LIFELESS YANKEES NEED A BOOST OF ENERGY

Source: NY Post

The New York Yankees have been to hell and back, literally.  Between losing their ace prior to the season's opener, and centerfielder, and right fielder and designated hitter....I could go on, but I won't belabor the point.  The Yankees absolutely need a boost of energy and quite frankly they deserve it.

Source: NY Post- Charles Wenzelberg

The New York Post's headline on Saturday, "Yankees look old and broken down, and it has to stop" hits the nail on the head.  “We just haven’t played as well,” Brett Gardner said. “Defensively, we’ve made some mistakes. Offensively, [we] haven’t been able to expand like we need to, string together good at-bats. I’m just disappointed.”

The Chicago White Sox just aren't that good to beat up on the Yankees the way they did on Friday night and almost got them in the end on Saturday; and prior to that the Mets and then prior to that the Indians.  The pitching is severely compromised and the team just needs some fresh legs, bats and arms. Not sure how the latest pick up of Edwin Encarnacion from Seattle fits in but that could be something.  A pitcher holds a bigger price tag.  Does this mean Clint Frazier is the odd man out and he is the primary ticket to a premier pitcher? His jog to first base last night certainly doesn't help his days in pinstripes.

Source: Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire/AP

But the Post states boldly that getting back Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge just won't be enough to lift this lifeless team.  "This team requires an infusion of some sort, and if the changing of the trade rules aren’t going to expedite the pace of transactions, which stands as the early read, then more offense must do the trick. Especially more offense from the elite likes of Judge and Stanton."

Is the Post taking things to the extreme?  I mean, every team experiences bumps in the road along the journey to success.  I often post this image (above) in meetings and conferences to remind people that the road to success is not a straight line, but a bunch of twists and turns filled with learning experiences.

Source: NY Daily News

According to the Daily News, however, "The Yankees went into Saturday night’s game having lost eight of their last 11 and slipped from first place in the American League East. Their starting pitching has contributed to that slide, with starters going 2-6 with a 6.45 ERA in that span." So, once again pitching is the presumed barrier to post season success.  With their infield and outfield depth about to get a jolt, who will they give up in order to fulfill the need for starting pitching?  This will be the question looming the club and its fans over the next several weeks as the All Star Break and later the trade deadline face Brian Cashman and his front office.  Trevor Bauer could be a good fit for the Yankees as Cleveland decides its next steps.

Source: AP

Any of us, at any time need a boost of energy.  Whether it's daily through caffeine, energy drinks or a brisk walk or weekly with mental health days and mid-week trips to the beach.  It is okay to hit some bumps in the road as long as there is a long term plan to get over those bumps and get back on track.  Let's hope the Yankees articulate theirs soon and let that plan include starting pitching.

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

EDWIN ENCARNACION IS A YANKEE!

Not much here except me saying... "Are you freaking kidding me?"

The Yankees have acquired Edwin Encarnacion.  Jeff Passan has that story here on Twitter:

Edwin Encarnación has been traded from the Seattle Mariners to the New York Yankees, sources familiar with the deal tell ESPN. Encarnación currently leads the American League with 21 home runs. The Mariners’ teardown is in full bloom and the Yankees get another big bat.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 16, 2019

And there you have it. I don't get it. I feel like we need solid pitching.

HOW ABOUT MATTHEW BOYD ON THE YANKEES?

I don't know.

Look, the Yankees definitely need a pitcher.  Hopefully someone that can really pitch, and no more guesses... like James Paxton for instance.  And remember Sonny Gray? That didn't work out either. Plus, you have Luis Severino hurt and Domingo German joining him.  So there is a call to action. We need help. But who?

Jon Morosi went a different route.  He threw out the name Matthew Boyd of the Detroit Tigers... and the universe has been turned on it's head.

Check this out NJ.com writes this... giving Jon Morosi credit on an unusual idea:

"But MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reports there could be a new name on the market, and he could be a good fit for the Yankees: Tigers left-hander Matthew Boyd. Detroit is getting ready to move into sell-mode since the Tigers sit 14 games under .500. “Boyd isn’t eligible for free agency until after the 2022 season … (so) the Tigers would need to be overwhelmed in order to trade Boyd, but that possibility could exist, due to the expected shortage of top-end starting pitchers on the midsummer trade market. 

The Yankees may well prefer Boyd to (Madison) Bumgarner, too, since Boyd could help them replace the retiring CC Sabathia in next year’s rotation. Notably, the Yankees have a strong firsthand scouting report on Boyd: He struck out a career-high 13 batters in a win at Yankee Stadium on April 3 this year.”

Give credit to the guy thinking outside the box. I just don't see this.  But hey... stranger things have happened, right?

Just wanted to share... what do you think?

IF YOU HIT A HOMER, EXPECT IT HIGH & TIGHT, BRO!

Quick note about something that went down tonight... Yanks vs. Chisox.  Yankees lost... but no, I don't wanna talk about that. You know what I want to talk about? Acting like you've been there before.

I love Luke Voit. He's a freaking maniac.  But he got soft fast. And that simply means this... if you hit a home run off a dude in his house... expect chin music. Expect to be brushed back. And you know what? Don't be surprised if you do. No one is gonna let you get off easy.  Tonight it happened and Voit seemed surprised.

I'm sorry but I'm on Giolito's side on this one. Don't show me up in my house. If you do, you're getting it high and tight... bottom line. And Voit? He's gotta sit there and take it... and he knows this.

I love Elite Sports NY, so I'm taking from them but of course giving them credit:

"In his first at-bat, Luke Voit put the New York Yankees on the board with a solo bomb. His next time up, Chicago White Sox starter Lucas Giolito played some chin music, and Voit was obviously perturbed. 

“Come on, bro,” Voit appeared to say, followed by what looked like a more NSFW phrase. The 28-year-old understandably suspected Giolito was seeking revenge for the first-inning blast..."

You know what? Baseball ain't easy. Sure, he cranked one out... but if you get brushed back... own it. That's the game, Voit.  You looked like a selfish rookie out there... you're not that.

You're better than that.

A MAJOR STANTON & JUDGE UPDATE!

It's like breaking news isn't it? Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge are starting to feel better and getting closer and closer returning to the big team.  This tweet just came out by Yankees P.R. and it's a big one:

Earlier today, the Yankees transferred the rehab assignment for OF Giancarlo Stanton from Single-A Tampa to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Additionally, OF Aaron Judge will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre tonight.

— Yankees PR Dept. (@YankeesPR) June 14, 2019

But the best part is the tweet response from this dude.

pic.twitter.com/nQLaU5Hv8M

— Mike (@MEB923) June 14, 2019

Hahaha.

Enjoy your Friday!

BYB RECAP. THE SUBWAY SERIES PART 1: MVPs

I know I know, the Subway series part 1 is officially over and boy, what a rollercoaster ride it was. As someone who supports both the Yankees and the Mets, it was a lot to handle. The Yanks took game one 12-5 and the Mets took game two 10-4.

I believe that two players can be awarded the title of “Game One MVP.”

Luke Voit smacked his 16th home run of the season 412 feet to help start the Yankees’ five-run fourth inning to help them gain a healthy lead over their hometown rival. Runner up for hitting MVP in game one is Gio Urshela who hit a two-run bomb and was a triple short of a cycle. 

Masahiro Tanaka can also be named MVP. He certainly did not have his best start of the season. But after letting Jeff McNeil hit a three-run homer in the second inning, he did not allow a run after that.

“Other than the McNeil home run, I thought he was pretty good today,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said.

As for “Game Two MVP,” it definitely goes to “Pistol” Pete Alonso. Top of the first, Alonso hits a 3-run bomb 424 feet.  Of course, Alonso had a ton of fun during the doubleheader. “I thought this was a blast,” Alonso said of his immersion into the rivalry. “This environment was nuts.”

Source: NewsDay 

All in all, it seems like our New York first-basemen are absolutely killing the game and I hope to see them both in the Home Run Derby. The next games of the Subway Series will take place on July 2-3, and I can’t wait! I will be attending the game on July 2nd, hope to see some fellow New York fans there.

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

GIANCARLO STANTON IS MAKING HIS WAY BACK

Homer happy. That's Giancarlo Stanton.  He's been playing rehab games in Tampa, and he's looking good... real good.

The Associated Press has this story:

"Giancarlo Stanton homered twice in a minor league rehab game with Class A Tampa on Wednesday night. Stanton hasn't played for the Yankees since March 31. 

B-5TH: HOME RUN!!!@Giancarlo818 blasts one over the wall in right to put us on the board.

End 5th: Fort myers 4, Tampa 1 pic.twitter.com/ngYlS7250D

— Tampa Tarpons (@TampaTarpons) June 11, 2019

He originally went on the injured list with a strained left biceps but strained his left shoulder while rehabbing and then had a rehab assignment with Tampa stopped after one game on May 20 due to left calf tightness."

When will he be activated on the big roster? Soon. What does it mean for the personnel that is already doing great things in the Yankee lineup? We shall see.  No question though it will be tricky... but here's the thing; The Yankees are paying guys like Stanton an enormous amount of money.  Many of you are suggesting may the best player should play, but this is reality... you don't pay top athletes big dollars and not play them. And so, Stanton will be back and they will work him into the lineup because in the end, he's their top player. They will just have to figure it out and learn the win together.

I love what I see here.

METS BEAT YANKS BACK!

And to the Subway Series gets all tied up.

Much like the romp against to beat the Mets in game 1, the Yankees were romped in game 2.  Too bad. The main reason? James Paxton struggled.

NJ.com writes:

"He took the loss after allowing six runs in 2.2 innings, with the Mets eventually running away with a 10-4 victory on Tuesday to close a day-night doubleheader at Yankee Stadium. 

Paxton couldn’t pinpoint one issue that caused his struggles, but he was clear that the knee wasn’t one of them. 'I don’t think that was a factor,' Paxton said. 'Just a bad game on my part.'”

But here's the thing. I think it IS a factor.  I don't think Paxton is a really great pitcher.  I think that the pressures of being with the Mariners is much different than the stage in New York.  I think this is a Sonny Gray situation all over again.  I think that we will soon see that James Paxton is a bust.

I could be wrong... but I'm not so sure I am.

A stupid loss to that second game.  That's the way it goes sometimes... oh well.

YANKEES BEAT METS IN GAME 1... DUH!

The Mets are an interesting team. April is always so energetic. They win a nice handful, and the fans get rabid and silly.  "This is our year". Then... it changes.

I don't hate the Mets. I just really, really like the Yankees.  In game 1 today of this Subway series double header, the Yankees won 12-5.  Everything changed for the Mets in the 4th, when Todd Frazier, whom I love, messed up big time. It was then that the wheels fell off.  Crazy how that happens.

NorthJersey.com writes: "Frazier put it way out of Dominic Smith's reach, and the runner reached and took second on the error. Two batters later, Luke Voit obliterated a three-run home run. The Mets, once up three runs early, never led again ans lost, 12-5, in Game 1 of a Subway Series doubleheader at Yankee Stadium. 

Voit's blast began Wheeler's undoing as the righty eventually allowed a career-high nine runs (though only five were earned). In his latest start, Wheeler encountered a familiar problem. He allowed two more homers, both in the same inning -- one to Gio Urshela that tied the game, then Voit's go-ahead blast. "

What else can I say, Wheeler and company stunk up the joint in Game 1. Yankees win... that's it.

Next game is coming. I may or not recap it tonight because I'm running around with the family, but I'll try.

Way to go Yanks! Keep grinding.

VOLPE INTRODUCED TO THE YANKEE WORLD

It's nice to see Anthony Volpe in a Yankee hat.  Many of us in the Tri-state know this kid and what he's capable of... my 16 year old included. He knows every one of these guys now because he's either played with them, against them or they are a few grades up.  Volpe is one of those guys and so, it's refreshing. New York, New Jersey guy, nice smile, solid ballplayer.

Passing up education is a hard thing to do.  Volpe isn't going to Vanderbilt now. You gotta wonder if that's a smart move.  Has to be gut wrenching trying to decide what to do, but the big team called... the Yankees want him and so... he went for it.  Personally? I don't know if that's my move as a player, but, you need to hand it to him. Dreams need to be followed.

The New York Post has some on this. Here it is:

"...He put on the pinstripes for the first time on Monday — the real ones — and it all started to hit him. He was a New York Yankee. 'I’ve been getting goose bumps the whole day,' Volpe said Monday at Yankee Stadium after signing a contract to turn pro and forego a college career at Vanderbilt. 'It’s such a dream come true.'... 

'It was the hardest decision of my life, to pass up the college experience and being with [Vanderbilt] coach [Tim] Corbin and being part of a team that could win a national championship,' Volpe said. 

'But the opportunity to play for the New York Yankees, who I’ve dreamed about playing for my entire life, and to put everything, all my concentration, apply as much pressure as I possibly could to pursue my goal, that’s what set it over the edge for me.'”

Nice words. Good stuff. We here at BYB wish the dude well.

A GREAT PODCAST WITH BASEBALL & BROADWAY!

We've done plenty of podcast's over the years here at Bleeding Yankee Blue.  We used to do an amazing one out of Chicago with our pal Paul Chivari.  You can read that here:

A BASEBALL PODCAST YOU NEED TO CHECK OUT!

Paul and I became good friends and inside that link above is a Bleeding Yankee Blue jingle he made for us as well as one of the shows we did together. Love that!

These days Suzie Pinstripe appears regularly on the Bleed Blue Show and that's always fun. Those guys over there are terrific.

And now I have to say, I was blown away by a new podcast that is out there. And it's growing by the minute.  And full disclosure... my man Al is one of the founders and I love this dude... so you need to as well.

The Break the Bat podcast, created by the Katzmann brothers Chris, Scotty and Al Malafronte is refreshing, fun, loose and smart.  Suzie appeared last week and I have to tell you, as a listener, I very much enjoyed it.  Here is that episode. Give it a listen:

BREAK A BAT! - FEATURING SUZIE PINSTRIPE

But there's more to it which I find unique. In the end of that episode they talk alittle Broadway.  That's right.... Broadway shows. The actors, the actresses, favorite shows... it's fun!  Each week they change it up.  You never really know how it's gonna shake down each time, but again... each time they offer their unique take on the Yankees and baseball... and then deliver their Broadway take as well.

Look, I'm being straight here... I very much endorse it.  I'm actually gonna be on it soon.  I really love their style, it's a lot of fun.  I hope you all check it out. Here is their episode list. They are on Apple Music! Subscribe today.

Well done, gentlemen! More please!!!

LUKE VOIT WANTS A PIECE OF THE HOME RUN DERBY & I DON'T LIKE IT

It's only June and Luke Voit has already tied his career best 15 home runs. It's a great accomplishment for him so now what? It sounds like Voit has more in mind then just regular season home runs....it sounds like maybe a trip to Cleveland for the Home Run Derby is in store.

It's still a month away but Voit s already thinking about it. When he was asked if we would accept an invitation from Major League Baseball, his response was easy, "Hell Yeah!" read more HERE. He sounds ready to go, but should the Yankees share his enthusiasm in this? I've never really taken a hard stance on this one before. This year is different.

It would definitely be nice to see fan favorite Luke Voit go out there and hit dingers and make some money if he won the whole thing. He does it during a game and we get a thrill out of watching him hit there, especially when the game is on the line. Why not do it just for fun? No pressure....just a competition amongst the best hitters in baseball.

As much as I would love to watch Voit share the stage with other power hitters like Christian Yelich or even Cody Bellinger I really like the idea of him sitting out even more. We haven't watched the Yankees compete in the Home Run Derby since 2017 when Aaron Judge won it all and we watched Gary Sanchez put on his own show defeating Giancarlo Stanton. It was exciting to watch. I'd love to watch a Derby like that again.....but not this year.

The Yankees are still dealing with injuries. As much as I want to watch Voit hit dingers and maybe even win it all I like the idea of doing everything we can to avoid new injuries. Voit is healthy and we need to do everything we can to keep him that way. Voit has been the power hitter we've been missing. Sitting out of the Derby is what is best for the Yankees and their still troubling injury concerns.

We've all had debates about if the Home run Derby really affects a player's swing or if it doesn't at all. I've always said the Derby is good for baseball. But what would be better for the Yankees would be for Voit to save the dingers for the games that matter.

Maybe I am wrong. Maybe I am paranoid and playing too safe but I'd rather be safe then sorry. I'd rather see Voit hit homers in games that count. Especially games that the Yankees can win and help get them back to the World Series.

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