we're probably not going to see many more additions.
Probably not going to see any championships, either.
Honestly, I think it's more about the pitching - we have a championship caliber lineup. There's no way this lineup isn't good enough to win a World Series.
Paxton is the "X" factor in 2019, IMO. Can we get ~175+ innings?
Severino is right there with him - can he fix the pitch tipping and be first half Sevy again?
If both of those questions are answered favorably, we're going to be right back in the mix.
Maybe they'll surprise us with Harper... but I'd be absolutely stunned. I just don't see the fit.
I'll remember all these "good average" "good OBP" posts
Lindsey Adler
Verified account @lindseyadler
5m5 minutes ago
DJ LeMahieu hit .276/.321/.428 last season with 15 home runs. His addition would give the Yankees a good defensive option at second base should Gleyber Torres need to slot in at short.
I am not sure I agree with this move. Isn't this the kind of player you pick up in February on a make-good one year deal?
DJ has VERY limited experience at 3B and 1B- though he has not played either spot in over 4 years. Thus, he is really only a 2B at this point- albeit a VERY good defensive 2B. The money indicates starter, which would also mean Torres must move off of 2B.
DJ was the primary #2 hole hitter in the Colorado lineup. A good OBP guy might be a good idea in front of Judge, Sanchez and Stanton- but is this the best fit?
We also need to remember that the Yanks had Torres play a lot of 3B, 2B and SS in the minors. He MIGHT be moving to 3B? Defensively, Torres would be an upgrade at 3B, but his mental lapses might hurt there too. His bat is enough there too.
What to do with Andujar then?
I would understand signing Machado, but I am not sure I understand this move as it appears to all but guarantee that one of Torres or Andujar gets traded.
I thought about Torres at 3B also Rich. I think he will be an above average defensive infielder at 3B, 2B or SS long term. This move opens a lot of options for NYY.
My problem is that our lineup is all or nothing. We are very reliant on the home run ball. When it comes time to manufacture runs we stink. We strike out way too much and don't put pressure on opposing pitchers. Don't get me wrong, we have a great lineup but there are issues. Didn't we have horrible numbers last year of hitting with runners in scoring position.
the current infield defense the Yankees are trotting out could be one of the worst in baseball in a very long time. Butcher central.
He has flexibility and there has been a run on middle infielders to the Yankees needed to do something, regardless of Machado. LeMahieu can help this team, but let's see where the Machado thing lands. He has a place on this team. I still hope they get Machado but it feels increasingly likely the Yankees are going to watch Manny and Harper go elsewhere.
The Yankees are turning into the Sather/Gorton crew
My problem is that our lineup is all or nothing. We are very reliant on the home run ball. When it comes time to manufacture runs we stink. We strike out way too much and don't put pressure on opposing pitchers. Don't get me wrong, we have a great lineup but there are issues. Didn't we have horrible numbers last year of hitting with runners in scoring position.
12th in the majors with RISP.
Our offense was on par with the Red Sox during the regular season, too. They stole a LOT more bases than we did - but we hit about 60 more HR's.
I think a lot of the situational hitting stuff was put under a microscope in the ALDS and because we struggled and the Red Sox didn't, it created this narrative that the Yanks are awful hitting with runners in scoring position, but they really weren't.
I'm really not that concerned with the offense.
The starting pitching is what will either elevate us to a World Series team or keep us where we were in 2018.
My problem is that our lineup is all or nothing. We are very reliant on the home run ball. When it comes time to manufacture runs we stink. We strike out way too much and don't put pressure on opposing pitchers. Don't get me wrong, we have a great lineup but there are issues. Didn't we have horrible numbers last year of hitting with runners in scoring position.
Maybe that is the best justification for DJ? He was injured for almost the whole month of May and most of July last year, so his numbers were down as a result. However, from 2015-2017, he was an OBP machine out of the #2 spot in the Rockie lineup- getting on base, though with very little power.
On a interesting note- the Yanks now have the Rockies old middle INF combo back together- DJ and Tulo. That's some serious strong defense up the middle- though health is always in question with Tulo.
Would the Yanks use DJ as a leadoff hitter? He did get about 290 ABs as the Colorado leadoff man last year.
Obsessed with proving how goddamned brilliant they are rather than just obtaining the best players.
So true. I'm sure our offseason is as stunning to the Sawx and Astros as it is to Yankee fans. I'm willing to wait and see about Harper and Machado before completely losing faith.
I think Lemahieu is going to play a few times a week all over the infield and play in late innings especially for Andujar and bat 8th or 9th when he starts.
I think the only player he affects in 2019 is Wade who would have had a shot at that role and anyone comparing him to Torreyes is way off he's a much better player on both sides of the ball.
I think Lemahieu is going to play a few times a week all over the infield and play in late innings especially for Andujar and bat 8th or 9th when he starts.
I think the only player he affects in 2019 is Wade who would have had a shot at that role and anyone comparing him to Torreyes is way off he's a much better player on both sides of the ball.
Not at 12M a year. This guy will start somewhere on the diamond.
I think Lemahieu is going to play a few times a week all over the infield and play in late innings especially for Andujar and bat 8th or 9th when he starts.
I think the only player he affects in 2019 is Wade who would have had a shot at that role and anyone comparing him to Torreyes is way off he's a much better player on both sides of the ball.
2 years 24 Mill for a few times a week? Unlikely.
RE: RE: The Yankees are turning into the Sather/Gorton crew
Obsessed with proving how goddamned brilliant they are rather than just obtaining the best players.
So true. I'm sure our offseason is as stunning to the Sawx and Astros as it is to Yankee fans. I'm willing to wait and see about Harper and Machado before completely losing faith.
Or they simply don't want to pay Machado what he wants. Have you guys heard of a gray area before? Just because you can afford it doesn't mean you should/have to do it.
Andujar has no position now and is most likely gone.
Another possibility- maybe the Yanks move Stanton to LF full time and put Andujar at DH? Sure, they lose their best OF glove (Gardner) and put only an average at best OF in LF- but it allows them to keep Andujar.
Remember, there are no guarantees that Tulo stays healthy- and right now, it looks like Plan B is to move Torres to SS. In that case, if they trade Andujar, they don't have any sort of Plan B at 3B. However, if Andujar is at DH, he can at least be shifted to 3B on occasion as needed.
In addition, if DJ has been brought in to bat leadoff, there really isn't a good fit for Gardner in the lineup. The 9 spot might be needed for Tulo. Thus, maybe benching Gardner and putting Stanton out there is the best solution?
Yankees PR Dept.
Verified account @YankeesPR
20s21 seconds ago
The Yankees announced today that they have signed RHP Drew Hutchison (1/10/19) and OF Matt Lipka (1/5/19) to minor league contracts with invitations to Major League Spring Training.
and Stanton will play a little more LF this year compared to last year and Andujar will DH a little more. The Yankees have a more versatile roster than they've had in a while. Multiple players can and will play multiple positions. For the most part Gardener and Lemahieu will be bench players or injury replacements.
RE: RE: RE: The Yankees are turning into the Sather/Gorton crew
Or they simply don't want to pay Machado what he wants. Have you guys heard of a gray area before? Just because you can afford it doesn't mean you should/have to do it.
That's fine, but perhaps they should tone down the "fully operational death star" rhetoric in the meantime.
extra infielder. counting on Tulo, Torres and andujar was to risky. yes the kids looked great but they could take steps back this year and Torres has not stayed healthy and Andujar has his fielding issues. Not to mention Voight and Bird mat shit the bed.
They needed a plus deffender and his bat plays better then most top glove guys.
and Stanton will play a little more LF this year compared to last year and Andujar will DH a little more. The Yankees have a more versatile roster than they've had in a while. Multiple players can and will play multiple positions. For the most part Gardener and Lemahieu will be bench players or injury replacements.
$12M is a lot for a bench player. I have to wonder if the Yankees are considering shifting Torres to short while Didi recovers and play LeMahieu at 2nd, where he is a gold glover. They keep Andujar at 3rd and pull him late for defense. I have no idea where Tulo fits into this thing realistically. But he's essentially a glorified spring training invite so there is no risk.
Tulo picked the Yankees over something like 14 other teams
Bob Nightengale @BNightengale 13s14 seconds ago
The #Whitesox and #Phillies have been aggressive in their interest all winter for Machado while the #Yankees never made an offer.
Yeah, that is a bullshit tweet imo. Supposedly only the White Sox made an offer. Nobody is making a true offer to have it shopped around.
.
Like someone else above mentioned, Nightengale is wrong more often then he is right, credibility factor is minimal at best.
With that said, I think they are done, other than adding a reliever. I didn't see this one coming. How are they going to utilize him?
Can he play some 1B, they may wind up needing him there at some point during the season.
and Stanton will play a little more LF this year compared to last year and Andujar will DH a little more. The Yankees have a more versatile roster than they've had in a while. Multiple players can and will play multiple positions. For the most part Gardener and Lemahieu will be bench players or injury replacements.
I wonder if Hicks hitting 2nd might not be a better idea. Having two big OBP guys in front of Judge, Stanton and Sanchez might be a good idea.
I don't think DJ is going to the bench. I think he is the new 2B and Torres is going to 3B. Remember that the Yanks gave Gardner $7M to be a maybe in LF. The gave Walker $5M to be a utility guy. They aren't giving DJ $12M over two years to be a utility guy.
RE: Tulo picked the Yankees over something like 14 other teams
The Yankees are paying him next to nothing comparatively, so why did he sign with them? Because he was told he'll have the opportunity to start if he's healthy.
So many options for the #9 spot in the lineup! Exciting offseason
No, DJ is probably the new leadoff hitter. If not, the #2 hitter. Outside of his injury plagued 2018, he has been a solid OBP guy for a number of years now. You want that at the top of your lineup- ahead of guys like Judge, Stanton and Sanchez.
The Yankees saw the Mets sign Lowrie and said we want one of those. Both solid players but dont make a ton of sense.
Lowrie was a good signing for NYM - and I think there's logic behind the Yanks signing LeMahieu.
These aren't "sexy" additions - but these are always the types of good depth players that winning teams have.
LeMahieu hasn't been great with the stick away from Coors - but he's not a bad hitter, he's a very good defender, and he can move around the diamond a bit.
I'm not in love with it, but I understand why the Yanks did it.
So many options for the #9 spot in the lineup! Exciting offseason
No, DJ is probably the new leadoff hitter. If not, the #2 hitter. Outside of his injury plagued 2018, he has been a solid OBP guy for a number of years now. You want that at the top of your lineup- ahead of guys like Judge, Stanton and Sanchez.
to a writer earlier this off-season who said Lemahieu had one of the most polarizing "how much do you think he's worth/gets" of any FA. I found that interesting.
What you're saying makes sense and it may start out that way. But I don't think it will stay that way for long. I think Lemahieu will wind up in the Walker role sooner rather than later. Just my opinion.
on what planet is getting better defensively
UConn4523 : 2:19 pm : link : reply
considered making no sense? Better infield defense and depth is one of the top priorities of this offseason, IMO.
It is from the newest planet orbiting BBI lately. That the Yanks are cheap and if they don't get either Harper or Machado, it is an epic failure.
you also have to remember that when Tulo was signed...
Cashman probably had no idea Le4mahieu would be in play for the Yankees...say they sign Machado, they can always cut Tulo...they'd only be out the major league minimum...
RE: you also have to remember that when Tulo was signed...
Cashman probably had no idea Le4mahieu would be in play for the Yankees...say they sign Machado, they can always cut Tulo...they'd only be out the major league minimum...
I find this very, very hard to believe. Lemahieu was available as was Lowrie, Marwin Gonzalez is still out there too. I think the Yankees expect Tulo to be very solid and continues to be part of their plan. 16 teams spoke to him and the said the Yankees were most aggressive.
It's not like LeMahieu sucks. He was a 5.3 bWAR player just 2 years ago. Even a 3 bWAR season in 2018 when he missed around 35 games is very solid.
Like I said, I'm not gaga over it but I don't understand why people seem annoyed at it or don't understand why the Yanks would sign him.
I guess because it makes Machado far less likely.
The issue people are having determining LeMahieu's value probably has a lot to do with being a Coors guy.
FWIW - he seemed to change his approach this past year. He started using LF a bit more. Didn't get too pull happy - seemed like he was just looking for a balanced approach.
You had me at gold glove defense and low strikeouts
He will fill the Neil Walker role. He has some pop and loves to hit to RF. Gleyber is the natural choice at SS should Tulo fail. Having a solid defensive 2B ready to plug in and also provide late inning defense at 3B is a pretty good idea.
It's not like LeMahieu sucks. He was a 5.3 bWAR player just 2 years ago. Even a 3 bWAR season in 2018 when he missed around 35 games is very solid.
Like I said, I'm not gaga over it but I don't understand why people seem annoyed at it or don't understand why the Yanks would sign him.
I guess because it makes Machado far less likely.
The issue people are having determining LeMahieu's value probably has a lot to do with being a Coors guy.
FWIW - he seemed to change his approach this past year. He started using LF a bit more. Didn't get too pull happy - seemed like he was just looking for a balanced approach.
Defense isn't sexy in baseball unless your Andruw or Edmonds. To this day people argue with me over Simmons. LeMahieu also battled with oblique issues this season so that likely impacted his numbers.
It's not like LeMahieu sucks. He was a 5.3 bWAR player just 2 years ago. Even a 3 bWAR season in 2018 when he missed around 35 games is very solid.
Like I said, I'm not gaga over it but I don't understand why people seem annoyed at it or don't understand why the Yanks would sign him.
I guess because it makes Machado far less likely.
The issue people are having determining LeMahieu's value probably has a lot to do with being a Coors guy.
FWIW - he seemed to change his approach this past year. He started using LF a bit more. Didn't get too pull happy - seemed like he was just looking for a balanced approach.
Defense isn't sexy in baseball unless your Andruw or Edmonds. To this day people argue with me over Simmons. LeMahieu also battled with oblique issues this season so that likely impacted his numbers.
Yep - it's not Machado and not sexy, so... therefore, not good.
other thing some of you guys are ignoring is that baseball is always evolving and the current trends involve taking advantage of versatility and deep benches. The Dodgers and Red Sox had extreme depth and players who could play all over the field. The Astros did this as well. The Mets are doing their best to mimic this as well. LeMahieu fits that.
The numbers I posted are LeMahieu's career numbers away from Coors. No cherrypicking, no SSS.
Quote:
we're probably not going to see many more additions.
Probably not going to see any championships, either.
Honestly, I think it's more about the pitching - we have a championship caliber lineup. There's no way this lineup isn't good enough to win a World Series.
Paxton is the "X" factor in 2019, IMO. Can we get ~175+ innings?
Severino is right there with him - can he fix the pitch tipping and be first half Sevy again?
If both of those questions are answered favorably, we're going to be right back in the mix.
Maybe they'll surprise us with Harper... but I'd be absolutely stunned. I just don't see the fit.
Quote:
Lindsey Adler
Verified account @lindseyadler
5m5 minutes ago
DJ LeMahieu hit .276/.321/.428 last season with 15 home runs. His addition would give the Yankees a good defensive option at second base should Gleyber Torres need to slot in at short.
I am not sure I agree with this move. Isn't this the kind of player you pick up in February on a make-good one year deal?
DJ has VERY limited experience at 3B and 1B- though he has not played either spot in over 4 years. Thus, he is really only a 2B at this point- albeit a VERY good defensive 2B. The money indicates starter, which would also mean Torres must move off of 2B.
DJ was the primary #2 hole hitter in the Colorado lineup. A good OBP guy might be a good idea in front of Judge, Sanchez and Stanton- but is this the best fit?
We also need to remember that the Yanks had Torres play a lot of 3B, 2B and SS in the minors. He MIGHT be moving to 3B? Defensively, Torres would be an upgrade at 3B, but his mental lapses might hurt there too. His bat is enough there too.
What to do with Andujar then?
I would understand signing Machado, but I am not sure I understand this move as it appears to all but guarantee that one of Torres or Andujar gets traded.
I thought about Torres at 3B also Rich. I think he will be an above average defensive infielder at 3B, 2B or SS long term. This move opens a lot of options for NYY.
He has flexibility and there has been a run on middle infielders to the Yankees needed to do something, regardless of Machado. LeMahieu can help this team, but let's see where the Machado thing lands. He has a place on this team. I still hope they get Machado but it feels increasingly likely the Yankees are going to watch Manny and Harper go elsewhere.
12th in the majors with RISP.
Our offense was on par with the Red Sox during the regular season, too. They stole a LOT more bases than we did - but we hit about 60 more HR's.
I think a lot of the situational hitting stuff was put under a microscope in the ALDS and because we struggled and the Red Sox didn't, it created this narrative that the Yanks are awful hitting with runners in scoring position, but they really weren't.
I'm really not that concerned with the offense.
The starting pitching is what will either elevate us to a World Series team or keep us where we were in 2018.
Zero chance. Cashman loves him.
Andujar has no position now and is most likely gone.
Maybe that is the best justification for DJ? He was injured for almost the whole month of May and most of July last year, so his numbers were down as a result. However, from 2015-2017, he was an OBP machine out of the #2 spot in the Rockie lineup- getting on base, though with very little power.
On a interesting note- the Yanks now have the Rockies old middle INF combo back together- DJ and Tulo. That's some serious strong defense up the middle- though health is always in question with Tulo.
Would the Yanks use DJ as a leadoff hitter? He did get about 290 ABs as the Colorado leadoff man last year.
Quote:
??
Zero chance. Cashman loves him.
Andujar has no position now and is most likely gone.
I agree he's gone if they sign Machado but not as the team is right now.
So true. I'm sure our offseason is as stunning to the Sawx and Astros as it is to Yankee fans. I'm willing to wait and see about Harper and Machado before completely losing faith.
I think Lemahieu is going to play a few times a week all over the infield and play in late innings especially for Andujar and bat 8th or 9th when he starts.
I think the only player he affects in 2019 is Wade who would have had a shot at that role and anyone comparing him to Torreyes is way off he's a much better player on both sides of the ball.
I think Lemahieu is going to play a few times a week all over the infield and play in late innings especially for Andujar and bat 8th or 9th when he starts.
I think the only player he affects in 2019 is Wade who would have had a shot at that role and anyone comparing him to Torreyes is way off he's a much better player on both sides of the ball.
Not at 12M a year. This guy will start somewhere on the diamond.
I think Lemahieu is going to play a few times a week all over the infield and play in late innings especially for Andujar and bat 8th or 9th when he starts.
I think the only player he affects in 2019 is Wade who would have had a shot at that role and anyone comparing him to Torreyes is way off he's a much better player on both sides of the ball.
2 years 24 Mill for a few times a week? Unlikely.
Quote:
Obsessed with proving how goddamned brilliant they are rather than just obtaining the best players.
So true. I'm sure our offseason is as stunning to the Sawx and Astros as it is to Yankee fans. I'm willing to wait and see about Harper and Machado before completely losing faith.
Or they simply don't want to pay Machado what he wants. Have you guys heard of a gray area before? Just because you can afford it doesn't mean you should/have to do it.
Quote:
??
Zero chance. Cashman loves him.
Andujar has no position now and is most likely gone.
Another possibility- maybe the Yanks move Stanton to LF full time and put Andujar at DH? Sure, they lose their best OF glove (Gardner) and put only an average at best OF in LF- but it allows them to keep Andujar.
Remember, there are no guarantees that Tulo stays healthy- and right now, it looks like Plan B is to move Torres to SS. In that case, if they trade Andujar, they don't have any sort of Plan B at 3B. However, if Andujar is at DH, he can at least be shifted to 3B on occasion as needed.
In addition, if DJ has been brought in to bat leadoff, there really isn't a good fit for Gardner in the lineup. The 9 spot might be needed for Tulo. Thus, maybe benching Gardner and putting Stanton out there is the best solution?
Verified account @YankeesPR
20s21 seconds ago
The Yankees announced today that they have signed RHP Drew Hutchison (1/10/19) and OF Matt Lipka (1/5/19) to minor league contracts with invitations to Major League Spring Training.
That's fine, but perhaps they should tone down the "fully operational death star" rhetoric in the meantime.
They needed a plus deffender and his bat plays better then most top glove guys.
$12M is a lot for a bench player. I have to wonder if the Yankees are considering shifting Torres to short while Didi recovers and play LeMahieu at 2nd, where he is a gold glover. They keep Andujar at 3rd and pull him late for defense. I have no idea where Tulo fits into this thing realistically. But he's essentially a glorified spring training invite so there is no risk.
Quote:
Quote:
Bob Nightengale @BNightengale 13s14 seconds ago
The #Whitesox and #Phillies have been aggressive in their interest all winter for Machado while the #Yankees never made an offer.
Yeah, that is a bullshit tweet imo. Supposedly only the White Sox made an offer. Nobody is making a true offer to have it shopped around.
Like someone else above mentioned, Nightengale is wrong more often then he is right, credibility factor is minimal at best.
With that said, I think they are done, other than adding a reliever. I didn't see this one coming. How are they going to utilize him?
Can he play some 1B, they may wind up needing him there at some point during the season.
I wonder if Hicks hitting 2nd might not be a better idea. Having two big OBP guys in front of Judge, Stanton and Sanchez might be a good idea.
I don't think DJ is going to the bench. I think he is the new 2B and Torres is going to 3B. Remember that the Yanks gave Gardner $7M to be a maybe in LF. The gave Walker $5M to be a utility guy. They aren't giving DJ $12M over two years to be a utility guy.
It depends on his health, and also some productivity.
Lets face it, Yanks are paying him the major league min.
Toronto is carrying the freight here.
No, DJ is probably the new leadoff hitter. If not, the #2 hitter. Outside of his injury plagued 2018, he has been a solid OBP guy for a number of years now. You want that at the top of your lineup- ahead of guys like Judge, Stanton and Sanchez.
Lowrie was a good signing for NYM - and I think there's logic behind the Yanks signing LeMahieu.
These aren't "sexy" additions - but these are always the types of good depth players that winning teams have.
LeMahieu hasn't been great with the stick away from Coors - but he's not a bad hitter, he's a very good defender, and he can move around the diamond a bit.
I'm not in love with it, but I understand why the Yanks did it.
Quote:
So many options for the #9 spot in the lineup! Exciting offseason
No, DJ is probably the new leadoff hitter. If not, the #2 hitter. Outside of his injury plagued 2018, he has been a solid OBP guy for a number of years now. You want that at the top of your lineup- ahead of guys like Judge, Stanton and Sanchez.
.311 OBP away from Coors Field.
Given Tulo's injury past, he might not even make it out of Spring training healthy.
UConn4523 : 2:19 pm : link : reply
considered making no sense? Better infield defense and depth is one of the top priorities of this offseason, IMO.
It is from the newest planet orbiting BBI lately. That the Yanks are cheap and if they don't get either Harper or Machado, it is an epic failure.
I find this very, very hard to believe. Lemahieu was available as was Lowrie, Marwin Gonzalez is still out there too. I think the Yankees expect Tulo to be very solid and continues to be part of their plan. 16 teams spoke to him and the said the Yankees were most aggressive.
Like I said, I'm not gaga over it but I don't understand why people seem annoyed at it or don't understand why the Yanks would sign him.
I guess because it makes Machado far less likely.
The issue people are having determining LeMahieu's value probably has a lot to do with being a Coors guy.
FWIW - he seemed to change his approach this past year. He started using LF a bit more. Didn't get too pull happy - seemed like he was just looking for a balanced approach.
Like I said, I'm not gaga over it but I don't understand why people seem annoyed at it or don't understand why the Yanks would sign him.
I guess because it makes Machado far less likely.
The issue people are having determining LeMahieu's value probably has a lot to do with being a Coors guy.
FWIW - he seemed to change his approach this past year. He started using LF a bit more. Didn't get too pull happy - seemed like he was just looking for a balanced approach.
Defense isn't sexy in baseball unless your Andruw or Edmonds. To this day people argue with me over Simmons. LeMahieu also battled with oblique issues this season so that likely impacted his numbers.
Quote:
It's not like LeMahieu sucks. He was a 5.3 bWAR player just 2 years ago. Even a 3 bWAR season in 2018 when he missed around 35 games is very solid.
Like I said, I'm not gaga over it but I don't understand why people seem annoyed at it or don't understand why the Yanks would sign him.
I guess because it makes Machado far less likely.
The issue people are having determining LeMahieu's value probably has a lot to do with being a Coors guy.
FWIW - he seemed to change his approach this past year. He started using LF a bit more. Didn't get too pull happy - seemed like he was just looking for a balanced approach.
Defense isn't sexy in baseball unless your Andruw or Edmonds. To this day people argue with me over Simmons. LeMahieu also battled with oblique issues this season so that likely impacted his numbers.
Yep - it's not Machado and not sexy, so... therefore, not good.
The Yankees won three in a row with butchers like Jeter, Bernie, and Posada in what are supposedly defense-first positions.