DIDI GREGORIUS TO THE PHILLIES

Unfortunately, Didi Gregorius is moving away from the Big Apple to Philadelphia. Talk about a downgrade.

The former shortstop was declined an extension on a qualifying offer, signed a one-year deal worth $14 million. We most likely have Joe Girardi to blame for snatching our fan favorite as they worked together for three seasons in the Bronx.

After Girardi was named the manager of the Phillies, he was very vocal about his admiration of Didi.

“I’ve always been a big fan of Didi and what he’s been able to accomplish,” Girardi told reporters last week. “You have to remember, I got him when he first came over and he was replacing a legend [in Derek Jeter] and how difficult that was, and to see the growth that he made was really pleasing to me.”

Brian Cashman does not seem too concerned about losing Didi because of Gleyber Torres, but is not ruling out looking for a shortstop outside of the organization. 

“It doesn’t mean that we can’t go outside the organization at the same time if necessary,” he said. “And, so, we have a lot of flexibility because of the choices that we currently possess and, and those choices don’t aren’t limited just to the in-house options, it could be obviously out-house, going outside in franchise with trades or free agency at the same time.” 

In the meantime, the Yankees have bigger fish to fry and thank god for their catch! Read more on this, but the Yankees have signed Gerrit Cole after a nail biting week for fans who were just waiting and waiting for something to happen! 9 years, 324 million. Read GERRIT COLE IS A YANKEE! for more.

Anyway... looks like Suzie Pinstripe and I need to go see our old friends Didi and Zack Wheeler in Philly this summer!

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

GIRARDI FINGERS CHEATING ASTROS

I love that the world is piling up on the Cheater Houston Astros.  But the longer it takes to do this investigation means more time between the incident and the investigation. That worries me, but it also makes me feel good because it means that they are taking the accusations against this loser Astros team seriously.  I just want the hammer to come down on these players big time. They deserve the worst.

Joe Girardi is now speaking out. The New York Daily News writes:

“I wasn’t shocked. We had put in a lot of things to try to combat certain things. You know, word gets around,” Girardi said in the press room of the Manchester Grand Hyatt...

"...that's not coming from the players on the field. The players on the field, it's their job to guard against the players on the field. You can't guard against technology and players off the field,” Girardi said. “Now, you do have guys that are really good at picking up things from pitchers where they tip. To me, that's still on the field, in a sense. “So that is bothersome to me..."

Look, for the most part players and managers are worried about the integrity of the game and that's the most important part of this. Oh... and the fact that the Astros cheated with technology is sort of horrendous.

And the worst part? Not a single person within the Astros organization has spoken about the allegations and investigations.  Alex Cora is despicable anyway, but this just makes it worse. The New York Post has this:

“I know you have a job to do and you have to ask the question, but out of respect of the investigation MLB has and the Astros, I am not going to answer questions,’’ Cora said. “I talked to MLB in the process.’’ 

How come everyone else is talking... but not the Astros former and current? That means guilt folks!

But the pile on is big time now and I love it. Pressure! F these guys.  Manfred needs to do the right thing. Crush this Astros team... and make their future a future of scabs. They need to clean house over there and start over.

RUMOR: YANKEES MAKE RECORD SETTING OFFER TO GERRIT COLE

Will Gerrit Cole be under the Christmas tree for Yankee fans this year? We sure hope so. Rumor has it that interested teams are submitting offers to Cole early this week. The top free agents could move fast, maybe some exciting news before the end of the Winter Meetings. That would be nice!

So I am still hopeful about Cole. Other teams are just as hopeful, but the Yankees have this history of chasing after Cole. It would be nice to see the Yankees finally get Cole in pinstripes. So I am still sticking to the idea that A FOUR HOUR LONG MEETING MEANS SOMETHING, and maybe it did. There are conflicting reports out that the Yankees MAY have already made an offer. We'll have to watch these rumors and see what happens, but here are two rumors posted to twitter.

So I wonder which Bob is right here. If Bob Klapisch is right and the Yankees made a seven-year offer, will the Angels or Dodgers add an additional year or more money to try and sway Cole back to the West Coast.

If the Yankees did make a seven-year, $245 million offer it would exceed Zack Greinke's average annual value and it sounds like any deal Cole signs will surpass David Price's $217 million contract that he signed with the Red Sox in 2015.

So this may be the start of a bidding war. It will be interesting to see if the Angels will try to outbid the Yankees, or if being closer to Cole's home in Southern California will ultimately win out. The Winter Meetings kick off today, it will be interesting to see what other rumors come about Cole.

I hope Hal Steinbrenner wasn't bluffing about what he said and he is ready to be active in the free agent market. Cole is the ultimate prize, and could be the answer to get back to the World Series. It's been 10 years....it's time to stop chasing for an ace and it's time to finally get one.

Stay tuned everyone and cross your fingers that we finally get our ace.

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

ANDY PETTITTE COULD BE A GREAT MENTOR TO GERRIT COLE

Source: New York Post

The pursuit of Gerrit Cole continues for the Yankees. The relentless chase for Cole brought in the heavy hitters. Among them was Yankee three-time All-Star and five-time World Series Champion Andy Pettitte. Earlier this week, the Yankees flew across the country to meet with stud pitchers Gerrit Cole and Stephen Strasburg in their hometown of Orange County, CA.  And in the arsenal of conversationalists, among Aaron Boone, Brian Cashman and new pitching coach Matt Blake was Pettitte, potentially the game-changer for Cole's potential cross country relocation to the Bronx this spring.

"With his experience in the Bronx, at the top of the rotation, Pettitte surely was able to provide Cole and Strasburg with an accurate depiction of what pitching in pinstripes is like, and why the two righties would be up for the task should they sign this winter," reported Sports Illustrated.

Source: New York Times

With Strasburg rumored to be re-signed by his former team, the World Series Champion Washington Nationals, Cole is set to be the centerpiece of this year's Winter Meetings in San Diego, which opens today.  Mentoring is essential for young players, particularly those who will play for a team like the Yankees, far from their home. It might just be the tipping point and unique value proposition for the Bombers to close the deal this time around.

"The Yankees seem to recognize this urgency in their courtship of Cole, 29, the free-agent right-hander who went 24-6 with a 2.39 earned run average and 373 strikeouts last year, postseason included. This is their third pursuit of him, in three different forums, and the setting in which they probably have the most control and the best chance of success," reported The New York Times.

Source: SNY.com

"Beyond talking baseball and what it's like to play in the Bronx in October, Pettitte can be a tremendous resource for Cole especially from a geographical standpoint," reported SI.  Recall that "Pettitte chose to play in New York -- far from his native Deer Park, Texas -- on two separate occasions. Cole is currently in the midst of a decision to play with the Angels or Dodgers -- close to his hometown of Newport Beach -- or travel cross-country take his talents to New York." 

Source: ESPN

Cole has said through his agent, Scott Boras, that he wants to play for a team that will consistently win, so perhaps location is not as much as a factor as originally mentioned.  Pettitte was always grounded, always articulate and always consistent in his role with the Yankees.  "The five-time World Series champion won 19 games in the playoffs, the most postseason wins in baseball history. Pettitte also holds the all-time record for most starts (44) and innings pitched in the playoffs (276.2)," reported SI.

If Cole comes to New York, Pettitte would be a great mentor to him, as a small-town boy who found fame in the bright lights of the big city.  His coaching and support from Spring Training to October could make all the difference for Cole.  Let's hope that the scale tips towards the Yankees this time and the third attempt to sign Cole is the one that sticks.

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor 
Twitter: @suzieprof

WHO WILL THE YANKEES SIGN FIRST?

As we know, A FOUR HOUR MEETING WITH GERRIT COLE MEANS SOMETHING! Does this mean a signing is in the works?

With no bias to the west-coast and a long meeting with Gerrit Cole, could the Yankees become the landing spot for the ace? It is up to the Yankees if they want to give him upward of $250 million. His performance the past two seasons definitely earns this payout, going 32-10 with a 2.68 ERA  in 65 starts.

Source: Sports Illustrated

“Let me just say all options are open as far as I am concerned,’’ the managing general partner said. “Anything that rolls across my desk I am going to be looking at real seriously. We are going to be active in the free-agent market.’’

One player the Yankees should keep their eye on right now is Hyun-Jin Ryu. He had an incredible season, finishing second behind Jacob deGrom in the CY-Young race. Could this be an arm the Yankees need in their rotation?

Source: Philadelphia Inquirer

Didi Gregorius is still on the market. Right now the Yankees do not necessarily need Gregorius, as they have Gleyber Torres to replace him at shortstop, but fans do not want to see him go. Even though he is injury prone, he could rebound to his performance back in 2017-2018 if he stays healthy. Let's hope we don't see Didi in another uniform next season. 

The Yankees are still optimistic about a reunion with Brett Gardner, which Brian Cashman has been open about.

"I wouldn't compromise our efforts to re-signing a player," Cashman said when asked about the potential length of contract Gardner could receive. "He just clearly put himself in a great position this free-agent winter because of the year he's had. We've known how good Gardy has been and is for a long time. ... We'd love to have that continue."

Let's hope big moves are coming soon for the Pinstripes.

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

SABATHIA SLAMS LOSER ASTROS: "THEY NEED TO FIRE EVERYBODY!"

The sign stealing Astros story isn't going away.  The Houston Astros want it to... but it's not. Special thanks for us here at Bleeding Yankee Blue of course. I'll keep beating that drum. But a huge, HUGE thanks to champion, leader and bulldog CC Sabathia!

Just a short time ago, CC was on his R2C2 podcast just LAUNCHING on the Astros and their cheating ways:

CC Sabathia on his R2C2 addressing the Astros' sign-stealing scandal:

"It just sucks that it happened. I knew those m-----f------ didn't beat us fair and square. I knew were better than them, man! F---!"

"That organization, man, they need to fire everybody. Jeez!"

— Seth Rothman (@SethDRothman) December 5, 2019

And then he even went after Jon Heyman today as pretty much not knowing anything when it came to the free agency game.  Not only him, but all the "Baseball Insiders".  I love this:

😂 RT @Jomboy_: Gonna need to bring in CC Sabathia for our next segment of 'Get Stupid' on Talkin Baseball pic.twitter.com/VQ9DjBhF3Z

— The Silent Assassin (@SilentAssassinM) December 5, 2019

Funny bite.

Look, BYB has already pretty much dismantled Heyman as not knowing anything for years.  Just glad that CC is out of a Yankee uniform and can speak freely now and really cement that into the fan's heads... that's one.

But here's two: But back to the Astros... this is a player in CC who had a hunch and pitching against the cheating Astros, he knew something wasn't right.  That's holds water.  It's significant.

The Astros will get theirs. I don't know how badly they will suffer and I don't know how severe the punishment will be, but I'll tell you something; what the Astros did was despicable and unforgivable.

Fire everyone. That's right CC. Not only that... ban a few players from baseball for life... take that MVP away from little Jose Altuve… clean out the front office, remove the owner by board vote, make Hinch walk… and START OVER!  Make it hurt!

Well done, CC.

A FOUR HOUR LONG MEETING WITH GERRIT COLE MEANS SOMETHING

Game changer, folks!

The Yankees met with Gerrit Cole and Stephen Strasburg yesterday, and suddenly the rumor mill has changed. Remember that whole "Cole is probably going to a west coast team" speculation? Well, not so fast....

The Yankees got on a plane and flew 6,000 miles round trip with their new pitching coach Matt Blake who I think could be intriguing to a free agent. If you don't think that is a big deal....IT IS. The Yankees aren't going to fly to California to waste their time. They went because they are serious about Cole, they wouldn't spend time traveling across country if they weren't ready to "play ball" with Cole. You also don't make that trip just to try and jack the price up for any other team in hopes that they pay a premium. Oh and one other thing to consider here.....last year was all about Patrick Corbin and Manny Machado, right? Well both of those meetings the players went to New York. The Yankees didn't travel AND the meeting with Machado lasted minutes compared to the FOUR HOUR meeting yesterday according to Jon Heyman.

Cole says he has "no West Coast bias" but that doesn't excite me. Even if he did, I doubt he would say otherwise because that would lessen his bargaining position with west coast teams. That wouldn't make sense and Scott Boras wouldn't encourage that. After all, Boras is a baseball business man and he wants the strongest bidders to stick around, right? In the end it all comes down to money. The Dodgers will have an offer, the Angels are of course interested but they just spent a ton of money so can they actually outbid the Yankees?

The Yankees have been here before and they have overcome geography concerns. Once upon a time Mike Mussina was hesitant to go from small-town Pennsylvania to the big lights in the Bronx, but it happened! CC Sabathia "preferred" the West Coast before the Yankees were able to entice him to come to New York. Did the money help? I'm sure....but I am also sure that both pitchers are glad they decided to play for the Yankees.

Money will always be a factor. Cole wants his payday, he is no different then any other player. They all want the most money they can get. We all know the Yankees HAVE the money it's just a matter if they want to spend it and ignore that luxury tax concern they have and maybe Hal Steinbrenner is willing to spend it after all, read more HERE.

I'm not getting my hopes up, but the Yankees just traveled a long distance to meet with Cole and that hasn't happened in a while. Hal just told the world that "All options are open."  I think the Yankees feel MUCH better about their chances of signing Cole. Two weeks ago they weren't favorites and now they are contenders.

This was an important meeting....and hopefully a meeting that leads to a deal. Cross your fingers everyone, this was a good sign.

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

PHILLIES SIGN ZACK WHEELER FOR A STUPID PRICE

What a dumb deal. 5 years? Zack Wheeler ain't Cy Young. He's not even Sonny Gray.

Zack Wheeler's your fifth starter with the hope that you don't need to pitch him every 5 days because to be honest, you don't really know what you're gonna get.

ESPN writes:

"Right-hander Zack Wheeler and the Philadelphia Phillies are in agreement on a five-year, $118 million contract, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan. Wheeler turned down a larger offer from the Chicago White Sox that was in excess of $120 million, sources told Passan. 

Wheeler, 29, was considered the prize of the free-agency class for teams in search of starting pitching that didn't want to compete in stratospheric bidding for Gerrit Cole and Stephen Strasburg."

The prize?  Are we living in Bizarro World? Have you seen this guys numbers over the fast few years?

Zack Wheeler has never won 18 games. Zack Wheeler didn't pitch for 2 years. What's the prize, that's he's 29 and still has time? Is being "just OK" the next "Great" when it comes to baseball?

The Phillies can have Wheeler. Have him for the next decade. I am THRILLED the Yankees didn't get in on this.

Buh Bye.

CC SABATHIA JUST DIDN'T DESERVE TO BE DUPED BY ASTROS

Source: CBS Sports

When CC Sabathia took the loss for Game 7 in the 2017 World Series, he just chalked it up to "it is what it is."  But when all of the allegations of cheating surfaced, Sabathia shook his head.  2017 could have been Sabathia's last trip to the World Series, something he longed for, even staying on through injuries the next two seasons for a chance to play in baseball's fall classic.  So, when Sabathia was asked about the Houston cheating scandal after he accepted his March of Dimes Sportsman of the Year award, his words were clear,  "It’s one thing to get signs from second base, but a monitor downstairs and all that stuff is coming out," reported the New York Post.

Source: NY Post

"Reporting by The Athletic last week revealed that whenever the Astros were at bat during home games in 2017, a team employee sat at that table, staring at that screen—and would signal the news that an off-speed pitch was coming by having at that garbage can with a bat, loud enough that the hitter could hear it and change his approach accordingly. Baseball is still very difficult, and this bit of foreknowledge makes it only a little bit easier. But a pitch that would once have been a third strike might instead be fouled off. It’s a small advantage, but a real one—another chance not to strike out, at the very least," reported the New Republic.  This is the sort of thing Sabathia found surreal.  "Damn, that is a lot.’ It’s tough, I don’t know. It’s a tricky thing," reported the Post.

Although Sabathia had not heard the garbage can banging, he inadvertently heard the whistles that signaled to the players what pitch was coming next.  It is one thing to get better as a hitter as the season progresses, it is another thing to cheat.  And this is the thing Sabathia just can't swallow.  As he heads to retirement after 19-years, it is clear the game has changed tremendously.  Technology is one thing, it has enhanced the game in many positive ways; This is more than technology- this is outright cheating.  Inexcusable.

Source: SNY

The Yankees were one game away from the Series in 2017.  One game.  It hurt.  It hurt a lot.  And for Sabathia, maybe a little bit more than anyone else.  He pitched his heart out, as he always tried to do.  Despite the pain physically and mentally.  He didn't deserve to be duped.  None of the Yankees deserved it.  And I know we all believe they should be punished.  Not sure the Astros will get what they deserve at the end of the day.  But Sabathia has to live with what happened and live with the fact that he would not win another World Series.  And that just is not fair.

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

YANKEES CALI TRIP FOR COLE & STRASBURG IS OBVIOUS. CALM DOWN.

Don't get all excited. Nothing's happened yet.  The only the thing the Yankees are doing is meeting with Gerrit Cole and Stephen Strasburg.  Nothing more... for now at least.  Everyone is celebrating like we just signed these guys... we have not.  Do I hope something comes out of this trip? Of course I do, but I'll wait on the excitement. For now... this is just a business meeting... that's it.  Everybody calm down.

The Athletic writes... brought to us by Newsweek:

"According to The Athletic, the Yankees will sit down with Houston Astros ace Gerrit Cole and Washington Nationals starting pitcher and 2019 World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg in the coming days, ahead of the Major League Baseball winter meetings beginning in San Diego, California, on Monday...

Both Cole and Strasburg are represented by Scott Boras and are considered the best starters of the 2019 free-agent class. 

There has been speculation either player could land a deal worth over $250 million, which would exceed the third level of the luxury tax, currently set at $248 million. 

Yankees co-chairman Hal Steinbrenner admitted the organization would prefer not to take such a hefty financial hit, but acknowledged starting pitchers were an almost priceless luxury in today's game."

It's a good trip and the conversation no doubt will be very open and honest. Will a deal be made for at least 1 of these guys? God I hope so, but here's the deal; You can't get excited yet.  This is about a plane ride to the west coast... not a deal... not yet at least and maybe not at all.

Stay tuned.

THE YANKEES HAVE THEIR EYE ON AN INTERESTING TRADE TARGET

This free agent market is star studded with elite starting pitchers like Gerrit Cole, Stephen Strasburg and Madison Bumgarner but the Yankees may be more focused on the trade market.

The Yankees are always connected to many names until they suddenly aren't, so it should never be a surprise when this happens but, shouldn't the Yankees be more focused on starting pitching? I guess acquiring bullpen arms is what gets Brian Cashman excited lately. I get excited about strengthening up that starting rotation and I hope Cashman is too.

So here we are, according to Ken Rosenthal the Yankees are interesting in Blake Treinen of the Oakland A's.

So who is he? Another bullpen guy. The Yankees have had an elite bullpen and it still hasn't brought them a World Series win. The Nationals proved to us this season that you an have a weaker bullpen and still win as long as you have the right starting pitchers and offense. Why does Brian Cashman like to double down on relievers? The Yankees need to realize that a good bullpen is important BUT it doesn't guarantee a Championship. Nothing guarantees a championship but a good offense with guys driving in runs and a rotation that is reliable and can hold a lead can get them the Championship they want.

Now if this is a sign that Dellin Betances may not be back, I guess I can understand the interest. The A's are rumored to want to cut payroll despite making the postseason as a wild card the past two seasons. He would be an interesting gamble. He was one of the best relievers in 2018 but 2019 was a major step back.

2018:  80.1 Innings pitched, 100 strikeouts, 7 earned runs and 0.78 ERA
2019:  58.2 Innings pitched, 59 strikeouts, 32 earned runs and 4.91 ERA

If the Yankees are really interested they are counting on Treinen to return to 2018 form. He would be cheaper than Betances for a year, how much who knows at this point but I believe that you get what you pay for. The savings does nothing for me. I feel more confident sticking with the homegrown talent who has proven he can pitch in Yankee stadium. 

In the end, I don't believe Treinen or any other bullpen arm is the missing piece the Yankees need to be champions again. He wouldn't hurt the Yankees as long as he is effective, but is he worth it? I'm skeptical.

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

WILL JOE GIRARDI LURE YANKEES TO PHILADELPHIA?

While waiting for the SEPTA Regional Rail at Suburban Station in Center City Philadelphia recently, I looked up at the video billboard and my eyes locked a blazingly large picture of Joe Girardi, accepting his post as the Philadelphia Phillies new manager.  The headline under his picture said, "Bring it home, Joe."  It made me nauseous.  But what makes me even more sick to my stomach is the possibility that Girardi could be the catalyst that causes some key Yankee fixtures to take the next train to Philadelphia this winter. 

Source: USA Today

The Philadelphia Voice had this nugget on Saturday.  "According to George A. King III of the New York Post, the Phillies are interested in a pair of Yankees free agents, righty reliever Dellin Betances and catcher Austin Romine. Previously, it was reported that the Phillies were also interested in shortstop Didi Gregorius, as the team now has some inside info on these players after hiring former Yankees manager Joe Girardi to replace Gabe Kapler earlier this fall."  

Wow, Philly, wow.  Could this mass Exodus really happen?  Despite his multiple injuries, the Phillies may be willing to take a chance on the 6-foot-8 right-handed reliever.  And as far as Romine fitting in?  He would likely play back up to one the Phillies biggest signings last season, J.T. Realmuto. Why would Romine jump ship in the Bronx to head to South Philly?  Two reasons: money and Girardi.

Source: NY Post

"The one saving grace for the Phillies, however, could be Girardi, as Romine, like Betances, has spent his entire MLB career with the Yankees dating back to 2011, meaning he played parts of six seasons under the new Phillies manager. Perhaps there's a relationship there that could save the Phillies a little money or convince Romine to take a lesser deal to play under a familiar face," reported the Voice.

With the Winter Meetings set to take place Dec. 8-12, in San Diego, California, there could be a lot of movement, some to the Yankees's delight and others to their demise.  Honestly, losing Betances would not be a big loss, but Romine is a different story.  As we wrote last week, Romine has been invaluable over his tenure as a Yankee, more recently with Gary Sanchez's injury-prone body.  Losing him to the Phillies or any other team would be a deficit for the 2020 Yankees.  Let's hope Girardi doesn't have too much influence over his former players looking for an opportunity to play for their former skipper.

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof