Cameron Maybin

New York Yankees: The Top 3 “Next Man Up”

by
Mike Tauchman, New York Yankees

The New York Yankees are notorious for having the most players on the injured list this season. Since it seems that the Yankees can’t keep their guys off the IL, replacement players have been called upon to fill in roles. The phrase “Next Man Up” has been used by fans this season to show that this dominant Yankees team is not superstars, and every guy they call up will compete. Here’s a list of the top three “Next Man Up”:

Gio Urshela

“The most happy fella,” Gio Urshela has been a surprise superstar for the New York Yankees this season. Known for his stellar defense, Urshela has shined offensively as well. Every night it seems that he’s in the mix of players who have done something productive to help the team win.

Currently, Urshela’s batting average would tell you that he’s been a seasoned Major League player. However, it’s only a first real year in the pros and he’s dominating. Urshela is currently slashing .337/.379/.585 which stands with some of the other premier players in the MLB. For reference, Mike Trout is batting .298 and Urshela is batting .337. Keep in mind, Trout only has 42 more at-bats then Urshela…

Mike Tauchman

One of the most surprising stars of the Yankee lineup, Mike Tauchman has proven that he’s capable of performing in the big leagues. Taking Giancarlo Stanton’s spot while he’s rehabbing, Tauchman seems to also be in the mix of players contributing every night.

Tauchman was given his chance this year with the Yanks and hasn’t taken it lightly. In 69 games with the club, he’s batting .289 with 12 home runs. His defense has also been nothing short of spectacular. Take a look at this robbery…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Wqt-HlX9vI

All MLB outfielders who have a .290+ BA, .360+ OBP, and a .540+ SLG, are Cody Bellinger, Charlie Blackmon, George Springer, Mike Trout, Christian Yelich, and… Mike Tauchman (yes, you read that right).

Cameron Maybin

A 13-year veteran in the major leagues, Cameron Maybin is a guy who’s bounced around from team to team. The Yankees acquired Maybin to seek outfield help when everyone was on the injured list earlier this season. From then, he’s been nothing short of a “backup.” Maybin has earned every right to be in the Yankee lineup and his offensive and defensive numbers show it.

Maybin is batting .312 this season with eight home runs and 26 runs batted in. He’s buried a little bit behind the all-star Yankee outfield, but in his short time playing Maybin has contributed just about as much as he can.

New York Yankees Weekly Recap + ESM Yankee Players of the Week 8/5-8/11

by
New York Yankees, Gio Urshela

Weekly Recap:

After coming off a four-game sweep of the Boston Red Sox, the New York Yankees made short work of the Baltimore Orioles with a sweep at Camden Yards. The bombers outscored the last-place Orioles 32-12 in three games, now sitting at 13-2 against their division rivals. This also includes a perfect 10-0 record at Camden Yards. The last time the Yankees lost to the Orioles was on March 31, the third game of 2019 for both squads.

From Baltimore, they traveled to Toronto, though did not fare as well against the Blue Jays. Despite winning the opener 12-6, they would drop the next two by scores of 8-2 and 5-4. In the finale, the Yankees would take the lead in the fifth on a Brett Gardner ground-rule double but had to endure a 13-pitch battle between closer Aroldis Chapman and Blue Jays rookie Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to scrape away a 1-0 victory.

On the week, the New York Yankees finished 5-2 as they continue to lock down the A.L. East and look towards October. Here are the division standings entering Monday:

A.L East Standings (As of 8/12):

New York (A.L.): 77-41

Tampa Bay: 69-50, 8.5 Games Back

Boston: 62-58, 16 Games Back

Toronto: 49-72, 29.5 Games Back

Baltimore: 39-78, 37.5 Games Back

Gary Sanchez returns from I.L.:

The New York Yankees’ lineup received reinforcements on Saturday when catcher Gary Sanchez was activated from the 10-day I.L. Sanchez had been on the I.L. since July 24 with a Grade 1 Groin Strain, his third groin injury in the past two seasons. In his two games back last week, Sanchez went 1-for-7, his one hit being a 426-foot solo home run in Toronto.

Injury Updates on Severino, Betances:

Sanchez isn’t the reinforcements the New York Yankees will receive, as both Luis Severino and Dellin Betances are making significant progress in hopes of making their 2019 debuts. While in Toronto, Severino threw a 29-pitch bullpen, reporting that the session was “better than I expected.”

Severino’s session was the first time he has been on a pitcher’s mound since March when he went down with right shoulder inflammation, followed by a Grade 2 Lat Strain. This comes after signing a four-year, $40 million extension that has him under team control until 2022.

Betances meanwhile threw a 20-pitch session, reporting similar results. The four-time all-star went on the I.L. in March with right shoulder impingement. He had initially resumed throwing in early June but soon was shut down again after an MRI revealed a low-level lat strain. Betances was set to be a free agent at the end of the year, but his absence may result in a short term extension.

And now, it is once again time for…

Empire Sports Media’s Yankee Players of the Week:

Gio Urshela:

5 games, 9-20 (.450), 5 HR, 10 RBI, 8 Runs Scored, 1.300 SLG %

Mike Tauchman:

7 games, 10-24 (.417), 5 HR, 10 RBI, 5 BB, 7 Runs Scored, 1.125 SLG %

For the second straight week, ESM presents your CO-Yankees of the Week! This time, the honor goes to Mike “the Sockman” Tauchman, as well as Mean (Woo!) Gio Urshela.

Despite starting the week recovering from a pair of pitches fouled off of both legs in the series finale against Boston, Urshela made up for lost time with back-to-back multi-homer games against Baltimore and Toronto. Entering Monday’s doubleheader against Baltimore, Mean Gio is hitting .323 with 17 home runs, 61 RBI, and a .940 OPS.

The Sockman had a very similar week in terms of production, also hitting five dingers and driving in 10. Entering Monday, Tauchman is batting .300 with 12 home runs, 41 RBI, and a .960 OPS.

Honorable Mentions (Not In Order):

Brett Gardner:

6 games, 9-23 (.391), 2 HR, 4 RBI, 5 Runs Scored, 1.243 OPS, 1 Interesting Ejection

Another solid week is in the books for the longest-tenured Yankee, though it came with some fireworks. During game two of the four-game series with Toronto, many in the Yankees dugout were chirping at home plate umpire Chris Segal over questionable strike calls. The result was Segal throwing out a player who wasn’t involved, namely Gardner.

Upon realizing what had happened, the veteran outfielder stormed out of the dugout and had to be restrained by Aaron Boone as he ripped the young umpire.  Gardner did hit his bat into the dugout ceiling but never said a word to Segal before the ejection.

But the ejection itself was not the source of Gardner’s anger, but rather what came of it. After his ejection, Aaron Judge, who was in the midst of a slump, was brought in as a defensive replacement.

“The whole thing is Judgey finally getting a much needed day off,” Gardner said after the Yankees lost 8-2 that day, “He has to go into the game in the fourth inning because of what happened. That makes me madder than anything. The last thing I would do is intentionally get thrown out and him having to come off the bench like that.”

Two days later, Gardner got his revenge thanks to an RBI ground-rule double in the fifth, the only offense for either side in a 1-0 bomber victory.

Masahiro Tanaka:

Vs. Baltimore (8/5): ND, 5.1 Innings, 10 Hits, 5 ER, 2 BB, 4 SO

Vs. Toronto (8/11): W, 8.0 Innings, 3 Hits, 4 SO

Despite giving up five earned runs in his previous start against Baltimore, Tanaka Time in Toronto was a good time Yankee fans. Through eight shutout innings, he allowed only three hits and struck out four. For his career, Tanaka is now 13-5 with a 2.69 ERA and 122 strikeouts in 123.2 Innings against Toronto.

James Paxton:

Vs. Baltimore (8/7): W, 6.2 Innings, 5 Hits, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 SO

Typically when James Paxton had a quality start this year, the offense couldn’t back him up. That wasn’t the case last Wednesday in Baltimore, as the bombers put up 14 runs in a 14-2 victory. That was more than enough for the Big Maple, who would allow only one run and strike out seven through six and two-thirds innings. This start ended up being Paxton’s second straight quality start.

D.J. LeMahieu:

7 games, 9-28 (.321), 1 HR, 5 RBI

Cameron Maybin:

5 games, 8-22 (.364), 2 HR, 4 RBI, 6 Runs Scored, 1.119 OPS

New York Yankees: The Embarrassment of Riches

by
Mike Tauchman, New York Yankees

The sensational year that the injury-riddled New York Yankees are having could not have been predicted by the organization.

Most of the credit has to go to the Yankees front office, principally General Manager Brian Cashman. Considered to be one of the best general managers of all time, Cashman has worked his magic yet again. He is famously known for turning unknowns into stars when they come to the Bronx. Looking back to last year, the trade for Luke Voit was just the beginning. His pure power and ability to hit to the opposite field turned him into a star, using the short porch in right field. 

Fast forward to this year, the Yankees add Mike Tauchman (from trade), DJ Lemahieu (free agent signing), Gio Urshela (free agent signing), Edwin Encarnacion (from trade), and Cameron Maybin (from trade). The big question is: with all of these guys producing, who is going to be left out? The notable Yankees Luis Severino, Dellin Betances, Luke Voit, Aaron Hicks, Edwin Encarnacion, Giancarlo Stanton, and Gary Sanchez will all slowly make their way back in late August through late September. It will be tough benching players who have proven their worth at the MLB level. Players like: Mike Ford, Breyvic Valera, Kyle Higashioka, and Tyler Wade will most likely be optioned to Triple-AAA Scranton Wilkes-Barre when everyone comes back. However, all of these players have contributed to the team at some point during the year. 

The Significant Contributions of the Yankees’ Newcomers

The stats for some of the newcomers to the Yankees are something that would be seen in a video game. Mike Tauchman has been a pleasant surprise while replacing Giancarlo Stanton. He is batting a career-high .299, with a .371 on-base percentage, and .934 OPS (Baseball Reference). DJ Lemahieu is having an MVP-caliber season for the Yankees. He is leading the American League in batting average at .336, a career-high in home runs with 18, and runs batted in with 76. He has also been able to play multiple positions at a high level, which makes him even more valuable.

Before his offensive surge, Gio Urshela was remembered for making a costly error for the Cleveland Indians in the 2017 ALDS. His numbers this year have made everyone forget that ever happened. He is slashing with a .314 batting average, .522 slugging, and a .882 OPS. Urshela is currently nursing a leg injury and is day-to-day (Baseball Reference). The Yankees acquired Edwin Encarnacion in a trade with the Mariners. He was leading the AL in home runs until Mike Trout’s unreal July home run surge. He has 30 home runs, 76 RBIs, and 57 walks. A fractured bone in his right wrist led to his placement on the 10-day IL. Last but not least, Cameron Maybin, the veteran leader the Yankees needed, has been a clutch performer as well. He has shown speed on the bases as well with 10 stolen bases. 

Despite all of the production from the “next man up”, the Yankees have a good problem heading into the postseason. Cashman and Boone now know they can trust any of these hitters on the roster to fill their role, whether as a starter or off the bench. As long as the starting pitching can keep their earned run averages down to four, the Yankees should be fine with all of the “savages” in the box.

New York Yankees: Cameron Maybin Begins Rehab With A Bang

by
New York Yankees, Cameron Maybin

New York Yankees outfielder Cameron Maybin began his rehab assignment on Tuesday, and he got it off with a bang. He went 4-for-5 with a home run and a double. His home run was a solo shot.

On Wednesday, he went 0-for-2 but drew a walk before being removed. He led off in both games.

Because of the severity of his calf strain, Maybin will likely be in rehab for a bit longer before getting called up. But the question is, will Maybin be done in pinstripes?

A Tough Decision Looms

Mike Tauchman has been red hot. His average is around .270 and sits at about .400 since he was called up again. He is relatively fast and also has a solid glove and is proving to be an overall better option than Frazier.

But do the Yankees send Tauchman down when Maybin is ready? Or do they try and find a way to hold onto Maybin and keep Tauchman in the MLB?

I think that the Yankees should keep Tauchman in the majors and DFA Maybin. I really like Maybin, but Tauchman is playing great and by the looks of it, the scouting department has found another diamond in the rough.

By DFA’ing Maybin, you still technically have a shot at retaining him, but the chances are that he will be claimed very quickly.

Another potential option could be to try and involve Maybin in a trade package for pitching in a hope to possibly hold onto prospects like Clint Frazier of Deivi Garcia.

Or, the Yankees could just try to have 13 position players again and have only 12 pitchers.

Once Maybin is completely ready, the Yankees will be forced to make more tough decisions.

New York Yankees: Cameron Maybin the better option over Giancarlo Stanton?

by
New York Yankees, Cameron Maybin

Let’s start with a little New York Yankees trivia to start this topic at hand. One player is earning $26 million in 2019 and the other $471K, can you name them?

Here’s a hint, the title gives it away. Stanton, the Yankees’ big-name acquisition from 2018 is making about 52X more than Cameron Maybin, a journeyman outfielder who is a career average player.

However, Maybin has proved to be a major impact player in 2019, hitting .314 on the year prior to a calf injury that has sidelined him for about three weeks. Maybin is closing in on a return, though, as he will be designated for minor league assignment next week.

The question I want to ask is: 

Are the New York Yankees better off starting Maybin or Stanton?

By default, the Yanks really don’t have much of a choice but to play Stanton, but his numbers don’t exactly scream consistent. So far in 2019, he has just 31 at-bats, hitting .290 with one homer. Maybin, on the other hand, has 118 at-bats and has proven that he’s capable of handling an everyday load.

Aside from his consistency this year, Cameron is an elite base runner and steady defender. He’s played a minimum of 20 games at every outfield position, recording exactly zero errors.

In Stanton’s eight total defensive games, he has one error. From every angle, Maybin looks the better player this season, and his return should see him start in left field for the foreseeable future given his bat remains steady. I imagine once Stanton returns he will take over, but only due to his price-tag — otherwise, the red-hot Maybin should be the choice every day of the week.

Injury update:

Aaron Boone stated that Giancarlo Stanton’s rehab has not been progressing at the ideal speed, this is the slugger’s second injury of the season and it’s proving to be significant once again.

“Better, but still slow,” Boone said. “Not baseball activities yet, just continuing to work on stabilizing things, making sure the quad is built up and strong, doing things in the weight room. Moving slow, but talking to G, too, he feels like he’s making some progress where the first couple of weeks were frustrating because it was slow-moving.”

New York Yankees: Top 3 surprise players up to the All-Star break

by
New York Yankees, DJ LeMahieu

The New York Yankees have been plagued by the injury bug this year that has affected nearly every unit on the team. The starting pitching has been hit very hard as well as the bullpen, but luckily the run support has been fantastic for the Bombers as they have the second-best record in baseball.

Up to this point just before the All-Star break, the Yanks have been saved by various players that have emerged to supplement the deficiencies on the team.

Here are the New York Yankees top 3 surprises:

1.) Gio Urshela

As a career .227 hitter before coming to New York, Urshela is having easily his best season this year with a .309 batting average. Seven homers and 39 RBIs has helped the Yankees crawl out of tight windows and win close games when the pitching has lacked ineffectiveness.

In addition, his defensive abilities at the hot corner have been stellar. He’s been a major upgrade defensively over Miguel Andujar and his offensive production has been just as good if not better. The emergence of Urshela couldn’t have been better timed, as he’s been a true impact player for the Bombers this season and will be needed during an expected playoff run.

2.) DJ LeMahieu

While the former Colorado Rockies infielder was already a quality player before putting on the Pinstripes, his influence for the Yankees has been more than impactful. Hitting .336 on the year with 12 homers and 63 RBIs has easily earned him an All-Star selection and reason to believe he could be in the lead for the MVP award.

A two-year, $26 million deal is looking like a steal at this point and I would even expect GM Brian Cashman to extend the contract after this season. His ability to move around the infield and play at every position is extremely beneficial and valuable for a team that struggled with injuries in the infield.

Hitting .461 with runners in scoring position is the best in the MLB for players with a minimum of 15 RISP at-bats, and he’s had an impressive 75.

He once again came up clutch against the Tampa Bay Rays a few nights ago, hitting a game-sealing single that drove in two runs and captured the league. He was 0-for-4 before earning his first hit of the night. The clutchness he’s brought to the Yankees has been unbelievable.

“I feel like it’s my turn to make a mark on the game,” he said. “It’s a good opportunity to put runs on the board. I keep saying the approach doesn’t change, but I think there’s a certain level of focus there in situations like that.”

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3.) Cameron Maybin

While Maybin is currently on the 10-day injured list with a grade 2 left calf strain, his influence this year has been impressive. Another average player that has flourished in Pinstripes. As a .250 career hitter, Maybin is batting .314 with the Yankees and was previously on a home run streak before his injury.

His authority in the absence of Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton was exactly what the Yankees needed. The injury bug gave the opportunity to multiple players to show their value and make a difference for a team with World Series hopes and potential — the former Mariner and Marlin has taken advantage of that reality.

Cameron’s defense has been equally impressive to his offense, allowing zero errors over 41 total games this season. To put that into perspective, Clint Frazier had three errors in 29 total games. That’s a big reason Frazier was sent back down to the minor leagues and Maybin was retained on the active roster.

His return will give the Yanks a solid cushion while Stanton works his way back from his latest ailment.

New York Yankees send Cameron Maybin to 10-day injured list

by
New York Yankees, Cameron Maybin

The New York Yankees have lost another productive player to the injury bug with outfielder Cameron Maybin being sent to the 10-day injured list.

The first-year Yankee heard a “pop” in his calf that later was discovered to be a strain.

Nestor Cortes Jr., who was sent down several days ago to make room for Aaron Judge, has been called back up to the MLB. He will help compensate for injuries to Domingo German and Luis Severino while Maybin recovers. It was expected that Maybin would remain in the lineup as he’s been very productive this season, hitting .314 on the year with five homers and 14 RBIs.

He’s in the midst of a career renaissance, earning a 139 wRC+, proving that his elevation is legitimate and deserving of a spot in the lineup. It seems as if the Yankees have managed to elevate the games of their respective fill-in players after injuries to the starting team.

With Judge and Stanton returning only a few days ago, the Yanks should be in a position to excel with additional run-support.

New York Yankees: Aaron Judge To Return Friday

by
New York Yankees, Aaron Judge

The New York Yankees announced before Thursday’s game against the Houston Astros that right fielder Aaron Judge will be returning on Friday to the line-up.

Judge was batting .288 in 73 at-bats before his injury. He pulled a muscle in his oblique on April 20th on a swing against the Kansas City Royals.

Judge hit .125 in 16 at-bats in rehab with the Railriders over the past week. He also hit a home run in his final game with the team’s AAA affiliate.

What Will The Yankees Do?

The Yankees have a tough roster decision to make on Friday.

They need to decide weather the team will carry 12 or 13 position players. By having 13, you keep Cameron Maybin and choose to option a reliever. By keeping 12, you have to do something with Cameron Maybin.

The Yankees could try to waive him in hopes that he clears waivers and goes to the minors, but that isn’t likely. WIth his .300 batting average, he would likely be claimed.

Or, maybe Brian Cashman has another deal coming that could involve Maybin. But, if neither of those options are the case, the Yankees will have to release the speedy outfielder.

It will be great to have Aaron Judge back, but it sucks that the team will have to make a decision to either keep or dump Cameron Maybin, someone that has been extremely productive for the Yankees.

New York Yankees: Where does Cameron Maybin fit in after Aaron Judge returns?

by
New York Yankees, Cameron Maybin

The New York Yankees are faced with the best, worst decision possible. They have too much talent to choose from. Outfielder Cameron Maybin has been on fire as of late, enjoying a four-game home run streak. With slugger Aaron Judge returning on Friday, it poses a difficult decision for the Yankees.

How will the New York Yankees utilize Aaron Judge when he returns?

There’s no question Judge will be inserted directly into the lineup, but in what capacity is my primary question. Maybin is hitting .315 on the year with five homers and 12 RBIs. Additionally, he’s a serious threat on the basis, which helps in run support and getting runners in scoring position.

However, Judge’s return will ultimately lead to Maybin being designated for assignment. But it seems as if the surprisingly productive player is at peace with the reality of his position:

“It’s a business and things happen,” Maybin stated on Tuesday. “I can’t control what decisions are made. What I control is each and every day I’m going to come out and give it everything like it’s my last game. I always talk about controlling the controllables … my effort, my energy. Control what you can control and then let the chips fall where they may.”

He handled the question far better than Clint Frazier did, as he cleared up his facebook of pictures and, to be quite frank, acted like a child that was unaware of the business side of baseball. In all likelihood, he would have likely been brought back up at some point, but his demeanor screams trade-bait at this point.

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The Pinstripes have changed Maybin:

Putting on the Yankees pinstripes has been the catalyst for success this season. Reserve players that have seldom seen success have emerged as legitimate starters. Maybin, Gio Urshela, Luke Voit…unexpected players have risen to the occasion.

“People say wearing the pinstripes isn’t for everybody, but I think it is for guys that can handle some ups and downs. I feel my personality and what I’m able to bring as a nice piece to the puzzle makes me a good fit,” Maybin stated.

The Yankees will likely keep the veteran outfielder over Frazier due to his attitude and acceptance of his role with the Bombers. His influence has been great and he will likely prove to be an impactful option once again as the season progresses.

 

New York Yankees: Brett Gardner On Absolute Fire To End May

by
New York Yankees, Brett Gardner

After a terrible start to the season, it seems that New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner is figuring things out. After his average was around .200 for the first five or six weeks of the season, Gardner has raised his average to .240 after a stretch of good games.

A solid last week

Over his previous seven games, Gardner has been batting .435. Despite just one home run and two RBIs in that span (coming from Monday alone), he keeps getting on base.

Gardner just keeps doing his thing, mashing singles to all parts of the field. He is also arguably the most disciplined hitter in the MLB, working long at-bats, fouling off pitches, and rarely chasing.

Though he is 35, it still doesn’t stop him from laying a bunt down, beating out an infield hit, or stealing a bag.

Gardner continues to play solid defense in left field and center field. The only thing that holds him back is his weak throwing arm.

Helps the position battle

Once Giancarlo Stanton comes back for the Yankees, the team will face tough decisions on who stays and who goes. There are really only two options.

Option 1: Send Clint Frazier down, keep Cameron Maybin

Option 2: Keep Frazier up, get rid of Maybin

No matter who they keep, Maybin or Frazier, Gardner will have to compete with them for playing time.

Maybin has a very similar playing style as Gardner, he may just be a bit faster.

Frazier is probably the best hitter of the three, but has average speed and his defense is a liability. In close games, he is often pulled for defense.

So, if Gardner keeps playing well, it may help him see more playing time in the near future and even hold on to a starting spot until Aaron Judge is healthy.