Vlad is a piece of ****. It doesn't surprise me they can't win will class with him as the leader of the team.
NY Yankees
- Thread starter 1992Heel
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McMahon was signed for his defense and I have no problem with that. He is one hell of a defensive player. Volpe on the other hand has turned into a head case. Someone needs to get him straightened out and fix his batting mechanics. if all of us can see the problems he is having at the plate, opening up and pulling off the ball trying to jack everything to left field, then why can't 2 batting coaches and Volpe figure it out? He is like Gleyber was, a great hitter when going up the middle and to the oppsite field, but when he falls into that tyring to pull everything he sucks.
Yes, I will sacrifice some offense for the defense that McMahon plays. His glove is elite.
Volpe....my goodness. They need to have Wade Boggs do a "come to Jesus" meeting with him. Back in Wade's prime, teammates used to always say that Wade could hit 30-40 dingers a year (a time in the game where that was great power numbers) if he wanted to....and Wade agreed but he said he would be lucky to hit .250 if he did. Wade realized that he was more important putting the bat on the ball instead of swinging for the fences. Volpe is one of the fastest guys in the majors. All he needs to do is get on base and he would score 100 runs per year. Worst thing that could have happened to him was hitting 20+ dingers his rookie year when he came up with a gap and slap hitter reputation. He literally swings from his heels on every swing. He's Willie Mays Hayes before Lou Brown made him do push-ups for days. Volpe NEEDS to emulate half of the Blue Jays lineup. And yes, its Gleyber all over again but Gleyber was a much more naturally gifted hitter than Volpe. Gleyber came up as a guy that profiled to be a high average / doubles machine...hit a bunch of dingers young, changed his swing, and never got back to what made him great. Volpe needs to be a contact hitter. Its something he desperately needs....and something the Yankee lineup desperately needs.
I'll go ahead and bring up what I was thinking about regarding the starting pitchers for next year. There is no guarantee Cole will be the old Cole. We will have to wait and see, but let's assume he is. Schmidt may not be back until mid season but reportedly is ahead of schedule. Let's assume he is back. So that leaves Fried, Rodon, Schlittler, Gil, and Warren. Warren is young and has a lot of potential. I really like him. But what about moving Gil to the closer role? Crazy? Not really. Mo Rivera, Goose Gossage, Sparky Lyle, Ron Davis, George Frazier, Dave Righetti, were all decent starters that were moved to the bullpen and were very successful and there were several more that I can't recall right now. I think Gil would be a great closer as he seems to start petering out 2nd time through a lineup. Warren wouldn't work as a closer because he struggles in the first inning trying to find himself but he might work out as a set up man or a long reliever. Or put Gil as the setup man for Bednar or vice versa. Get rid of everyone else in the pen. Maybe keep Hill as a 1 or 2 batter pitcher against lefties. Maybe keep Weaver if he goes back to his old way of pitching and abandons the mechanics he says the Yankees forced on him that ruined him. But that sucking bullpen needs to be revamped. So that leaves the starters as Cole, Fried, Rodon, Schlittler, and Schmidt/Warren. Really good rotation. Move Gil and Warren to the pen. Or trade a few to get some bullpen help. What say? lol
I'll bring up the lineup and fielders another day after we've discussed the pitchers for a while.
I'll bring up the lineup and fielders another day after we've discussed the pitchers for a while.
I agree with you that if someone goes to the pen, it's Gil. I know they had no desire to do it this year because he has never done it before but that is a BIG arm with filthy stuff that can profile as an elite lockdown reliever. I like Warren but he is a quintessential 5th or 4th starter. Solid repertoire of pitches and he's gonna give you 5 or 6 innings per start. He's way too talented to be put in a long-man scenario. You keep a guy like Yarborough for that. But he doesn't have the BIG fastball or wipeout slider that is needed for a reliever.
I would be surprised if Schmidt is back as early as mid season but that kid is a gamer so then again, I really wouldn't.
I would expect Cole to be close to Cole again. TJ surgery makes the arms stronger and its the mental side that takes pitchers longer to get over than the physical. And there are few guys in the majors tougher mentally than Gerrit Cole. I expect once he's made a few starts with the mitt really popping and him waking up the next day with his arm feeling ok, that he will turn the wick full bore quicker than most do.
Cole / Fried / Schlitter / Rodon / Warren (or Schmidt)....that's going to win you a ton of ball games.
Bedard is your closer. He's not going to be perfect but man, he has the right mentality. He shows up for a brawl every night. I do think you keep Hill as your lefty specialist but get a differing (power?) lefty arm. Dotel started to get comfortable as the season went on. I would bring Weaver back. And I would try to keep Yarborough for the "old man / long man-spot starter" role.
Devin Williams is a tougher one that it should be. He was damn good once he became a full-time set-up / bridge arm. He can't close in NY and he can't be paid to close....and he has to throw his fastball. When he does, that change is damn near unhittable. I think someone pays him to close and its an easy choice for the Yanks to say goodbye.
Leiter can kick rocks. I'm ambivalent on Cruz.
The only problem with Gil is his control...he walks too many people for a closer. But that is something he could improve on, and if he does he'd be a great late inning reliever. I would still keep Bednar as the closer unless he regresses.
Williams is gone....someone will pay him to close.
Leiter must go. And I think so should Weaver, I believe he may be done.
Dotel and Cruz are decent, I'd probably keep them around. Dotel could end up being extremely good if he can get his head right.
Hill needs a place on the team...that guy has no fear and gets lot of outs.
The rotation will be strong no matter who ends up as the 4th and 5th starter.
Williams is gone....someone will pay him to close.
Leiter must go. And I think so should Weaver, I believe he may be done.
Dotel and Cruz are decent, I'd probably keep them around. Dotel could end up being extremely good if he can get his head right.
Hill needs a place on the team...that guy has no fear and gets lot of outs.
The rotation will be strong no matter who ends up as the 4th and 5th starter.
On the position players...
Re-sign Bellinger, Tucker is going to be very expensive and is he really a giant upgrade on Belli?
Let Grisham and Goldschmidt walk.
Possibly look at trading Jazz...I'm pretty sure this will be his last year under control and will probably be looking for an expensive deal. They might be able to get a nice haul for him.
Volpe needs to go to the bench and put Caballero at SS.
McMahon is a great glove at 3rd and I could see him coming around with the bat.
Catcher is a BIG question for me. Wells should not be the starter...he would make a good backup. Go find a good RH batting catcher.
I know this is will raise some eyebrows, and probably won't be a real option for a couple of more years, but I would consider teaching Judge to play first base. He is going to get hurt one day running around the outfield.
Fire away....
Re-sign Bellinger, Tucker is going to be very expensive and is he really a giant upgrade on Belli?
Let Grisham and Goldschmidt walk.
Possibly look at trading Jazz...I'm pretty sure this will be his last year under control and will probably be looking for an expensive deal. They might be able to get a nice haul for him.
Volpe needs to go to the bench and put Caballero at SS.
McMahon is a great glove at 3rd and I could see him coming around with the bat.
Catcher is a BIG question for me. Wells should not be the starter...he would make a good backup. Go find a good RH batting catcher.
I know this is will raise some eyebrows, and probably won't be a real option for a couple of more years, but I would consider teaching Judge to play first base. He is going to get hurt one day running around the outfield.
Fire away....
Amen on the Belli versus Tucker mention. Tucker is going to demand a monster contract. Yes, he is better at the plate than Belli but the difference isn't huge and Belli is a monster on defense. Belli will be expensive....but still $10M+/yr less than Tucker
I've heard rumblings that the Yanks may move Jazz this offseason. I like Jazz....he is immensely talented. Honestly, top 5%-10% in the entire game talent wise, but he will never reach that. I wouldn't be against it but it would all be based upon what they get in return.
I think a lot of people see AJ finishing his career at 1st base. But he is so good in right that it's not time to think of that...yet. That said, if his arm doesn't get better or he has another arm injury, that will hasten the move. The Yanks, and I, am VERY comfortable with looking at The Martian in left, Belli in center, and Judge in right. That is a great outfield. I believe the Martian's glove will be better. Like I said last night, even sitting he's been ready to play. You don't see that in a lot of kids. Shows he got some "want to" in him.
I think its too early to throw the towel in on Wells. He and Rice are both really good behind the plate and I still believe in Wells bat. I think he has a monster jump still to go. You go into 2026 with Rice at 1st and Wells behind the plate unless you can unexpectedly get somebody really good for 1st. Regardless, you go into 2026 planning to play Ben Rice 150+ games wherever until his bat tells you he isn't that guy. He just flat out hits the ball on the screws.
Sounds good. I forgot about Leiter and Cruz. I don't care for either one of them. Cruz can be effective eating innings but I feel Boone over used him. I don't like Williams at all. The fact that he calls his own pitchers is not good. If the Yankees keep him they need to call the pitches.
Position players. Let's go around the horn. 1st base. Rice. lakelaw mentioned Judge and it has been bandied about by the Yankees, but at his size I have reservations as to what kind of defensive player he can be on grounders and scooping errant throws in the dirt playing at a hot corner. Goldschmist was just a 1 year rental. Jazz at 2nd. He's a great defensive player and can cover a lot of ground. My problem with him is his head. He makes mental errors. He has never hit for average but the short porch is made for his swing. SS. Volpe for another year. Lombard is still a year or two away. 3b McMahon. Defense is paramount at that position. Rosario and Caballero can fill in at most infield positions as backups. C Wells. He can only improve. I think he gets better over time but we need a good backup with Rice playing 1B full time. And the pitchers have a lot of trust in the way Wells calls games. That is important. And don't forget Oswald Cabrera will be back. A key backup and clubhouse leader. Stanton at DH. Everyone knows I don't like him but there is really no alternative right now.
I'm out of time. I'll go over the outfield at another time.
I'm out of time. I'll go over the outfield at another time.
Outfield. LF Dominguez. He still has a lot to learn out there because he was a CF. He does not judge fly balls good right now an takes terrible angles but that will eventually come around. If not they could put him back at his regular position of CF if they go the route of another outfielder. His bat on the right side is not good. He needs to improve there or maybe just become a full time lefty batter. Some have done this over the years with great success. CF Bellinger. But will he be returning? He's going to go to the highest bidder despite how much he likes NY. The Yankees need him. He is one of those players that does everything well and is a team leader and a presence in the dugout. RF Of course Judge. Let Grisham walk. I like his defense but his bat disappears when most needed. The short porch is good for him so maybe the Yankees keep him. He had a career power year but not much else. I haven;t paid much attention to the free agent marker so I can't comment on that.
So it looks like the team will be much the same with a few tweaks. I have no problem with that. The real problem? THE MANAGER. Boone is 23-25 in the post season. That percentage mirrors the Yankees percentage against above .500 teams in the regular season. Time for Boone to go. NOW! Grow a pair, Hal, and pull the trigger.
So it looks like the team will be much the same with a few tweaks. I have no problem with that. The real problem? THE MANAGER. Boone is 23-25 in the post season. That percentage mirrors the Yankees percentage against above .500 teams in the regular season. Time for Boone to go. NOW! Grow a pair, Hal, and pull the trigger.
Yep, Oswald Cabrera is one of those guys that just makes a clubhouse and dugout better. He's not a starter a good utility man and a guy that helps keep the team together in the dugout. He's a glue guy
Someone is going to pay Grisham a ton...but it won't be the Yankees. And good for him to get that bag this offseason. Read a lot of stuff where he fits exactly what the Rangers need this offseason and we all know they'll write a check
And I also forgot about Spencer Jones. He's going to be given a shot. If Bellinger doesn't sign Jones will get an outfield spot. But the Yankees are not going to call up Jones to sit on the bench so depending on how things go he may have another year in the minors.
Two must-read articles for Yankees fans:
Why Yankees just wasted a golden opportunity they’ll never get back - The Athletic
The Aaron Boone Yankees Playoff Script Never Changes - The Ringer
The second article goes into detail on a number of Boone's post-season managerial blunders over the years.
Why Yankees just wasted a golden opportunity they’ll never get back - The Athletic
The Aaron Boone Yankees Playoff Script Never Changes - The Ringer
The second article goes into detail on a number of Boone's post-season managerial blunders over the years.
And the overwhelming majority of those wins were versus the Twins.
Obviously not winning the division was huge, but really, a path to the WS of Boston, Toronto, and Seattle was not particularly onerous.
Well, Volpe had surgery for a torn labrum in his shoulder. May not be ready for preseason. I've been critical of Volpe and there is no way of knowing how much this affected his play or how long he has been hurting. I know he tore it this year but I wonder if it had been bothering him before tearing it. So I am going to have to give him the benefit of the doubt and see how he does after getting fully healed.
Yep, I agree. I read where he hurt it diving for a ball and felt a "pop" in his non-throwing shoulder. I remember the game, it was early in the year and he stayed in the game but there was a delay while they were out there checking on him.
Volpe lost his confidence with the glove for a period of time. And I'm sure the shoulder was bothering him. As 2for noted, having McMahon really seemed to calm his glove. It's been noted multiple times that Jazz too has been having arm issues....maybe Volpe was pressing in the field thinking he needed to cover more ground than just short prior to McMahon arriving?
I don't know. But the glove came back late in the year and he made a few truly spectacular plays. I am in no way shape or form ready to give up on him. What he needs is a winter of focusing on contact. Forget about launch angles, forget about swinging from his heels....he needs to watch tape from the great contact and gap hitters and USE HIS SPEED / get on base!
I don't know. But the glove came back late in the year and he made a few truly spectacular plays. I am in no way shape or form ready to give up on him. What he needs is a winter of focusing on contact. Forget about launch angles, forget about swinging from his heels....he needs to watch tape from the great contact and gap hitters and USE HIS SPEED / get on base!
Jazz and Judge will rest all winter and that should fox them. However, Cole, Schmidt, Rodon, and Volpe will not be ready by opening day. Damn, already losing players.
And I've been thinking about Devin Williams. He really sucked this year and he seems not to be able to handle NY and the pressure of being a Yankee. But I wonder if he just needed this year to adjust to NY? Quite a few Yankees players in the past struggled the first year then were fine and thrived.
And I've been thinking about Devin Williams. He really sucked this year and he seems not to be able to handle NY and the pressure of being a Yankee. But I wonder if he just needed this year to adjust to NY? Quite a few Yankees players in the past struggled the first year then were fine and thrived.
The deal with Williams was that he could not handle being the closer. And the Yank's can't pay him to be a closer. But he was pretty damn good as an 8th inning guy. If he's willing to be paid as a high-leverage reliever but not a true closer, I would welcome him back.
With the caveat that he can't call his own pitches and that he is on a roughly 50/50 fastball/change pitching percentage. When he's ahead in the count with the fastball, and THEN starts making that change dance....damn near unhittable.
Rodon?
Son of a *****. I had missed that today (been super busy) and just googled him.
Just looked up Cabellero....Yanks deal with him is through 2026 for $2.5M. I love having him on the roster and he can cover for Volpe until he is back