THE LAST BENCH CUT COULD BE THE ONE YOU LEAST EXPECT!

Last week I was torn. I had a lot of different ideas as I was PREDICTING THE ODD MAN OUT! but I have changed my mind. I have a new idea, it may be radical but it could still work. I'm not looking to cut Jay Bruce and I'm not looking to cut Mike Tauchman, either. 

Maybe the Yankees don't have to choose between either of them. You can make good reasons to keep both of them. They both have good value for the Yankees and cutting one of them would be hard. It might be a little easier to cut someone else instead....what about Tyler Wade?

Honestly, he's in consideration for that last bench spot. We already know Brett Gardner isn't going anywhere and Kyle Higashioka is a lock for the back-up catcher spot. So then it comes down to Tauchman, Bruce and....Wade. Nothing against Wade but, he has options remaining. The Yankees can send him down. The infield becomes a little dicey, they won't have an emergency infielder but the Yankees can get creative.

Aaron Boone has already given third basemen Gio Urshela some reps at shortstop. We already know Gleyber Torres can play both second and shortstop. Aaron Boone has new confidence that Jay Bruce can lay first base when needed, read more HERE. Then of course we have DJ LeMahieu who proved he could play all over the infield when he went from no defined role back in 2019 to MVP worthy last season. The Yankees have versatility and can make it work.

Would losing Wade as a backup infielder hurt a little on paper? Sure, one less body for them to use, especially when they are riddled with injuries. It would be challenging, but another important part of this would be to have the RIGHT bodies on the roster. Bruce has proven that he deserves a spot on this team AND he has an opt-out clause that he can exercise today. Tauchman is versatile and likely a guaranteed need considering how often the Yankees are down an outfielder. Oh and the fact that he has no minor league options left is another risk. If the Yankees let him go....another team will be ready to claim him.

                                    

Cutting Wade isn't a great solution by any means....but I don't think cutting Tauchman or Bruce makes more sense either. I think the Yankees need both Tauchman and Bruce, and we will find out if the Yankees think so too....any moment now.

  --Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

     BYB Managing Editor

    Twitter: @nyprincessj

GRATEFUL GARDNER KNOWS THE VALUE OF THE GAME

You all are no stranger to my feelings on Brett Gardner. He is gritty, he is dedicated and he is grateful. And he understands his role on the 2021 Yankees and he is ready to serve.

"For me, I still mentally and physically have to be prepared to play every day," Gardner said. "I know that if all of our guys are healthy, that's probably not going to happen, which is fine. I know what I signed up for when I decided to come back here. I'm just excited to be a part of this team, and however often I play, I'll be ready for it," reported Bryan Hoch. 

Source: USA Today

Brett Gardner is about to embark upon his 14th major league season, all 14 with the New York Yankees. And although he will likely not be in the lineup on opening day, he will be in the lineup this season. Gardner could have gone elsewhere given his track record and persistence to play with heart and speed. But the Yankees are thrilled he chose to stay in the Bronx where his presence will clearly make an impact on this year's team.

"We didn't bring him back as a reward for what he's done in the past. We brought him back because we think he's going to impact us in the present. We're lucky that he loves being here, because I guarantee he had a chance to go elsewhere and probably make more money," said Brian Cashman as reported by Bryan Hoch. 

Gardner will get playing time, there is no doubt about it. He is a hard worker, a great defensive player and he quite frankly stays healthy. "I'm fortunate," Gardner said. "I've been able to play a little longer than maybe most guys. I'll just continue to take good care of myself, hopefully put the right things in my body, and it'll treat me well. Yeah, here we are -- ready for another season," said Gardner.

For all the naysayers, I say go ahead, rant, and for those who love Gardy for his determination and consistent contribution, this is good news for the longest current tenured Yankee. The best part of this all, besides having Gardy in 2021, is that he is humble and grateful for the opportunity.  He appreciates the value to play and the value of the game on his life. Good luck Gardy! Here's to many Gardy Parties this season!

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

THE YANKEES INJURY BUS IS GETTING FULL

Enough with the injuries. Everyone's getting hurt. Except for Giancarlo Stanton, which is crazy to me, but whatever.

The latest few victims are Justin Wilson and Asher Wojciechowski. I hate when pitchers get hurt, and it's happening a lot lately. Just recently it was Zack Britton. It sucks.

The New York Post writes: 

"Injuries aren’t good at any time, but particularly not right at the end of spring training. Southpaw reliever Justin Wilson left Monday’s game with left shoulder tightness, and is set for an MRI exam Tuesday morning. Wilson’s fastball velocity was slightly down, but that can vary game-to-game in spring training under normal circumstances. Boone said Wilson “had a hard time getting loose” and that “there’s a chance it might not be that big a deal.” Given that the Yankees are already missing Zack Britton, losing another high-leverage reliever could be a substantial challenge to overcome."

And then of course there's Asher Wojciechowski. WFAN writes about him and his lat:

"Asher Wojciechowski left Sunday’s Yankees-Blue Jays game in the bottom of the seventh inning after feeling something in his right lat muscle. With one out in the seventh, Wojciechowski immediately reached for his right arm near his bicep after throwing a 1-0 pitch to Teoscar Hernandez.

Wojciechowski, 32, was a non-roster invitee to Yankees camp after signing a minor-league deal this winter. "

The Yankees are dealing with a lot, but they are winning and ultimately are looking good, but injury can kill a franchise... and we have to figure out why this is happening so often. 

A NEW VOTE OF CONFIDENCE IN GARY SANCHEZ

I am looking for any and all signs that point to Gary Sanchez rebounding and finding his mojo again. I'm skeptical (and so are many others) that he can be a productive starting catcher. The Yankees still believe in him, and I want to....maybe this is a *small* sign.

No surprise, Gerrit Cole is the Yankees Opening Day starter but maybe his catcher that day is. Last year with our season on the line in game 5 of the ALDS Aaron Boone started Kyle Higashioka behind the plate in place of Sanchez. Before that, Higashioka took over as a personal catcher for Cole and here we are about to start a new season and Boone is giving Sanchez the nod instead.

So far, Sanchez had only caught Cole once in Spring Training so I'm sure he needed to get back behind the plater with Cole pitching regardless. It's just interesting that even after a poor 2020 season and little time catching the Yankees ace this spring Boone feels comfortable going with Sanchez, but he is.

Considering that Gerrit Cole has history with a dedicated catcher I wasn't sure if the Yankees were convinced that Cole should continue working with Higashioka since it has already proven to work but, Boone already said ""I would expect Gary to be behind there Opening Day," Boone said HERE.

At the end of the day, the Yankees have stood by Sanchez for years now so I guess it is no surprise that he isn't getting the nod for opening day. I do happen to like the Higashioka and Cole combo though, it seemed to work but Sanchez so far has received a lot of praise over Spring Training. Maybe things will be different this year.

I hope Sanchez has turned the corner and surprises us all. I like all of the good praise, but I need to see it when it counts in April and beyond.

  --Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

     BYB Managing Editor

    Twitter: @nyprincessj

HICKS, KING, & BRUCE OH MY!

Source: Sports Illustrated

We are just shy of 10 games until Opening Day 2021 and the Yankees have a lot of reasons to be smiling. Three of them are Aaron Hicks, Mike King and Jay Bruce. And here's why!

Skipper Aaron Boone announced Friday that Aaron Hicks is a natural number three slot hitter (Read DEMOTIONS & REWARD FOR THE NEW YORK YANKEES), and that is great news for Hicks, the Yankees and fans. But in addition to his lefty bat in between righties in the lineup if Hicks hit from that left side, he is adding a new/old secret weapon to his arsenal and strategy to get on base more in 2021.

Source: MLB.com

"I feel like by adding a bunt, being able to use the middle of the field a little bit more, [it] will definitely take away that huge shift on the right side and ultimately give me more chances to get more hits,” said Hicks, who batted .225 with a 121 OPS-plus last season," reported the New York Post. Wow, bold statement from a team that places the long ball ahead of any kind of short ball tactic. But this could be a good one, if Hicks can stay in the lineup consistently and keep his opponents thinking that he could go long or short at any moment. 

Source: Adam Hunger | AP

Right hand pitcher Michael King struck out six Orioles over 4 innings in his bid to make Yankees staff on Saturday. He is looking strong and could be a great option for the Yankees in a starting role or out of the bullpen as a long reliever. "King has stated that his goal is to give the Yankees at least 100 meaningful innings, regardless of whether it’s as a starter or in a relief role. Other pitchers are ahead of him on the depth chart and he probably won’t make the Opening Day roster, but the odds are good that he’ll be needed at some point," reported SB Nation after Saturday's loss to the Orioles. And with the injuries that the Yankees have faced over the last few years, King will be in pinstripes 2021. 

Now how about Jay Bruce? The veteran has certainly turned some heads this spring but was it enough to make the cut? With his bat and ability to play both corners of the outfield plus first base, I would have to vote yes. 

Source: USA Today

"Obviously I’ve had some struggles the last few years, I do kind of give that to injuries, but I feel like when I’m on the field and I’m healthy, I’m pretty much in line with my career numbers,” Bruce said. “I feel good, I feel normal, I feel like myself, you know, I know that I can help a team, I know that I can, you know, be a part of a winning team and help a team win a championship,” reported The New York Daily News. 

King and Bruce who are bubble players will know their fate on Thursday, March 25th. As for Hicks, glad to see he is switching things up in order to get on base amidst the shift that has taken its fair share of hits away from the Yankee switch hitter. Opening Day 2021 is almost here and the Yankees are certainly making things even more exciting for all of us fans who are not only craving baseball but a championship in 2021. 

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

DEMOTIONS & REWARD FOR THE NEW YORK YANKEES

A lot of stuff going on in Yankeeland.  First off how are we all not talking about how Aaron Boone got a pacemaker and a week later he's managing the Yankees again? I mean that's pretty incredible! The dude's a savage, no question. But more to that, the Yankees are looking so good, I love every minute of it! It's gonna be a great season. I cannot wait for it to start.

The addition of Derek Dietrich in my opinion might be the best part of this whole offseason. He brings talent and energy to this team!  I've also become a huge fan of Gio Urshela and am expecting great things.  But there were guys that needed to be demoted to make room for all this incredible talent, and sadly, some of these guys, we love, but there's just no room.

CBS Sports talks about Mike Ford:

"Ford was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Friday.

Ford struggled in the majors last year but worked with the major-league coaching staff this spring. He went 3-for-19 with a double, two RBI, one walk and three strikeouts over nine spring games this year but will now prepare for the minor-league season."

And Ford wasn't the only one. Newsbreak... and many other outlets have this:

"...infielder Thairo Estrada, and relievers Albert Abreu and Brooks Kriske were all optioned to Triple-A Scranton."

But in the meantime, reward for guys like Aaron Hicks. Boone has tapped him the number 3 hitter for the team, and I love that. 

Empire Sports Media:

"As a result, and by virtue of his excellent power and patience combo, the Yankees love what Hicks brings to the table as a number three hitter.

...Boone has recently said that he sees Hicks as his third hitter for the 2021 season. He shows a tremendous amount of confidence in the versatile outfielder and believes he is among the best hitters in Yankees’ loaded roster."

The Yanks are making their adjustments, and I am loving every minute of it. I cannot wait for opening day!

Bring it!

PREDICTING THE ODD MAN OUT!

Last month I was worried that Brett Gardner was a Yankee casualty. We speculated that his days as a Yankee were over. It turns out I may have been concerned about the wrong veteran's future. As we get closer to Opening Day, it looks like a different Yankee outfielder may be left behind.

I'm struggling to find where Mike Tauchman fits right now, and I think the Yankees are also. I didn't expect Jay Bruce to be this productive in Spring Training. He's looking to rebound after an underwhelming three-year contract with the Mets and Tauchman looked good in 2019, and even with a short 2020 season he regressed.

Aaron Boone says he wants to start the regular season with 13 pitchers and 13 position players. It's safe to assume 12 of those position players are likely set, read more on that HERE. So that leaves one more spot left, and an uncomfortable decision to make.

A week from today Bruce can opt out of his contract. On the same note, Tauchman is out of minor league options and has four years of team control before he can become a free agent. Neither of these players can be sent to the minors without passing through waivers which seems unrealistic so the Yankees will likely lose one of them....unless there is a trade.

Considering the Yankees are giving Bruce a look at first base and he has had a productive Spring, I think that is a good sign that the Yankees like his versatility. Tauchman also has versatility, you can't ignore an outfielder who has the ability to all three positions. As much as we would like to forget, we can't ignore the Yankees have a brutal injury history in recent years especially with Aaron Judge and Clint Frazier so it would be smart to keep him for the extra versatility.

So, who gets the last bench spot, Bruce or Tauchman? Do the Yankees go with Bruce's experience or Tauchman's versatility? Considering that the Yankees are cursed by the injury bug I'd rather keep them both in a perfect world. Of course this isn't a perfect world so.....if you can only keep one, who do you keep?

Comment and tell us.

  --Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

     BYB Managing Editor

    Twitter: @nyprincessj

URSHELA: HIT TO HIM AND YOU'RE OUT!

Source: Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post

I am fortunate that I have the opportunity to record The Dugout Podcast on The Bleed Blue Show every week. It gives me the chance to voice my concerns, opinions and insights about everything Yankee. In this most recent podcast I shared my sentiments about Gio Urshela, who I absolutely treasure as a Yankee defender and he's got a great bat too. Coupled with my piece last week, HOW ABOUT GIO URSHELA AT SHORT?, I ranted about how Urshela and DJ LeMahieu anchor the Yankee infield and save runs every time they defend behind Yankee pitching. And now, there's even more evidence that Urshela could play more shortstop than originally intended. 

Source: MLB.com

Tuesday, Urshela played shortstop in the Yankee 7-4 win over Tigers. "It felt really good; better than I thought," Urshela said. "I had two ground balls and I feel really comfortable. I've been playing a lot in the shift, so I feel really good for my first day." Yankees manager Aaron Boone summarized Urshela's afternoon thusly: "Hit it to him and you're out," reported MLB.com.  The Yankees simply cannot afford to give up runs to poor defense in the infield. And Gleyber Torres has not proven his ability to play shortstop consistently well or well enough in his first stint in 2020.

As Steve Azul put it on the podcast, Gleyber Torres just didn't have a good 2020. Not sure why- could be the shortened season, something got into his head, who knows. But if we want to keep his position at shortstop, he needs to earn it. 

Source: AP

"Whenever Boonie needs to use me, I'll be there playing shortstop," Urshela said. "I've played second base in the past before. I've played first a couple of times, so I'll be ready to play any position when they need me," reported MLB.com. Urshela can play any position in the infield, giving the Yankees even more depth and flexibility. 

The intentionality of Boone trying out Urshela at short is merely about testing out if he could back up Torres at short, not necessarily replace him. And with Miguel Andujar's scheduled to see a hand specialist after dealing with hand and wrist soreness in spring training, the Yankees could be one infielder short for this experiment to really come to fruition. 

But there is one thing that is evident, hit the ball to Urshela and you're out! He is one of the most valuable Yankees we have and I am grateful I get to write about him, talk about him and watch him make a greater impact for his team in 2021. 

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

MIGUEL ANDUJAR JUST CAN'T GET A BREAK

You gotta feel bad for Miguel Andujar.  He's got the talent, but he just can't stay healthy. It's crazy.

The New York Post writes:

"Andujar is dealing with right hand and wrist soreness, manager Aaron Boone said Sunday morning, and is expected to see a hand specialist on Monday to get a diagnosis. The third baseman/outfielder has not played since Wednesday, with the Yankees holding him back because of the soreness.

“We’ll know more about it probably [Monday] or Tuesday,” Boone said on a Zoom from Tampa."

But here's the problem... Andujar didn't speak up or should I say didn't shut down during the offseason when he was in the Dominican Republic, and now, that soreness is just too much and in the season where it really counts, he's in jeopardy of not being ready for the New York Yankees. We don't need this.  Hey... he doesn't either, but this is the problem with athletes. They can't say no.  They keep going as to worry about losing their spot if they do say no. But what did it get Miguel? Well... he's out anyway now.  Was it worth it? Not for him.

Here's the thing, we have Gio Urshela, and that's a great defensive talent. But I think it's safe to say that Yankee fans would like Miguel healthy and playing consistently. I know I do.  

Stay tuned for what happens next for Miggy. We will get more information soon.

IS THERE A FAVORITE FOR THE YANKEES FIFTH STARTER?

I wasn't expecting the battle for the Yankees fifth spot in the starting rotation to be intense, but it is. The Yankees are going to have a hard decision to make, harder than anticipated. The bottom of the rotation looks promising, more promising then it did a few weeks ago.

I know it is early, I am not getting overly excited just yet. I just like what I am seeing so far. The rotation beyond Gerrit Cole has been a giant question mark all winter. I've been nervous about the anchor of the rotation. There's been talk that Deivi Garcia may need more time in Triple-A and we weren't sure how Domingo German would look after missing so much time away.

But now we have a good battle shaping for the last spot. I thought Garcia's start against the Blue Jays last week was impressive when he struck out five and only allowed two hits. He wasn't quite as impressive yesterday but he still has a 2.25 ERA in three starts this spring with 10 strikeouts and two walks.

Now German gets his third start today, and I am waiting to see if he can build on his good spring so far. In his first two starts he has not allowed a run, struck out seven and has no walks.

I think I am more interested in this rotation battle because scouts have also been buzzing about these two and giving their own opinions. I really like both guys, and I've always been very high on Garcia so I get excited about him pitching in the rotation....and maybe it will happen. Both guys are getting a lot of attention from scouts this spring. "For me, German is a [number] 3 1/2, 4 starter," one rival talent evaluator said. "But I think Garcia might be a 3 or even potentially a 2. The overall stuff is better," read more HERE.

Now, I know one scout evaluation isn't the final answer, but it excites me still. The Yankees will have a hard choice to make. A good battle is always an exciting one. I wonder who will ultimately be our fifth starter come Opening Day, anyone want to take a guess?

  --Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

     BYB Managing Editor

    Twitter: @nyprincessj

VOIT NEEDS TO SET AN EXAMPLE FOR HIS TEAM

Source: Associated Press

You get one body. To care for, to maintain, to get healthy, to get fit. And if you don't take care of your body, your body can't take care of you, forever. On Saturday, our fearless Editor in Chief, Robert Casey, wrote LUKE VOIT REALIZES HE NEEDS TO STOP BEING A MEATHEAD. In the piece, he highlights Voit's epiphany of perhaps maybe he needs to tone things down, and give his body a break. And you know what, it is about time!

“I’m getting older,” he said. “I’ve got to be smart and take care of myself because I can only play this game so long," reported NJ.com. For a bit of a back story, Luke Voit was scratched from Tuesday's game due to a sore knee and then aggravated his other knee following an "ill-advised decision to tag up on a flyout to left field during Thursday’s spring training game," reported the New York Post. Bottom-line, you can't continue to beat up on your body and expect it to keep bouncing back without any repercussions. 

Source: St. Louis Post Dispatch

"Voit used to spill out all of this energy that he has on the football field when he was a fullback and middle linebacker in his native Wildwood, Mo., at Lafayette High, the same suburban St. Louis school that produced 2006 National League MVP Ryan Howard and 2011 World Series MVP David Freese," reported NJ.com. 

I love Voit's energy. It is contagious which is one way Voit sets the right kind of example for his team. But, everything in moderation. Running down the base paths like a steam roller, using your entire body to do so will literally kill a guy. There is one thing to hustle and play the game smart, taking advantage of an opponent's mistake. There is another to take risks that will land your on the IL. Voit needs to consider this and set an example for other players who look up to him. 

Source: NJ.com

“I’ve always had a football mentality, and you guys have seen that, whether it’s throw my stuff in the dugout or some bad language out of my mouth,” Voit said. “I’ve always been like that,” reported The Post. Balance. Voit needs to balance his passion and bullish strategy with his desire for longevity. No one can play this game forever but if you can rest, keep your body healthy and don't take needless risks, you can play longer than most. You're body does not need the additional stress. It is not worth it. 

Voit needs to set an example for his team. An example of moderation and sound judgment are in order. Here's hoping Voit can do that for his team and by keeping healthy, he provides every opportunity for his team to win. 

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

LUKE VOIT REALIZES HE NEEDS TO STOP BEING A MEATHEAD

Love this story, because we here at BYB love Luke Voit. But here's the thing about Voit, he plays hard, but I've always thought that he plays like a football player... and this is baseball.

Randy Miller has a great story about Voit in the Bergen Record today... check this out:

"His left knee, the one that was sore a few days ago and led to a scratch from a scheduled start, indeed is fine. As for the other, the slugger is sporting a “gash” that occurred during his slide into third base after an ill-advised decision to tag up on a flyout to left field during Thursday’s spring training game in Clearwater, Fla.

“Probably wasn’t the smartest play,” Voit said on Friday.

His cut, although no big deal, probably will be a constant reminder to add more intellect into his brand. He wants to do that while still maintaining that fearless, aggressive style and mindset that Yankees fans seem to embrace as much as the 6-foot-3, 225-pounder’s popular weight-lifting videos and tremendous right-handed power.

“My left knee was the one bothering me a little bit, but I slid on my right and I wear a knee pad,” Voit explained. “My knee pad slid on me and I cut my knee. It’s a baseball injury. Everybody gets it. Instead of getting it during the summer, now I’m going to have to deal with it the rest of the season. Fun stuff, especially when you shower after the game!”

Now 30, Voit thinks it’s time to start protecting his body more than he has in past seasons.

“I’m getting older,” he said. “I’ve got to be smart and take care of myself because I can only play this game so long.”

Reminder to everyone who competes in sports... be smart, work hard, but know your limitations. You wanna play for a long time? Don't over do it, but still work hard to achieve greatness.

I see a monster year for Voit. Why? Because his mindset is about balance.  I'd love to hear from our BYB Managing Editor Suzie Pinstripe says about this... being a runner and all. Suzie?