Thursday, March 28, 2024

EVEN STAT ANALYSTS DON'T KNOW HOW TO FEEL ABOUT THE YANKEES


I had a few readers tell me we've been too negative lately. Okay, you can feel the way you do. I won't try to change your mind, but I'm not feeling so positive about the direction this team is going in. I know I am not the only one, but interestingly enough another source feels even less optimistic than I do.

I have to say I am a baseballreference.com enthusiast. I love their site and use it DAILY. Have you seen their 2024 MLB playoff odds? Check it out HERE. Now I have to say, I don't have warm and fuzzy feelings about this season, but I am not feeling as pessimistic as they are. So, to the folks who want to read more positivity it's a start.




Honestly though, The Post has a good write up of what this prediction really is based on, you can check that out HERE. So, their predictions come from a calculation of run differential and difficulty of the schedule from the previous years' last 100 games. Okay, that's an oddly specific calculation that has absolutely nothing to do with the number of active injuries on the team or the player and their statistics in that sample size. So instead, this prediction is based on run differential and the schedule difficulty. Even if their model used a different sample size (not just the last 100) I don't think the final result would be positive. The Yankees gave up 36 more runs than they scored last year. When the team batting average is hovering around the .230s it's a pretty bleak outlook.

I get it, the Yankees were AWFUL last year, and we didn't acquire enough upgrades this winter. Juan Soto alone doesn't fix this team. Gerrit Cole is going to miss significant time.... it's a gamble. But am I the only one who thinks Baseball Reference's predictions of a 2.7% chance to make the postseason are low? What about their prediction to win 71 games? This team isn't exactly sexy looking on paper, but that is a pretty intense prediction.

I'm looking at other predictions like Fangraphs, who predict the Yankees to win 88 games and BetRivers Sportsbook predicts 91 wins and scratching my head. I do not think this team is a 90+ win team right now. Pitching is a big concern, and with Cole out I don't feel confident with the rest of the rotation. I also think Soto is an upgrade to the offense, but the rest of the team couldn't hit the broad side of a barn. Look at team stats and you will see Gleyber Torres (.273 BA), and Aaron Judge (.267 BA) were our best hitters. Scary thought considering Judge only played in 106 games due to injuries. The Yankees have a lot of work to do to win 88+ games. I'm not sure if new hitting coach James Rowson can make this miracle happen so soon.

So, do I think the Yankees will have another tough year? All signs point to yes at this point. Do I think the Yankees are a 71-win team? NO and they better not be that bad. I love Baseball Reference, but their analytics guys are just as bad as the Yankees analytic nerds. 

That's not a good comparison.


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






Wednesday, March 27, 2024

NEW BABY BOMBERS MAKE THE PITCHER ROSTER!

Depth is something the Yankees need, especially since they are seriously injury prone. It's exciting to see young players work hard and make the Yankee roster. And pitching is so critical, particularly with Gerrit Cole likely out until May or June. The Yankees have some new faces in the bullpen. Let's learn something about them.

"Nick Burdi learned yesterday that he would indeed start the year with New York after entering camp as a non-roster invitee. You will be hard-pressed to find a pitcher with a more unfortunate injury history than the 31-year-old who has not been able to pitch past more than a few months of a season since making his MLB debut with Pittsburgh in late 2018. Burdi’s journey has been punctuated by two Tommy John surgeries: the first in 2017 while with the Twins organization, and the second in 2020 with the Pirates," reported SB Nation. Now the injury record is concerning but what I like about him is his resilience. 

According to the New York Post, "Burdi changed his arm slot to try to alleviate what was causing the injuries and said after his outing Sunday how remarkable it is not to be in pain after every outing and to recover well." So, hopefully he will add value to this team who might be short on starting pitching depth. 

“I feel like at some point, the tides are gonna turn and the health is gonna be there,” Burdi told the New York Post. To be in this locker room, some of the guys I played with last year, we had a saying, ‘We have a jersey, we got a chance.’ To me, if someone’s gonna give me a chance, I want to make the most of it and run with the opportunity.”

Next up is Clayton Beeter who came to the Yankees as part of the deal that sent Joey Gallo out to west. I have really liked what I have seen of Beeter in the minors and this spring but according to CBS Sports, "Beeter has yet to appear in a major-league game, having collected a 3.62 ERA and 165:75 K:BB over 131.2 innings between Double-A Somerset and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in 2023." 

Source: NY Post

Honestly, major league baseball experience is something you earn, and he will get there, with the right opportunities. He offers long reliever depth, spending most of his time on the hill as a starter. With Luis Gil earning the last starting pitching slot, Beeter will find a home in the bullpen and provide hard throwing depth to the Yankees.

So new baby bomber pitchers will be in Houston on Thursday, with more baby bomber position players still to be selected. Those decisions are pending as Aaron Boone gets ready to take the reins of a new season. Let's hope he doesn't botch up again this year. 




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








JORDAN MONTGOMERY JUST SIGNED!

The Yankees front office sucks.


ESPN writes:  

"Left-hander Jordan Montgomery and the Arizona Diamondbacks are in agreement on a one-year, $25 million contract that includes a vesting player option for a second season, sources told ESPN on Tuesday night, bolstering the National League champions' rotation with the postseason standout from the team that beat them in the World Series."

Dear Yankee fans, 

You have been duped. This Yankee team is a third-place team in 2024. Never did they EVER have any intention of giving you a championship team this year. They actually thought that signing Juan Soto to a 1-year deal would satisfy you.  Well, maybe it has for you, but I am disgusted by the lack of effort the Yankees put into their starting pitching.  Awful.




 

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

THE YANKEES: STRIVING FOR MEDIOCRITY


The Yankees in Mexico City series was supposed to be a special event. That's why it was promoted as much as it was, that's why the Yankees were doing their best to get their top stars to go there.  But no one showed and it fell flat.  

It really doesn't matter if we looked like a AAA team out there or if we romped Diablos Rojos, it was free baseball and it was supposed to be a big deal. The only takeaways were that Trevor Bauer can still pitch in the major leagues and the Yankees strive for mediocrity under the notion that Yankee fans won't notice.  But we will and we do and that team is pretty pathetic.

Pinstripe Alley writes:

"It was a promising start for the Yankees out on the road in Mexico City tonight, but after chasing the opposing starter in the top of the first with a four-run pot, the bats stayed quiet for basically the rest of the game. With only one more run after the first for the Yankees, the home side worked their way back en route to an 8-5 win for Diablos Rojos."



And that was only last night. The night before Bauer manhandled the Yankees hitting and they didn't even score until the 9th. The final for that one was 4-3 and the Yanks were on the losing side. It's disappointing but let's face it, not surprising. The only other highlight was Giancarlo Stanton wearing a traditional luchador mask during BP.

This is what happens when the Yankees promise a lot in the offseason and don't do anything.  You know what? I feel like this is a sign of things to come.  We don't field the best teams anymore... we're complacent, and I have news for you... this series was an example of that.




Monday, March 25, 2024

#OHTANIGATE IS ANOTHER ROB MANFRED FAILURE!


This is HUGE, folks. This is bad for baseball and just shows how Rob Manfred is bad for the sport and needs to be fired. This is a BIG deal. The more information that comes to light, the worse it looks. 

Shohei Ohtani is the face of baseball, but now he's in some hot water. The story now is that Ippei Mizuhara who is Ohtani's best friend and was his English Japanese translator allegedly stole $4.5 million to cover his own gambling debts. There are so many questions that need to be answered. A lot of details that just don't make sense, but no matter what the facts may be this is terrible for baseball.

Major League Baseball is officially investigating, and while we can sit here and hypothesize just how involved Ohtani was with this, there really is no good scenario with this. If he knowingly gambled on the sport that's a huge no-no that could end his career. Betting on baseball is not permitted and sports betting in California is illegal, period. Even if Ohtani wasn't directly involved, the company he keeps makes me a little skeptical of him.



More details are coming out about Ippei Mizuhara, and the latest one is a tie back to the Yankees, check it out HERE. The Los Angeles Angels media guide outlines Mizuhara's MLB resume, which says he worked for the Yankees in Sprint Training 2012 as an interpreter for Hideki Okajima. Interesting tidbit here is Okajima failed a physical before Sprint Training started and was released. So, the connection to the Yankees doesn't add up. Could he have worked as Okajima's interpreter before Spring Training started? Sure, it's not uncommon for players to show up for Spring ball early, but that doesn't mean he worked for the Yankees. Also interesting to note, when Okajima was with the Red Sox, multiple reports show Mizuhara was his interpreter. The Red Sox have now come out and said this is not true and two other interpreters were used. Boston is flat out denying this....what else is this guy hiding?

And what about his education? The Angels media guide also said Mizuhara graduated from the University of California, Riverside in 2007 but a school spokesperson was quoted as saying "Our university records do not show a student by the name of Ippei Mizuhara having attended UC Riverside." That's pretty interesting. Is it possible he attends UC Riverdale under a different name? Maybe....but the spokesperson did not clarify if another name was used. That's fishy.


So honestly, Mizuhara is a questionable character in my opinion. Something just doesn't sit right with me. I am not a gambler. I just don't do it because I am cheap. I googled "how much money did Ohtani's translator make?" and ESPN source came up that said Mizuhara made between $300,000 and $500,000 annually. That's a lot of money, and I don't know much about gambling, but I can't imagine any bookie would give a $4.5 million credit on this kind of salary without a guarantee from a bigger wage earner like Ohtani for example. I also have a hard time believing that Ohtani wouldn't know about transfers of this amount coming out of his account to cover the debts. Hence the theft story....it just doesn't add up to me, I'm having a hard time believing it.

Baseball is in shambles under this idiotic commissioner named Rob Manfred. He's made ridiculous changes to the game, and now has two scandals under his belt. The ASSTROS cheating scandal was bad enough because there was literally no punishment for this. Now, another gambling scandal with connections to the $700 million man who is the face of baseball. This man is a LIABILITY to the game and needs to be fired, period.


Manfred AND MLB better understand the game is bigger than the dollar signs Ohtani brings. There needs to be accountability here. Pete Rose was banned from baseball and is not in the hall of fame, so all eyes are on Manfred and how he handles this. IF Ohtani is directly involved in this, he must suffer the same fate otherwise the hypocrisy will kill this sport.

The game is tainted again due to #OHTANIGATE and a moronic, weak commissioner that needs to pay the ultimate price. He needs to be fired. If Ohtani is guilty, he needs to pay the ultimate price.




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






Sunday, March 24, 2024

NEXT MAN DOWN—ANTHONY RIZZO

 

Source: The Athletic

In the dizzying array of injuries provoking this 2024 Yankees team, the next man in the domino row went down this week. After being scratched from the lineup against the Mets Friday, Yankee first baseman Anthony Rizzo is the next casualty in the line of fallen soldiers this spring. 

As reported by ESPN, "Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo was a late scratch from Friday's game against the New York Mets due to lat tightness. Rizzo said he's had the issue on occasion during his career. Rizzo said he's fully confident he will be ready for Thursday's opener at Houston."I've had it to where it's been six to eight days, I've had it where it's one to two, I've had it where I played through." Rizzo said. "So, this is precaution at the fullest. I'm not going to risk it turning it into something that could be really bad."

Source: NY Post

Question fans, is this "lat tightness" code for "regular recurring back issues"? Just working on my Yankee injury dictionary and wanted to be sure I got it right. I just can't believe this crap. Again what are you all doing in the off season? And why aren't you attending to your body to ensure you are ready to play at the start of the season?

According to The Athletic, Rizzo said this is all precautionary and "its recovery time can run a wide spectrum, and that in the past he might have pushed through the pain and made it worse. He said there have been times where it’s taken as many as eight days to heal and other times where it’s needed just two. “This is precaution at the fullest,” he said, “just knowing where we’re at this spring training and this moment. Again, it’s just being smart. Younger me would have just pushed through and to play and get a spring training game in. But it’s just not worth it.”

Source: NJ.com

Knowing you are prone to this, is your older self you doing anything to prevent it? Again, how do you take care of yourself in the off season? And are these all signs that Rizzo's baseball life is coming to a close similar to DJ LeMahieu's? Hate to be the bearing of bad news, and not that it was not predictable, Yankee skipper Aaron Boone shared on Friday that LeMahieu's recovery has a long way to go before we will see him in the lineup. Great- take the domino right off the board.

"Last season, the Yankees put 28 players on the injured list — the sixth-most in MLB — with injuries to Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Rizzo, LeMahieu, Carlos Rodón and Nestor Cortes particularly contributing to their fourth-place finish in the American League East," reported The Athletic

Who's next? It's anyone's guess. I don't want to say in case the injury bug is listening, but likely one of the guys above. It is annoying, it is frustrating, and it is now a part of the game. Are baseball players lifespan on the field getting shorter? Is that what this boils down to? Maybe that's the answer. 



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









Thursday, March 21, 2024

DESPERATE YANKEES ARE TALKING TO MONTGOMERY AGAIN


Here we go again. The last big fish in the Scott Boras camp that remains unsigned. We all knew this headline was coming. The Yankees are about as desperate as they come....but is Jordan Montgomery equally as desperate?

I guess we will wait and see but according to Jon Heyman HERE now that Blake Snell is off the market, the Yankees are trying to rekindle talks with Montgomery in hopes to convince him to come back home to the Bronx. The way I see it, Boras, Montgomery and the Yankees are all desperate. It's the perfect disastrous combo.

According to Heyman, there is a big gap between Montgomery and the Yankees. That's a big DUH we all know this. Who knows if the Yankees are willing to make him a similar offer compared to what they offered Snell but....it is rumored Boras is still asking for a hefty contract. The rumor mill says Boras believes Montgomery is comparable to Philadelphia Phillies Aaron Nola's contract extension of 7 years and $162 million. You're welcome for that chuckle.

Seriously, Snell had a $150 million offer that he foolishly didn't take, and Montgomery doesn't have the same resume or experience but he's worth more money. Okay, Boras. We all see how well that worked out for your clients. All of your big fish didn't get near the number of years or money they were looking for, but Montgomery is going to be different. I've got a bridge I will sell you for really cheap.

All signs point to no teams are banging on Montgomery's door and I don't mean that disrespectfully. Honestly, I have always liked Montgomery AND I wanted him more than I ever wanted Snell. I never wanted anything to do with Snell. He can't pitch deep into games and the amount of home runs he'd give up in Yankee stadium would be a huge mistake. I want Montgomery, I just don't think he should want us but he needs a new home.

He deserves better than the Yankees and that is hard for me to say. We NEED his durability, and he has already proven he can handle pitching in New York. Brian Cashman burned that bridge just like he's screwed up so many things over the years. The Yankees need Montgomery to save them now more than ever. Who knows if this Gerrit Cole injury pans out the way we HOPE it will. Isn't Karma funny?

The Yankees are banking on Montgomery taking another short-term deal as ALL of his other clients this offseason. I guess we will wait and see if all of these desperate parties can bridge the gap. If the Yankees do make this happen (and that's a BIG if) someone should make Cashman eat crow. I'd pay to see that.



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






Wednesday, March 20, 2024

I'VE GOT MID-SEASON ANGER TOWARD THIS TEAM

Source: USATSI

I just don't trust Aaron Boone or the rest of the Yankees brass. They are not ingenuous, purposely vague and quite frankly, dishonest. This crap about Aaron Judge likely "being ready" to play tonight's game against Pittsburgh, to DJ LeMahieu's latest foot injury to Gerrit Cole "being saved" from a more serious injury, I am already over it. I have mid-season anger toward this team, and it is a week before Opening Day.

"Aaron Judge's abdominal injury raised more concern than initially expected when his initial return date was pushed back and he didn't do batting practice on Monday despite it being scheduled," reports Sports Illustrated. Aaron Boone says that Judge should be ready for tonight. We shall see. As the skipper said on Talkin' Yanks Podcast on Tuesday, "I do feel like he is playing tomorrow. That's my plan. I've sent out the lineup with him in it."

Source: NY Post

Judge does not have an abdominal tear and yes, I am grateful. But who really knows the extent of the injury and if the Yankees are actual being truthful. As Boone said, "He really just experienced some soreness in that core area, but that's why I think they were super cautious with going and making sure they got some images of it. It didn't show anything, so we've just been treating it and making sure he's ramped up and good to go," the manager explained.

Source: NY Post

Then during a mid-game interview with YES on Sunday, Boone shared that "opening day is just a day" and it is not worth getting worked up about when it comes to ensuring that LeMahieu is healthy and ready. I think it is more than that. LeMahieu took a foul ball off the foot, causing a bad bruise. "I just want to make sure he's good to go when we start. The news we've gotten on him is good. He's even in here today on the off day and looks even better today," said Boone as reported Sports Illustrated. 

The 35-year-old infielder has been in and out of the lineup over the last couple of years due to a toe injury. This bone bruise is unfortunate. And I am concerned it is more than what they are saying. The Yankees injuries seem to linger. It is just their thing.

Source: NY Post

When it comes to the Yankees' ace Gerrit Cole, I just don't know. He is shut down from all throwing for three to four weeks with nerve inflammation and edema. According to CBS Sports, "Assuming all goes well in that time, Cole will begin the slow process of building back up and will likely need six weeks to build up arm strength again, so we're looking at, in all likelihood, late-May return to action for Cole." We will be lucky if we see him before the All-Star Break - that's my prediction.

Other than LeMahieu whose injury this spring is really just part of playing the game, how can Judge and Cole fail to stay healthy in SPRING Training? The Yankees seek to sell tickets and keep the stands full of adoring fans who buy things. As my friend said earlier this week via a text message, "Vague is exactly the Yankees toward the media and fans." Yea, I already have the anger I would typically have in June now in March. And it's like who's next? Who will be part of the next cover up? Trust me there will be more. 




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

 



Tuesday, March 19, 2024

RODON DAZZLES & YANKS HAVE SOMETHING UP THEIR SLEEVE


I could not be happier for Carlos Rodon. I don't know if you were able to see it, but Rodon was amazing yesterday.  Now the media didn't give Rodon his due as much as I would liked. They really harped on the fact that Joe Torre was the guy who came out to the mound to remove him from the game after being outstanding.  But let's not forget what Rodon did. 5.2 innings, 5 strikeouts, 1 walk and no hits. Love that for him!  But the media made Torre the story. The New York Post writes:

"The competitive Rodon, still in the zone, knew he had three pitches remaining in his allotment and was about to face a left-handed hitter.

“I was like, ‘What the hell, it’s a lefty?’ I look up and I was like, ‘Oh, it’s Joe Torre. I should give him the ball,’ ” Rodon said with a laugh. “I was like, ‘All right, I can’t really say much here.’ Spring training game, Joe Torre, yeah. So I had to give the ball away. It was funny. It was cool.

“I wanted to be like, ‘Get out of here,’ ” Rodon added, “but it’s Joe Torre.”

Torre is a legend, no question. I wish he was still our manager.  He has the experience, the respect.  It was a terrific moment.  Let's hope Rodon can keep it consistent, because we really need him this year with Gerrit Cole out for a bit.  

And the Yankees know that too.  In fact, there is speculation and rumor that the Yankees are trying to land a young ace from the Marlins. I'm not kidding. Inside the Pinstripes writes:



"Another player the Yankees reportedly have been attempted to trade for is Miami Marlins young ace Jesús Luzardo, according to the New York Post's Jon Heyman.

"The Yankees haven’t been able to get any traction in trade talks for Marlins star Jesús Luzardo or others, and the starters who remain on the market are more depth pieces, led by 2023 All-Star Michael Lorenzen and Mike Clevinger," Heyman said.

Luzardo may not have as large of a name as someone like Snell, but he would be a significant upgrade for the Yankees' rotation. He had a 3.58 ERA and 208-to-55 strikeout-to-walk ratio last season with Miami and a 3.32 ERA and 120-to-35 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 2022. "

We will have to see what happens, but there is no question the Yankees are actually trying to secure a solid pitcher for their rotation.  I hope it all works out. I hope Rodon continues to dominate and I hope the Yankees get a guy they can put out there every 5th day to help this club win.

Stay tuned.




Monday, March 18, 2024

CASHMAN HAS A PLAN FOR THE YANKEE CATCHING SURPLUS



I've been focused on two areas all winter. First, the need for more quality starting pitching and the second is more complex. My second concern is how to "fix" the same lineup from last season that couldn't hit with Juan Soto as the notable exception. I still think about these areas, but right now Brian Cashman is not.

Opening Day will be here before we know it and I am still thinking about the starting rotation and the offense. I know I am not alone, many of you reading this have said the same thing. Brian Cashman on the other hand, he's trying to spin something crazy. 

The Yankees have some roster questions to figure out as Spring Training winds down, read what the New York Post had to say about it HERE. The Yankees have five catchers on the 40-man roster, which is an interesting dilemma to have. The Yankees are familiar with Jose Trevino and Austin Wells has impressed the Yankees both defensively and offensively. I've liked what I've seen from Wells also. But what about the other three?

Agustin Ramirez and Carlos Narvaez need more time but have promise. The Yankees also have Ben Rortvedt and we've talked about him a lot. He's got potential. He was groomed to be a strong defensive catcher, but Wells has looked sharper lately and Rortvedt still needs work. I wasn't impressed to watch Rortvedt check out behind the plate with a ball five feet away from him that allowed two runners to score this weekend. Not a good time to make that kind of error. Pair that with his lack of offensive pop and he's not standing out as an easy add for the Opening Day roster.


So where do the Yankees go from here? Ben Rortvedt may need more time, but he is out of minor league options. So the Yankees either need to take a leap of faith and give him a spot, or expose him to waivers where someone will scoop him up. Cashman of course is trying to take advantage of this scenario and turn into a salesman. Here's what he had to say:

"It's certainly an area of depth. Everybody's actually done a great job showcasing their abilities, not just for us but for others. So clearly a dam is going to break one way or the other toward the end of camp, so we’ll see how we navigate that," said Cashman.

So, Cashman is waiting for someone to pay up for a catcher....and get what out of it? Who knows, but Cashman is definitely trying to drum up more interest than he has right now. His choice of words also makes me laugh at him hysterically.


I do like his dam analogy for something else though....I am sitting, hoping and waiting for his dam of failures to finally break and get washed away from the Yankees. Let Hal Steinbrenner fire him. Let him get carried away to somewhere else far, far away. I know I won't get that lucky though soon enough. 

The Yankees catcher situation will be solved before Cashman goes away. It's unfortunate but, a girl can dream. 


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






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