JUSTIN VERLANDER TO THE YANKEES?

He's back, but is he healthy? That's a fair question considering he's been out of the game for a long time now. He had workout last week that 25 teams attended and it looked like the missed time hasn't hurt him....so far. The Yankees were there and are considered to be a favorite to get Justin Verlander. So could this really happen?

The Yankees are always tied to every free agent so it is no surprise that we are tied to Verlander. Question is WHY and is there any legit connection there? Maybe. One thing that stood out to me was the location of his workout. Is it just a big coincidence that the owner of the facility where Verlander’s workout was held belongs to Eric Cressey, who is the Yankees' director of player health and performance? Don't forget, Corey Kluber also had his workout at Cressey Sports Performance as well and he ended up in pinstripes.

And what about the Gerrit Cole connection? Maybe not as big of a connection but it can't be ignored. They were co-aces for the Astros from 2018 and 2019 and the Yankees have been looking for a number two behind Cole since he signed here. He has the experience, and the Yankees have already proven that they like a reclamation project.

And that's where I am not excited at all. We already tried the reclamation project with Kluber and the Yankees should look for a different solution. Verlander was once a great pitcher but he will be 39 when the season starts and he has pitched a total of 6 innings since 2020. Verlander is going to want a multi-year deal after missing almost two full seasons and the Yankees should let someone else take that gamble.

The Verlander signing would've been great a decade ago. Why are the Yankees looking at older, past their prime pitchers? It's time to start looking at some of our younger talent and stop pouring big bucks in a guy like Verlander who just had Tommy John and says he wants to pitch until he is 45. It makes no sense whatsoever....but I can see Brian Cashman taking the risk.

If the Yankees learned anything at all from the Kluber signing they need to say HARD PASS and no to Verlander.

  --Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

     BYB Senior Managing Editor

    Twitter: @nyprincessj

JONATHAN LOAISIGA NEEDS TO STAY RIGHT WHERE HE IS

Source: AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez

The General Managers meeting has been going on all week in Carlsbad, California as Brian Cashman begins to hunt and gather key components for the 2022 team. The Yankees need to win this year. I mean we say this every year, but 2022 has to bring more victory and celebration than defeat and deflation. And as Cashman seeks to find the next best Yankees, one Yankee pitcher has to be off limits: Jonathan Loaisiga. 

"We’re going to continue to reinforce, and we’ve got a lot of teams asking about our bullpen at the same time,” general manager Brian Cashman told reporters according to MLB Rumors. I would agree reinforcing the current bullpen, particular with the inconsistencies we saw in Aroldis Chapman is key. But Loaisiga needs to be coached, nurtured and protected as an up and coming reliever for the Yankees.

Source: AP Photo/Gregory Bull

"Cashman likely would be loathe to give up right-hander Jonathan Loaisiga, who broke out with a 2.17 ERA in 57 games last season. The 27-year-old righty struck out 69 batters in 70 2/3 innings and won’t be a free agent until after the 2024 season," reported MLB Rumors. He needs to more than loathe it, he need prevent any movement on Loaisiga. Period.

Source: MLB.com

The Yankees and lefty reliever Joely Rodriguez agreed to a one-year deal reportedly worth $2 million. This is a step in the right direction for sure. And I would like to see the Yankees keep Chad Green and Clay Holmes as well. I know the Yankees need to weigh their options between free agency and forming trade partners, but I hope the Yankee protect Loaisiga like they do Aaron Judge. He has a future and I want that future to be in pinstripes. 

As the winter trading and free agency market heats up, it is clear the Yankees need to support their foundation with functional players who can add value and chemistry to the team. Let's hope they keep Loaisiga and groom him for success, right here in the Bronx. 

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

BRYAN REYNOLDS COULD BE BRONX BOUND!

Brett Gardner is gone, Aaron Judge sometimes plays center and the Pittburgh Pirates have a centerfielder in Bryan Reynolds and he may be available. Do we want him? Would we rather have an Anthony Rizzo or Matt Olson and a starting pitcher? Alot of questions... let's take the Bryan Reynolds news first...

NJ.com writes:

"They’re among the potential suitors for Pirates center fielder Bryan Reynolds, according to a tweet from MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, “but the team feels no pressure to move him. He won’t be a free agent until after 2025, and an extension remains possible."

On Tuesday, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman told reporters that center field was an area the club may try to upgrade, with shortstop and the pitching staff also in mind.

Last season, Reynolds was an All-Star, hitting .302 with 24 homers, 90 RBI and a .912 OPS in 159 games. The 26-year-old is projected to make $4.5 million via salary arbitration in 2022, according to MLB Trade Rumors. Pittsburgh could be motivated to trade Reynolds before he gets even more expensive via arbitration."

Now look, I personally feel like the Yanks can be just fine in the outfield without Reynolds. They have a lot of guys that can play there.  Lefty bats and some consistency is what we really need. Signing guys like Rizzo... or pursuing a Matt Olson would make better sense.  Even getting another starting pitcher would work! Here's another thing that bothers me alittle about Reynolds. I love fast outfielders.  But what I mean is I like speed on the bases as well as the field.  He doesn't run alot... I wish he did.

Let's see how this plays out. I'm definitely interested in seeing the Yankees make significant moves this offseason.

BRIAN CASHMAN HAS A LOT TO SAY ABOUT CARLOS CORREA

I'm not too sure I like it either.

I've become very critical of Brian Cashman over the last couple of years, but back in the day I wasn't. I thought he was a genius what feels like many years ago now. I never questioned if he was crazy in what he did or said and just believed that he had a method to his madness and it would magically work. After reading recent headlines I am wondering.....is Cashman crazy or is he playing a game of poker with free agents?

In case you missed it, Cashman had a lot to say in a story the Houston Chronicle ran this week. You can find that HERE. Long story short, Houston made a couple of low ball offers to keep Carlos Correa and Cashman was quick to share his thoughts.

"Correa is just a very talented player, obviously," Cashman said on Tuesday. "Puts up numbers with the best of them. He’s obviously had an incredible career thus far. Certainly not afraid. He’s pushed forward, regardless of the circumstances. He’s clearly not afraid because (the sign-stealing fallout) has not affected his play."

I think we can all see he's not afraid now nor has he ever been, most likely. He certainly talks the talk, his production has let him walk the walk so that strong personality and New York's high expectations should be a perfect fit.

But what about that sign-stealing fallout? That is something that will never go away even if he were to wear our uniform. Some fans may be forgiving if he becomes a Yankee. I for one won't "forgive and forget." And just in case you share my sentiment it sounds like Cashman doesn't care.
Fan reaction "is not going to enter my calculus right now," says Cashman.

Whether or not fan reaction should influence his thought process could be a whole other topic, but that's not my point. What I'm wondering is more complex. Is this a Cashman strategy? Is he just trying to prove that poker face I thought he once mastered never left after all? 

At minimum, his statement drives up the asking price. If we are so interested and chasing him early in the game our presence just made his price tag go even higher than it already was. Francisco Lindor just got a big pay day, so there is that comparable. Is this just a ploy to drive the price up on Correa while Yankees chase another target like Corey Seager?

Maybe so considering Yankees are also exploring the market for other needs like help in center field too. I wouldn't be mad if that was the case considering I won't even pretend to want Correa in pinstripes. But that's just me. 

  --Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

     BYB Senior Managing Editor

    Twitter: @nyprincessj

MAX SCHERZER TO THE YANKEES?

Source: NBC Sports

Mad Max and Gerrit Cole in the same rotation? Could that be real or just fantasy? According to Scott Boras, Scherzer's agent, Max wants to play for a winning team. As a pitcher late in his career, Scherzer could demand big bucks in this market. But could the Yankees afford him? Could Scherzer be in pinstripes this spring?

Max Scherzer hits the free agent market for the second time in his career this winter. His last trip to the open market resulted in a seven-year, $210 million dollar deal with the Washington Nationals. This turned out to be one of the best free agent investments in recent memory. But could Max demand more now, despite being 37-years-old?

Source: SI.com

According to NJ.com earlier this fall, "As for Scherzer, the New York Yankees were linked to the three-time Cy Young Award winner before the July 30 trade deadline. But the Washington Nationals shipped the 37-year-old right hander (and shortstop Trea Turner) to the Dodgers. And since then, Scherzer has only gotten better, going 6-0 with a 0.88 ERA in eight starts." Imagine having Scherzer alongside Cole? It would be a Yankees' fan dream. But at what cost?

Source: Federal Baseball

"Max Scherzer figures to be among the most sought-after talents in a loaded free-agent class. The certain Hall-of-Famer has banked over $139 million in career earnings and, despite his age (37), should be in line for another monster payday this offseason. In fact, Jim Bowden of The Athletic predicts whoever he signs with (Bowden identified the Dodgers, Giants and Angels as Scherzer’s “best fits”) will make him the highest-paid player in MLB history," reported WFAN.

Those close to Scherzer say he is looking for a three year deal, predicting that Scherzer, if he remains healthy, will pitch into his 40s. Incredible. And Mad Max is as competitive as they come. He could bring fire to this lifeless team as well as perspective and leadership. But again, the price tag could be huge and that would likely put the Yankees out of the race for other free agents to fill the void at short shop. Could it all be worth it in the end?

These are tough questions and honestly, Scherzer could find his way into the rotation of another NY team or stay right where he is Los Angeles. But if the Yankees could land Scherzer, it would be incredible—a dream come true. 

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

IF OAKLAND WILL SELL MATT OLSON, THE YANKEES MUST BUY!

There's a big shakeup happening in Oakland right now. There should be just as big of a shakeup here in the Bronx, but that didn't quite happen. Something big still could happen though if the Yankees and the Oakland A's start talking.

Did you see what happened last week in Oakland? After 11 years Bob Melvin has left Oakland to manage the San Diego Padres. You may be asking "so what?" because that move alone isn't a big deal. However, right after that the A’s declined their team option on lefty reliever Jake Diekman who had a 3.86 ERA in 67 games. Even with a much smaller payroll, he's still "affordable" to Oakland at $4 million. So is this a sign that Oakland is looking to sell and maybe bigger names like Matt Olson are a trade chip that Oakland could use to rebuild again. Maybe....and if they are the Yankees need to go all in.

Olson is a perfect target for the Yankees and would help strengthen the infield. He's 27, gives the Yankees another left handed bat that they need and can run into a few home runs. He hit 39 last season, was an All-Star and and is a 2021 Silver Slugger AND Gold Glove finalist. 

He's the guy I get excited about. Honestly Luke Voit hasn't been healthy recently and his defense is subpar. I'm also not crazy about using DJ LeMahieu at first when his best position is second. The Yankees need to retool their roster in several positions, and that includes first base.

But what would it take to get him? I think the conversation STARTS with Voit, Domingo German and Gleyber Torres. I don't see that as enough to get Olson, but it's where they can open and see where it goes. I don't like the idea of including Torres to be honest, but he doesn't have a good home if the Yankees are going to use LeMahieu at second and Oakland will like that he is young and won't be a free agent until 2025. At this point, I'm open to any possibilities with this team....even trading away a young Torres.

Olson is the type of player and bat that the Yankees need to transform this roster. He's a hot name that many other teams would love to acquire. If the Yankees can get Oakland to bite, they need to move fast. Olson is a dream catch right now. If Oakland is willing to sell, the Yankees need to get it done.

  --Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

     BYB Senior Managing Editor

    Twitter: @nyprincessj

HAVE WE HAD THE LAST GARDY PARTY IN THE BRONX?

Source: NY Post

Brett Gardner. A real ball player. Persistent. Focused. A Fighter. Gardner stepped in and stepped up when he was asked to; it doesn't matter that he is 38-years-old. It doesn't matter that his throws are not as great as they used to be. It doesn't matter that he is considered the fourth outfielder. He is a veteran and he knows his job. He is a professional. He works hard. And 2021 may have been Brett Gardner's last season—at least in the Bronx. 

According to the New York Yankees on Thursday, "OF Brett Gardner declined his player option, and the Yankees declined his club option. He is now a free agent." What does that mean? Would veteran Brett Gardner actually consider testing the free agent market and put on another uniform other than Yankee Pinstripes? 

"The only place #BrettGardner is going is straight to #MonumentPark with the rest of the #NewYorkYankee legends , retire #11  GoatGoatGoat #ThankYouBrettGardner," stated fan @AbeLRobertLive. 

Source: Twitter

The fans took to Twitter to pay their respects to the only active Yankee member of the 2009 Championship team. Many suggested that Gardner isn't done until he hangs up his cleats officially, and others stated openly that they could not stomach Gardy having a Party in another other club other than the Yankees.

Source: NY Post

Gardner has been the epitome of consistency. Very little visits to the IL in his tenure as a Yankee and he is still one of the fastest runners on the team. "Gardner, an All-Star in 2015, has a .256 batting average with 139 homers and 587 RBIs in 14 big league seasons," reminded ESPN. He had one of his best seasons in 2019 but 2020 and 2021 was not as kind to the veteran. He provides more than just consistency; he offers leadership, morale and energy that is not only welcome but necessary for a team that has had their share of chemistry and culture issues in the more recent years.

"A third-round selection of the club in the 2008 MLB Draft, Gardner ranks among the all-time franchise leaders in defensive WAR (12.9, ninth), triples (73, tied for eighth), stolen bases (274, third), stolen-base percentage (81.07 percent, fourth) and hit-by-pitches (67, eighth)," reported MLB.com.

Source: NY Daily News

I will be honest, the news of Gardner's potential departure was not shocking. I am sure you are not surprised about the announcement either. But the thought of Gardner not with the team in 2022 did cause me to pause and reflect what he has meant for the Yankees and what he has given us as fans. The irony is the timing of the announcement—the day the Yankees won #27 back in 2009. But Gardner is a father and a husband and eventually you have to consider what your next steps will be and what your second career will look like.

"This game has been great to me and great to my family," Gardner said. "The longer you play and the older your kids get, the harder it gets, and the more things I missed out on, not being able to see them back home doing their thing. It's harder to be together all the time." 

So have we seen the last Gardy Party in the Bronx? As a player, likely. As a hitting coach, a special advisor, and mentor, I hope not. When one door closes, another one opens for guys like Gardner who have given their blood, sweat and life to this game. I see him contributing in some way in his future but for now, I respect whatever decision he makes for him and his family. #ThankyouBrettGardner for all you have given to the Yankees over the last 14 year. Now it's time for you to focus on what's best for you. I miss you already. 

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

 

YANKEES LOSE VELAZQUEZ, ALLEN & LOCASTRO

Things like this suck, after all, guys like Andrew Velazquez, Greg Allen and a short lived Tim Locastro were a real young energy the Yankees definitely needed... but when a season ends, things like this happen and now those guys are gone.  Too bad.

The New York Daily News writes:

"Shortstop Andrew Velazquez and outfielders Tim Locastro and Greg Allen were all claimed off waivers by other teams on Friday. The Angels claimed Velazquez while Locastro was picked up by the rival Boston Red Sox and Allen heads to the Pittsburgh Pirates....

Velazquez, known around the clubhouse as Squid, gained notoriety for being a kid from the Bronx who achieved a lifelong dream of playing shortstop for the Yankees. He has just 96 MLB games on his ledger, but 28 of those came this year with his boyhood club, mostly filling in when Gleyber Torres went on the injured list....

Allen got into 15 games in 2021 and, like Locastro, was part of the outfield carousel in the middle of the year. The 28-year-old put up the best numbers of anyone in this group, slashing .270/.417/.432 and making good on all five of his stolen base attempts. Allen handled all three outfield positions for the Bombers, who went 11-4 in the 15 games he played in."

But one thing not mentioned was that when they were there, they played like their hair was on fire. They played hard and were energized and that was something we really missed on this Yankee club at times, and that was what the fans loved and wanted.  

Too bad they're gone, but we need to turn the page.

IS MLB READY FOR THE UNIVERSAL DH?

I've been preparing myself for months now, have you? On December 1st, the current collective bargaining agreement will expire and I'm sure negotiations for a new agreement will be very eventful. There will be many hot topics including the possibility of adding a universal DH.

All signs so far point to both the National and American leagues adopting the DH. It has more support now than it has in years past and even I have warmed up to the idea. I used to be dead set against it. I'm not 100% sold yet but I'm not opposed as I was before.

And I'm no the only one who has warmed up to the idea. I found an interesting read as I was scouring the internet for baseball news today, check out this article by the San Antonio Express-News HERE. Even World Champion Braves manager Brian Snitker has warmed up to the idea. Like me, he had his own hesitations.

“Prior to experiencing it last year (2020), I was kind of like the old guard,” Snitker said of using the DH during the pandemic season. “I was not for it. I am now. Pitchers don’t grow up hitting — they grow up pitching.”

Funny how a short 2020 season can change perspective because now he says “I didn’t know if I would, but I ended up liking it.” And then on the other hand I get Dusty Baker's point of view too. He likes baseball just the way it is.

“I’m in favor of leaving it the way it is,” Baker said of the last half-century of baseball in the American and National leagues. “… They’re both interesting in their own ways. I remember when the DH first came in the league, it was basically for a lot of older players … guys that could hit. Either your knees were bad or whatever it was, and you couldn’t play the position."

The DH was and you can argue still is for the players that couldn't handle being an everyday position player. Looks at Giancarlo Stanton, he's been stuck in a DH only role now due to his previous injury  history even though he played 139 games this season. They could've tested given him more opportunities in the outfield but did not.

Baker added, “The DH is kind of hurting some of the kids that are coming up that don’t want to play a position, and just want to DH at 12, 13 or 14 years old. You go to a Little League … practice, and after they hit, they’re ready to go home. There’s more to the game than just hitting, if you’re going to be a ballplayer.”

And he's not wrong either but like Snitker said if you are a pitcher you grow up pitching and they aren't known or expected to be great hitters. I used to be so against the idea of the universal DH because even though my favorite team plays in the American league I have always LOVED watching interleague games. The strategies are different and every once in awhile you get to witness an unexpected thrill. Do you remember watching Bartolo Colon's big hit in 2016? That's what makes baseball so exciting and those are moments that I would miss.

But now I have started to change my opinion a little. As much as I do appreciate National League baseball I am more concerned with protecting our pitchers. The last thing I want to see is Gerrit Cole go up to the plate and get hit in the hand or the leg and miss significant time. Baseball contracts are just extra expensive these days and injuries are more frequent too. I guess this is what makes me more open to the change.

Question is will we see the DH happen next season? So far all signs point to yes. Times are changing but are players and fans ready for it? I'm anxious to see what this new collective bargaining agreement brings. Did we just watch pitchers bat for the last time? My guess is yes.

  --Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

     BYB Senior Managing Editor

    Twitter: @nyprincessj

IS ANTHONY RIZZO IN THE YANKEES OFF SEASON PLANS?

Source: MLB.com

A crowded infield. Average athleticism. And a need for a shortstop. These are all elements of the current Yankee situation. This is also a situation that poses an interesting opportunity. Do the Yankees shop Luke Voit and invest in Anthony Rizzo or seek other options at first base which likely will include a platoon with DJ LeMahieu? Is Rizzo top of mind for the Yankees offseason plans?

Source: MLB.com

According to MLB.com, "Rizzo earned $16.5 million last season and reportedly turned down a five-year, $75 million extension from the Cubs. Rizzo’s left-handed bat adds balance and he fits the bill of what Cashman desires as far as an athletic contact hitter, but if his asking price has not budged, does he fit into a crowded infield that already has DJ LeMahieu and Luke Voit as viable options at first base?"

Rizzo fit in pretty quickly with the Yankees rhythm but an early exit to the COVID IL likely kept him from being as effective as he could have been early on. He snapped back fairly quickly but the Yankees and Rizzo ran out of time to demonstrate his full value to this team. Could 2022 provide a opportunity for Rizzo to be the kind of consistent athletic hitter the Yankees desperately need? 

Source: NJ.com

Rizzo represents leadership and a veteran player who younger players would look up to in addition to having a much needed lefty bat providing balance to the Yankees lineup. 

And then there's his defense which is also very appealing to an infield that struggled mightily this year. According to a scout interviewed by SNY in October, "He’s a Gold Glove first baseman. There are not many first basemen who are better than him. The Yankees and their fans hadn’t seen that. He makes all these plays that everyone has trouble with. He takes a lot of balls out of the dirt, saves errors on bad throws. "I know he’s getting older, but he does a lot of positive things."

Look the Yankees need positivity, and consistency—two key attributes missing from this team. He could provide stability and I like him, but Aaron Judge needs to have his payday too, and there is that need for a shortstop, both good enough reasons for the Yankees to pause or even pass on Rizzo. Yet, the Red Sox showed interest at the trade deadline and we all know we don't want to let a guy like Rizzo go to a division rival, particularly the Sox. 

Is Rizzo in the Yankees offseason plans? Yes. Will they need to consider other options given other priorities. Absolutely. But this could all work out so that Rizzo stays with the Yankees, which would be a great future investment for a team that needs to make something happen in 2022. 

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

LIGHTING A FIRE UNDER GARY SANCHEZ'S ASS

Gary Sanchez needs to work harder, or at least show to the Yankee fan base that he cares.  Much like Robinson Cano, the laziness he appears to demostrate is horrendous.  Now I like Gary, but I feel like this guy is just going through the motions some times.  Remember when Cano used to jog down the first base line on a ground ball? I hated that... most did.  Now we have a kid like Sanchez who doesn't work well behind the plate. He blocks horribly, doesn't get on his feet, appears slow and as a defensive catcher, you really have to do better.  While Kyle Higashioka is probably a better option defensively, this guy is a career minor leaguer who can't really hit.  That's not a slight at Higgy... that's reality.  Honestly, believe when the Yankees decided this would be the catching team they would have in 2021 it would like a fire under Gary's butt. It really didn't happen. Now maybe it will...

NJ.com writes that the Yankees could and should be alooking into maybe getting some more help once again. And by "help", I mean making it alittle uncomfortable for Gary/

"Cashman could re-sign Sanchez, who will be a free agent after the 2022 season, but bring in competition for playing time behind the plate. If Cashman is not content with Sanchez and Kyle Higashioka as his backstops, there’s a new name for the GM to consider, according to Cleveland.com’s Paul Hoynes: Roberto Perez.

It’s unlikely the Guardians will exercise Perez’s $7 million club option for 2022. That would make him a free agent so teams can just wait to see what the Guardians do with Perez. If they don’t exercise the option, all it’s going to cost a team to sign Perez is money. They won’t have to give up a player.

So who is Perez? Glad you asked.

The 32-year-old catcher is a two-time Gold Glove Award winner (2019 and 2020), so he would be an immediate upgrade defensively over Sanchez."

The problem? Perez struggles at the plate too. He struggles like Sanchez struggles, and so while it may be a foolish move, what could happen is a real competitiion for the lead catching role for the New York Yankees, especially defensively/ Hey, I find this interesting. Bottom line... something needs to happen. Sanchez's trade value is probably pretty low and so they need to figure out what to do while he's in pinstripes.

It's interesting... it's necessary if catchers want to up their play and it's important that the Yankees find some way to get this guy motivated.  Trust me when I tell you... as a fan, I am quite disappointed.

May the best man win.

ARE THE YANKEES EXPECTATIONS FOR JAMESON TAILLON TOO HIGH?

The Yankees took a lot of chances this season with their starting rotation. On paper it looked scary after Gerrit Cole, but it panned out better than expected. I still think the Yankees need a real number two pitcher behind Cole and they can't afford to gamble.

But they might. Last winter the Yankees picked up James Taillon hoping they were getting a number two after a scout hyped him up. It was a risky move that didn't pan out the way the Yankees had hoped. It was a gamble after recovering from Tommy John twice, and now he is recovering from right ankle surgery.

Now I really do like the potential Taillon has, so I can see why the scout was so high on him but realistically....are the Yankees expectations for Taillon too high? We are talking about a pitcher with two TJ surgeries and now recovering from an ankle. His 2021 started off rough, he rebounded towards the end of the season and the season prior to that he didn't pitch at all. The Yankees shouldn't expect him to be number two or even number three starter. How can they gamble on getting 20+ starts from him next season?

I don't think it is wise. I like his determination and his guts a lot. He's the guy you want to see on the mound because you know he has the right attitude....but does he have the physical ability? I don't think you can comfortably say he does. The Yankees should hope for the best next season and hope he fully recovers and can be the reliable and productive starter but they can't go into 2022 expecting that.

We all really want to see Taillon succeed, but if the Yankees don't manage their expectations with Taillon next season then they will be doing themselves and Taillon a disservice. The Yankees HOPE he will be ready for some portion of Spring Training, but it's possible he will miss all of it.

I hope the Yankees are making preparations NOW and won't be scrambling for Plan G later. The Yankees have a lot of needs this winter, and they need to make sure they don't get too comfortable and set unrealistic expectation for Taillon. I think he will be an important piece to the Yankees success next season as long as the Yankees don't blow it.

For now, rest up Taillon, we are all pulling for you.

  --Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

     BYB Senior Managing Editor

    Twitter: @nyprincessj