Welcome to Yankees Hot Stove updates! After the ALCS Game 7 loss in Houston, it’s fair to say that most Yankee fans expected a little tinkering to the roster. Nothing major. Don’t go nuts — sign Ohtani, upgrade the bench, try to move Ellsbury, get a starter or two without giving up top-tier prospects.
After all, the Yankees were maybe-possibly-shoulda-woulda-coulda one horrible umpiring incident from breaking Game 6 open in Houston and heading to the World Series. But the Hicks vs Verlander at-bat will just have to live in infamy as we look to the future.
That said and with all eyes on next year’s free agent crop, this was expected to be relatively quiet off-season.
Then boom! Girardi gets kicked to the curb. Ohtani hoodwinks MLB. Cashman shocks the world with the Stanton deal. And at this writing it ain’t over yet.
Here’s (an almost) daily chronicle of off-season moves and developments. Buckle up!
February 14, 2018 | Spring Training
Happy Valentine’s Day Indeedy!
Embed from Getty Images
There is a beehive of activity in Tampa (nicely rounded up here by Mike Axisa at River Avenue Blues) … and MLB Trade Rumors reports there are no less than 10 teams taking a peek at The Freak — including the Yankees — tomorrow in the Seattle area, as Tim Lincecum will put on another showcase before scouts and the like.
February 13, 2018 | Spring Training
Camp (Finally) Opens! “Now is the time”!
It took forever, but the day Yankee fans have been dreaming about all winter has arrived at last. Every topic thats been bandied about over the Hot Stove league will now start to be addressed real time. The infield positions, the number five starter, you name it. Skipper Aaron Boone lays it all out here in his first full-on press conference at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa:
America’s game — our game — the national pasttime … is officially back!
February 12, 2018 | Spring Training
Goose Not Invited to Camp, Goes Fu%#$!g Off on Cashman
This goes way back with Goose and the front office. Always something going on, in public or bubbling under the surface.
The special instructors share a dressing room with the coaches in the Yankees’ clubhouse at Steinbrenner Field, just around the corner from the manager’s office, and are in uniform on the practice fields, offering observations and on occasion helping to run drills.
Few seem to relish it more than Gossage, who despite his age carried himself with the swagger of the late 70s do-anything, say-anything Yankees. He still sported his familiar Fu Manchu mustache, which then and in recent years had somehow evaded the Yankees’ ban on facial hair below the lip.
And unlike most current players, Gossage always had an opinion on whatever topic was put before him — whether it was impolitic or not.
See Billy Witz’s fine article Gossage Lashes Out at Yankees After Losing Spring Training Gig at The New York Times.
February 8, 2018 | Front Office
Beltran Turned Down Yankees Job Offer, But Not The One You Think
Embed from Getty Images
Nice piece from NJ.com’s Brendan Kuty on Carlos Beltran’s decision not to accept an offer to join the Yankees front office after he was passed over for the manager gig. Beltran’s remarks were made at the 38th Annual Thurman Munson Awards Dinner at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Manhattan on February 7th.
… Beltran said he wanted to take a full year off from baseball and that he wanted to “miss” the game before coming back. He said the Yankees offered him what sounded like an assistant’s role to general manager Brian Cashman. “They offered me a job to be with them and actually offered me a job to be next to him. I do appreciate the consideration and how flexible they were to work with me.”
Here’s the full article over at nj.com.
February 7, 2018 | Roster Moves
Club Trades for Russell Wilson (Yes, THAT one). And The Yankees Steal The Headlines Every Time…
Embed from Getty Images
Bronx Bombers fans of a certain age, especially those living in the Tri-State area at the time, should recall that line from Billy Joel’s recording of ‘Zanzibar’ (on the 52nd Street album). What’s the connection? The trade of Seattle Seahawks QB Russell Wilson from the Texas Rangers to the Yankees is little more than a headline heist of the back pages of New York tabloids. On a slow news days in a Hot Stove League that’s moving at a glacial pace.
Of course, while Wilson’s a unique talent, he’s far from the first two-sport star to wear pinstripes. Some were drafted by New York but never signed — names like Bo Jackson, Charlie Ward, Daunte Culpepper and Ken Stabler — while others actually saw the field … (see link below)
Crazy good article by Chris Landers at MLB.com’s Cut 4 : Russell Wilson is set to become just the latest in a long line of Yankees two-sport stars.
February 7, 2018 | TV / Radio
Girardi Signs With MLB Network As Studio Analyst
Embed from Getty Images
Interesting. Many thought exactly this would happen and Joe would wind up behind a microphone on some level — until the next big skipper position (Cubbies?) opens up.
After a decade as manager of the Yankees, Joe Girardi moved into a new role Wednesday as a studio analyst for MLB Network. It would seem to be a coup for the baseball channel: somebody who might provide uniquely keen insights on what is sure to be one of baseball’s most observed teams this season.
Check out this piece by Billy Witz of The New York Times : Joe Girardi Joins MLB Network as an Analyst.
January 31, 2018 | TV / Radio
Yankees Announce 2018 Spring Training Television Schedule
Embed from Getty Images
24 days. That’s what we’re up against before live New York Yankees baseball will grace television screens again. Only 11 games are on the schedule, but we’ll take it. All televised games will be played at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa.
- Friday, Feb. 23, vs. Tigers 1 p.m.
- Wednesday, Feb. 28, vs. Tigers 1 p.m.
- Friday, March 2, vs. Braves, 1 p.m.
- Sunday, March 4, vs. Rays, 1 p.m.
- Thursday, March 8, vs. Phillies, 1 p.m.
- Saturday, March 10, vs. Mets, 1 p.m.
- Monday, March 12, vs. Twins, 6 p.m.
- Tuesday, March 13, vs. Tigers, 1 p.m.
- Thursday, March 15, vs. Pirates, 1 p.m.
- Sunday, March 18, vs. Marlins
- Friday, March 23, vs. Red Sox, 1 p.m.
Here’s the full Spring Training schedule over at SpringTrainingConnection.com.
January 8, 2018 | Trenton Thunder
R.I.P. Derby! Trenton Thunder bat-retrieving Golden passes away from cancer
Derby, the second-generation bat-retrieving golden retriever for the Trenton Thunder baseball team, died Saturday, the team announced. Derby made headlines nationwide and was featured by ESPN for entertaining crowds by grabbing bats at home plate during games. He was 20 days shy of his 10th birthday. The cause of death was cancer.
“Derby was one of the biggest parts of our identity in the nine years of his life and it breaks my heart to share this news with our fans ahead of our 25th season,” Thunder general manager Jeff Hurley said in a statement.
Check out Kevin Shea’s piece at NJ.com.
January 5, 2018 | Roster Moves
IN/OF Jace Peterson signed to minor league deal with Spring Training invite
A long shot to win the vacant second base slot, the Yankees signed former 2011 first round (supplemental) pick (San Diego Padres, 58th overall) Jace Peterson. The lefty swinging Lake Charles, LA native has a career .234 BA over 383 games with 96 RBI and 15 HRs. In Spring Training, he’ll likely be up against Ronald Torreyes and Tyler Wade. Check out Jeff Todd’s piece at MLB Trade Rumors.
December 22, 2017 | The Dish
Greg Bird gets a matching ugly sweater for his cat and more…
Without a doubt this video is a welcome break from the Gerrit Cole trade rumors. “It’s imminent, wait, no it’s not … they’re getting close, wait, talks have cooled off … Pirates asking for Torres, Frazier, Adams, Sheffield and a plaque in Monument Park for Bill Mazeroski … it’s not a matter of if, but when … wait, talks have stalled …”
Moiderer’s Unsolicited Advice to Ca$hMoney : Keep the powder dry on this one, brother — Frazier *AND* Adams is insanity. Keep the next wave of pinstripe talent in the fold, and let’s see what the trading deadline in July will bring.
December 16, 2017 | Roster Moves
It’s official: The Big Man is back for one more…
CC Sabathia thought about leaving the Yankees as a free agent and had an opportunity to do so. In the end, though, the lefty opted to stay in The Bronx, agreeing Saturday to a one-year deal for $10 million.
Even though CC Sabathia rose to fame with the Cleveland Indians, he still doesn’t look right in the Tribe uni — and it’s unimaginable to see him in Toronto Blue Jays or Anaheim-by-way-of-Hawaiian Gardens-to-Los Angeles Angels threads. That won’t be a eyesore to be concerned with in 2018, as the veteran lefty inks a one-year deal with the Yankees that was a no-brainer from all angles. Clubhouse leader. Stud competitor. Smart pitcher. Fan favorite. What’s not to like?
Check out the article here.
December 14, 2017 | The Minors
Single-A Yankees rebranded as Tampa Tarpons
When the Single-A affiliate of the New York Yankees takes the field for the 2018 season, it will mark the return of Tarpons baseball to the Florida State League after a 30-year absence. The Tampa Tarpons played in the league from 1957 through 1987, winning titles in 1957, 1959 and 1961.
December 11, 2017 | Trades
An early Christmas present for Yankee fans.
The New York Yankees today announced that they have acquired outfielder Giancarlo Stanton and cash considerations from the Miami Marlins in exchange for second baseman Starlin Castro, minor league right-handed pitcher Jorge Guzman and minor league infielder Jose Devers.
Well this certainly takes the sting out of Ohtani’s decision! Aaron Boone must be bouncing off the walls and already making out lineups. It reminds one of the stunning announcement in 2004 that the Yankees acquired A-Rod — called ‘the trade of the decade’, also which no one saw coming. With a few holes still to fill in the roster, Ca$hMoney is far from done so the rest of the 2018 Hot Stove League should be interesting.
Read the full article here.
December 8, 2017 | Other News
Shohei Ohtani elects to hide in a small-market, West Coast atmosphere.
The Angels pulled off a massive surprise Friday, earning the commitment of Japan’s Shohei Ohtani, one of the most widely wooed prospects in baseball history.
The Angels? Really? This was a charade from the get-go. If Ohtani’s desire was to play only on the West Coast in a small market, he should have made that known at the outset. You had organizations scrambling to build presentations, sending delegations to Japan to woo the athlete, widespread media speculation that was stunningly inaccurate, and the endless hype.
He made jerks out everyone east of Disneyland, so he’d better hope his on-field performance is better than his marketing skills.
Read the full article here.
December 8, 2017 | Trades
Yanks address outfield needs with trade for Jabari Blash.
The New York Yankees today announced that they have acquired outfielder Jabari Blash from the San Diego Padres in exchange for infielder Chase Headley, right-handed pitcher Bryan Mitchell and cash considerations.
OK, that headline was just too easy and I probably owe The Onion™ an apology. It was a move to clear out some salary space and open an infield spot. Hate to see Chase depart when he was thisclose to a ring, and the fact that he is a consummate professional who represented the pinstripes with honor, both on and off the field.
And here’s hoping Bryan Mitchell does well in the NL West. He was one of our homegrown and should have a real shot to join the rebuilding San Diego rotation — we’ll be rooting for him.
Read the full article here.
December 4, 2017 | Manager
Wait a minute. Did I just hear the Yankees named Aaron Boone as the 33rd manager in franchise history?
The New York Yankees today announced that they have named Aaron Boone the 33rd manager in franchise history, signing him to a three-year contract through the 2020 season with a team option for 2021. He becomes the 18th Yankees manager to have played for the club.
OK, can’t say I saw this one coming — which was no surprise since I thought Girardi would be re-upped (even feared Joe might tell the club to stick it) … then I thought either Tony Peña or Robbie Thompson were shoo-ins. My track record on anointing a new Yankees manager is not good — although I was pulling for Girardi over Donny Baseball in 2008, I hated the Joe Torre hire in 1996. Never wanted to see Buck (Naked) Showalter leave.
I also thought the Bill Parcells hire in 1982 would end up in disaster for the Jints, so in reality the biggest favor I can do for Aaron Boone (and Yankee fans everywhere) is to predict a 100-loss season in 2018 and his firing over the All-Star break. There. Done. It’s all good now, my brothers and sisters — #28 is a lock!
Read the full article here.
November 2017
November 20, 2017 | Roster Moves
Yankees Acquire Minor League Pitcher Reiver Sanmartin in Ronald Herrera Trade
Embed from Getty Images
The New York Yankees today announced that they acquired minor league left-handed pitcher Reiver Sanmartin from Texas in exchange for right-handed pitcher Ronald Herrera.
See Mike Axisa’s report at River Avenue Blues for full details.
November 20, 2017 | Roster Moves
Yankees Acquire Minor League Pitchers JP Sears & Juan Then from Mariners in Nick Rumbelow Trade
Embed from Getty Images
The New York Yankees today announced that they acquired minor league left-handed pitcher JP Sears and minor league right-handed pitcher Juan Then from Seattle in exchange for right-handed pitcher Nick Rumbelow.
Josh Norris fills in the details over at Baseball America.
November 20, 2017 | Roster Moves
Yankees add 6 players to 40-man roster
Embed from Getty Images
And they are: RHP Albert Abreu, RHP Domingo Acevedo, INF Thairo Estrada, RHP Jonathan Loaisiga, OF Billy McKinney and INF Gleyber Torres.
Check out the team press release for complete info on the players.
November 20, 2017 | Roster Moves
Yanks Acquire Minor League Pitcher Michael King from Miami in Garrett Cooper & Caleb Smith trade
Embed from Getty Images
The Yankees today announced they acquired minor league right-handed pitcher Michael King and 2017-18 international signing bonus pool money from Miami in exchange for infielder Garrett Cooper and left-handed pitcher Caleb Smith.
Check out the team press release for complete info on the deal.
November 13, 2017 | Coaching Staff
At least a smidgen of continuity as the lease on Larry’s Laboratory gets renewed!
The Yankees today announced that Larry Rothschild will return as pitching coach in 2018, his eighth season guiding the club’s pitching staff and his 44th in professional baseball as a player, coach or manager.
With long-time Yankees coaches at every position dropping like flies, there was great speculation on the future of Rothschild, but we’re pleasantly surprised to learn that he will be back for the 2018 campaign.
Read the full article here.
November 3, 2017 | Contracts
Tanaka Time to keep tickin’ in The Bronx
Embed from Getty Images
As hoped for and expected, Masahiro Tanaka will not opt out of his contract. Here’s his statement (via Yankees press release): “I have decided to stay with the Yankees for the next three seasons. It was a simple decision for me as I have truly enjoyed the past four years playing for this organization and for the wonderful fans of New York.
“I’m excited to continue to be a part of this team, and I’m committed to our goal of bringing a World Series Championship back to the Steinbrenner family, the Yankees organization, and the great fans of New York.”
October 2017
October 26, 2017 | Manager
SHOCK: Yankees decide not to bring Joe back!
Joe Girardi took over as manager of the Yankees in 2008, won a championship in just his second season in charge, and in the years that followed, some more successful than others, established himself as a relentless, highly organized field general. But now, after a decade in the job, Girardi’s tenure is over.
Wow, just wow! More than a few Yankee fans were concerned that it would be the other way around, that Joe would have said ‘enough’. Personally I thought Girardi’s re-up would be a no-brainer — given his stewardship of dramatically changing rosters over the past four seasons with a decidedly positive upward trend.
But we don’t hear the behind-the-scenes stuff, and apparently there was enough of a disconnect between Joe and the front office to warrant a change. More will come out over the coming days and weeks, but I would’ve lost this bet that Girardi wouldn’t return to see the mission of World Series title number 28 completed.
Read the full article here.
