ADIOS, CHAPMAN! YANKEES GIVE CHAPMAN THE BOOT!

It's the beginning of the end for Aroldis Chapman. Life is about choices and sometimes choices have consequences. That's something that Chapman may have to learn the hard way as he sits at home in Miami instead of sitting in the dugout with his team.

Who the hell does this guy think he is? I can't just CHOOSE not to go to work, but clearly he thought so because that's exactly what he did, read more HERE. He made a CHOICE not to get on a plane and return to New York. He made a CHOICE to turn his back on his teammates. In August I asked SHOULD CHAPMAN MAKE THE POSTSEASON ROSTER? And even if he knew it was very unlikely he would.....he still should've been at that practice.

So again, sometimes our choices have consequences....and Chapman's no-show means he's off of the ALDS roster and Brian Cashman says he fined him! His choice is really a slap in the face to his team. There is no "I" in team....and there's also no Chapman on the Yankees ALDS roster and possibly beyond. This is not a good look for him, especially in a walk year. He just sealed his fate with the Yankees but also with other teams. What if he never plays again? That would be one hell of a consequence.

And it's not out of the realm of possibility. Chapman isn't the pitcher he used to be. His 4.46 ERA cost him his closer role and now the Yankees are questioning his work ethic and commitment, even Cashman said, "It was surprising at first. A little shocking. But then after the shock wore off, when you add everything up, it’s not surprising. There have been some questions about whether he’s been all in or not for a little while. He’s maintained verbally that he’s in, but at times his actions don’t match those words." Those are some damaging words for a guy who is a free agent at the end of the season and should rub other teams the wrong way.

Suddenly that ridiculous tattoo that got infected and made him miss time looks even worse. How can anyone not wonder if this guy's heart is really in it anymore? I hope he enjoys his time in Miami because now more than ever I believe he is just an addition by subtraction. Now I am glad he blew off a practice so he couldn't BLOW another game because he's done plenty of that.

I hope Chapman looks back at this and regrets the choice he made. I hope it costs him dearly. This is a SAD ending. I didn't think he deserved to be on the roster because he pitched poorly and we have better options but he should've been at that practice out of respect for his team and himself. Aaron Boone and the Yankees gave him every opportunity this year to improve....and this is how he thanks him.

Honestly....if he never plays in another Major League game I wouldn't be upset. He did this to himself and I hope the Yankees make the most out of the postseason without Chapman holding them back.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj 

WHO WILL BE THE YANKEES ALDS STARTER?

Source: New York Times

The Cleveland Guardians outlasted the Tampa Bay Rays to sweep the series and head to the American League Division Series as the Yankees worthy opponent. With this in mind, Aaron Boone and his coaches have an important decision to make: Who will be the starter on Tuesday night against the Guardians?

Source: USA Today

“The good thing is, with Gerrit, Nestor and Sevy, I feel really good about where those guys are at and how we can match up from a starting standpoint against really any team right now,” Boone said on ESPN New York 98.7 FM. “So it’s a little bit of a decision right now, but mostly I look at it as a good decision to have," reported ESPN.

Both Gerrit Cole and Nestor Cortes have pitched well against the Guardians in the regular season. And the Yankees have a leg up when it comes to Cleveland both in the postseason as well as winning 5 out of 6 games against them in 2022, including a sweep at the Stadium. But this is a whole new team, and a whole new "season" as the Yankees face the youngest team in baseball in the ALDS 2022.

"Cleveland features a lineup that includes Jose Ramirez, who would have been an AL MVP candidate if not for the historic seasons put up by Aaron Judge and the Angels’ Shohei Ohtani," wrote the New York Post. "And the youngest team in the game has 25-year-old Steven Kwan in left field. Kwan would have been an AL Rookie of the Year possibility if not for the presence of Seattle’s Julio Rodriguez and Baltimore’s Adley Rutschman. Shane Bieber is the ace of Cleveland’s staff, but Triston McKenzie and Emmanuel Clase might be more dangerous to the Yankees’ hopes."

So with this kind of lineup and defensive pitching facing this Yankee team, Boone has a tough decision—kick off their series against the Guardians with their "ace" or go with one of the most consistent pitchers in the game with Cortes?

Source: NY Post

"By sweeping the best-of-three series, the Guardians avoided using starter Cal Quantrill, so he's the likely Game 1 starter against the Yankees," reported The New York Post. The Wild Card certainly has not disappointed as the Seattle Mariners came all the way back to beat the Yankees' other nemesis in the East, the Toronto Blue Jays. And if the ALDS is anything like what we are seeing now, the competition will be fierce, making Boone's decision for starting pitcher even more interesting.

Who will be the Yankees ALDS starter? We don't know....yet, but if I had to guess Boone will go with the big contract, and big strikeout pitcher in Cole, even though the Guardians are second in the least number of strikeouts in the regular season. Would I prefer Nestor Cortes to kick things off? Yes. And we will soon see who will take the hill as the Yankees get primed for what will surely be a tough start to the postseason for the Pinstripes. 

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

CARPENTER MADE A NICE TWITTER EXTRANCE BEFORE HE RETURNED TO YANKEES FOR POST SEASON!

You gotta love loyalty in sports. Matt Carpenter , also known as CarpDaddy was only brought into the Yankees this year. He immediately made a splash, immediately became a clubhouse guy with the team and then got hurt. That sucks, but that's what makes us all want him back quicker. Well, he's coming back.

CBS Sports writes:

"...manager Aaron Boone felt confident enough to state during a radio appearance on Thursday that his belief is that infielder Matt Carpenter will be part of New York's playoff roster come next week.

"I expect him to be on the roster," Boone said on the Michael Kay Show on 98.7FM ESPN New York...The biggest thing is him getting in there and seeing live pitching," Boone had told Randy Miller of NJ.com earlier this week. "He's had five or so at-bats each day (of late) and now we'll get eyes on him through the weekend and into next week. I'm optimistic and feel like physically he's in a pretty good place."

All of this is true.  And there is no question he can help this Yankees team. But it wasn't this that was the nugget I wanted to share. It was how he Twitter-stomped Marcus Storman the other day.

And this goes back to loyalty. Not only has Carp seen Judge play front and center, we all know the home run record was in reach and then broken.  That feat is historic, and that alone gets you the MVP.

Sure, pitching and hitting is great, but only if you're allowed.

There's this ridiculous fan base like under-qualified Ben Verlander that thinks Shohei Ohtani is the next greatest thing to Jesus.  What people fail to remember is that players in the MLB DO NOT GET TO CHOOSE IF THEY CAN PITCH AND HIT. Ohtani being an international signing made it clear that it was his way, or the highway and they let it happen. If the rules were different, and if high school and colleges in the USA didn't change hitters to straight up P.O.s (pitchers only), we would see a lot more pitcher/hitters, but we don't and THAT IS WHY OHTANI is Verlander and Stroman's shiny thing. It is privilege and it should not be considered "ultra-special" if he's the only one allowed.

Anyway, I could go on and on.  Look, I love what Carpenter did to Stroman. I wonder if he was blocked after that.  But there is no question having Carpenter back in the Yankees line up for the playoffs is terrific. Let's hope he is, and that he delivers like we need him right now.

Go Carp! Go Yanks!

PUPPET BOONE AWAITING FINAL DECISION FROM CASHMAN

Are your calendars marked? If not, you officially have plans on October 11th because that is the start of the Yankees chase for a World Series Championship. While we sit and anxiously wait for it and count down the days, hours, minutes and seconds Aaron Boone says he is still weighing his decisions.

Okay, sure Boonie. I am sure you have a few decisions to make but we all know you have made your mind up about one in particular. We all know that the starting pitcher for Game 1 is decided.... even though you say you are still thinking about it. Just two weeks ago, you committed to Gerrit Cole as your starter, read more HERE and I already said I disagreed in BOONE, DON'T BE A BONEHEAD! GIVE NESTOR THE BALL!

So we all know that Cole is getting the ball so why are you trying to leave the door open for anyone else like Nestor Cortes? HERE is Boone's latest teaser when he was asked about his starting rotation:
 "I don’t know yet. That’s something we’ll talk about over the next 24 hours and probably come to a decision on. I have an idea but want people to weigh in before the ultimate decision."

Let's talk about the real translation of that statement: "It's something I will continue to talk to Brian Cashman about. I am waiting for his final okay because I am the puppet, he is the puppet master, and he pulls all of the strings."

Maybe you do not agree with that and that's fine. But honestly, I think Boone is a "YES" man and he does what he is told. He's not in charge of this roster and the Yankees wallet and big money contribution to Cole gives him the ball for the series opener. Nestor earned the ball for Game 1 but he's not going to get it. And even if you are trying to use a poker face, no one is buying it, Boonie. I have a lot of friends and family who aren't Yankees fans, and they don't even buy that line. 

So basically, we just wait until Cashman gives his command for Cole to get the ball and then we read about it in sports headlines.....because that's what it will be. Boonie isn't fooling anyone.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj 

THREE YANKEE RIGHT FIELDERS

Source: CNN

Last night in Globe Life Field, it felt good to be a Yankee fan. I saw Aaron Judge's 62nd home run from the back of a Lyft. I was locked in to see his first at bat, hoping, praying this would be it. He didn't disappoint as he smashed one into the left field fences, claiming the American League single season home run record. A record that was set by a right fielder, broken by a right fielder and broken again by another right fielder. This season is something special and being a part of it, has been equally special to me.

"It's a big relief. I think that everyone can sit back down in their seats and watch the ball game, you know? No, but it's been a fun ride so far," Judge said. "Getting a chance to do this, with the team we've got, the guys surrounding me, the constant support from my family whose been with me through this whole thing ... it's been a great honor," reported ESPN. 

After tying Roger Maris a week ago in Toronto, Judge's home run bat went silent through a series with the Baltimore Orioles at home and into two games against the Texas Rangers. But at his first at bat, Judge took Texas pitcher Jesus Tinoco deep in the nightcap of two games against the Rangers to reach No. 62.

The history making night was important to Yankee fans and baseball fans alike. Texas embraced the opportunity to celebrate the accomplishment as well, as they cheered, snapped pictures and finally Dallas native caught the historic home run ball. But Judge summed it up well with a quote that establishes just what this record means to baseball and Yankee lore. "Getting a chance to have my name next to someone as great as Roger Maris, Babe Ruth, those guys, is incredible."

Source: NY Times

Three right fielders playing for the Yankees upheld the AL home run record since Babe Ruth set the record in 1927. In 1961, Roger Maris hit 61 and in 2022, 61 years later, Aaron Judge hit 62. It is an incredible legacy of home run hitters, many of which we may never have witnessed live, but last night, we caught a glimpse of the trifecta, with Judge. It was not easy for Judge to get here. You get in your own head, when you have so many people wanting, wishing, hoping for you to accomplish this kind of historic goal. But Judge, persevered. 

I am proud to have seen him come up through the minor leagues to the Yankees. I am excited every time I go to Yankee Stadium and sit in right field to catch a glimpse of him. And I am overwhelmed that I got to see him hit number 62.  Three Yankee right fielders shared a historic record; but only one of them lead them all— #99 Aaron Judge.

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

JUDGE IS THE YANKEES SINGLE SEASON HOME RUN KING!

 

Quick note just because it's timely. We have a new home run king in New York, and it's Aaron Judge.

AP writes:

"Aaron Judge hit his 62nd home run of the season Tuesday night, breaking Roger Maris’ American League record and setting what some fans consider baseball’s “clean” standard.

AARON JUDGE HAS DONE IT!

NUMBER 62 TO BREAK THE AL ALL-TIME RECORD! pic.twitter.com/LMgkTCzVvx

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) October 5, 2022

The 30-year-old Yankees slugger drove a 1-1 slider from Texas right-hander Jesús Tinoco into the first couple of rows of seats in left field when leading off the second game of New York's day-night doubleheader."

With that, Roger Maris Jr., whom I just really appreciate and admire, put this tweet out:

Congratulations to Aaron Judge and his family on Aaron’s historic home run number 62! It has definitely been a baseball season to remember. You are all class and someone who should be revered. For the MAJORITY of the fans, we can now celebrate a new CLEAN HOME RUN KING!!

— Roger Maris Jr (@RogerMarisJr) October 5, 2022

Say it again Roger... say it again.  

Congrats to Aaron. You are applauded. No one better!

EVEN AARON HICKS KNOWS HE SUCKS

I'm going to say this and then we're going to move on.  

If Aaron Hicks wasn't so arrogant suggesting he was going to be a 30 30 guy this year, no one would be riding his ass. But the fact that he has done literally nothing this season and was signed for 7 years and too much money just amplifies the fact that this guy isn't really what the Yankees were supposed to get.

Hicks has had his moments in pinstripes, but whatever happened to this guy is something of fascination for me.  I mean this guy can't play the outfield, he doesn't hit well anymore, and all the while I still think about this quote from Hicks:

"I feel like 30 home runs are reachable for me. Those two together are a dangerous pair. That’s definitely something I would like to do.”

If you don't remember, he said it in March of 2022. Hoch has the article HERE. 

Well now it's clear that with Harrison Bader coming in with some energy, Cabrera crushing it and Gallo gonzo, Hicks is exposed.  My take? He shouldn't be in the lineup or the field ever again... we good.

He knows it too. He knows he's terrible and he knows why he lost his job to rookie Oswaldo Cabrera. Read this from NJ.com:

"Cabrera is playing great. He’s been a huge part of our offense and I know what kind of season I’ve had, so I can’t be upset at someone coming up and starting off like that....

We want to win, and if he’s going to be playing left field, I’m the guy that needs to tell him exactly what’s going to happen because I’ve played left field. I need to do everything possible to help him succeed."

What a change. Hicks no longer sounds like a guy that's a competitor. He sounds like he's been beat.  

We don't need that on our team.  We need winners... we need aggressive play, strong dynamic in the clubhouse and we need guys that want to get on the field every single day.

Hicks? Nah... he's no longer that.

ARE THE YANKEES REALLY SERIOUS ABOUT SHOHEI OHTANI?

I saw this report and the first thing I thought of was... we don't need Shohei Ohtani.

This story comes from a place called Inside the Red Sox on FanNation. Is it a planted story? I doubt it. Do you think we need Ohtani? I don't.  I think the guy's overrated, but what the hell do I know. Anyway. Here's the nugget:

"The New York Yankees have long pursued the 28-year-old superstar, and will have three more shots to land him in the next year or so: this offseason, the 2023 Major League Baseball trade deadline and next offseason, when he will become a free agent. There's steam building that the Bronx Bombers will do everything in their power to add Ohtani into the fold.

"The Yankees love the great Shohei Ohtani (who doesn’t?) and tried to acquire him again at the trade deadline (after originally trying to sign him out of Japan), but multiple baseball people have expressed doubts about whether he’d want to come to New York as a free agent," the New York Post's Jon Heyman wrote."

And of course, reading the fine print, you realize that the worst Baseball insider in the world, Jon Heyman, put this out originally.  That alone makes me weary of the whole story.

That being said, there needs to be some type of thread running through the Yankees needs and wants and while I do know the Yankees liked the guy early on, I don't know if that passion to get him really runs deep at this point.

I'll leave you with this, a last paragraph that puts this click bait all together for us:

"Should the Yankees go all-in, there will be no amount of money or trade assets deemed "too much" for his services. They should work fast, as their rival Boston Red Sox could be just as inclined to make a big move for the Japanese superstar."

There it is, a Red Sox sight that is aiming to piss off all us Yankee fans. Hey Red Sox... go for it. You need him more than us.

And so, now I ask you, the Yankee diehard... do we need Ohtani?

Comment.

BOONE, DON'T BE A BONEHEAD! GIVE NESTOR THE BALL!

What else can we possibly say about Nestor Cortes that we haven't already? We love him, he's the true ace of this pitching staff but the Yankees will never admit that. It's time for the Yankees to give Nestor what he has earned. It's time to give him the ball for the ALDS....but for Game 1.

Saturday's game against the Orioles was nice to see, and we are used to it by now. Another thing we are used to is hearing Gerrit Cole wear the "ace" title but give up too many home runs. He's the Yankees white whale that we waited to get.... but he hasn't panned out to what we wanted exactly. He's been consistent at giving up big hits and that's just not gonna work in a tough postseason.

I give credit where credit is due and I acknowledge tying Ron Guidry's Yankees single-season strikeout record is a huge accomplishment is a big deal. Kudos to Cole, but he's also given up 32 home runs this season which can't be ignored. And what about the bad memories I can't shake with Cole tanking in playoff performances? I can't forgive and forget that easily. Thank goodness we won't be losing to the Red Sox in the postseason this year because I wouldn't be able to handle that.

So is there a chance that Aaron Boone could pull a Joe Torre from 1999? It happened once it could happen again.....maybe. Torre made the right call by starting El Duque in Game 1 instead of Roger Clemens because it worked out. Too bad Boone doesn't think like Torre did because Boone has already committed to starting Cole, read more HERE. 

So it sounds like Boone is gonna go with the pitcher that costs the most money instead of the pitcher that has had the better season. I don't like it....but the Yankees are blinded by the big dollar signs attached to Cole. They are too blinded to think that maybe giving Nestor the ball for game one would like a fire under Cole and motivate him a little more.

Maybe Boone will change his mind, but I am not gonna hold my breath. Hopefully, Cole proves me wrong and pitches like the ace he is supposed to be. I just want to win!

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj 

YANKEES LOSE RELIEVERS AHEAD OF WHAT WILL LIKELY BE A TOUGH POST SEASON

Source: NY Post

Starting pitching just got even more important for the Yankees who will finish up their final home game against the Orioles this afternoon and head out to Arlington for the last regular season series with the Rangers. The Yankees need three reliable starters to get them through six innings before handing things off to an equally consistent bullpen. We saw Luis Severino, Nestor Cortes and even Jameson Taillon pitch some great baseball over the last couple weeks, making them seemingly a critical part of the rotation anchored by Gerrit Cole. Having all four of those pitchers in que will help the Bombers significantly as they will likely not see Clay Holmes or Zack Britton on the hill anytime soon. It is going to be a tough postseason and pitching will be key to the Yankees' success.

Source: CBS Sports

"Boone announced Friday that All-Star closer Clay Holmes is dealing with a shoulder issue and is unlikely to pitch the rest of the regular season. He received a cortisone shot but will not go on the injured list, because it would make him ineligible for the ALDS," reported CBS Sports. Furthermore, the Yankees likely saw the last of Britton who "exited Friday's game against the Baltimore Orioles, his former team, with left arm fatigue, the Yankees announced. He was placed on the 60-day injured list Saturday, ending his season." 

Besides Britton and Holmes there are question marks around whether or not Aroldis Chapman or Wandy Peralta will be part of the roster for the start of the postseason. With all of these guys out or questionable, the Yankees are missing one key ingredient in the bullpen- a consistent reliable closer. 

Now, I am not undermining what Ron Marinaccio, and Lou Trivino have been to this team over the last couple of weeks. They have been stellar—throwing hard strikes and getting key outs for the Yankees. Some are calling Trivino the Yankees' postseason right handed specialist, whatever that means. Bottom line, late in the game, Trivino and rookie Marinaccio have given the Yankees the much needed consistency, showing that likely the bullpen closing role will rotate among them and likely Clarke Schmidt.

Following the Yankees Friday's 2-1 loss to the Orioles, the Houston Astros have clinched the American League No. 1 seed, locking in the Yankees as the No. 2 seed. And after their win on Saturday, New York is 97-60 with just five regular season games remaining. It is going to be a tough postseason for the Yankees, and pitching in the stretch will be key. I hope the current staff can stay healthy and remain consistent both in the starting and closing roles. Otherwise, things will go south very fast for this Yankee team. 

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

LET'S BRING ANTHONY RIZZO BACK, PLEASE!

I love Anthony Rizzo as a New York Yankee.  He's a clubhouse leader, works hard, hits dingers, wins and cares. That's all I want in a player on my club. He fits the mold.

Brendan Kuty talks about Rizzo and the off season and what his future could be, be it here in New York with the Yanks, or elsewhere.

Check this out:

"He could opt into the second year of his deal in New York. Or he could become a free agent and seek a bigger payday...“Early November,” he told NJ Advance Media on Friday, “I’ll sit down with my agents. We’ve talked, and I have zero interest in going that route yet, talking about it. Just because I’m so focused on staying healthy and getting ready for the postseason. That type of decision — the business side is usually for the offseason. This is the fun part.”

“I like the city,” he said. “I like the team. It was intriguing coming back, it’s the guys in here and what we’ve set out to do, we’re on our way (to doing). We won the division, which was not easy. At times we made it look easy, at times we made it look like a circus. But ultimately, we won the division and that’s one of our goals.”

Rizzo isn't going to give too much, but it's clear this guy likes the Bronx and we like him.  This is an easy decision as far as I'm concerned. Let's hope Rizzo continues to want to be in Yankee pinstripes.

WE WILL SEE MATT CARPENTER AGAIN!

There was nothing better than having Matt Carpenter in the Yankees lineup. There are a ton of players in Yankee history that come to New York and literally suck. But not Carpenter.  Now we get word that he is on the mend and coming back to the Yankees just in time for playoffs.

Bryan Hoch has tweeted this:

Matt Carpenter could take live at-bats this coming week with Somerset rather than fly with the Yankees to Texas, Aaron Boone said. That would give him more reps to be ready for the ALDS.

— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) September 30, 2022

And Clutchpoints writes:

“Matt Carpenter could take live at-bats this coming week with Somerset rather than fly with the Yankees to Texas, Aaron Boone said. That would give him more reps to be ready for the ALDS.”

Yankees fans feared the worst when Carpenter went down with a foot injury in early August. But Matt Carpenter never lost hope of returning at some point. Even after the initial diagnosis, he declared that he would return later in the season."

Exciting news! Bring it.