NFT: Yankees Spring Training

In comment 16402926 rich in DC said:

Quote:

In comment 16402873 mitch300 said: Quote: Heard or read somewhere that Volpe was working on his swing. So, let’s see how he does. He did the same thing after his terrible first season in the minors- and that went VERY well. If he can do it once, I believe he can do it again!

If you stop adjusting you aren’t going to last in the majors. I’m hopeful for the kid. One thing I like seeing for prospects coming up is them having a bit of adversity early in their minor league career and having to make adjustments to the level of competition.

I don't know you. You seem like a great guy. But you missed the point. The Yankees are running tickets sales like they're a supermarket. I've never seen that before. Have you?

From now on when I address you it will be as the Paul Dottino of the Yankee threads on BBI. Rich in DC Dottino. It's catchy.

I find it rather fascist of you to try to silence any dissent pertaining to your hero's in the Yankees front office. I don't like it.

I'm going to continue to exercise my free speech on all things Yankees. I enjoy it.

I read your typical pollyanna Yankee colored glasses assessment of how you think the 2024 season is going to play out. I added mine on top of it. Let's see what happens. I hope you're right and can hammer me on my opinions when 2024 ends.

I said I would stick to the on field product after that post and I intend to. My feelings about how the Yankees have conducted business are on record.

I hope you never go way. I would miss you. Yankee threads would. be no fun to me if everyone had the same opinions.

I'm not sure if this has been posted. I think this is a very good listen.
Talkin' Yanks Brian Cashman Says the Yankees Need to Win Now - ( New Window )

continues to shill for the Yankees getting Boras clients Snell, Monty, and Cease--it's getting pretty annoying at this point tbh.

In comment 16403093 Mike from SI said:

Quote:

continues to shill for the Yankees getting Boras clients Snell, Monty, and Cease--it's getting pretty annoying at this point tbh.

Is it shilling for Boras, or does Boras happen to be agent for the players that the Yankees should be looking at. Can you name other SPs that the Yanks should be interested in signing?

I just received a final day sale notice. Select games under $5000. Capacity 12-34 people.

• Private Viewing Space: Capacity varies across suites and games
• Food and Beverage Offerings: Diverse menu of all-inclusive ballpark fare (pizza, hot dogs, chicken tenders, dingers, popcorn, chips, cookies, brownies), nonalcoholic beverages, domestic beer and Bud Light Seltzers
• Parking: Each Luxury Suite includes two (2) complimentary parking passes.
• Added Bonus: Receive a complimentary scoreboard message.**
• Enhanced Viewing Experience: Luxury Suites feature exterior cushioned suite seating and a climate-controlled interior space with a private restroom.

Luxury Suites at Yankee Stadium feature two distinct areas thoughtfully designed for Guest interaction – a bar area with granite countertops and exquisite wood paneling, as well as a spacious lounge with plush leather furnishings and sliding glass windows overlooking two rows of exterior cushioned suite seats.

*Guests must be 21 years of age or older to purchase or consume alcohol. Proper identification is required of all Guests and must be presented, regardless of age, to purchase any alcoholic beverage.

** Scoreboard messages are subject to availability.

Please note that all sales are final and there are no refunds or cancellations.

Ticket price displayed includes a Sales and Use Tax of 8.875 percent. Online processing fees included. Additional fees may apply. Offer is subject to availability, has no cash value, is not valid on previously purchased tickets and is not good in conjunction with any other promotional offer.

In comment 16403100 section125 said:

Quote:

In comment 16403093 Mike from SI said: Quote: continues to shill for the Yankees getting Boras clients Snell, Monty, and Cease--it's getting pretty annoying at this point tbh. Is it shilling for Boras, or does Boras happen to be agent for the players that the Yankees should be looking at. Can you name other SPs that the Yanks should be interested in signing?

This might be true but Heyman’s track record indicates that he’s shilling for Boras. He could have thrown in say Shane Bieber or Clevinger, 2 guys who have history with Blake but aren’t repped by Boras but he didn’t.

the one the Dodgers just had. And, in fact, the last time they won was when they went out and spent like a drunken sailor. Still, there is much for optimism, it’s posters like bwitz that really drags this place down. I am still waiting for the 2023 Yankees to turn it around. How much of a loser do you have to be in the real world to get all riled up over internet discussions?

What I don’t like is the narrative that all of Cashman’s trades and moves can be explained, even if the results turned out disastrous, like nothing he does is ever wrong. By the rationale I’d have a perfect SAT score, and GPA too. I am sure I can explain every single one of my wrong answers too.

Today Only! 2 Spring Training Tickets for $20. Twins, Marlins, Tigers, Orioles, Pirates games during the week are the promo.

Taking outfield in Tampa
Link - ( New Window )

In comment 16403181 Strahan91 said:

Quote:

In comment 16403100 section125 said: Quote: In comment 16403093 Mike from SI said: Quote: continues to shill for the Yankees getting Boras clients Snell, Monty, and Cease--it's getting pretty annoying at this point tbh. Is it shilling for Boras, or does Boras happen to be agent for the players that the Yankees should be looking at. Can you name other SPs that the Yanks should be interested in signing? This might be true but Heyman’s track record indicates that he’s shilling for Boras. He could have thrown in say Shane Bieber or Clevinger, 2 guys who have history with Blake but aren’t repped by Boras but he didn’t.

It may be true, but we also know Kay is shilling for the Yanks. Basically, it doesn't matter and I don't care who reps for who. Just sign the guys you want if the contract is acceptable.

this is not an attack or a rant about anyone involved with the Yankees at any level.

Is it just me or is it strange that the Yankees have had 3 position players over the past 6 or 7 years have to have TJ surgery. First Didi, then Hicks and now Domínguez. I don't like hearing that Domínguez is rushing back. Didi and Hicks were never the same and Domínguez is just a baby baseball wise.

How often do position players need TJ surgery? I know Harper had it and now he's a 1B going forward.

I never read anything about how Domínguez got hurt. All of sudden after one good week he needed an operation on his arm. Why? What happened?

Said his elbow started to hurt right after he was called up, he tried to play through it,and it hurt enough that they sent him for an MRI.

Selling out for xwOBA and exit velocity probably wasn’t in fashion yet, so who knows?

Higashioka too.

In comment 16403822 arniefez said:

Quote:

this is not an attack or a rant about anyone involved with the Yankees at any level. Is it just me or is it strange that the Yankees have had 3 position players over the past 6 or 7 years have to have TJ surgery. First Didi, then Hicks and now Domínguez. I don't like hearing that Domínguez is rushing back. Didi and Hicks were never the same and Domínguez is just a baby baseball wise. How often do position players need TJ surgery? I know Harper had it and now he's a 1B going forward. I never read anything about how Domínguez got hurt. All of sudden after one good week he needed an operation on his arm. Why? What happened?

Because throwing a baseball is an unnatural motion that puts a lot of pressure on the elbow and shoulder. Many times the UCL is damaged in youth baseball with kids pitching far too much before their arm structure is developed. I wrecked my shoulder throwing softballs in college as hard as I could while playing outfield.
Hicks threw 100+ mph. How many hard throws did Didi make from SS, off balance, across his body from deep in the hole. All that stress starts tearing fibers of the ligament. I think eventually it just gives up and lets loose.

In comment 16403822 arniefez said:

Quote:

this is not an attack or a rant about anyone involved with the Yankees at any level. Is it just me or is it strange that the Yankees have had 3 position players over the past 6 or 7 years have to have TJ surgery. First Didi, then Hicks and now Domínguez. I don't like hearing that Domínguez is rushing back. Didi and Hicks were never the same and Domínguez is just a baby baseball wise. How often do position players need TJ surgery? I know Harper had it and now he's a 1B going forward. I never read anything about how Domínguez got hurt. All of sudden after one good week he needed an operation on his arm. Why? What happened?

You should do some research. Position players having TJ surgery is much more common than you think. This isn’t exclusive to the Yankees, no matter how much you want it to be

In comment 16403021 Mattman said:

Quote:

Might very well help with injuries this year. The guy the giants hired as the player performance head has done a lot of work with collecting data on bone to muscle mass ratio and how it affects injuries. Once you get over a certain ratio you are more injury prone.

I’ve said for years that Stanton’s problems stem from being muscle-bound. He can’t get to pitches that force him to extend or pull his arms in because he didn’t have the flexibility.

Hopefully the Yanks S&T coaches finally got through to him.

I’m not saying he recaptures the MVP level play, but even regaining normal flexibility should allow him to at least be a helpful offensive player rather than the detriment he’s been for several years running.

In comment 16403822 arniefez said:

Quote:

this is not an attack or a rant about anyone involved with the Yankees at any level. Is it just me or is it strange that the Yankees have had 3 position players over the past 6 or 7 years have to have TJ surgery. First Didi, then Hicks and now Domínguez. I don't like hearing that Domínguez is rushing back. Didi and Hicks were never the same and Domínguez is just a baby baseball wise. How often do position players need TJ surgery? I know Harper had it and now he's a 1B going forward. I never read anything about how Domínguez got hurt. All of sudden after one good week he needed an operation on his arm. Why? What happened?

THIS is what irritates me more than anything- the passive aggressive attacks where you intentionally throw stones at the Yankees, but then say I’m not attacking anyone.

Just be honest- you hate Cashman, Hal and everything connected to this iteration of this team. Playing the fool only makes you more of one.

Know nothing yelling at the sky.

if we were to sign Snell for 1 yr 30 million, Yankees would essentially be paying 60 million for him after the tax, correct? I don't think most owners would swallow that easily. I know George probably would, but we're stuck with the ownership we have, and I can't blame them for not wanting that as a rational person. (As a fan, f*** them, they should either pay up in free agency or sell the team--but all that anger isn't getting us anywhere.)

like the Dodgers did.

In comment 16404014 ElitoCanton said:

Quote:

like the Dodgers did.

I think the player needs to be willing to do that, right? I doubt Snell is.

In comment 16404015 Mike from SI said:

Quote:

In comment 16404014 ElitoCanton said: Quote: like the Dodgers did. I think the player needs to be willing to do that, right? I doubt Snell is.

Yeah... Ohtani has unprecedented income from endorsements and what not.

In comment 16403989 bwitz said:

Quote:

Know nothing yelling at the sky.

You are right. Bad on me for engaging the troll.

From now on, I will not read or respond to anything he posts.

In comment 16403970 rich in DC said:

Quote:

In comment 16403021 Mattman said: Quote: Might very well help with injuries this year. The guy the giants hired as the player performance head has done a lot of work with collecting data on bone to muscle mass ratio and how it affects injuries. Once you get over a certain ratio you are more injury prone. I’ve said for years that Stanton’s problems stem from being muscle-bound. He can’t get to pitches that force him to extend or pull his arms in because he didn’t have the flexibility. Hopefully the Yanks S&T coaches finally got through to him. I’m not saying he recaptures the MVP level play, but even regaining normal flexibility should allow him to at least be a helpful offensive player rather than the detriment he’s been for several years running.

I agree with this. I think GS is making changes for the better wrt weight training and improved flexibility. I think it's an honest approach at reducing the number and severity of his lower body injuries and also at improving his sprint speed back to a decent number. I'm encouraged by what were hearing.

In comment 16404014 ElitoCanton said:

Quote:

like the Dodgers did.

I would note that the players who have deferred did not have Boras as their agent. I also seem to recall that Boras came out against that.

I think your strategy of not engaging will serve you well.

“It's better to keep your mouth shut and appear stupid than open it and remove all doubt” -Mark Twain

I was asking a legit question about TJ surgeries. If I want to flush the 3 Yankee management turds, I'll pull the handle.

Didi had his TJ surgery on October 17, 2018. Since that date 143 additional MLB players have had TJ surgery. Out of the 144 players including Didi, 132 of them were pitchers. 91.7% pitchers. 8.3% position players.

Didi, Aaron Hicks and Jasson Dominguez, three Yankees, account for 25% of all MLB position players who have had TJ surgery since October 17, 2018. Unfortunate luck for Yankee fans. Really unfortunate luck for Didi since he is the only SS on the list.

Expanding the list to include, High School players, College players, Rookie League players and all MiLB players who are/were part of MLB organizations along with the 144 MLB players that have had TJ surgery since October 17, 2018, the number of total procedures becomes 578. 540 of the procedures were performed on pitchers. 93.4% pitchers. 6.6% position players. Out of the 578, 24 were Yankees organization players. 4 were position players..

Let's recap:

8.3% of MLB TJ's were position players. 12 total, 3 Yankees. 25%.

When factoring in players from High School through MLB,

6.6% of all TJ's were position players. 38 total. 4 Yankees (Spencer Jones in 2020). 10.5%

So I think it's fair to say that if a dedicated follower of the Yankees finds it peculiar (or thinks without researching it) that Yankee position players required Tommy John surgery more than most other teams position players over that time frame, it's likely because the situation is indeed unusual.

Thanks for helping clear that up Rich.

the more reliable sources have come out and said the Snell rumors were pretty much b.s. Never passed the smell test for me (hey I get to be right once in a while).

In comment 16405775 arniefez said:

Quote:

I think your strategy of not engaging will serve you well. “It's better to keep your mouth shut and appear stupid than open it and remove all doubt” -Mark Twain I was asking a legit question about TJ surgeries. If I want to flush the 3 Yankee management turds, I'll pull the handle. Didi had his TJ surgery on October 17, 2018. Since that date 143 additional MLB players have had TJ surgery. Out of the 144 players including Didi, 132 of them were pitchers. 91.7% pitchers. 8.3% position players. Didi, Aaron Hicks and Jasson Dominguez, three Yankees, account for 25% of all MLB position players who have had TJ surgery since October 17, 2018. Unfortunate luck for Yankee fans. Really unfortunate luck for Didi since he is the only SS on the list. Expanding the list to include, High School players, College players, Rookie League players and all MiLB players who are/were part of MLB organizations along with the 144 MLB players that have had TJ surgery since October 17, 2018, the number of total procedures becomes 578. 540 of the procedures were performed on pitchers. 93.4% pitchers. 6.6% position players. Out of the 578, 24 were Yankees organization players. 4 were position players.. Let's recap: 8.3% of MLB TJ's were position players. 12 total, 3 Yankees. 25%. When factoring in players from High School through MLB, 6.6% of all TJ's were position players. 38 total. 4 Yankees (Spencer Jones in 2020). 10.5% So I think it's fair to say that if a dedicated follower of the Yankees finds it peculiar (or thinks without researching it) that Yankee position players required Tommy John surgery more than most other teams position players over that time frame, it's likely because the situation is indeed unusual. Thanks for helping clear that up Rich.

It is an anomaly at best. There is nothing there. Didi came from another org. Hicks throws harder than 95% of all MLB pitchers and who knows what Dominguez did - he was likely playing way too much baseball as a kid and severely weakened that ligament throwing far too often.

I actually do not see any correlation.

was at Vandy when he had TJ. I do want to quibble with their philosophy of picking undersized pitchers who can spin it and try to add velocity, which definitely can contribute to the high incidence of TJ.

They also don’t shy away from pitchers with medical red flags. Drafting Schmidt knowing he’d need TJ seems to be working out, but Beck will be 25 before he hits AA.

for guys needing TJ. That's some pretty shitty Yankee injury luck though. Ruined Didi's career and probably cost him a lot of money. Hicks got his money but his career hasn't been the same either. I'm hoping for Dominguez at his age to make a full recovery. Hicks lost his fastball after TJ.

In comment 16405857 Jim in Hoboken said:

Quote:

was at Vandy when he had TJ. I do want to quibble with their philosophy of picking undersized pitchers who can spin it and try to add velocity, which definitely can contribute to the high incidence of TJ. They also don’t shy away from pitchers with medical red flags. Drafting Schmidt knowing he’d need TJ seems to be working out, but Beck will be 25 before he hits AA.

This is a bit of a silly quibble. Pitching by nature is a risky venture and ANY pitcher, regardless of size or build can get hurt on any pitch. It’s an inherent risk that all teams account for and the wiser ones work on rehab process and improving the pitchers stuff during the down time rather than worrying about who they draft and whether they fit a prototypical mold.

if anyone is interested in buying tickets for Yankee games this year.

BUY TICKETS TO ANY APRIL, MAY OR JUNE GAME TODAY

AND

RECEIVE 2 FREE TICKETS TO ANY NON-PREMIUM GAME

Spend $10 - $99: Receive 2 Free Terrace/Grandstand Level Tickets
Spend $100 - $199: Receive 2 Free Main Level Tickets
Spend $200 or More: Receive 2 Free Field Level Tickets
Total spend will be determined based on the face value of all New York Yankees individual game tickets for 2024 April, May or June regular season home games scheduled to be played at Yankee Stadium purchased on February 29, and excludes New York Yankees Food & Beverage Vouchers, taxes and fees. This offer ends Thursday, February 29 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

After securing your tickets on February 29, you will receive an email in March 2024 with your unique offer code and details regarding your two (2) complimentary tickets. Please note that offer codes will be limited to a maximum of one (1) code per household regardless of the number of ticket orders placed on February 29, 2024. This includes orders associated with the same name, e-mail address, billing address, credit card number or other information.

2024 Yankees Individual Game Tickets - ( New Window )

The Yanks have made a real science out of finding and developing arms over the past decade. The first two the national media are already all over. However, several of these guys could be interesting.

Also keep in mind that the Yanks regularly draft guys who they hold back after the draft and don’t send them out to play until the next season. That leads to guys coming out of nowhere and blowing people away- like Thorpe last year.

This year, I suggest watching 2023 3rd rounder Kyle Carr- an experienced juco SP who the Yanks sent to the “gas station” in Tampa for work. He might be the new surprise.

Another possibility could be 11th rounder Josh Grosz- he was moderately successful at East Carolina- two pitch guy. The Yanks probably sent him to the station for a velo update and likely to learn a new pitch or two.

I’m sure there will be position guy updates coming soon

More prospects - ( New Window )

In comment 16412319 rich in DC said:

Quote:

Thanks for posting that link. I know the Yanks probably pushed out some of that positive information from their PR department, but several of those guys do look very interesting. Would love for a couple of rookie pitchers to make an impact this year, maybe later in the year.

In comment 16412319 rich in DC said:

Quote:

The Yanks have made a real science out of finding and developing arms over the past decade. The first two the national media are already all over. However, several of these guys could be interesting. Also keep in mind that the Yanks regularly draft guys who they hold back after the draft and don’t send them out to play until the next season. That leads to guys coming out of nowhere and blowing people away- like Thorpe last year. This year, I suggest watching 2023 3rd rounder Kyle Carr- an experienced juco SP who the Yanks sent to the “gas station” in Tampa for work. He might be the new surprise. Another possibility could be 11th rounder Josh Grosz- he was moderately successful at East Carolina- two pitch guy. The Yanks probably sent him to the station for a velo update and likely to learn a new pitch or two. I’m sure there will be position guy updates coming soon More prospects - ( New Window )

Thanks for the links. With many of these prospects being International signings, you can see the Yankees hesitation in signing Snell and losing $1 million in the signing pool money.

This guy likely will not be a starter, but that sweeper…. He could be the next big bullpen arm they develop. Lower level minors guys are not going to be able to handle that pitch. Let’s see if he can develop the FB and maybe another pitch.


Warrecker’s one batter of work - ( New Window )

obviously the pitchers looked good, the hitters not so much. DJLM struck out in both at-bats, he does not look good. Hope we're not counting on him too much.

Dead center. Rizzo added two homers, which is a great sign.

He was one of my favorite players before becoming a Yankee, so it’s no surprise. Hitting in the ballpark with Judge protecting him in the lineup will elevate him even more.

NY Post article on the Yanks (and perhaps the Mets) pursuing Alex Bergman for 3B.

Caught my eye because what I've seen of DJLM at the plate so far isn't encouraging. He's been great but he's 35.
Link - ( New Window )

In comment 16412855 Del Shofner said:

Quote:

obviously the pitchers looked good, the hitters not so much. DJLM struck out in both at-bats, he does not look good. Hope we're not counting on him too much.

You do realize it’s spring training. Basing DJLM performance on early spring training performance is rediculous.

Erik Boland
@eboland11
One AL scout, who watched Volpe during his minor league development, in 2023 in the majors and now this spring: "This is the guy I saw (in the minors). I didn't recognize the guy at the plate last year, trying to pull the ball 450 feet. Seems like he's getting back to who he is."

Dunedin81?

In comment 16414387 Will Shine said:

Quote:

Dunedin81?

He's very active on Twitter but doesn't come around these parts all that often anymore. He does usually show up at some point to discuss the Yankees minors, I think usually around the draft.

In comment 16414387 Will Shine said:

Quote:

Dunedin81?

I believe he posts on twitter

15 pitches 15 strikes. 3 lovely innings. Thorpe had a nice outing the day before. I miss these guys At least we got a stud in return

There has already been entire columns devoted to Nick Burdi- for whom the question has never been about stuff, but instead health has held him back. IF, and that’s a big if, he can stay healthy, he can not only be the next ST find for the pen by the Yanks but a real difference making type.

Keep in mind the Rortvelt and Jones (the recent waiver add) do NOT have minor league options remaining- meaning that to be sent to the minors, they have to pass through waivers- and C usually get grabbed on waivers because of the low bar to be a ML C.

That means that the non-roster guys know there is room for them if needed- so while Burdi is the front-runner for a spot, we may begin to hear about others pushing for a spot.

Say hello to the Burdi - ( New Window )

reading about how he's flattened his swing and is going for OBP rather than HRs this season. Be nice if he could flourish in the leadoff spot.

So his deal will be ten years, eleventy billion dollars