THERE'S A MEETING WITH MACHADO THAT COULD HAPPEN

I don't believe what I just read, but I guess they want to do this thing face to face to see just how impressive Manny Machado really is.  I mean look, Manny dogs it when he plays, and you know what? That's not to just target him. Plenty of dudes that make a lot of money know they can still make a lot of money if they dog it.  Machado was just amplified during the playoffs because everyone knew he wanted the play for the Yankees.

But since his spectacle, or... spectacles in the playoffs, Yankeeland has cooled and we aren't too jazzed about Machado in pinstripes. Some are... but many are not.

Look, I love the guy, I've seen him play against the Yankees for years, but not only that, I've seen the dude play in Camden Yards, against the Angels, against the Red Sox.  He's a good player. No doubt.  But... what IS in doubt is his personality. Is he a true leader? Does he have what it takes to win over us fans.  Is he going to play hard for a long time? That's what Hal wants to know.  But there's more...

First impressions are key and if this happens, Hal will be looking at everything. How he presents himself. How Manny looks Hal in the eyes on the beginning of that meeting.  If he's going to get cagey or defensive when it comes to talking about hustle. Is Manny going to prove to Hal that he's a leader? All these things matter in this possible meeting.  Anyway... if you have no idea what I'm talking about... here's a portion of that New York Post article:

"As Steinbrenner said during the owner’s meetings earlier this month, he wants a meeting with Machado — although the comments to YES were made before Machado attempted to walk back his comments from October this week in an interview with MLB.com. 

'There needs to be a sit-down before we’re comfortable,’ Steinbrenner said. 'But again, we’re looking at three or four guys right now, whether [it’s] free agents or potential trades, where makeup issues and work-ethic issues are always a concern. And that’s always a part [for] any person we’re going to bring into this environment.'”

Hal's extending his hand, but making it known publicly that Manny needs to impress to even be considered. And so, that's is where we're at. And you know what? I tip my cap to Hal to extend that. That's what real men do.  We don't talk about each other behind our back. We meet face to face and ask the tough questions and hope his first impression is good.

I look forward to this. I want to see a meeting happen. I want to see what comes out of it. It's exciting.

Nice work Hal. Make it happen.

INTEREST GAINING IN JEAN SEGURA

We mentioned the other day that the Yankees almost snagged all-star shortstop Jean Segura while they were signing James Paxton from the Mariners. A move that would prove brilliant if they could pull it off as Didi Gregorius is on the shelf after Tommy John and would most likely be out most of the season.

Photo: The Seattle Times

We wrote THE YANKEES ALMOST SNAGGED SEGURA FROM SEATTLE TOO on November 20th.  That came off a Jon Morosi report.

Then today Brendan Kuty of NJ.com wrote this:

"The Yankees are scouring the trade and free agent markets to fill Gregorius' spot, though it's possible -- yet unlikely -- they shift second baseman Gleyber Torres to shortstop."

And with that more traction as far as competition is concerned when it comes to Segura.  Now a new report that the Phillies may be in on Segura. Oddly, that comes from Jon Morosi too, but reported by MLB Trade Rumors...

Photo: Oregon Sports News

"The Phillies are expected to be one of the offseason’s busiest teams. MLB.com’s Jon Paul Morosi reports the Phillies have interest in Mariners shortstop Jean Segura and closer Edwin Diaz. We’ve already heard Segura’s name linked to the Padres and Yankees in rumors, and Philadelphia could also make sense as a landing spot given their lack of production from the shortstop position (a sub-replacement -1.8 bWAR in 2018). "

Morosi is all over this guy.  I do wonder though if this is a legit rumor or just a lot of "baseball insider" click bait stuff.  It is interesting though, and I gotta tell you... I would LOVE to see Segura in pinstripes.  I'm just afraid that ship may have sailed.

We'll see...

MY BYB THANKSGIVING DAY BLESSING

It's that time of the year again. Thanksgiving is an important day for me, as I am sure it is for many. Today is a reminder for me of what this day really means now as an adult compared to when I was a kid. It's not just about the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, a day off from work or school or cooking a big meal. It means so much more.

Today and every day now I give thanks. I am thankful to have good health, two good jobs (Yes, BYB counts in my book!), a wonderful husband and stability in my life. The world is a crazy place everyday. There is something about having this site to come to and just write a few times a week. It gives peace, and serenity and a timeout from all of the craziness we all have everyday.

I get to write about my love for baseball. How can you not like watching guys like Aaron Judge do something awesome like win the Home Run Derby and then write about it? Or maybe even write about a time when Aaron Boone or Greg Bird does something that angers you and know that other people out there agree! I still wake up some mornings and pinch myself. It's a cool feeling. It's nice to be a part of something BIGGER that has meaning. Then I also get to go to another job that couldn't be more opposite then this and I love that too. Does it get any better than that?

I am thankful to have all of you who come here sometimes daily just to read us. I couldn't have imagined that when I first started working here almost eight years ago (YES...EIGHT!) that we would have almost seven million hits! I never imagined being able to meet so many interesting people and form some of the friendships that I have. In a lot of cases, it is more than just a friendship, it is family.

So today, like me I hope you sit back and think about what you are grateful for. It's easy to lose sight of sometimes especially in the hustle and bustle of our everyday hectic life. Thank you for being here and sharing our passion and giving us so much support. It makes this gig even better.

I hope you all have a happy, healthy and safe Thanksgiving today. Enjoy all of your family traditions and who knows maybe even start a new one this year, like me!

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




BYB Stack Merchandise (2017)

MACHADO WALKS BACK HIS 'JOHNNY HUSTLE' COMMENT

You knew it was going to happen sooner or later, right? Well, one week after Hal Steinbrenner called Manny Machado's comments "troubling" Machado is trying to do some damage control. Question is, will the Yankees actually buy it?

This is going to be a tough hill to climb for Machado. I still think his remarks were stupid. It's not about if I was upset by them or not they were just plain stupid. No player going into free agency expecting a big fat contract should ever say those things. That's not going to inspire owners to give you the big pay day. The guy should wear a dunce hat and sit in the corner for a while longer.

Clearly people close to him have thought about it since then and want him to clear the air. Here is Machado's explanation:

"When I was asked that question, I was definitely on the defensive, and I was wrong to answer it the way that I did, because looking back, it doesn't come across how I meant it. For me, I was trying to talk about how I'm not the guy who is eye wash. There's a difference between fake hustle for show and being someone who tries hard to win. I've always been the guy who does whatever he can to win for his team."

Except for hustling I guess. Doesn't doing "what he can to win for his team" include hustling? I don't get the "fake hustle" thing. It sounds like a cop-out. The only thing "fake" here could actually be his statement or apology. Whatever that was supposed to be.

"But I know how I said it and how that came across, and it's something I take responsibility for. I look forward to talking with each GM and owner that we meet with about that, or any other questions they have."

Hopefully it didn't take him or his people an entire week to realize how damaging those comments could be. Some say perception is reality. Machado is perceived by some to have a bad reputation and to be lazy. Can he change that perception? Or is the cliche right and is he lazy like he seems? Hal and Brian Cashman are going to have a lot of talking to do.

It will be interesting to see how Cashman and Hal make this decision. Clearly, Machado has a lot of talent but can he be successful in New York? Not everyone can be successful here, see Sonny Gray for example. I loved Cashman's comments HERE when he said hustling "is always a prerequisite" and it is true. There is no room for complacency here. You don't need talent to run hard for 90 feet. The Yankees are like no other team and expectations here are greater. Machado should be no exception to that.

So I guess we will see if the Yankees are buying what Machado is trying to spin now. I don't think Machado had an epiphany. All this means is someone close to him, most likely his agent, explained those comments would not help him financially; if anything they could hurt him. His agent wants more teams calling, not less. His agent also knows on paper the Yankees are a great match for Machado. At least someone in this mess isn't stupid.

So is it going to be enough? We'll see if the Yankees decide to open their wallet. If the Yankees decide to sign him we will know that Machado made a very convincing argument to ease their concerns that will cost about $300 million.

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

YANKS ARE CONTINUING TO MAKE DEALS!

Wheeling and dealing!!  It's how the Yankees roll this off season.  I am loving this.

Photo: Los Angeles Times

The Yankees just made another move for another player.  This one's a utility guy... and I like it.  This latest one involves a kid named Tim Locastro and we gave away righty pitcher Drew Finley in the process.  That comes from our pal Bryan Hoch:

The Yankees have acquired OF Tim Locastro from the Dodgers in exchange for RHP Drew Finley and cash considerations.

— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) November 21, 2018

On Locastro, the New York Post writes this...

"The 26-year-old Locastro made his big-league debut with the Dodgers in 2017, appearing in three games, and hit .182 (2 for 11) this year with one double and four steals in 18 games, including three starts in center field. He batted .286 with 23 doubles, four homers, 29 RBIs and 19 steals in the minors this year, mostly at Triple-A Oklahoma City."

Hey... a move's a move and we'll see how it goes.  I'm just happy to see the Yankees trying to upgrade where they can.

Just wondering when the next big pitcher will come... and if we will trade away Sonny Gray.

Stay tuned...

WHO WILL BE THE NEXT NEW PITCHER OF THE YANKEES?

The Yankees struck early by picking up left hand pitcher James Paxton earlier this week, a strategy that the Yankees missed out on in years past.  Typically, the front office has looked home grow a new team and pick up a few pieces here and there while staying under the luxury tax.  But this year, it was critical that they prioritize pitching first and they are not done yet.

Source: ESPN

According to Joel Sherman of the NY Post, the Yankees will have to beef up their infield to be a defensive arsenal against the ground ball, of which Paxton, Masahiro Tanaka and Luis Severino are experts.  "If you are going to bring in a groundball specialist, “you better make sure there is good (infield) defense behind (the pitcher) if it is going to work, so there are a lot more moving parts there,”stated Brian Cashman.  Sherman added, "And the Yankees’ infield defense is, at minimum, suspect. Their best gloveman, Didi Gregorius will miss at least two months after Tommy John surgery. Miguel Andujar was, by metrics, the majors’ worst defender at third. Gleyber Torres has the quick-hand/strong-arm attributes to be a top defender, but was not consistent last year. Luke Voit is a below-average defender and Greg Bird, perhaps, average at first."

Source: Daily News

So the next move may be another pitcher or an infielder who may or may not be Manny Machado.  I believe Cashman is going to be very cautious and selective when it comes to Machado given his no hustle attitude, a polar opposite of Didi Gregorius whose void will be felt as he recovers from surgery.

Source: NY Post

"We just try to ask a lot of questions about how they compete. This environment can bring out a different experience for some. So I don't have a new secret formula to address predictability on who will thrive and survive and who won't here in New York,"stated Cashman via ESPN.

Source: NJ.com

Former Yankee Nathan Eovaldi has been a topic of conversation more than once in 2018 and he could be involved in a Cashman interview before the end of the year. Ground ball pitchers are attractive to the Yankees who have that short porch in right field. "And the market offers more of the same with free agents Patrick Corbin (11.1 strikeouts per nine), Charlie Morton (10.8), J.A. Happ (9.8), plus the Indians triumvirate of Trevor Bauer (11.5), Carlos Carrasco (10.7) and Corey Kluber (9.3) available in trade," reported the Post.

Source: USA Today

Who will be the next new pitcher for the Yankees?  Who knows? Did we see Paxton coming?  I didn't but it is a good move despite losing Justus Sheffield who appears to need more grooming, which is more time the Yankees couldn't afford to give.  Let's pick up one more pitcher, Cash, and then focus on beefing up the infield without Machado, please.

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

JEFREY VALDEZ IS A YANKEE... YES, ONE F

The Yankees just added another pitcher.  This one's a righty and yes, while his name is Jefrey, he has one F in his name... not 2.

The Yankees PR arm of the team tweeted this out a few minutes ago:

Additional transaction: The Yankees have acquired minor league RHP Jefry Valdez from Colorado in exchange for RHP Jordan Foley.

— Yankees PR Dept. (@YankeesPR) November 21, 2018

For anyone that needs to know about Valdez, Pete Caldera writes this:

"Valdez, 23, pitched to a 5.82 ERA in 27 relief appearances this past year at Class A Boise, with 45 strikeouts in 34 innings. Valdez’s ratio of 11.91 strikeouts per nine innings ranked fifth in the Northwest League (minimum 30 innings)." 

Gotta love Pete... all over it.

So that's that.  Nothing major, but just another edition to the Yankees in some form.


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THE YANKEES ALMOST SNAGGED SEGURA FROM SEATTLE TOO

Damn. Could you imagine?

Jean Segura is a shortstop for the Mariners and a damn good one and the idea that we need someone to man short in the Bronx with Didi Gregorius on the mend from Tommy John makes this rumor unbelievably satisfying.  I'm just sorry we couldn't pull it off. Don't get me wrong, I love what Cashman did getting Paxton. I just think it would have been magnificent to see Segura in pinstripes too for sure.

Hardball Talk writes:

"...they were trying to land shortstop Jean Segura too...Getting Segura would make a ton of sense for the Yankees given that Didi Gregorius is going to miss a big chunk of next season. Segura, who will turn 29 in March, has hit .308/.353/.449 over the past three seasons."

That replacement would have been unbelievable.  Oh well... we can still dream.

Carry on.

By the way, it was Jon Morosi who had that report first.

IAN CLARKIN'S ON THE MOVE AGAIN

Photo: AP

Remember Ian Clarkin? He was that lefty pitcher we got the same night we drafted Aaron Judge.  Well, he's long gone from the Yankees since we interviewed him here at Bleeding Yankee Blue. Read EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: IAN CLARKIN for a cool interview.

Anyway... Clarkin was on the Chicago White Sox topping out at Double A last season. But now... he's on the Cubs claimed off waivers. That news comes from many sources, but we'll go with Cubs reporter Tony Andracki… because hell... let's give him a plug:

Cubs add another LHP option in Ian Clarkin, whom they claimed off waivers from White Sox. Clarkin, 23, made 25 appearances (12 starts) in Sox system in 2018, topping out at Double-A.

— Tony Andracki (@TonyAndracki23) November 20, 2018

OK.  And there you have it.

I know, I know... no one cares.  I do.  I like to follow around former Yankees and track them over their careers. Some flourish... some don't, but once a Yankee, always a Yankee I always say.

PAXTON'S A YANKEE, BUT WHO IS NEXT?

Photo: Newsday

Looks like Brian Cashman has pulled the trigger and there's mixed reaction to shipping Justus Sheffield off to Seattle, but the bottom line is, if you have an opportunity to snag a guy like Paxton, and they don't want Miguel Andujar and Gleyber Torres... somehow... you go for it.

But now who's next?

Reports are that while the Yankees love Corey Kluber, they could easily pass on him because the amount to get him will be massive. And so, the idea of a JA Happ or a Patrick Corbin may be instead in their wheel house.

I personally think you stick with what you know works.  JA Happ has proven to be a valuable pitcher for the New York Yankees.  He was amazing for us down the stretch. He's definitely someone we need to pursue and pursue... HARD!

Jon Morosi writes this of the priority list...

Source: #Yankees remain interested in free agents Patrick Corbin and J.A. Happ, following the James Paxton deal. Yankees are placing a higher priority on adding one more starting pitcher than signing Manny Machado or Bryce Harper. @MLB @MLBNetwork

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 19, 2018

And that's another thing. Do we NEED another bat? Do we NEED to spend a fortune on Harper or Machado? I mean, yes, I love the idea of them in pinstripes.

When stuff like that happens it's amazing. But 5 years down the line when they're dogging it because they're rolling in Yankee money... we as fans don't like it anymore and you know that!

This tweet says it all.

Well done, Cashman. The Yankees need two starters. One by trade, one from free agency. You got the first part.

— ღ 𝒢𝑒𝓁 (@LttleGel) November 19, 2018

Sorry to burst everyone's bubble, but I don't think we get Kluber, Harper or Machado.  What we do get is stability in our starting rotation.

JUSTUS SHEFFIELD TRADED & YANKS GET A BIG FISH

The Yankees got a pitcher, a Mariner ace. But the Yankees gave away a good one in the process. Hey, it's business.

The Yankees PR Department has tweeted the following:

Trade: The Yankees have acquired LHP James Paxton from Seattle in exchange for LHP Justus Sheffield, RHP Erik Swanson and OF Dom Thompson-Williams.

— Yankees PR Dept. (@YankeesPR) November 19, 2018

OK then. I would have loved to have seen Sheffield flourish in New York, but there's no time for waiting. We need it now.

The Yankees need experienced starting pitching. That is why they made this move. James Paxton will be a nice fit.  Now we just need 1 more pitcher like a Corey Kluber and have the potential to be unstoppable.

Nice move Cash.

SOME DUMB OWNER WILL MAKE A DUMB MISTAKE....

Attention all owners, especially you Hal Steinbrenner, read on and study up. If only one of you does though, please let it be Hal. The rest of you can spend your money as you see fit and I won't care.....but I will still point and laugh.

Photo: AP

If you haven't read Bill Madden's piece that came out yesterday, READ it! It's a good read. He also made some very good points.  There are some guys that will get their big pay day and they definitely deserve it. Pitchers are going to get deals this offseason that just didn't exist last year. Guys like Patrick Corbin, Dallas Keuchel, and Nathan Eovaldi are the difference makers for contending teams. It's all about the pitching....especially for the Yankees.

But there are also guys out there that are going to get deals because they are popular names and are everyday players so they deserve $300 million plus deals for 10 years. The Yankees already have two of those names, why do we need to add to it?

Photo: New York Post

Think about it, Jacoby Ellsbury is the perfect example of a dumb mistake. He had one good year in Boston and somehow his agent Scott Boras convinces the Yankees to spend $153 million over seven years. He was non-existent for 2018, now suddenly Boras says he will be back and ready to contribute and be this great contributor for the next two seasons? Right. He's just a bench warmer. There's bad contract number one we are stuck with.

Photo: USA Today

Then there is Giancarlo Stanton. We are stuck paying him another $270 million until 2027 and if we continue to see 2018 Stanton as years go on then that is a huge bust for us. I admit, I expected a lot for from the former National League MVP who hit 59 home runs. He should've come into Yankee stadium and been more consistent, because clearly the tools are all there. People will say that he doesn't deserve all of the criticism after hitting 38 home runs and 100 RBIs this season.....but those numbers are short of the real talent he has to offer.

Photo: Sports Illustrated

The Yankees already have two expensive outfielders and two bad contracts on their hands. So why should the Yankees spend more money on Bryce Harper? Scott Boras is going to continue to plug Harper as "the best player in baseball" until someone pays a stupid price for him because he is a young 26 year old. Sure, we all like young players. His age means he could theoretically play for a really long time. But his defense isn't elite compared to other outfielders by any means and look at those strikeouts! Why would ANY owner (Steinbrenner or not) want to throw tons of dollars at a young guy who for the second year in a row has more strikeouts than hits?! Those numbers are only going to skyrocket as the league continues to adapt and Harper ages. Oh and not for nothing, there's another outfielder out there named Mike Trout who is also touted as "the best player in baseball" who makes hell of a lot less money and doesn't strike out like that.

So then what about Manny Machado? Owners could spend their money on the young stud infielder but he could be a team cancer. His dumb decision to brand himself as "I’m not the type of player that’s going to be Johnny Hustle…that’s not my cup of tea…that’s not who I am" is the worst attitude you could have on a team. The Yankees have been known to have meetings with big name free agents they are interested in to determine if they are a good fit for each other. I have a hard time believing that meeting changes anything. This is who Manny is. If he is this way now, why would he change AFTER he gets his big pay day? He has shown his true colors. Any team that signs him after those comments is dumb.

The Yankees don't need anymore flawed long-term duds on the payroll. Hal can spend his money other ways that will yield better results. Spend the money on the pitching, Hal. That is where it counts! Don't be that dumb owner.....please.

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