NY Yankees

Down goes Chapman!! Down goes Chapman, down goes Didi!! Down goes Didi… a left hook, then a devastating right cross sends two New York Yankees reeling to the canvas, as the DL virus pounds the teams immune system once again…

The Yankees have been hammered by injuries. Before the All-Star break, the only serious concerns were Clint Frazier (concussion) and Jacoby Ellsbury (back/hip). Minor set back to Gleyber Torres (hip) and Gary Sanchez (groin) were light; expected to be back in the lineup at the beginning of the second half without problem. But then it happened…

The ship had sputtered into the habor, running low on gas; a leak in the hull; and a small tear in the sail. Nothing complicated. We were sporting the 2nd best record in MLB—trailing only the Red Sox. We docked, and the crew disembarked to their respective destinies for a well deserved rest. Five days later, we returned; finding the ship in tip top shape. All aboard! Time to set sail again!

We glided through the habor and out to the open sea. It was a beautiful day for sailing. The captain opened the throttle; full steam ahead. Time to catch Boston! However, when the captain cut the motor, and ordered the sails to be raised, we made an abrupt turn to the left, catching everybody off-guard.

Management had decided to chart a new course. Instead of following the traditional route wich lends to favorable wins, we gambled and flip-flopped the rotation. The Baseball Gods were not pleased with this ingenius strategy, costing us into unknown waters. Going against the grain, the sea became choppy and the sails were lowered promote stability. It didn’t work; one mishap followed another…

Domingo German started game one. He lost and was tosed overboard to the minors. Split-squad lineups were used for a double-header against Kansas City, when we needed a sweep to gain some momentum. Gleyber Torres—the hands down favorite for ROY—also tumbled into the deep after a scolding from Phil Nevin for his lapses on defense (though hitting 2 Home Runs and 4 RBI’S in the same game). His average nose dived—from .289 to .268 at the time of this commentary—hitting .204 in the next 22 games (with only 2 Home Runs and 7 ribbies).

Then it was Gary Sanchez who reappeared only to dissapear to Tampa; exiled because his game/body were not up to par. Superman Aaron Judge is crippled by kryptonite; Boston sweeps; and a depleted offense is weakened even more, when, mysteriously Neil Walker is not playing after hitting 2 Home Runs the night before, two days later Greg Bird receives the same treatment. When asked about these moves, Boone’s rhetoric was unconvencing. To close things out, the DL virus returned stricking CC, Didi, and Chapman…

All the forces of evil have had their turn unleashing missiles and torpedos at Bronx Bombers. Yet, somehow, in an amazing way, the team has weathered the storm. We’re still the 2nd best club in baseball! So whether we like it or not, we have to give credit where credit is due.

Aaron Boone and his staff, along with crafty moves by the front office, have held things together. Despite the inexperience,  or the inexplicable, Boone has rallied his troops. Hicks has been fantastic; stepping up his game to unite with Stanton as the power source. The vets (Walker and Gardner) have been reliable as always with their presence.

What about Miguel Andújar who has quietly moved to the forefront of the ROY balloting? Romine arose to the occasion in the absence of Sanchez. Even new addition Luke Voit is getting in on the action. Then there’s Happ, Lynn, and Britton which tightened a sagging staff. Betances is back, Robertson is Robertson, and all others are doing their part too.

Aaron Boone is getting the most out of his players, and that’s quite commendable.

In closing, I feel that the only thing missing is for us to find the right current. The one where all unite in perfect harmony—health, chemistry, rythmn (pitching/defense,hitting)—and favorable winds carrying us to our 28th championship. No doubt, we have the pieces to get the job done.

Strike three, I’m out! I would love to reach first base, and get on board with my New York Yankees, but these abnormal fluctuations keep my heart stuck in the batter’s box.

New York Yankees utility man Neil Walker is emerging at the right time:

Neil Walker has gradually surfaced after being submerged below the Mendoza line practically all season. The nine-year veteran is starting to find his rhythm. This surge erupted this past week, with a long Home Run on the road trip in Chicago and then on the homestand a two homer night (1 from each side of the plate) against the Rangers on the first game of a four game set. The Yanks won the game. Friday, Neil was not in the line-up following his big night, Tanaka got pummeled; we lost the game 12-7.

We’re in second place; with the second best record in baseball, yet I’m complaining as if we were in last place. Doesn’t make sense does it? But somehow we’ve acquired a habit of doing things that go against the grain of the unwritten laws of sports.  Laws that professional athletes know so well.

How does a player who hits 2 Home Run’s not play the next day? Especially, when we are short-handed and in need of offensive help. Somebody please help me out on this one.

Aaron Boone was born into baseball—a family that covers three generations in the Major Leagues (one of the very few). He has eaten, drank, and slept baseball all his life. So how would he feel if he wasn’t in the lineup the following day after a stellar night? Knowing the importance of keeping the feeling when you have it. The #1 objective when one becomes a manager is not to forget the lessons learned as a player.

All players have the healthy desire of playing everyday. Even if you understand your role, the illusion still remains with you. That’s what professional athletes know. It’s what they’ve done since the Little Leagues. So I’m sure Neil came to the ballpark on Friday expecting to start, not to be on the bench (Just as Greg Bird on Sunday). Didn’t we just see this same scenario in Boston? Steve Pearce got the nod over Mitch Moreland. He hit 3 Home Runs.

The next night, Alex Cora went with his baseball instincts—Pearce stayed in the line-up and sparked his team’s victory with another Home Run to start the game. Even Yankees Play by Play announcer Michael Kay who not normally goes to press conferences, went downstairs before the Sunday’s game and asked some tough questions to the Yankee manager. Asking if in the world of analytics does “Hot” means something? Meaning of the Neil Walker situation and mostly a cold hitter Greg Bird who sat down after hitting two doubles.

Greg Bird not being in today's lineup is puzzling to some. pic.twitter.com/BqXI2NzDBv

— YES Network (@YESNetwork) August 12, 2018

Aaron has sat at the dinner table; played catch in a Major League clubhouse managed by this father; was a teammate of some of the greatest players to play the game. He has baseball IQ/instincts/intuition (whatever you want to call it) running thru his veins. With all this experience, I’m sure he can make a logical decision without the aid of a computer print out. It’s not that tough! Just do what you naturally know how to do. Be human…

It’s a new day! The time for mourning is over. Boston has sailed out of sight (for now). Forget about trying to catch them, we need to take care of business, now that the New York Yankees face teams under .500 the rest of this month.

Time to get our act together—reflect, adjust, and move forward…

The New York Yankees need Aaron Boone to begin making more intelligent decisions:

There are many story lines to choose from, but what I would like to see is for Aaron Boone to step up to the plate. It’s time to see his leadership qualities, because the tough moments, which measure one’s true nature, are here. Will he own the responsibility of a group strategy that has backfired? Will he speak for himself, instead of big brother, when a player is out of line? Because when it’s all said and done, the fingers point to the manager.

Reconciliation starts with truthfulness and must start from the top if it’s going to work. Emotions are flying high; the ship is leaking.

Even Tanaka, a classy seasoned veteran, showed signs of frustration when removed from the game last night. We never know the full story behind the scenes, but Boone has to use all his experience as a professional athlete to turn this ship around. Whatever that needs to be patched up, must be patched up immediately.

If the team is scattered, for whatever reason, he is the only one who can gather the troops. Spill your guts, lay it all out for the team. We need your leadership.

Though we came up short, there was some positives to draw off last night’s game. We didn’t do much physically, however, it was the mystical side of sports that allowed us to see some light at the end of the tunnel. Shane Robinson’s at bat was the spark. Like David versus Goliath, our smallest man on the roster became the biggest. With his flare and stare, the baseball God’s came to life after watching a boring contest. They saw fire! They saw fight!.

Momentum changed and in a blink of an eye, Baseball rewarded our team thanks to the sincere effort and faith of one soldier, who was on display for the whole world to see. Instantly, a superior team became normal (human)—a hard hit ball, fieldable but difficult, glances off Bogaerts glove (instead of a 2 out double play, it was 2 runs scored).

That’s how quickly things can change in your favor when all is flowing with one accord. This is the positive lesson we can use to move forward…

Our upcoming series are against opponents who could spring us in the right direction. All depends on our ability to come together.

Another confusing surprise for the New York Yankees and that’s the second in one week!

Brett Gardner was not in the line-up on the 1st game of a double-header against Kansas City a few days ago. Now, if he’s sick, nursing an injury, or some other mishap, then we must discard this commentary. But if he’s healthy, and ready to go…

The 1st game of a double-header is the most important, especially against a last place team that might roll over in the second game—giving us a much needed swept. That it’s a day game (too early), or it’s too hot, or will be too exhaustive, etc, is unexcusable.

Brett is not old, he’s 35—a great athlete in great athletic condition. Have you seen his physique? Solid as a rock! If we were on the tail end of a stretch, playing 20 days in a row , I could see the logic. But we are just getting back from the All-Star break; plus 2 games postponed of rain…How much rest is required?

Player’s, nowadays, are in better physical shape than ever. Offseason workout sessions with their personal trainers resemble Navy Seals boot camp, have you seen their videos? There’s no way you can convince me that he can’t withstand 2 games, (Andújar who is 23, gets a rest for game one; Hicks 28, and Gleyber 21 years old respectively, don’t get the start for game two).

We need momentum! We need our leaders out in front leading the way! We’re banged up and short handed (No Judge; no Sanchez). There’s a storm brewing on the horizon, so why wait for it to arrive? All hands on deck!

We can rest when it blows over for the New York Yankees…

This new age baseball is frustrating at times. Too much technology.

Pitch count, work load, days-off, etc. Today’s athlete is so pampered that they become accustom to this new gospel. It would be nice to see the natural—a Cal Ripken Jr. or Fernando Valenzuela. Guys that wouldn’t allow you to take them out of a line-up or the ball from their hand. That’s why they get paid the big bucks. They’re there; fighting in the heat of the battle, because that’s where they want to be.

This could be a crucial point of the season. A lot of things are going on right now in the clubhouse. Aaron Boone must be very careful how he navigates the ship. A timely winning streak would be perfect for us—just what the doctor ordered to get us going. Meanwhile buy some time for the injured players to return.

The New York Yankees started the 2nd half with a surprise, overnight our #5 starter (German) transformed into #1, which completely caught me off base. Supposedly, the rearrangement was made to match our top pitchers with the top teams in up coming series. I could be wrong…Strategies are calculated tactics made prior to, or during a game, or season. Some are low risk/minimum reward-yet a high percentage; others are high risk/high reward  (but a low average).

Where does this risk rank for the New York Yankees?

I’m going to rate this one on the high side, like all decisions..if they work you’re a genius; if not, a bum! Only time will tell.

I’m not saying it is bad, because i can see the logic, and it’s good; just maybe a little pre mature.

Presently, the Yankees are six games behind the best team in baseball (which show no signs of weakening). To catch Boston and possibly overtake them could depend on our ability to acquire a quality starter. Otherwise the same crew takes the mound every five days. Granted German or Gray are quite capable of beating any team on any given day, but here enter the analytics. The only potential problem i can see, if things stay the same, is the rotation, as it turns over the rest of the way out—the bottom half could start more games than our top starters (wich is not necessarily true, must do the math). However, saving the best for last is definitely a gamble.

The toughest job for a manager, everyday, is finding a way to keep 25 guys happy—operating smoothly within their comfort zone. Trouble can occur when removed from this space.

For instance, Gardner moves to clean-up and Stanton becomes the new lead-off hitter…players say they understand and are behind you 100%, but we must remember they are human. Soon, a bad game comes, where Brett leaves 8 runners stranded and Giancarlo is caught stealing…

A happy camper is emotionally stable, winds can change, calm sea becomes choppy and suddenly.. we’re off course.

After the first game of the second half, the strategy had a set-back—German was sent down to AAA. Was he out of his element trying to be something he’s not (#1 starter) Or was this planned anyway, due to his struggles? Either way, the timing was not good. Will he bounce back, like Severino during his birth pains? Or is he down for the count?

The Yankees must continue winning, and let the chips fall where they fall, nothing beats winning! It’s the one ingredient that sustains confidence, wheter you play well or not. The opposite applies for losing, a sub-par team can get hot and ride the wave to a championship. Just as well as a top team goes cold for no apparent reason at all.

That’s the nature of sports, you can’t take winning for granted, so when you have it…hold on to it!

There could be a number of unseen factors.. we, the fans, are unaware of, which management take into account. Here are some possibilities:

• Extra time for Tanaka’s preparation
• A breather for CC
• A much needed rest for Severino, who has labored in his last 3 starts
• All of the above
• Something entirely different

Only they know the answer, I don’t. But one thing i do know is that it was a surprise!

The All-Star break has just come to an end and it’s time for evaluations and adjustments for the New York Yankees as we enter into the second portion of the season. Some will be preparing for the stretch drive, while others fall back having their eyes on next year. Buy or sell?

Who will make the precise move for the New York Yankees?

Many hours are spent trying to improve the team. But regardless of input, no one can prepare for “X” Factors.

X Factors are invisible, unknown forces. They can be positive or negative, the negative ones are those that cause our fingers to be crossed throughout the year until the final out is recorded. Here are a few:

• Team Chemistry… We should be O.K. with this one. Big names with bigger egos have been replaced with “blue collar” workers. CC and Gardner provide a strong veteran presence, along with Judge and Stanton—the dynamic duo. Didi is father to the latin youngsters and seems to be the veteran now. The “Big 3” (Robertson, Betances, and Chapman) are solid, with Hicks and Walker leading the support group. This mixture blends well.
• Player Performance… always a concern because of the city. Many good players have buckled under the pressure of the Big Apple. Sonny Gray, for instance, is having a miserable time wearing the pinstripes. I´m certain management take into accout “make-up” before trades or drafts, but even so, it´s not a guarantee. Performing under the bright lights on Broadway is no easy task. Granted, you must have a special talent, but it doesn’t hurt to have a little luck.
• Injuries… The Big One! There is nothing more deflating than an injury to a key player. Currently, we have some minor problems, but thanks to our depth, momentum continues in the right direction. Let´s look at some potential catastrophies…
• Gary Sanchez´s groin injury lingers. The injury is not that simple, especially for a catcher—crouching; blocking; shifting inside/outside; springing up to throw; fielding a bunt; chasing a wild pitch… His defense can be replaced, but not his bat in the middle of the lineup.
• Something happens to Didi… The unnamed captain is our rock. Day in and day out, he is there. His absence would be a severe psychological blow.
• Judge; Giancarlo; or both get nipped… Total Disaster!
• Chapman goes down…we probably could close by comittee, but it´s not the same as seeing Aroldis come out that door in right field.
• SEVERINO!!!

      (4) The manager… How Aaron performs under the gun is a mystery. He is one of the many who have started their careers without any previous managerial experience. When logic meets intuition during a play-off or World Series game, anything can happen as the stress intensifies. Will it be:

• “bone head strategy”
• Blank stare
• Computer makes the call
• Player makes the call
• Creative genius
• Cool, calm, collective

There´s no way of knowing. What we do know is that he is human. So, impatiently, we wait.

X factors are horrible! They are your worst nightmare—unable to sleep in the dark. Hopefully, we are able to make it the rest of the way without them. Not now, not ever!

The New York Yankees are looking for a starter. But others as well…Therefore, it´s a race to see who´s first to reel in that big fish. I feel that our intent depends on the following:

1.) Availability… Is there a pitcher the Yankees can Project as the #2 starter?.

Cole Hamels, J.A. Happ, Michael Fulmer, and Nathan Eovaldi are mentioned the most. But are they #2´s or #3´s? Or do they just give us more depth as #4?

Hamels may not be the same Hamels of the Philly days, but he is still a quality starter. He´s durable; no major issues with the arm. The record is negative (5-8) though pitching for a last place club. His ERA (4.36) is very acceptable in a hitter´s ballpark.

Cole pitched well against Cleveland and Boston, however, one thing concerns me—4 starts against Houston. Familiarity was a problem for Yu Darvish last year, but World Series experience is a definite plus. (#2; better #3)

J.A. Happ is having a very good season, he´s 10 and 6 with a ERA of 4.29, His earlier start against Boston was good, but recently was knocked out. He beat Houston, in Houston. The question is “will the Blue Jays trade him?” lefties like him are valuable. Plus, Mr. Happ is headed to the All-Star game.

Michael Fulmer… Don´t think so. Young, with a lot of talent, but a losing pitcher (3-9; 4.50 ERA) on a losing team. He didn´t fare well against first division teams. Cleveland, Seattle, and LAA all had success vs Fulmer. Not ready for NYC. (#4)

Nathan Eovaldi is coming around. Each start has been an improvement apart from his last outing. He´s 3-4 with a  4.59 ERA, excellent for Tampa Bay. Nathan had a strong outing against Seattle, and was very solid against Houston. He got ruffed up on Saturday against the Twins, but the up-side is his history with the Yankees. He could be a pleasant surprise that doesn´t cost much. (#4)

2. Brian Cashman… An excellent job as a seller, but how will he do as a buyer? The new ownership is more conservative than their famous Father/Boss. With Slim options, he may decide to ride it out. A lot will depend on the return of Tanaka—a proven play-off pitcher. Together, with Severino (#1), CC (#3) and one of the youngsters (#4), he might gamble. The tough decision awaits. His magic wand has been effective thusfar. But there is always another challenge around the corner.

Hopefully, we´re not left with the awful thought… “what if?” Opportunities don´t come everyday. It´s a tough road to the World Series. I´m sure the Washington Nationals have learned that lesson.