracture in his right wrist — for the first time in that rehab described the wrist and didn’t use the word 'pain.'

Photo: Getty Images

'That was a good sign. I really didn’t feel too much of anything,' he said..."

We can only help this guy gets healthy and soon.  While we are winning and the team's playing well, they could play better with Judge there... no question.

A positive step forward. I can't wait to see what happens next.

IT'S SEPTEMBER CALL UP TIME!

Happy Labor Day, everyone.

Photo: Getty Images

If you are celebrating the end of summer where you live (I'm not in the desert, it is almost never-ending) please take a moment to reflect on all of the hard work and sacrifice of the labor movement that made this weekend and many other of life's pleasures possible.

I love this time of year! I get excited to see rosters expand and the Yankees reward their promising up and coming talent with a month long audition for next year. It's like a sneak preview of a movie coming soon that you are just dying to see! We have so much talent, it's always fun to try and predict who is about to come up.

Photo: Getty Images

The Yankees already called up Stephen Tarpley, Tyler Wade and Luis Cessa, so who else might be coming up?

Photo: Getty Images

1. Domingo German
I'd say it is highly likely that we will see German again. He was on the Triple-A disabled list since July 27 with inflammation of his ulnar nerve, but he started playing again recently. German had two rehab starts for Tampa since being reinstated on Aug. 25 and worked three shutout innings each time. The Yankees are pretty high on German. They did give him a few starts as a fill-in number five starter this season. He has some big league experience so it wouldn't be surprising if the Yankees gave him another shot some time this month. If Lance Lynn continues to struggle it may make even more sense to give him another try.

Photo: Getty Images

2. Chance Adams
If I were a betting woman, I'd say it's 100% likely the Yankees call Chance up again. Remember, we recently saw Adams for a spot appearance when CC Sabathia went down. He's had two call ups this season. He's had his struggles and he may not pitch much but getting some one on one time with Larry Rothschild could really help. His last few appearances have been in relief roles so clearly the Yankees are prepping him for some bullpen help. Maybe this will finally help the Yankees decide on whether to keep him around long term or package him in a trade during the off-season.

Photo: Getty Images

3. Jonathan Loaisiga
Johnny Lasagna is back in action! I've just heard too many mixed rumors on whether or not he will be back in the Bronx again this year. Loaisiga was on the disabled list from July 7th to August 11th with shoulder inflammation. There were rumors the Yankees may want to shut him down due to his recent shoulder issues, but he's made four appearances since coming off of the disabled list and he really hasn't pitched much this season. I think the Yankees do call him up, but they wait awhile longer. The Yankees have limited options here. One, send him to Instructional League in Tampa for more innings and more work on a set schedule which he could get since Trenton Thunder have already snagged a postseason spot. Or two, call him up and put him in the big league bullpen which would still be a huge benefit for the Yankees. Unless a catastrophe happens and we see more injuries, I don't see the Yankees giving him a big league start....until next year. Maybe next year we see him win a starting role.

Photo: Getty Images

4. Justus Sheffield
This one is a no-brainer. It's inevitable. I am excited to see Sheffield in action. He's definitely had success as a starter down in the minors. This year he has given up two or fewer earned runs in 16 of his 20 starts, 12 of 15 of those starts were in Triple-A. Towards the end of August Aaron Boone confirmed that Sheffield was shifted to the bullpen down in the minors to prepare him to work out of the bullpen for the Yankees in September. We've all been waiting to see Sheffield in action. Earlier this ear Brian Cashman hinted that Sheffield would be called up, now Boone has and he's pitching in relief. He's groomed, the question is how much longer until he gets the call up?

Photo: Getty Images

5. Clint Frazier
Well....possibly....maybe? If he continues to progress from his migraine and concussion symptoms?  He did start a rehab assignment, so let's hope it is one step closer to a return. He would definitely be a big addition especially if Aaron Judge doesn't come back. I don't even want to think about that right now though. Let's just keep our fingers crossed.

I love this part of the season. It's time to get some fresh blood and energy into this team for the final stretch. Who do YOU want to see get a call up?

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

YANKEES TRYING TO CHANGE THE NARRATIVE

Source: Rich Schultz/Getty Images North America

I liked the way the YES crew used the phrase "change the narrative" during Saturday evening's coverage of the Detroit Tigers vs. the New York Yankees. Truth be told,  they were using it in reference to Greg Bird, but I would say the line absolutely applies to the entire team.  And if things were moving in slow motion through the trade deadline on July 31st, it certainly picked up force heading into September as the Bombers made some moves for key components to ignite their pennant run, which ironically Pittsburgh Pirate Hall of Famer Willie Stargell said starts September 1st.

After Stargell's passing in 2001, his friend and colleague Joe Morgan said this of the ultimate optimist, "In the 40 years I knew Willie, he never said anything negative. And you couldn't say anything negative around him because he was such a positive person. No matter what, he was always able to turn negatives into positives." And that's exactly the narrative the Yankees are writing.  They know they are down without guys who are critical to their pennant race, but they want a different ending to a story that could be one without a playoff beth.

Source: Rich Schultz/Getty Images North America

In one swift, comprehensive move, Yankees GM Brian Cashman made some moves as the roster elevated to 40 men with the start of September. Clearly, the Yankees believe that Aaron Judge could be out through the end of September, which led to the strategic pick up of Andrew McCutchen.  Now, it is believed that Aroldis Chapman could be out even through the potential post-season, so Cashman created some depth in the bullpen with the call up of right-hander Stephen Tarpley who has been used as a multi-inning reliever with great impact in both Double and Triple-A.

Source: Rich Schultz/Getty Images North America

We will be relying on our Baby Bombers to get things done and certainly, Gleyber Torres and Miguel Andujar have answered the call.  We will need veterans Brett Gardner, Giancarlo Stanton, Didi Gregorius and newly acquired McCutchen to have a heck of September.  And the bullpen has to come back to life, a life most likely without Chapman.

Source: Paul J. Bereswill

If Chapman's replacement is Zach Britton, he has a lot to work to do. “I can’t have the mindset where not getting results is acceptable. That’s not the way I look at it,” Britton told The Post. “I want to be good every time. I’m honest with myself. I know where I’m at, physically and with a different role. I feel like I’m getting better, but it’s not good enough. I can throw strikes, but I need put-away pitches, too," the pitcher said as reported by the NY Post, after the Yankees near loss Friday night following Dellin Betances's abysmal performance on Thursday night.  Britton's quote is a far cry from cocky Sonny Gray's, who in my mind, has no role on the roster.  If the Yankees want to truly change the narrative, they need to consider getting Betances, David Robertson and Britton in a real grove to close out games.

Early Saturday morning, a fan texted me this, "Get mad on Sunday. You write too nice."  I guess I can't help but be positive when it comes to the Yankees. And now that they are in the midst of changing their narrative, even more reason to stay optimistic.

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

YANKS JUST SIGNED ANOTHER GUY TOO!

Photo: Getty Images

Adeiny Hechavarria is a New York Yankee. That comes from the Yankees PR Department who put this out:

The @Yankees have acquired SS Adeiny Hechavarria and cash considerations from Pittsburgh in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations. To make room on the 40-man roster, the @Yankees have designated LHP Ryan Bollinger for assignment.

— Yankees PR Dept. (@YankeesPR) September 1, 2018

It was a nice last minute waiver move and as you can see, Ryan Bollinger is gone, but I was kind of hoping it would be Jonathan Holder. I'm not a fan.

Photo: Getty Images

Bucs Dugout writes:

"...it seems the Pirates are at long last clearing the decks for the younger players. This raises some question about why they acquired Hechavarria in the first place, but whatever, they can move on now. "

Pirates also got rid of David Freese who went to the Dodgers.

Anyway, Hechavarria is a nice addition.  That is all.

Happy Saturday everyone.

THOSE HENSLEY BOYS ARE WINNERS

Photo Credit: Marci Hensley /Facebook

You know my relationship with this family and how much I love and appreciate the Hensleys.  They are good, solid people.  Marci and Mike raised their kids right.  They are fighters, warriors, determined.  I love that. Talking to Marci on and off over the years I have used that parenting model when raising my own kids.  Teaching about tough breaks, but still keeping a positive spin on it. Using loss as fuel... turning it around and staying focused on the goal.  And through it all... never... EVER giving up on what you want out of life.  In the end, it's about being your best you.

Ty Hensley got the win last night for the Evansville Otters and now they are one win away to clinching a playoff berth for their League out there.

14 News writes:

"The Evansville Otters are now just one win away from a third consecutive postseason berth after the Otters cruised to an 8-3 victory over the Normal CornBelters on Friday night at the Corn Crib... Ty Hensley gets the win, his second on the season for Evansville. Hensley went a career-high six innings, allowing two runs on six hits and four walks while striking out six."

As I've always said when it comes with this kid... baby steps.  Sure, he may not be a Yankee, he may no longer be with the Rays.  But what he is is in love with the game and nothing will keep him down.  I tip my cap to this kid who is still following his dream after all he's been through.

Photo: Honolulu Star-Advertiser

And speaking of that, what about JR Hensley? Ty's brother. A big time player and now Captain for the his football team at U of Hawaii.




You remember Jake right? We wrote about him on BYB. This kid is leading the Warriors in his college career, but don't get it twisted, there is a very humble side of Jake and that's why I love these kids.  He says "Everybody's gotta be captain".  Yes, in name he is, but if you rally the troops right, that entire team works together... and wins together.

Anyway... I know, I'm gushing like their my own kids.  It's crazy to think about it, but I've known this family now since Ty was the Yankees first round pick in 2012.  It's been a long time. Since then we have done countless articles about Ty and the Jake... (Read NEW TY HENSLEY INTERVIEW: CLIMBING THE MOUNTAIN and CHASING DREAMS: INTERVIEW WITH JR HENSLEY)

They are good kids. They have a great family... they have dreams.  You can't help but root for these boys. They're winners.

I tip my cap to the Hensleys.

Never give up... don't ever give up!

35% OFF at the End of Summer Sale at SteinerSports.com! Use code LDW18 to save on thousands of eligible items through midnight Monday, 9/3.