Yankee off season thread, news, notes, rumors and ideas

Urshela, Voit receive Munson Awards honors

By Bill Ladson @ladsonbill24
February 2, 2021
NEW YORK -- Yankees legend Thurman Munson has been gone for more than 40 years, but his legacy remains as strong as ever. That was evident Tuesday night in a virtual setting.

The Thurman Munson Awards were given out to Yankees teammates Gio Urshela and Luke Voit during the 41st annual event. Mets outfielder Michael Conforto, Hall of Famer Ivan Rodriguez, Pro Football Hall of Famer Harry Carson and U.S. women’s soccer national team goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher also were honored.

https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/mun...hela-luke-voit

This winter, the yankees have spent over 3 million dollars on minor league deals, dumpster diving for relief pitchers that have been so bad, some of which haven't even pitched in the majors for 2 years or more. I honestly like to know, what in the yankees past history of relief pitching dumpster dives has lead them to believe they can rehabilitate all these lost causes they've been in a frenzy to sign. Meanwhile Sean Dolittle signed for 1.5 million, Anthony Bass signed for 2.5 million, Joakim Soria for 3.5 million, and even Alex Colome only got 5 million dollars. There are still a bunch of free agent pitchers left, but time is beginning to run out. It's honestly quite sad to see the richest team in sports, waiting outside a bakery, before closing time, hoping they can get a cheap deal on the leftover pastries no one has bought for the day.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Webslinger

This winter, the yankees have spent over 3 million dollars on minor league deals, dumpster diving for relief pitchers that have been so bad, some of which haven't even pitched in the majors for 2 years or more. I honestly like to know, what in the yankees past history of relief pitching dumpster dives has lead them to believe they can rehabilitate all these lost causes they've been in a frenzy to sign. Meanwhile Sean Dolittle signed for 1.5 million, Anthony Bass signed for 2.5 million, Joakim Soria for 3.5 million, and even Alex Colome only got 5 million dollars. There are still a bunch of free agent pitchers left, but time is beginning to run out. It's honestly quite sad to see the richest team in sports, waiting outside a bakery, before closing time, hoping they can get a cheap deal on the leftover pastries no one has bought for the day.

---

While i completely agree that we need another quality reliever and we should be all over a guy like Rosenthal who is still available or one of the other very good BP arms that are left. That said Hal has clearly set a firm budget that it sure looks like he is going to stick to that doesn't allow us to spend another 5-10m on a reliever.

As far as the MILB deals, i don't believe that money counts against the luxury tax until they are put on the 40 man roster, so why not bring in all the cheap talent they can to see if it works out. If we only get quality innings from 1 of them its worth it. Maybe they can find the pitching version of Voit and Gio.

With all the likely need for pitching depth because of a lack of innings pitchers threw last yr, it makes all the sense in the world to stock pile as much arm talent as possible on MILB deals.

ESPN ranked our signing of Jhoulys Chacin as their best " under the radar" signings this winter.

As far as why they think they could turn around some of these project pitchers when they haven't had much success in the past is likely due to their new pitching coach staff. Cressey specializes in rehabbing/ retooling pitchers and both Blake and Briend have a solid history doing the same.

We brought in these new pitching coaches to totally overhaul our pitching program. This yr offers a unique opportunity to sign some guys with real talent on very cheap MILB deals. Why not take advantage of the situation and give the new coaches a chance to hit the lottery

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Webslinger

This winter, the yankees have spent over 3 million dollars on minor league deals, dumpster diving for relief pitchers that have been so bad, some of which haven't even pitched in the majors for 2 years or more. I honestly like to know, what in the yankees past history of relief pitching dumpster dives has lead them to believe they can rehabilitate all these lost causes they've been in a frenzy to sign. Meanwhile Sean Dolittle signed for 1.5 million, Anthony Bass signed for 2.5 million, Joakim Soria for 3.5 million, and even Alex Colome only got 5 million dollars. There are still a bunch of free agent pitchers left, but time is beginning to run out. It's honestly quite sad to see the richest team in sports, waiting outside a bakery, before closing time, hoping they can get a cheap deal on the leftover pastries no one has bought for the day.

---

It is called a reset by Hal. The harsh taxes that come when over the line is too much for Hal to handle. New rules or not George would still get that player no matter what the tax line was at.

Hal just buys a huge player like a Gerit Cole to make it look 🌹

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dayners81

While i completely agree that we need another quality reliever and we should be all over a guy like Rosenthal who is still available or one of the other very good BP arms that are left. That said Hal has clearly set a firm budget that it sure looks like he is going to stick to that doesn't allow us to spend another 5-10m on a reliever.

As far as the MILB deals, i don't believe that money counts against the luxury tax until they are put on the 40 man roster, so why not bring in all the cheap talent they can to see if it works out. If we only get quality innings from 1 of them its worth it. Maybe they can find the pitching version of Voit and Gio.

With all the likely need for pitching depth because of a lack of innings pitchers threw last yr, it makes all the sense in the world to stock pile as much arm talent as possible on MILB deals.

ESPN ranked our signing of Jhoulys Chacin as their best " under the radar" signings this winter.

As far as why they think they could turn around some of these project pitchers when they haven't had much success in the past is likely due to their new pitching coach staff. Cressey specializes in rehabbing/ retooling pitchers and both Blake and Briend have a solid history doing the same.

We brought in these new pitching coaches to totally overhaul our pitching program. This yr offers a unique opportunity to sign some guys with real talent on very cheap MILB deals. Why not take advantage of the situation and give the new coaches a chance to hit the lottery

---

While I certainly wouldn't complain about a guy like Rosenthal, I wish the team would target more RPs who can control the ball. Seems like most of the guys they target have great stuff, high K rates, but no command. Always seems like guys like Ottavino, Britton, Chapman, etc give out way too many free base runners. So annoying when they start the inning with a 4 or 5 pitch walk that is completely noncompetitive. Just setting other teams up too much.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by EAGLES3658

While I certainly wouldn't complain about a guy like Rosenthal, I wish the team would target more RPs who can control the ball. Seems like most of the guys they target have great stuff, high K rates, but no command. Always seems like guys like Ottavino, Britton, Chapman, etc give out way too many free base runners. So annoying when they start the inning with a 4 or 5 pitch walk that is completely noncompetitive. Just setting other teams up too much.

---

I agree. I never realized it but it's almost a inverse to the power hitter who K's too much. The Yankees get power arms who walk too many. It's the same thing from the opposite side of the plate.

For fun, I will take this a step further, I wonder if the league in general wants more power bats to face more power arms to create higher exit velocities and more violent impact and collisions when bat meets ball? There is less concern regarding contact and command. Walks are ok if they are followed by 100 mph ks. Ks are ok if they are followed by 115 mph exit welos that launch 450 feet.
It effectively reduces the game from nuance to "Oooooooh - Ahhhhhh"

Well the OOOOH-AAAH factor certainly played a role in juicing the ball. MLB needed to get fans back in the seats what better way than to have balls rocketing into the seats! Free souvenirs to boot. Add the excitement of Bonds chasing down Aaron's record, MLB couldn't ask for a better script.

Exit velo became the new shiny toy when they were running out of oooh's and aahs. MLB is trying desperately to attract younger eyeballs, the more it looks like a video game the better. Imo they are lost in their own delusion. As clown alluded, the nuance is lost in favor of the wow factor. Instant, immediate gratification to hold the ever dwindling attention spans.

The "shredder" good example of video game mentality invading the game.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by drt1010

Well the OOOOH-AAAH factor certainly played a role in juicing the ball. MLB needed to get fans back in the seats what better way than to have balls rocketing into the seats! Free souvenirs to boot. Add the excitement of Bonds chasing down Aaron's record, MLB couldn't ask for a better script.

Exit velo became the new shiny toy when they were running out of oooh's and aahs. MLB is trying desperately to attract younger eyeballs, the more it looks like a video game the better. Imo they are lost in their own delusion. As clown alluded, the nuance is lost in favor of the wow factor. Instant, immediate gratification to hold the ever dwindling attention spans.

The "shredder" good example of video game mentality invading the game.

---

Yep
The irony? You want a faster game? More contact. More base running. It keeps the eyes busier especially with stolen bases. Less swing and miss with long walks to the dugout.
This country, everything needs to be a firework. We have less and less attention. Everything is about the act of scoring in the quickest way possible. Football and Basketball have dumbed down defenses to make it a "faster" game.
In its own way, Baseball is trying to do the same.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by drt1010

Well the OOOOH-AAAH factor certainly played a role in juicing the ball. MLB needed to get fans back in the seats what better way than to have balls rocketing into the seats! Free souvenirs to boot. Add the excitement of Bonds chasing down Aaron's record, MLB couldn't ask for a better script.

Exit velo became the new shiny toy when they were running out of oooh's and aahs. MLB is trying desperately to attract younger eyeballs, the more it looks like a video game the better. Imo they are lost in their own delusion. As clown alluded, the nuance is lost in favor of the wow factor. Instant, immediate gratification to hold the ever dwindling attention spans.

The "shredder" good example of video game mentality invading the game.

---

Tbf MLB seemed to absolutely hate that Bonds was chasing down Aaron's hallowed record. The McGwire/Sosa chase to take down Maris' record is another story however.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by spliff(TONE)

Tbf MLB seemed to absolutely hate that Bonds was chasing down Aaron's hallowed record. The McGwire/Sosa chase to take down Maris' record is another story however.

---

I think there are different levels to the argument. They may have held some disdain for the reproach on hallowed ground, however did relish in the excitement and interest it brought to the game. The entire steroid era cloud must also be considered in context.

Both RP Ken Giles and Roberto Osuna are still available, either 1 would be a quality addition to our BP and probably could be had, especially Giles, on a MILB deal.

The Yanks have looked into Giles both the last 2yrs but never pulled the trigger due to injury concerns. IMO it would be worth taking a chance on him either on a very cheap 1yr deal or on a MILB deal with incentives

I spoke with my source yesterday and he said the Yanks are still looking for pitching, more interested in BP arms than any of the available starters left.

He also said with Andujar asking to be traded the 2nd time this off season he expects him to be moved, ideally for a good BP arm.

While they would still like to upgrade the bench, they want to leave some financial flexibility for the trade deadline. 1 very interesting thing he mentioned is that the longer the Gardy situation goes on the less likely to happen. He said that they feel internally that Florial has improved his K% and pitch recognition enough that with a descent ST he could make the team as the 4th/5th OFer next yr. They believe he can be a plus or better defender at all 3 OF positions and will likely hit enough to be effective in that role, with a chance of an offensive breakout

FWIW, The Mets have reached an agreement with right-hander Trevor Bauer, the top free agent on the board, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports. However, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com offers different information, tweeting that the two sides do not have a deal yet.

More to come.

Jim Bowden
@JimBowdenGM
·
Trevor Bauer is expected to get an opt out clause after year 1….which regardless of length 3 or 4 years…means he can say he signed the equivalence of the 1-year deal he said he would sign. HIs AAV expected to be close to $32m if with #Mets. #Dodgers still in play barely.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by drt1010

Jim Bowden
@JimBowdenGM
·
Trevor Bauer is expected to get an opt out clause after year 1….which regardless of length 3 or 4 years…means he can say he signed the equivalence of the 1-year deal he said he would sign. HIs AAV expected to be close to $32m if with #Mets. #Dodgers still in play barely.

---

So deserving. Such stellar stats in the central division.

Outside of an odd 2020 and a pretty good 2018, he has been a mid rotation arm, in the central division, at best. Traded by multiple teams to do inability to get along with the front office and or teammate.

Not my photo stolen from someone on Twitter.

Sent from my SM-G981U using Tapatalk
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...01a016021e.jpg

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by OhSoSlick

So deserving. Such stellar stats in the central division.

Outside of an odd 2020 and a pretty good 2018, he has been a mid rotation arm, in the central division, at best. Traded by multiple teams to do inability to get along with the front office and or teammates.

Sent from my SM-G981U using Tapatalk
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...01a016021e.jpg

---

FWIW, he got an endorsement from Lindor as a "good teammate" and considering Lindor's rep among players, that certainly holds some weight. The good thing about Bauer is that he is able to hitters out without overpowering stuff. He doesn't need to throw a 100 mph like deGrom or Cole. He's a student of the game too.

https://www.sportscasting.com/trevor...-his-pitching/

https://fivethirtyeight.com/features...nged-baseball/

https://metsmerizedonline.com/2020/1...ith-mets.html/

In a perfect world, Cohen would have taken over the Mets in 2019 and they would have re-signed Wheeler but Bauer on a 3 year deal with an opt out after 1 gives us the best rotation in baseball (on paper) with the Padres. With our lineup, it makes the Mets really formidable. The biggest thing is going to be the bullpen and the defense.