NFT: Yanks talk 5-10: 17 out of 18 BABY!!!!

Can't possibly maintain this level of success over the longer term, but for right now I'm enjoying the hell out of it.

The cameras bouncing while trying to film Torres come into home last night - that's the first time I've seen anything like that in early May. They've developed a real home field advantage, would love to see them continue to build on that.

Walker is starting to look like he could be an upgrade over Todd Frazier. Maybe not the clubhouse addition but the core culture is now more set than last years transition.

I just think he could be that professional smart hitter you need in playoff games.

Drury when back does the same and plays a good 3rd base.

Andujar may do well with seasoning and a late season call up. He certainly flashed that he could be our 3rd baseman of the future.

Together, as small off season pick ups they may provide more than Headley and TFrazier did last year. Maybe.

What was Judge saying as he rounded each base on the hr. Seemed the sox first baseman said something and Judge said something back and after each base???

He'll be back by the end of this month.

In comment 13960029 Bill2 said:

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What was Judge saying as he rounded each base on the hr. Seemed the sox first baseman said something and Judge said something back and after each base???

Good question, would love to know. Hanley did preen like a peacock around the bases after his bomb, I had a feeling Judge was hollering something back at him. Didn’t seem nasty, but looked like he let out a loud whoop in Hanley’s direction

Whatever it was, great seeing so much fire from our guys like that

He proved when healthy last September/October he can be a force. We can afford to be patient there especially with Walker/Austin giving us a crap ton more than we got from 1B last year.

It's ridiculous to give up on Bird at this point. But it would be equally ridiculous too count on him 100%. Walker hitting is important in case Bird goes down again. Unforutnately it's a possibility until he proves otherwise.

Another major injury though, and I think they will look to move on.

In comment 13960029 Bill2 said:

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What was Judge saying as he rounded each base on the hr. Seemed the sox first baseman said something and Judge said something back and after each base???

I think Judge was talking to the 1B coach, Moreland was playing first last night so there was no need for any jawing in regards to the Ramirez homer, also Judge isn't one to mix it up with the other team in that manner.

especially with Drury a wildcard right now and Andujar dealing with some growing pains. That could prove to be a great get moving forward.

It's been said ad nauseum, but we're getting big-time contributions from different players every game. That, as much as any one performance (Didi) or surge (Stanton) is what gives me confidence that this team can have some staying power.

of every late inning rally we've had starting in Houston last Thursday when he led off the 9th with a walk. He's not going anywhere. I think when Bird comes back Austin goes down. When Drury comes back it will be interesting to see what happens could get rid of the 13th pitcher or farm out Andujar.

in the 8th last night but they did a good job of wiggling out with runners on.

that will be an interesting decision.

Andujar has shown he belongs in the big leagues, but do we have room for him? The roster numbers will make it tough to platoon him and Drury. I always like having that 13th pitcher stick around, but you never know.

In comment 13960053 emcca005 said:

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In comment 13960029 Bill2 said: Quote: What was Judge saying as he rounded each base on the hr. Seemed the sox first baseman said something and Judge said something back and after each base??? I think Judge was talking to the 1B coach, Moreland was playing first last night so there was no need for any jawing in regards to the Ramirez homer, also Judge isn't one to mix it up with the other team in that manner.

Ah then I stand corrected, I had it in my head it was Ramirez he was yelling at

and a good one. But I wouldn't be upset if he went down to work on laying off pitches, because if he continues to swing at everything they're just going to feed him balls out of the zone. But Drury's return is not imminent, he's still working on the migraines or whatever it is he's dealing with.

In comment 13960061 Stu11 said:

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of every late inning rally we've had starting in Houston last Thursday when he led off the 9th with a walk. He's not going anywhere. I think when Bird comes back Austin goes down. When Drury comes back it will be interesting to see what happens could get rid of the 13th pitcher or farm out Andujar.

Seriously! Saw this about Walker on RiverAveBlues:

Thursday: Leadoff walk to start three-run ninth inning.
Friday: Leadoff single to start four-run fourth inning.
Saturday: One-out walk to start four-run fifth inning.
Sunday: Leadoff walk to start the three-run eighth inning.
Monday: No game!
Tuesday: One-out double to start the go-ahead seventh inning rally.
Wednesday: Leadoff double to start the four-run eighth inning.

In comment 13960068 mfsd said:

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In comment 13960053 emcca005 said: Quote: In comment 13960029 Bill2 said: Quote: What was Judge saying as he rounded each base on the hr. Seemed the sox first baseman said something and Judge said something back and after each base??? I think Judge was talking to the 1B coach, Moreland was playing first last night so there was no need for any jawing in regards to the Ramirez homer, also Judge isn't one to mix it up with the other team in that manner. Ah then I stand corrected, I had it in my head it was Ramirez he was yelling at

Yeah, Judge is the last guy that would ever taunt an opponent. Probably talking to himself or pumping himself up as he rounded the bases. Got to figure he was stoked after crushing Kimbrel in a raucous stadium.

In comment 13960083 guitarguybs12 said:

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In comment 13960061 Stu11 said: Quote: of every late inning rally we've had starting in Houston last Thursday when he led off the 9th with a walk. He's not going anywhere. I think when Bird comes back Austin goes down. When Drury comes back it will be interesting to see what happens could get rid of the 13th pitcher or farm out Andujar. Seriously! Saw this about Walker on RiverAveBlues: Thursday: Leadoff walk to start three-run ninth inning. Friday: Leadoff single to start four-run fourth inning. Saturday: One-out walk to start four-run fifth inning. Sunday: Leadoff walk to start the three-run eighth inning. Monday: No game! Tuesday: One-out double to start the go-ahead seventh inning rally. Wednesday: Leadoff double to start the four-run eighth inning.

Wow. That's very cool. Always need guys like that who have knack for getting rally's going.

Right now, the Yanks SP does look strong. However, we should also keep in mind that this is a team designed for the long haul (at least 6 core position guys who are still in their rookie deals, lots of power bullpen arms, Severino and other young SP).

With that in mind, at the trade deadline in July, do the Yanks take a risk and go after a ace level young SP? IMO, they might want to examine what's out there.

I was VERY against the Cole rumors, and was not impressed with any of the other SP rumored to be connected to the Yanks this winter. However, as there are an unusually large group of teams who look to be "tanking" and a smaller but significant group of teams who are fading quickly, perhaps the Yanks SHOULD look for match-ups.

I think that with Severino and Tanaka pretty much locks for the post-season rotation (assuming health) and Gray a decent 3rd/4th SP option in the playoffs- but only under Yankee control for this year and next, perhaps another ace is in order.

While I understand that the teams just don't deal with each other, and the price would be EXTREME, I wonder whether the Yanks should be making Syndergaard their primary trade deadline target.

He turns 26 in August, so he's not really old. He is under team control via arbitration through the 2021 season. He "fits" the Yankee profile of power arm with good secondary stuff. He has also handled the NY media relatively well (certainly better than Harvey did).

The problem, of course, would be that the Mets ownership likely does not want to help the Yanks and would probably make an outlandish ask to the Yanks. On the other hand, the Yanks have depth in the minor league system- and the Mets don't- and the Mets need a rebuild.

IMO, no one on the 25 man ML roster should be available (unless the Mets WANT to take Ellsbury), but every minor leaguer not named Sheffield should be. What do you think it would take?

super sub Zobrist type.

I prefer to go with 12 pitchers, have 4 bench players. I think when they get Warren and Kahnle back they will.

It would cost more than what Boston gave up for Sale.

As an aside, I know a lot of folks here can't stand John Sterling, but I love his schtick.

And he should be. The package to acquire him would be enormous and even then I’m not sure the Mets would even consider dealing him to the Yanks. You’d probably have to START conversations with Gleyber, Sheffield and Frazier, then add other pieces. They aren’t getting Syndergaard if nobody on the 25 man is available and also Sheffield off the table.

than an ace. This team looks like it can ride it's offense if it gets decent starting pitching (I know the pitching of late has been much better than decent). Would rather keep the younger assets wherever possible and just wait out this year for FA next.

Also depends on what German looks like as a starter.

anyone of value to the Yanks...there’s always been chatter about how jealous of the Yanks the Wilpons are, I can’t see them ever risking seeing one of their home grown guys win a World Series in pinstripes

What’s amazing to me is the brutal schedule the Yanks have been burning through the last couple weeks...June is more favorable, with series against Texas, Detroit, etc. Plenty of stat booster games for the offense and easier matchups for the pitching staff ahead...but the experience their gaining now proving they can come back against the ALs best will be huge down the stretch and postseason

that Wilpon was absolutely livid after the Yankees traded for Stanton. The last thing he wants to do is help the Yankees win a WS.

In comment 13960115 Klaatu said:

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As an aside, I know a lot of folks here can't stand John Sterling, but I love his schtick.

I don't mind the schtick, or the goofy HR calls and stupid nicknames. What gets me about Sterling is when I can't watch the game and have to listen, he's constantly blowing calls.

'In the air to left field, that ball is high, that ball is far...

[8 seconds of silence]

..that ball is... caught by the third baseman'

he did that the other night and used the cover of the wind!!

He said something like, "It's a pop fly to Center field. Oh, it gets caught up in the wind. Torres with the catch"

Reminds me of the old WPIX days when they'd use the camera view to make it seem like a fly ball was leaving the stadium, Scooter would let out a "Holy Cow" and then the outfielder would settle comfortably under the ball

is fun to watch ,whats crazy is its only may 10th and their is so much season left .Looks like the crowd is awesome again too .Not Old Yankee stadium awesome but for the new stadium its good .

to the Yankees? The backlash would be worse than the Seaver trade.

And in case anyone hasn't noticed, Severino has been way better than him over thpast 2 years. And without the weight lifting and Thor bullshit. Truthfully, even if it were possible, I don't know that I'd do it. I don't want the Mets culture polluting the Yankees clubhouse. THe Yankees have a team of not only great talent, but good people, likeable guys.

He goes, "Here's the 0-1 to Benintendi...swing in a miss...uhh..he struck him out swinging!" Had absolutely no clue it was a two-strike count. Otherwise, his calls in exciting moments are pretty good, including the Gardy double last night.

In comment 13960131 FatMan in Charlotte said:

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he did that the other night and used the cover of the wind!! He said something like, "It's a pop fly to Center field. Oh, it gets caught up in the wind. Torres with the catch" Reminds me of the old WPIX days when they'd use the camera view to make it seem like a fly ball was leaving the stadium, Scooter would let out a "Holy Cow" and then the outfielder would settle comfortably under the ball

LOL, that's exactly the play I was referring to. My son and I were in the car on the way back from a long trip, and had to endure the game on the radio. We had 12 knot winds that day, apparently enough to carry a HR ball out of the stands and safely back into the infield.

In comment 13960126 Jay on the Island said:

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that Wilpon was absolutely livid after the Yankees traded for Stanton. The last thing he wants to do is help the Yankees win a WS.

not livid enough to do it himself though. WIlpon is acomplete ass. Sadly for the Mets, ownership is their biggest problem. And that can't get traded away or fired.

and from what can be seen, the only question going forward is the SP... This lineup can only improve, imagine that?

In comment 13960115 Klaatu said:

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As an aside, I know a lot of folks here can't stand John Sterling, but I love his schtick.

They replayed on 1010 WINS this morning Sterling's call on the Gardner triple and Gleyber's narrowly being safe at home - it was hilarious. Sterling could hardly get the word "safe" out of his mouth, it was like he was croaking (not dying, croaking like a frog) with all the excitement.

before the Mets would trade them Thor. The Wilpons, like Peter Angelos, are not exclusively concerned with winning ballgames. Team decision-making is dictated at least in part by (perceived) PR reaction, and the not entirely irrational belief is that the reaction of fans to certain decisions and the financial consequences of that reaction would outweigh virtually any prospect haul. If you can get back an Acuna or a Vlad Jr. maybe, but if the return is a couple All Star games and the Yankees win a World Series or two with Thor you could understand the reticence.

DeGrom would be more likely to be traded, IMO.

My wishful trade target would be Bumgarner. Of course, the Giants are actually playing pretty well. They'd have to falter. But he's an FA after next year and if the Giants start to lose, they may need to blow up that old team

another #1 or #2. They need a reliable good pitcher, a solid #3 would be fine. Heck if German pans out, together with Montgomery coming back and Sheffield in the pipeline, why waste good prospects. Adams is still feeling his way back. My concern is Tanaka a bit. He needs to do something other than that crappy 4 seamer he has. I have a feeling he won't cut lose to protect that frayed UCL until the playoffs. Hell if Sonny Gray continues to be aggressive they probably don't need to do a thing.

1st time they've held sole possession of best record in MLB since 7/27/2012.

In 2012, the last time they won the AL East, they had 1 HR from players age 28 or younger. So far this year they have 48, which leads MLB.

Until the 8th inning last night, the Yankees on the current roster were a collective 3 for 40 vs. Kimbrel with 2 RBIs, both of those produced by Stanton in 2011 when he was with the Marlins. Wow.

In comment 13960171 section125 said:

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another #1 or #2. They need a reliable good pitcher, a solid #3 would be fine. Heck if German pans out, together with Montgomery coming back and Sheffield in the pipeline, why waste good prospects. Adams is still feeling his way back. My concern is Tanaka a bit. He needs to do something other than that crappy 4 seamer he has. I have a feeling he won't cut lose to protect that frayed UCL until the playoffs. Hell if Sonny Gray continues to be aggressive they probably don't need to do a thing.

agree. I'm in no hurry to deal for a pitcher right now. And when Warren and Kahnle come back, the pen becomes even better.

In comment 13960120 BigBlueShock said:

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And he should be. The package to acquire him would be enormous and even then I’m not sure the Mets would even consider dealing him to the Yanks. You’d probably have to START conversations with Gleyber, Sheffield and Frazier, then add other pieces. They aren’t getting Syndergaard if nobody on the 25 man is available and also Sheffield off the table.

I don't get why no one on the 25 would be available. They have a roster crunch.

Sonny Gray, Frazier, Florial, Drury (assuming headaches go away) - you're telling me Mets hang up? No way. 3 immediate starters and a potential lottery ticket. Obviously could mix and match with Abreu, Tate, Freicer Perez, Medina, etc

pitch like a #2. The Yankees have been looking for a strong #2 starter for awhile now - probably since AJ Burnett had a good year in that role in 2009. We've had #1s - CC, then Tanaka, now Sevy - and a bunch of 3s, 4s and 5s, but that "second ace" has been elusive.

Given Cashman's magic touch over the past couple of years, it wouldn't surprise me at all if Sheffield turns into that guy.

In comment 13960043 Ryan in Albany said:

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He'll be back by the end of this month.

Not talent wise..but he is ALWAYS FUCKING INJURED. A player who spends 1/2 the season on the DL is of little use to me.

...the great Yankees teams of the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Really, really nice to see a team do so well with so many young positional players.

Can't keep up this pace, but who cares? This is a very exciting team to watch with several likeable players.

Will be 29 in August. That's starting to get up there in age. You sure you want to give him megabucks and a long-term deal? See D. Price and Red Sox.

healthy. We know he can play, and his lefty bat is important. But another long term DL stint would make 3 lost years and place him squarely in Nick Johnson land.

In comment 13960185 superspynyg said:

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In comment 13960043 Ryan in Albany said: Quote: He'll be back by the end of this month. Not talent wise..but he is ALWAYS FUCKING INJURED. A player who spends 1/2 the season on the DL is of little use to me.

You are correct, but last year was a freak undiagnosed broken bone and this year is kind of an offshoot of that. Some players have a run of injuries then settle out. He's 25 or 26. Let's see how he does before writing him off. They have backup incase it goes south again.

and Lester got the Cubbies a championship, even if he looked very human last year (albeit after throwing 235+ IP between regular and postseason in 2016). But for the most part these long-term deals for starting pitchers into their mid-30's have very rarely paid off. CC post-opt out was a bad deal, though he has rejuvenated himself. Bumgardner had a phenomenal track record of durability and success until last year, and his injuries have been somewhat flukey. But how much do you want them to gamble on his getting back to sub-3 ERA form and sustaining it for 200+ innings a year?

In comment 13960043 Ryan in Albany said:

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He'll be back by the end of this month.

+1. He hit a HR in extended Spring training yesterday and is starting his first rehab game with the Tampa Tarpons tonight. By next week he should be at AAA-SWB preparing to rejoin the Yanks before months-end

They would be lucky based on an average baseball season NOT to have a pitcher with a severe slump at some point and one more 10 day DL and one more 30 day DL.

They have to get back in shape after those stretches and then gain confidence. Plus Montgomery and German have legit atretching out boundaries.

And as much as we are fans...its one in three minor league pitchers who reach their ceiling...maybe lower.

Add Tanaka and CC age and or vulnerability into our thinking.

We need another SP. We have $13m in cap room. At the half way mark we can afford a $20m pitcher.

We have more minor league RhP than we have slots. We can get this done. All of us will fret that we gave up prospect potential. Like we did when we traded Jesus Montero

and last night especially, have felt more like October baseball rather than May. The stadium was absolutely rocking.

is the Yanks just blew thru all the first place teams in the league and the lineup isn't hitting on all cylinders yet. Last nite Gardy rakes. It seems each night it's someone else stepping up which bodes well going forward.

When Drury comes back I think we send Andujar back down so he can keep playing on a daily basis and showcase Drury for possible trade bait. I would love to see us get another Starter and maybe more bullpen help. You never have enough pitching!!

When Bird gets back we can ease him back into the lineup. If anything we send Austin back down so he too can keep fresh.