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New York Yankees Player Preview: Giancarlo Stanton

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New York Yankees, Giancarlo Stanton

The reigning NL MVP is getting ready for his first season in pinstripes. New York Yankees’ Giancarlo Stanton is a monster at the plate. The amount of power that he possess is something special.

Playing in a pitchers park in Miami last season, Stanton managed to post the highest home run total of his career. Not only is he an elite power threat, Stanton also hits for average.

Stanton’s number last season, as per MLB.com

.281 AVG, 59 HR, 132 RBI, .376 OBP, .631 SLG

How it happened:

The acquisiton was a shocker to Yankee fans. The Marlins wanted to rid themselves of his contract and when Shoei Otani ruled out the Yankees, Cashman made the move to acquire the slugger. The most shocking move of the offseason for sure has Yankee fans looking forward to seeing Stanton join the much improved lineup.

Stanton is a force at the plate who will be fun to watch bat in the same lineup as Judge. The big bat was one homer shy of 60 last season, a number which he stated he wanted to reach. This upcoming season, playing in Yankee Stadium for 81 games will be an advantage for Stanton.

He has already showed in Spring Training that his approach at the plate will be to right field. The slugger blasted his first homer of the Spring against the Mets on March 10th.

Stanton should primarily be playing right field with the Yankees. He will be alternating with Judge throughout the season to give one another a break. When one is playing the field, the other will most likely be the DH.

Stanton has seen some reps in left field this Spring ,but has not looked that comfortable. Judge will be the guy who will play left field for the bombers against lefties and in national league parks.

2017 Accolades:

Stanton had an amazing season last year. He won the NL MVP, a Silver Slugger award, and was selected to the All-Star game, according to MLB.com. Stanton also competed in the home run derby last season, but was beaten by now teammate Gary Sanchez.

Stantons Impact:

This is going to be a fun season to be a Yankee’s fan. The addition of Stanton to the Yankees lineup is one that will only increase the excitement of this ball club. Batting practice for sure will be a show with both Stanton and Judge.

The Yankees lineup already features All-Stars in Sanchez and Judge, and also great hitters in Didi, Bird, and Gardner. Adding Stanton will truly make it difficult on opposing pitchers to try and get through this lineup.

New York Yankees Player Preview: Brett Gardner

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New York Yankees, Brett Gardner

New York Yankees’ Brett Gardner (Gardy) is the longest tenured player on the roster and is the unofficial captain in the clubhouse. As the lead-off hitter, he does a great job of getting on base for the middle of the order to drive him in.

Even batting lead-off Gardy posted great power numbers and hit his career high in homers last season.

He is a born leader who as helped Judge, Sanchez and Bird become great players on and off the field.

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Gardner’s numbers last season, according to MLB.com.

.264 AVG, 21 HR, 63 RBI, .350 OBP, .428 SLG

Hitting 21 bombs from the leadoff position is incredible and shows how deep the Yankees lineup has excelled. Gardy has a great approach at the plate and makes pitchers work to get him out. He rarely chases balls out of the zone; forcing pitchers to throw strikes.

Gardy’s defense should not be overlooked. The amount of run saving slides and dives he has made in left field have helped propel the Yankees to many wins over his career. The Yankees leader did win a Golden Glove award in 2016, and in my opinion, deserved one last season. Gardy played incredible in 17′, and should be in the running for a Golden Glove.

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Brett showed that he was a true leader in the playoffs last season. In the wild card game he smashed a solo homer down the right field line that helped the Yankees steal a win. Also, in game 5 of the ALDS he roped a single to right field and plated two important insurance runs that set up Chapman’s close.

The Final chapter?

Gardy is in the final season of his contract and I do not believe he will be resigned. The Yankees have loads of talent in the minors waiting to get their chance. If this is Gardy’s last season, the Yankees should send off their leader with a World Series trophy. Gardy is someone who every team wishes they had in their clubhouse.

New York Yankees Player Preview: Miguel Andújar

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The New York Yankees have a highly valued farm system, and one of the crown jewels of that system is our next player preview Miguel Andújar. Andújar is the number six prospect for the Yankees. The 23 year old is currently billed as the third baseman of the future for the bombers.

The question is however….is the future now?

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Major League Debut Recap

Miguel made his Major League debut on June 28 against the Chicago White Sox, earning three hits in four at bats with four rbi’s (runs batted in). With only a very small sample size of Major League plate appearances (8) Andújar did have 4 hits 1 BB (base on balls), 1 SB (stolen base), and 2 of his 4 hits were doubles.

However to get a better picture of Andújar’s ability at the plate we take a look at his minor league numbers for the 2017 season. Andújar 2017 MLB numbers: .315 AVG/ .352 OBP/ .498 SLG, 16 HR, 82 RBI. as per Baseball Reference.

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Miguel came into Spring Training (2018) with a chance to compete for the opening day starters job at third base. Andújar came out of the gate hot this Spring, driving nearly every ball he hit with authority.

However, since his hot start Andújar has cooled off a bit in the production category  over the last week or so. Yet Miguel is still hitting the ball hard as evidence by his .714 Slugging percentage during Spring Training. But hitting was never the concern with Miguel, as all of the Yankees top brass know he can hit.

The question has been his defense. And so far this Spring, Andújar has played extremely well in the field converting all of his 19 chances in the field.

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It was thought that Miguel seemingly had an opportunity to secure his position as the Yankees Opening Day third baseman when Todd Frazier signed with the cross town rival New York Mets. But when Brandon Drury was acquired just prior to the start of Spring Training games from the Arizona Diamondbacks, that picture was put in doubt.

As Yankees GM Brian Cashman all but confirmed Drury would be the third baseman. And then factoring in the recent signing of veteran infielder Neil Walker coupled with Andújar’s lack of positional versatility (as he is only a third baseman), Miguel will more than likely begin the season at Scranton.

Offensively, Miguel has nothing left to prove at Triple A but his defense still needs to be improved, though it isn’t as bad as it has been made out to be.

Miguel Andújar will have a chance in 2018 to prove himself at the Major League level, and when he does, just look out; as Andújar may be able to cement himself in as the everyday third baseman for the New York Yankees and potentially make the Yankees upper management and their fans forget about a shortstop down I95.

New York Yankees Player Preview: Didi Gregorius

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New York Yankees, Didi Gregorius

New York Yankees’ Didi Gregorius was asked to fill the shoes of a legend in 2015. The start to his Yankees career was not great, but as the 2015 played out he showed why Brian Cashman acquired him.

Over the past two seasons, Didi has become a very good hitter who the bombers can consistently count on. His defense is phenomenal and he displays fantastic range at the shortstop position.

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Last season, the power and average that Didi put together over a full season was tremendous. Nothing stopped him from having a fantastic season, not even missing a month at the beginning of the season with a strained right shoulder.

Didi’s numbers:

.287 AVG, 25 HR, 87 RBI, .318 OBP, .478 SLG as per MLB.com

A career high 25 home runs and driving in 87 RBI’s shows how special of a hitter the Yankees young shortstop is. Many would think that being a lefty would cause problems against left handed pitching, but that is not a challenge for Gregorius. Didi’s average against lefties from a season ago was a great one at .264, according to MLB.com. 

General manager Brian Cashman took a well worthy chance on the young shortstop, who has proved his worth over the course of his time in New York. Once given the opportunity to be an everyday player, Didi has turned into the best all-round player on the Yankees roster.

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In the playoffs last season, he was the spark for the Yankees offense. In the Wild Card game against the Twins, with the Yankees in an early hole, Didi blasted a 3-run home run to tie the game in the bottom of the 1st. The elite shortstop was the key along with CC in game 5 of the division series. He smacked not one, but two homers off the Indians Ace, Corey Kluber.

The value that Didi provides the Yankees with is special, he has quickly become one of the best shortstops in the game. Many people overlook him, but at the rate that he is developing, Didi will not be overlooked for much longer.

Didi snubbed?

The Yankees young stud was snubbed of All-Star appearance last year, but he should be given the nod to appear at this year’s game if he continues his amazing play. Also, do not be surprised if Didi appears in the home run derby.

The future is bright for the player, who has arguably the best personality on the Yankees. Didi will sure be having a lot of fun post game tweets this season, because with Greg in this lineup, the sky is the limit for the 2018 Yankees.

 

New York Yankees Player Preview: Gary Sanchez

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The Sanchise is a perfect word to describe the New York Yankees All-Star catcher. Gary Sanchez is a hitting machine that had a fantastic 2017 in pinstripes. Sanchez missed a month in the beginning of the season due to a strained right bicep. Although he missed a month, Sanchez posted fantastic numbers.

Sanchez’ numbers :

.278 AVG, 33 HR, 90 RBI, .345 OBP, .531 as per MLB.com 

Sanchez is an elite offensive catcher and is a solid defender. He has a cannon for an arm and can consistently throw runners out. The main concern with him is his blocking ability behind the plate.

Last season, he had a lot of trouble keeping balls in the dirt in front of him which allowed many runners to advance. Sanchez has spent a lot of work in the off-season correcting his blocking ability. Through the spring so far, the developing catcher has looked fantastic blocking balls. The off-season work is already paying off.

Sanchez won a sliver slugger last season, according to MLB.com. The rate at which he’s is playing expect to see many more silver slugger awards won by Sanchez.

In his second full season in pinstripes, the big bat should steadily improve into becoming the best offensive catcher in the game. At the rate that Sanchez is going, he has the potential to become one of the greatest offensive catchers of all-time, although that’s quite optimistic.

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Sanchez will have the luxury of batting in a lineup with tremendous talent; Aaron Judge and Giancarolo Stanton. This season should be a special one in the Bronx, and Sanchez should be at the forefront of the Yankees’ success going forward.

 

ALERT: New York Yankees Signing Free Agent Neil Walker

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It was announced this morning that the Yankees have agreed to a deal with free agent 2nd Baseman Neil Walker. The deal is a one year, $5 Million dollar deal, but is still pending a physical, according to MLB.com.

Walker’s Background:

Walker is an eight year veteran who has played for the Pirates, Mets and Brewers. The former Brewer has a career .272 AVG and has combined for 120 HR as, per MLB.com. He is a solid defender who will most likely be the opening day second baseman for the Yankees.

This is a good deal for the Yankees as it allows Torres to further develop in Triple A and gives them an extra year to control his destiny.

All in all, the deal is a win for the Yankees. They get a good defender at 2nd, and a player who can hit 20 HR’s per-season. This may not be the last deal of the off-season as the Yankees are still scouting the market for a starting pitcher.

New York Yankees Player Preview: Greg Bird

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New York Yankees, Greg Bird

After missing almost all of the 2017 regular season with an ankle injury requiring surgery, first baseman Greg Bird has a full season ahead of him in 2018 to prove his value to the New York Yankees.

The 25 year old lefty batter who was selected  in the 5th round of the draft by the Yankees in 2011, was a catcher in high school and drafted to play that position. He was then converted to first base.

Bird’s Accolades:

Most notably of his minor league career was being named Arizona Fall League Most Valuable Player in 2014.

Bird made his major league debut on August 13, 2015. He appeared in 46 games for his team, hitting .261 with a .343 OBP and 11  home runs and 31 RBI’s.

2016 Bird was sidelined the entire season recovering from a torn labrum which required surgical repair.

In 2017 Greg Bird was a force to be reckoned with in spring training, as he was tied for first with Bryce Harper for most home runs. (8) Bird led the league in extra base hits, (16) OBP, (.556) SLG, (1.098) and OPS. (1.654)

Unfortunately during the spring, Bird fouled a ball off his ankle, prompting the previously mentioned surgery.

He was activated on August 26 and in 48 games hit .253 with 9 homers and 28 RBI’s for the season.

Bird smashed a home run off Andrew Miller in the ALDS, only the second homer given up to a lefty batter all season by the star reliever, to help advance the Yankees to the ALCS against the Houston Astros.

During the early spring 2018 spring campaign, Bird is slashing 095/269/364. The career .999 fielder should improve those numbers as he gets tuned up for the Yankees and enjoys a full year of playing time and remains healthy.

Yankees fans should also look forward to Bird contributing to a successful season with his glove and bat. Look for Bird to soar in 2018. Bird is the word!

New York Yankees Player Preview: Aaron Judge

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New York Yankees, Aaron Judge

New York Yankees‘ Aaron Judge, what a true professional. There are many words that can be used to describe him, but I think classy and white-collar are the two best. Last season, Judge put together a historic run in his rookie campaign. With all of his success, he never took all of the credit, but he rather expressed his confidence in his teammates and coaches.

The numbers Judge posted last season were truly impressive; here are his top statistics from 2017:

Judges numbers: .284 AVG, 52 HR, 114 RBI, .422 OBP and a .627 SLG as per Baseball Reference.

Watching what he did over the course of the 162 game schedule and in the playoffs was astonishing. Judge carried the Yankees lineup in the beginning of the season last year when Sanchez, Didi and Bird were out with injuries.

Judge received the most All-Star Game votes last season for the American League with 4,448,702, according to  Bleacher Report.  Judge also participated in the HR Derby and emerged victorious.

Aaron was the first rookie in the history of the Derby to win it.  After the All-Star Break he hit a rough patch in August. The Yankees big-hitter had a .187 AVG, 3 HR and 7 RBI in August according to MLB.com.

Judge picked it back up in September and proved that his first half was not a fluke,  per MLB.com. The big bat had a .311 AVG, 15 HR and 32 RBI in September. He continued to have success for the Yankees in their playoff run, even though he had a low average of .188. He hit 4 HR and drove in 11 RBI in 13 playoff games according to MLB.com.

Judge capped off his tremendous season with the Rookie of the Year award, an accolade he had only dreamed of leading up to the season. The rookie outfielder broke the Rookie HR record, won a Silver Slugger award, hit the most home runs in a single season at Yankee season, and set the record for most walks by a rookie in a season.

Judge won AL player of the Month honors for June and September, AL Rookie of the Month honors for April, May, June and September, as per MLB.com.

Going into 2018, the Yankees will display a variety of powerful hitter in Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Gary Sanchez.

Now Introducing The New York Yankees To Empire Sports Media

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New York Yankees

Hey there baseball fans, I hope you’re just as excited as we are to introduce a new and fun way to experience New York Yankees baseball. This will not be your average baseball site, we will be introducing brand new ways to enjoy Americas pastime in exciting ways.

Listed below are a few of the ways we will be bringing Yankees coverage to you guys:

  • Articles dedicated to game previews and reviews, pitching match ups, and injury reports.
  • Daily coverage throughout the season and in-game coverage on our twitter account @YorkEsm.
  • Coverage of the up and coming Baby Bombers that are in the farm system. A recap of the MLB Draft, and a look at the players selected by the Yankees.
  • Trade Deadline coverage focusing on the Yankees and reactions to any acquisitions.  Predictions of potential trades based on factual and knowledgeable research.
  • Weekly Podcast talking about the Yankees and the current state of the team.
  • A live weekly show on YouTube that will feature live call in’s from fans and answer mailbag questions.

We are hear with open ears for the fans. We have a wealth of knowledge that we would love to answer any questions that our fans ask our team.  We appreciate all of our fans and want to make this a one of a kind experience that will develop into a Yankees community that will be truly special.

We will consider suggestions from our fans address them to the best of our ability! We want to make this a fun and entertaining, but a factual site that Yankee fans will use as their #1 place for Yankees baseball.

Jerzy Junior also contributed to this article