YANKEES NEED A STARTER & THIS GUY'S ON THE LIST

Nearly halfway through the season, the Yankees are sitting in second place—and no, this isn’t an early April prank. With the offensive firepower this roster has, you’d think they’d be bulldozing teams. But here we are, wondering if anyone in the dugout has read the Baseball Managing for Dummies manual lately. Yes, we won 6-5 tonight, but all Volpe did was run home. He was 0-4 again.

Max Fried has been dealing for the Yanks, no doubt, but the rotation needs more than one reliable arm to survive October. And let’s not forget—Clarke Schmidt just punched his ticket to Tommy John land. Brutal.

So now the Yankees need to go shopping—and no, not for another outfielder that’s just going to rot on the bench. We’re talking pitching. MLB insider Jon Morosi tossed out a juicy little nugget: a “number of teams” are keeping an eye on Twins starter Joe Ryan. He didn’t drop the Yankees name directly, but come on. You think Brian Cashman isn’t poking around? Please.

Joe Ryan’s stats look like something cooked up in a video game: 8-4, 2.76 ERA, 3.25 FIP, and 116 strikeouts in just over 104 innings. Plus, he’s on a team-friendly deal at just $3 million this year and locked in under control until 2028. Basically, he’s a unicorn.

Minnesota doesn’t have to deal him, but they’re sitting in third place in the Central. And if the Twins want to retool a bit, maybe Cashman can sweet talk them with someone like—oh, I don’t know—Everson Pereira? I’ve said it before, the Yankees don’t seem that serious about keeping the kid long-term. Could be the perfect trade chip. My opinion of course.

Bottom line: the Yankees have to beef up if they want to avoid another faceplant in the playoffs. Pitching should be priority one. Priority two? A third baseman—something that should’ve been handled back when people were still returning Christmas gifts.

Whether Ryan’s really on the Yankees’ radar remains to be seen, but something’s gotta give. Stay tuned, folks. The Hot Stove's just starting to simmer.

HOLY SCHLITT!

Dayum! Okay, seriously Cam Schlittler did his job in his first Yankees appearance. THAT was an impressive start of 5.1 innings pitched, 4 hits allowed, 3 earned runs, 2 walks, SEVEN strikeouts and a 99 mph laser ball, err I mean fastball. I don't think anyone could have predicted that. The Yankees needed a pick-me-up and good morale boost....and they got it. Now, can we get some more, please?

I have to admit I was pretty frustrated after hearing Clarke Schmidt was lost for the rest of this season and likely next year, too. It was like a punch to the gut. We already lost Gerrit Cole to Tommy John surgery and now a second Yankee starter is gone. Luis Gil is pitching again and working his way back, we won't see him until next month. We've had enough bad news lately.

But then comes Schlittler, rated the Yankees Number 10 prospect by MLB Pipeline. In 76 2/3 innings with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and Double-A Somerset this season, he posted a 2.82 ERA with 99 strikeouts and now he is on the big stage and he just made a strong case to stick around. Here's a reminder - in case you want to watch it again.

Schlittler looked good, damn good. He had a live arm, and I liked how he changed speeds with a curveball, but it needs fine tuning. He will need to develop another secondary pitch to keep lefties off balance. A change up or splitter would be preferable, but a cutter would also do the trick. He just needs another plus pitch to get hitters out. He gave the Mariners a run for their money, but eventually the league will catch on to him or the Yankees will misuse him and those pitches won't be as fast. This is the majors, you can't just rely on the fastball.

Now the question becomes, can the Yankees help develop that secondary pitch this season? I honestly don't know. This is the Yankees we are talking about. Analytically driven (too much) and Aaron Boone manages to screw up anything he touches....or even looks at. So hopefully Matt Blake can develop him instead of tear him down.

Speaking of that over analytically driven bullpen....What the hell was Boone thinking? He took him out with 1 away in the 6th after he blew away a guy with a 99mph fastball. Then he plugs in Jonathan Loaisiga of all people to throw a cookie on first pitch to give the Mariners two runs? Typical Baboonie move. It's a good thing the lead wasn't blown. What a doofus!

It's a win. A well-deserved (and earned) win. Not for nothing.... how can you not LOVE the reaction of Schlittler's family in the stands? That was a moment 15 years in the making, and it should be savored. 

Today was a GREAT day. We need more of these. Way to go, kid. I can't wait to see more.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

BABE RUTH STAYS ICONIC

Who is this chick?

Seriously, kidding. I know she's with Paul Skenes. Also, Seriously—Babe Ruth's old apartment should be the headline here. We're talking about The Sultan of Swat. The King of Crash. The guy who basically made Yankee Stadium famous. But instead, we’re stuck hearing about how Livvy Dunne, TikTok gymnast and general vibe enthusiast, got denied from buying his old NYC place.

Yeah, she didn't get it. That’s the story. The board said “no thanks,” and instead of moving on quietly, Livvy ran to TikTok like she was just cut from the Olympic team.

“Guys, I’m so upset,” she said in a video, sounding like a teen who just found out her favorite Starbucks drink was discontinued. “Two months ago, I decided I was going to make my first real estate purchase… but the gag was, it was Babe Ruth’s apartment.”

First of all—the gag? Babe Ruth just rolled over in his grave and called his shot again—this time, straight at Gen Z slang.

And while Livvy's clearly still salty about the board’s decision (not everyone gets to live like a legend, sorry), she’s at least romanticizing it a bit.

“It was just iconic,” she added. “It was so cool that it was Babe Ruth’s apartment.”

Sure, kid. It was iconic. Because of him, not you. And frankly, if your pitch to the co-op board sounded anything like your TikTok script, we get it. They probably feared the hallway would become a ring light runway.

So let’s call it what it is: Babe Ruth stays undefeated. Livvy Dunne struck out. And now we can all go back to caring about actual baseball history… or at least something more pressing than influencer real estate FOMO.

DJ DFA'D SAYS MY BUDDY AL

It’s official: the Yankees have designated DJ LeMahieu for assignment.  This was the text I received. I was playful with my buddy Al.

But just like that, one of the most respected veterans in the clubhouse is out, and it feels—well—wrong. Necessary? Maybe. But still wrong.

This move almost certainly marks the end of DJ’s Yankee career, even with $22 million left on his deal through next season. That’s a cold breakup, even by Yankees standards. But this isn’t just about money or numbers—this is about a guy who gave everything and quietly got pushed aside. My opinion of course.

Let’s set the record straight: DJ LeMahieu never whined, never made excuses, never played the diva card. He just showed up, did his job, and did it well—whether at second, third, or first. And when the Yankees were down bad over the last few seasons, guess who was still trying to get back while others were cashing checks and jogging to first? Yeah, DJ.

Now we’re supposed to believe he couldn’t handle third base physically. That's the story that's coming out.  According to general manager Brian Cashman, he had said to the Yankees that he couldn't do it.  Maybe his range has shrunk, sure. But the guy never backed down from a challenge. I don’t buy the idea that he refused to play 3rd. What I do believe is this: DJ would’ve crawled to the hot corner if it meant helping the team.

But here’s where the plot really turns: the Yankees got cute. They tried sliding Jazz Chisholm Jr. over to third—despite him being a natural second baseman—because, hey, flashy sells. And surprise, surprise… Jazz struggled. Badly. Then he publicly reminded everyone, “I’m a second baseman.” That sound you heard was Yankee brass choking on their analytics.

Now with their shiny new All-Star demanding his real position back, DJ became the odd man out. Not because he couldn’t play—but because it was easier to shove the aging veteran off the roster than admit their plan blew up in their face.

And let’s be real here: this isn’t just baseball. It’s branding. You move mountains for the guy who makes the All-Star team and sells jerseys. You cut ties with the quiet, aging vet, even if he gave you some of your best years in recent memory. That’s the game now.

Still, DJ deserves better. This is a guy who gave the Yankees everything. Gold Gloves. A batting title. Leadership. Professionalism. No drama. He was the adult in the room when the team desperately needed one. And now, he’s getting shown the door like he’s just some roster clog.

So, here’s to DJ LeMahieu—one of the good ones. A real Yankee in every way that mattered. It’s a shame it had to end like this, but maybe it’s for the best. He deserved more than being a pawn in the Yankees’ position shuffle.

Thanks, DJ. You’ll be missed more than the front office realizes.

VOLPE NEEDS TO FACE REALITY

Maybe this all isn't real. Volpe's like the Milli Vanilli of the Bronx.

Let’s be clear about one thing: if you’ve been coming to Bleeding Yankee Blue since 2010, it’s not just because you love the Yankees (though of course you do). You come for the fire. The fury. The unapologetic Bronx-born rage when things go sideways—and oh boy, are they sideways now.

Look, we get it. Aaron Boone has a borderline romantic obsession with Anthony Volpe. It's less a manager-player relationship and more a Nicholas Sparks novel. Their relationship is strange and uncomfortable at this point in my opinion.

Boone sees a gritty, photogenic kid in pinstripes with the hope he will "break out". But this isn't me watching my 12-year-old pitching for his travel team... it's the major leagues and Volpe got a fast pass while, in my opinion, he really needed more time to grow. Us fans are struggling watching this quote "shortstop" with a .217 average and the range of a traffic cone try to become a major leaguer. It's a terrible experiment.

Let’s not sugarcoat it: Volpe is playing bad baseball. Period. His bat’s gone quiet, his glove’s gone soft, and somehow... he’s still starting every day. Meanwhile, DJ LeMahieu—an actual major league veteran who’s paid his dues—is getting benched like he forgot to tip the valet. When Boone was asked about DJ’s reaction to his benching, the skipper admitted DJ “wasn’t thrilled.” No kidding.

Boone says this is "just the situation we're in.” But newsflash: it’s only the situation because Boone made it that way.

He could move Volpe to the bench. He just won’t. And if you ask Boone about sitting Volpe, the excuse? "Well, who else do we have?" Uh, Oswald Peraza, anyone? You know, the guy who actually plays elite defense? Sure, he’s not exactly lighting up the scoreboard either—but let’s be honest, it’s not like Volpe’s batting .320. He’s barely treading water at the Mendoza Line while Peraza is duct-taped to the bench for... vibes?

And let’s not ignore the elephant in the locker room: marketing. Volpe looks good on a billboard. He’s a Jersey kid. Polished, polite, and PR-ready. It doesn’t matter if he goes 0-for-4 with three strikeouts and a pop-up to the pitcher—as long as his name moves jerseys at the team store, he’s apparently untouchable.

That’s not baseball. That’s branding. And fans aren’t stupid.

Volpe’s recent comments only confirm what we feared: he’s been completely absorbed by the Yankees’ media machine. Here he is, in The Athletic, talking like a corporate intern:

“I know it might sound crazy, but I feel good... I’m confident we’re getting toward that… I’m really confident every time I step up to the plate.”

Come on, man. That’s not honesty. That’s pre-programmed nonsense. The guy sounds less like a ballplayer and more like a self-help audiobook. Meanwhile, the fans are sitting at home, watching error after strikeout, wondering if anyone in the front office even owns a television.

And now, the worst part: fans are giving up.

I hear it every day: "Casey, why do you even bother? Nothing’s gonna change. They’ll keep running Volpe out there and gaslighting us into thinking he's the future."

Well, maybe. But Bleeding Yankee Blue wasn’t built on shrugging our shoulders and calling it a day. We’re here to rage. We’re here to demand better. Because Yankees fans deserve better.

So we say it again, louder this time: Dump Volpe. Dump Boone. Clean house.

Enough with the coddling. Enough with the optics. The Yankees aren't a lifestyle brand—they're supposed to be a baseball team. Time to act like it.

NO TRUE YANKEE FAN WANTS A REBUILD. WE JUST WANT BOONE GONE.

Let’s set the record straight: no true Yankee fan is calling for a rebuild. That’s not in our DNA. Rebuilding is for franchises like the Royals or the A’s — teams that hold bake sales to afford a closer. The Yankees? We’re supposed to be above that. And yet, here comes this bizarre narrative that fans are banging the table for a fire sale at the trade deadline. Where did that come from?

Cue Michael Kay, respected voice of the Yankees, long-time broadcaster, and apparently, part-time misreader of the fan base.

On his ESPN radio show, Kay fired off about how Yankee fans are being unreasonable for wanting change. He pushed back hard against the idea of a rebuild, quoting, “What are you trading? What are you rebuilding for? You’re three games out of first place!” And listen, Michael — we get it. You’re defending the castle. But no one’s asking to burn the whole kingdom down. We just want to stop handing the throne over to the village idiot in the manager’s chair.

Yankee fans aren’t irrational — we’re impatient. There’s a difference.

This team made the World Series last year, yes. And while that’s nice, it doesn’t erase the consistent mediocrity and missed opportunities that preceded it. The real issue, the one that fans keep screaming about into the void, is the guy wearing the manager’s jersey who has never — not once — delivered the goods when it counts. Aaron Boone has had more chances than a cat in a room full of rocking chairs. And what does he have to show for it? A blank resume when it comes to winning anything.

You don’t even need to open Baseball Reference to know Boone isn’t it. Just watch him. The energy. The decisions. The same postgame babble about “grinding it out.” He’s not managing the Yankees. He’s babysitting them. "It's right in front of them", right Michael?

So no, Michael Kay, we're not asking to rebuild. We're asking to reboot. Specifically, to unplug Boone and plug in someone who knows how to manage under pressure, adjust mid-game, and maybe — just maybe — stop bunting with two outs. That's sarcasm... the Yankees don't play small ball... another problem.

Now, let’s talk moves. The team needs help, sure. The front office has done some things right — Max Fried is dealing, and yes, Goldschmidt can still get hot. But how in the world did we fumble the infield situation this badly? Letting Gleyber Torres walk without a real backup plan has aged worse than the Volpe hype train. If Gleyber was still manning second — or even willing to shift around — we wouldn’t be duct-taping this infield together with prospects and prayers.

Yankee fans don’t want to see this team torn down. We want to see it tightened up. We want to see the holes fixed — the ones that should’ve been addressed last offseason. And we want the leadership to reflect the standard of excellence this franchise is known for.

So yeah, trade for some help. Make smart moves. Get this team locked in for another October run.

But for the love of Mo, fire Aaron Boone already. That’s not a rebuild — that’s just common sense.

THE FORMER YANKEE WHOSE NAME REFUSED TO DIE

So, the Yankees are finally looking under the couch cushions for a real third baseman. Shocking, right? Because if you've been reading Bleeding Yankee Blue for more than five seconds, you already know this should've happened six months ago. You know—the offseason? That magical time when smart teams fill gaping holes before they're bleeding out in July?

But hey, credit where it’s due: at least they’re trying now. There’s a pulse. A flicker. And what name keeps popping up like a whack-a-mole? None other than Isiah Kiner-Falefa. Yep—that IKF. Jon Heyman of the New York Post says the Yankees are kicking the tires on a reunion, and you know what? I’m very okay with that.

I always kinda liked the guy. Sure, he wasn’t Derek Jeter 2.0, but the man hustled. Played wherever they told him. Took the media bullets like a pro. Now, is he the long-term answer at third base? Probably not. But would he be an upgrade over this Frankenstein’s Monster of a Yankees infield? Yeah, probably.

Let’s zoom in for a sec: Jazz Chisholm Jr.—who was supposed to be the new hotness at second base—has been playing third since June. So enter IKF. Again.

But before we get too sentimental, let’s remember the elephant in the stadium: Did he even like it here? And are Yankee fans emotionally mature enough for this reunion tour?

Remember, fans absolutely torched IKF during his shortstop tenure. Missed a play? Booed. Didn’t hit a bomb every game? Booed. Looked at someone funny? BOOED. It was brutal. Then again, fans are now turning on Anthony Volpe the same way, so at least there’s consistency. Bronx loyalists: loyal to the boo.

But here's the twist—maybe IKF walks back in like a seasoned vet, thicker skin, new swagger, and with the benefit of not being the guy stuck trying to replace Jeter. That alone could make this version of IKF better than the last.

Bottom line? The IKF rumor refuses to die, and maybe that’s for a reason. He’s cheap, he’s flexible, and honestly, he’d probably help this limp infield situation more than anyone currently suiting up in pinstripes. And if nothing else, it might force the front office to admit what we’ve been screaming since January: this roster had holes, and the duct tape isn’t holding anymore.

Keep your eyes on this one, folks. The reunion tour might just be coming to the Bronx.

I REALLY HOPE THE YANKEES HOLD ON TO JONES & LOMBARD

There’s a quiet excitement building beneath the surface of this Yankees season, and no, it’s not about the standings or another soul-draining press conference from the front office. It’s about something far more promising: the kids. And I mean that with all the optimism in the world. Because if you’re not already keeping tabs on Spencer Jones and George Lombard Jr., it’s time to tune in.

Let’s start with George Lombard Jr.—a name that’s going to be very familiar in the Bronx if the baseball gods (and Yankees player development staff) do the right thing. The 20-year-old infielder has been doing all the right things, first at High-A Hudson Valley, where he torched the competition. In just 24 games, he slashed .329 with a .983 OPS and swiped 11 bags like it was nothing. That kind of production doesn’t just show talent—it shows readiness.

Sure, Double-A Somerset has been more of a challenge—he’s hitting .204 there so far—but let’s not panic. That’s part of the journey. The speed is still playing (14 steals, three triples!), the tools are all there, and the kid is 20 years old. This is the kind of player who just needs reps, and thankfully, he’s getting them.

Then there’s Spencer Jones, who might just be the most underrated breakout story in the Yankees’ system this year. Yes, his prospect ranking dipped a bit in the past year—but boy, has he come roaring back in 2025. Between Double-A and Triple-A, Jones is hitting a cool .290 with 20 homers and an eye-popping 1.032 OPS. And in his first eight games at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre? He’s hitting .375 with four homers and three doubles. Those aren’t just “good” numbers—they’re electric.

What makes Jones and Lombard even more exciting, beyond the stats, is their attitude. You can tell they love the game. They’re working, growing, learning. And the Yankees are doing right by them—letting them marinate in the minors, build camaraderie, and evolve as players and teammates. That matters more than people realize.

Of course, we all want to see them in pinstripes sooner rather than later. A September call-up for either or both would be a breath of fresh air for this fanbase. Even just a glimpse would be a thrill—not because we expect them to carry us deep into October this year, but because we know they might one day. And that’s enough to keep hope alive.

So yes, while the current Yankees might be frustrating, confusing, or downright exhausting at times, there’s a silver lining. The future is working its way up through Somerset and Scranton right now. Lombard and Jones are not just names on a prospect list—they’re real-deal talents with the work ethic and upside to be major contributors. Not just someday, but maybe soon.

So let’s cheer them on. Let’s stay patient. Let’s keep hoping. Because if the Yankees play this right (and we’re all crossing fingers that they do), Spencer Jones and George Lombard Jr. could be the start of something truly special.

THE VOLPE TEMPER TANTRUM THAT BLEW UP

 

Listen, we get it — it must be stressful being Anthony Volpe’s dad. Your kid is trying to play shortstop under the brightest lights in baseball, and the New York crowd is letting him hear it every time he boots another routine grounder or swings through a 92 MPH fastball like it’s invisible. That can’t be fun. But let’s pause the violins for a second... because Anthony Volpe shouldn’t even be in the major leagues.

Why? Simple: he’s not a major leaguer. He’s a Jersey kid, drafted out of high school with a great smile, probably had a few Yankee connections courtesy of Papa Volpe, skipped college ball entirely, and the Yankees — suckers for marketable babyfaces — rushed him through the minors like it was a Disney+ origin story. No seasoning, no patience, just vibes and some spreadsheet from Michael Fishman, who might currently be doing more damage to this franchise than Boone and Cashman combined (and that’s saying something).

Fast forward to 2025, and Volpe’s playing like he’s still taking finals at Delbarton. Every at-bat feels like a science experiment gone wrong. Every throw to first base is a coin flip. And every time someone says “he’s just a kid” — yeah, well, maybe he should be playing with the other kids… in Triple-A.

Back to Daddy Volpe. Over the weekend, video surfaced of him jawing at Mets fans — and not from some fancy suite either. Nope, he’s down in the regular seats, doing his best “Do you know who my son is?” routine. After a fan started chirping (as Mets fans do, especially when your kid is batting .187), Daddy Volpe snapped:

“Bad-mouthing my son? F*** you!”

He screamed it, repeated it, had to be held back. This is real footage, not a deleted scene from The Sopranos.  It's below.

Look — no one wants to see their kid criticized. But what did he expect? You're sitting in a baseball stadium, not your backyard wiffleball tournament. Volpe's been sold to us as "the future," but it’s becoming painfully clear the Yankees just shrink-wrapped a minor leaguer and slapped a premium price tag on him. And guess what? It worked. The family got paid. The Yankees got their PR moment. And the fans? We got stuck with another overhyped infielder hitting like Mario Mendoza on a bad day.

This is the Yankees' fault. 100%. They created this mess. Boone, Fishman, and Cashman decided that Volpe was The Guy before he earned it. And now that it’s backfiring? They’re still doubling down. It’s delusional.

Meanwhile, people like Neil Keefe (who nails this regularly) pointed out the absurdity of Boone saying Volpe can be a good player... and then saying he has been one already. Huh? Either he’s been good or he hasn’t. You don’t get to lie to our faces and misquote a dictionary. Boone used the word “ascension” like he’s doing Mad Libs with no clue what the words mean. Volpe isn’t ascending. He’s not even treading water. He’s sinking, fast — and taking this team with him.

At this point, even IKF is somewhere laughing.

And while we’re at it — let’s talk about Jomboy Media. They originally posted the video of Volpe Sr. going full WWE on Mets fans... and then poof, the video was gone. 

Why? Because Jomboy Media plays nice with the Yankees. But something must have happened.

Luckily Barstool grabbed it before it disappeared into the PR void.

Anthony Volpe’s dad was getting into it with some Mets fans

pic.twitter.com/gD2n1JNJZ9

— Barstool New York (@BarstoolNYC) July 7, 2025

This whole situation is pathetic. The Yankees tried to script a fairy tale with Volpe. A local kid makes good. But what we got instead is a classic cautionary tale of what happens when hype trumps development.

The Volpe Experiment is over. Send him down, let him breathe, and tell his father to stop yelling “f*** you” in a stadium filled with kids who already heard worse from Boone’s bullpen decisions.

And Mr. Volpe? Apologize. 

Your son’s struggles aren’t the fans’ fault. They’re yours — for buying into the myth and expecting the rest of us to cheer for mediocrity.

The Yankees need to own this mess. The fans are done waiting for “ascension.” We want results — not excuses. And certainly not tantrums from row 12.

The narrative is tired. The act is stale. And it’s time we all admit what we’re watching.

This isn’t baseball’s next superstar. This is a misfire. And by the way, that's OK, but he's got to be removed!

BURN IT DOWN: BOONE, CASHMAN & FISHMAN HAVE TO GO

Let’s not sugarcoat it—the 2025 Yankees are a goddamn embarrassment. OK fine, make a huge deal that we snapped a losing streak and beat the Mets, but let's face it... it's the Mets. This isn’t just a bad stretch or a team “trying to figure things out.” This is a full-blown organizational meltdown, and it starts right at the top with Aaron Boone, Brian Cashman, and Michael Fishman—the Bermuda Triangle of baseball incompetence.

We’ve said it before here at Bleeding Yankee Blue, and we’ll keep saying it louder for the people in the back: these three are destroying the Yankees from the inside out.

Let’s start with Aaron Boone. A manager is supposed to lead. He’s supposed to get the best out of his players, make smart decisions, manage a bullpen, and inspire a clubhouse. Boone does none of that. Zero. Zilch. The guy looks like he's watching the game from the dugout, not managing it. His bullpen usage is a disaster. His in-game strategy is nonexistent. His postgame interviews? A masterclass in shrugging off accountability. He’s supposed to be the field general—he’s acting more like a substitute teacher who lost the lesson plan.

Now don’t come crying that Boone can only work with what he’s given. Because that brings us right to Brian Cashman—the architect of this dumpster fire. Yes, he made some “moves,” but most of them were cosmetic at best, reckless at worst. Devin Williams? That guy’s about as intimidating as a water balloon in the ninth inning. Still no real third baseman. Still relying on broken veterans and “bounce-back” candidates who haven’t bounced back since 2021.

And when he does address a hole—like third base—he fills it with someone like Jeimer Candelario, who’s hitting worse than Anthony Volpe. That’s like patching a leaky roof with paper towels. Meanwhile, the rest of the league is making meaningful additions.

But the real shadowy villain behind it all? Michael Fishman and the analytics cult. This guy has turned the Yankees into a case study in overthinking. Baseball isn’t just math, it’s feel. It’s rhythm. It’s human instinct. And yet, every decision—every lineup, every pitching change, every trade—is filtered through spreadsheets and predictive models that completely ignore the realities of the field.

Cashman might be the face of the dysfunction, but Fishman is the puppet master in the back room whispering bad ideas into everyone’s ears. (Read this from 2023) And it’s not working. It hasn’t been working for a long time. Yet here we are, watching the same flawed roster construction, the same blind faith in data over baseball IQ, and the same crash-and-burn season play out again.

Yes, the Yankees might sneak into the playoffs. Who cares? This team isn’t built to win a championship and that's the most important thing. They won't win with Boone asleep in the dugout. Not with Cashman making panic moves that solve nothing. Not with Fishman turning the Yankees into a lab experiment gone wrong.

Yankee fans aren’t stupid. We see it. We feel it. We’re fed up. And frankly, it’s insulting that Hal Steinbrenner continues to let this show go on. The standard used to be winning. Now it’s spin rates, exit velocity, and hopes and prayers.

We don’t want tweaks. We don’t want reassurances. We want heads to roll.

Boone has to go.
Cashman has to go.
Fishman has to go.

It’s not optional anymore. It’s mandatory. You want to win in New York? You want to restore the Bronx to what it used to be? Then clean fucking house.

The fans are finally banging the drum. Now it's time to blow the horn and burn it down.

THE NATS HAVE THE BALLS TO MAKE THE MOVES THE YANKEES WON'T

I'm not gonna lie, the baseball fan in me is shocked and a little jealous about the moves the Washington Nationals just made. In case you missed it, the Washington Nationals just fired General Manager Mike Rizzo AND Manager Dave Martinez, read more HERE.

The Nationals have been struggling. The Yankees have been struggling for almost a month now. You can't compare the Yankees and Nats but, at the end of the day this is all about winning and the Nationals are 37-53 and in last place in the NL East, so they aren't winning. The Yankees are 49-41 and three games behind the Blue Jays in the AL East now. That series was a punch to the stomach, and after being swept they have no one to blame but themselves.

The Yankees have high expectations. The expectations and the results just don't match. The same is true for the Nationals, and I didn't expect them to be at the bottom of the NL East. The difference between these two franchises is the Nationals were smart enough (and brave enough) to make the move. If it isn't working, you gotta make the move.

The Yankees and the Nationals have something else in common. They both have really struggled to develop their own talent. Seriously, the Nationals haven't developed their own talent. When I think of their homegrown talent, I think of Stephen Strasburg and Juan Soto....that's it. The Yankees developed the Core Four back in the day. Aside from that, Aaron Judge is the next prominent name many years later. That's it.

It's interesting to see how two different teams, have some of the same challenges. But this is where the Nationals prove they are willing to make tough choices in hopes to move forward. The Yankees practice a business model of insanity, doing the same things over and over again hoping for a magical change in their underachieving ways. It's what I call "wash, rinse and repeat." It's ended the same way since 2009. The Nationals on the other hand, made the uncomfortable choice of parting with both their GM and manager to rebuild with new leadership. 

I'm just tired of the free pass that Brian Cashman and Aaron Boone have. The Yankees had one hell of a freefall from the AL East standings. That is a result of poor leadership. It comes from Cashman not knowing how to build a championship caliber team, and it comes from Boone coddling his team, and being soft. This is not how you win.

The Nationals are smart enough to realize that, but the Yankees aren't....and it will continue to cost them. I only hope the Yankees come to their senses and do the same thing. I'm not gonna hold my breath though....

Robert Casey has a piece coming out at noon today that you need to read! Enough is Enough.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

THE END OF VERDUGO THIS SEASON?

Wow!

The Braves have designated Alex Verdugo for assignment to make room for Jurickson Profar, and all I can think is: how did we get here? How did he get here?

Verdugo is 29. That’s not old. That’s not “washed.” That’s “should still be slugging doubles into the gap and firing missiles from right field” territory. But here we are, DFA’d in July like he’s just some roster filler, and not the passionate, fiery outfielder who once carried himself like he belonged in the thick of every big moment.

And yeah, let’s not pretend this is actually the end. This league has seen worse players get third, fourth, and fifth chances. But it feels like the end right now, and that’s the problem. Because Verdugo isn’t some lazy journeyman who never gave a damn. He cared. You could see it in the way he played—when he was allowed to just play. This is a guy who has always brought energy to the field. A gamer. A spark plug. A guy who clearly loves the grind.

And yet somehow, the Yankees got ahold of him and—poof—he's unraveling like a loose thread on a 99-dollar replica jersey.

Remember when he was the Dodgers’ top prospect? Remember when Boston flipped Mookie Betts for him? It didn’t pan out in Boston. He clashed with Alex Cora, sure—but "lack of hustle?" Come on. I rip guys who don’t hustle. Just ask Robinson Cano (read HERE). Ask Anthony Volpe (read HERE). But Verdugo? He was never the problem.

Then came the trade to New York. The pinstripes. The “fresh start.” Except… was it really? Or was it just another case of this black hole of a franchise chewing up another guy who actually plays with heart?

In 197 plate appearances this season with the Braves, Verdugo slashed .239/.296/.585. No home runs. 12 RBIs. Not good. But you don’t go from promising outfielder to DFA’d by two teams without something deeper being wrong. And no, I don’t think it’s Verdugo. I think it’s the Yankees. They turned him into a shell of the player we once saw as a clubhouse energizer and everyday guy. They stuck him in a lineup with zero identity and a manager who couldn’t lead a jog around the block, let alone a major league clubhouse. I say it jokingly, because that's where he seemed to vanish.

So yeah, I feel for Verdugo. I hope he latches on somewhere—hell, maybe I’ll wake up tomorrow after dreaming that the Yankees bring him back on a minor league deal, he starts raking, gets called up, goes full October legend and leads us to a ring.

And then I’ll write that piece, happily. But don’t worry—I’ll still say Boone sucks. Because no matter who’s in the dugout or on the field, that part hasn’t changed.

I hope Alex latches on somewhere.