GREATEST CLOSER/GREATEST PITCHER

Today, the Yankees dedicated a plaque to Mariano Rivera, which will be officially placed into Yankee Stadium’s Monument Park tomorrow.  As he has been my favorite Yankee in the last 35-plus years (the person that inspired me to write my first blog), I wanted to share some of my loving thoughts about not just a great Yankees, but (from everything seen and heard) one of the greatest people that has been put on this earth:

There aren’t many players in Major League Baseball who can be unquestionably deemed as the best overall player at that position.  For instance, Derek Jeter was one of the greatest shortstops of all time, but not unequivocally the greatest.  I would certainly argue that he’s the shortstop you want in any playoff game, though!  Some may say that Willie Mays was the greatest centerfielder, but others would have legitimate arguments supporting Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio, Duke Snider, Rickey Henderson, or (in recent times) Ken Griffey, Jr.  In my opinion, there are only 5 positions/roles that have very little room for disputing who the greatest overall performer was:

1st Baseman - Lou Gehrig
3rd Baseman - Mike Schmidt
Left Fielder - Ted Williams
Right Fielder - Babe Ruth
Closer - Mariano Rivera

I’ve felt, for many years, that Mariano was the best closer (even after loving the “Goose” back in the late 70s and early 80s).  While most Yankees’ fans loved Mariano, I kept underscoring his greatness beyond what he had been doing for the Yankees singularly.  I emphasized Mariano’s extreme greatness to many fans and non-fans over 10 years ago because it’s rare (very rare) that we get to witness the best of any role in baseball.  So, while it was happening in each of our lives, I wanted all baseball fans who I personally knew to realize Mariano’s extraordinariness, not just taking him for granted as he continued gaining save after save to his collective stats.

Based on the short list above, most of us were fortunate enough to see Mariano and some of us were additionally lucky to have also seen Mike Schmidt and possibly even Ted Williams.  I’ve spoken to many baseball fans about Mariano and the vast majority agree that he was the best closer of all time.  That opinion is even shared by the typically biased non-Yankees’ fans of the Red Sox and Mets!  

As time has passed, since Mariano’s retirement from baseball back in 2013, I’ve begun to think even further about Mariano’s dominance on the mound.  With that, I began analyzing who the most dominating pitchers of all time might be.  Fans would definitely have a dispute over that choice!  Some would select Cy Young, Walter Johnson, Sandy Koufax, Bob Gibson, Bob Feller, Lefty Gomez, Whitey Ford, Tom Seaver, Greg Maddux, and even more in that argument.  I don’t even know which pitcher I would choose!  In my thought process (something that’s extreme) I began realizing that the greatest “pitcher” (not necessarily “starting pitcher) on the mound (again, in my opinion) was Mariano!

Of course, I realize that starting pitchers and closers are like comparing apples and oranges; but, segregating it to simply envisioning a pitcher on the mound facing the greatest hitters, Mariano’s numbers would certainly support him as the choice.  To bring this analysis to an outmost and ridiculous scenario (I told you my thought process was extreme), supposing one’s life was on the line and they had to choose one pitcher that could throw the ball past an enemy who happened to be the greatest hitter of all time (perhaps an evil Babe Ruth).  Would you choose one of the greatest starting pitchers or would you choose the undisputed greatest closer to get that hitter out?  I know who my choice would definitively be!

TRANSITION

Life waits for no one or nothing.  As hours, minutes, and seconds pass by, life transitions.  We can all relate to transition.  As a Yankees’ fan, I am overly excited for the huge transition we have been going through these past few years and especially these past few weeks.   I’ve written about the youth for a few years when the Yankees first began their aggressive International League acquisitions (players who are still progressing); about their resourceful draft picks (even though they always draft late due to their successes);  and, most recently about the youth we had acquired.

This past Friday, A-Rod played his last official game as a Yankee.  As soon as A-Rod’s vacancy became available, two Yankees were brought up from the farm system (Tyler Austin and Aaron Judge).  The latter is one name that most fans began to learn approximately 2 years ago.  Neither one of the newest Yankees wasted any time yesterday showing that they had MLB skills as they both hit homeruns in their very first MLB at-bats.  With that collective feat, they have already accomplished something never historically done!  Yes, they both already contributed a positive MLB record to the Yankees’ record books!  (Oh, and by the way, Judge’s homer traveled over 448 feet!!  The only reason it stopped at 448’ was because its travel was obstructed.)

Prior to Austin and Judge being added as new blood onto this season’s team, the Yankees had acquired Didi Gregorius (a year-and-a-half ago); acquired Ramon Castro and Aaron Hicks this past off-season; promoted Dellin Betances a few years ago; and promoted other youth-movement players most recently Rob Refsnyder, Luis Severino, Austin Romine, and Gary Sanchez.  Again, as I continue to personally be excited about our potential stars, keep in mind that there are still more getting close to joining the team soon.  In fact, by the middle of next year, the NYY will have youth represented all over the field!

We all typically resist transition; but, again, it’s inevitable.  For the most part, it offers much more that we initially see.  During 2009, the Yankees transitioned into a new, modern stadium with reservation about creating a jinx, leaving the spirits next door, and dispelling tradition.  Yet, that very year, the Yankees tossed every doubt aside by immediately winning their 27th World Series Championship!

The transitions  the Yankees have been making over the past few years, and aggressively transacted and demonstrated these past few weeks, will become a new chapter, but not a new book.  For the Yankees’ fans that are so tied to the Core-Four, don’t worry - it’s just a transition that's happening now.  We will win more championships with new names just like other past Yankees’ teams did.  Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig,  Tony Lazzeri, Red Ruffing, and Lefty Gomez transitioned throughout the last 80-plus years into players such as Joe DiMaggio, Bill Dickey, Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford , Mickey Mantle, Thurman Munson, Goose Gossage, Ron Guidry, Jorge Posada, Bernie Williams, Andy Pettitte, Derek Jeter, and Mariano Rivera.   I strongly believe some of these new names will achieve their first championship sooner rather than later.  One thing’s inevitable for sure…transition. 

A-ROD WALKS AWAY (with Hal’s persuasion)

Today, the NY Yankees and Alex Rodriguez (A-Rod) held a press conference to announce that A-Rod will play his last game in less than a week - on August 12.  They agreed on that date (as opposed to today) so A-Rod could have his family, friends, and members from his main charity group in attendance to see his last at-bats.

A-Rod mentioned that it was Hal Steinbrenner who approached him a few days ago suggesting such an arrangement.  Amongst his Advisor role in the United States, he will also “Advise” in the Dominican Republic.  All Yankees’ fans should be relieved that it was not Hank Steinbrenner who met with A-Rod because the last major conversation they had resulted in A-Rod’s current and ridiculous contract!  All fans should also be appreciative that Hal was the aggressor, reaching out to A-Rod because Hal showed that he’s listening to the fans’ rightful opinions which are backed up factually by A-Rod’s latest failing offensive numbers and his inability to play defense. 

With all of A-Rod’s steroid usage, along with his denial and lying about it, I have accepted that he certainly wasn’t (isn’t) the only one, not that such a thought makes it right; but, it does lessen the year-after-year sole focus on him by the media and the A-Rod-haters.  At least on the surface, A-Rod has really tried to play and act like he should have previously.

There is no denying that the man totally loves baseball and knows the intricacies and history of it better than most.  Many fans, media, and baseball professionals witnessed it in last year’s postseason when A-Rod performed commentary and provided more foresight than any of the veteran commentators.  Additionally, a lot of the rookies (currently and in the past) have praised A-Rod’s advice and inspiration.  Even Joe Girardi harped on that, and shared some of those stories during today’s press conference.

I am certainly appreciative of the positive things A-Rod’s done and for his contributions towards helping the Yankees win the 2009 World Series; but, I am and always will be disappointed in his wrongful acts and remarks of the past.  With that, for the future, I have seen and heard enough to know that A-Rod will definitely contribute towards the development of many, many young players in the Yankees’ organization.  He will already demonstrate his assistance towards the prospects when #13 vacates a roster spot appropriately on August 13th.

MARK TEIXEIRA RETIRES

As Mark Teixeira’s 8th season as a NY Yankee is about to end so, too, will his career.  That’s because today Mark announced that he will retire as a Yankee at the end of this season, which coincides with his contract term.  This year was certainly his worst offensively as he fought through various injuries - something that has become the norm over the past few years for him.

Earlier in the year, Mark had expressed his desire to play for at least 2 more years.  He also stated that he would love to end his career in Yankees’ pinstripes.  Well, half of his desire will now happen.   Mark mentioned his frustrations with the constant injuries as a major factor towards his retiring decision.  I also believe that, once he saw the Yankees’ commitment to bringing up the “kids” including the recent trades, he knew his chance of a contract renewal with the Yankees was not on their agenda.

I am one of those fans who constantly advocates the importance of defense and Mark certainly gave us that over his 8 seasons.  In fact, he was one of the best defensive first basemen in baseball for quite some time.  The scoops, the dives, and the 3-4-3 (or 3-6-3) double plays he began were one of the most dependable things I’ve watched with this team over Mark’s years as a Yankee.  I remember all the struggles the Yankees’ organization (mostly Brian Cashman) had over the years trying to attain or call up players to fill Mark’s cleats when he was injured or offered a day off.  Those awful moments sure made everyone realize how great Mark was defensively!

Mark will go down in history as one of the best switch-hitters in the game.  His 8 straight years with 30-plus homeruns and 100-plus RBIs per season is something he mentioned as his proudest personal achievement.  He also mentioned how, when he became a Yankee in 2009, he thought winning a World Series would be fairly easy to achieve with a team that wins so many championships.  He later learned how hard, even for the Yankees, it was to accomplish.  My favorite part of his press conference, from this afternoon, was the passion he demonstrated when talking about the fans.

In today’s blog, I publicly thank Mark for the years he produced many homers, RBIs, and defense for us.  I would particularly like to add my gratitude for his passion.  I know we’ll be seeing him at the stadium even after this season and I know I will personally applaud him every time.

TRADEWINDS!!!!

Well, the Yankees finally did it!  They aggressively traded with full focus on youth.  Over the past few years they have been adding so many pieces (mostly via the International Draft) for their farm system and now, with 5 trades this past week (yes, “5” trades), they have accomplished the finishing touches with additional top-tier prospects.  Even the so-called experts have conceded that the Yankees’ farm system has now positioned itself within the Top 3 (out of 30)!  That’s quite a turnaround for the Yankees, a team that has been constantly bashed as “old” with a farm system that was ranked in the middle range.  In fact, the Yankees now have a total of 7 Top Prospects from the Top 100 according to most key publications who rank MLB’s prospects.

Here are the Yankees’ 5 trades that were made over the past week:

Aroldis Chapman - traded to the Chicago Cubs for Gleyber Torres (SS); Billy McKinney (OF);  and Adam Warren (RHP/Reliever), who returns to the team after pitching in relief for the Cubs for only a half season.  Both Torres and McKinney have very high ceilings.

Andrew Miller - traded to the Cleveland Indians for Clint Frazier (OF); Justus Sheffield (LHP/Starter); Ben Heller (RHP/Reliever); and JP Feyereisen (RHP/Reliever).  Both Frazier (who owns one of the best bat speeds of all minor players) and Heller are AAA players who are expected to be on the MLB club by next year (Heller will probably be on the NYY club first).  I agree with the high praises from the press regarding Frazier and somewhat Sheffield, but I am apparently the only one excited about Heller!

Carlos Beltran - traded to the Texas Rangers for minor leaguers Dillon Tate (RHP/Starter/Reliever) who was the fourth overall pick in the 2015 MLB Draft mainly because his fastball & slider are well above average; Erik Swanson (RHP/Reliever); and Nick Green (RHP/Starter), a pitcher the NYY originally drafted during 2013 but didn’t sign.  Tate is exceedingly regarded by most, but his ERA this season was high.  That was supposedly attributed to a lingering hamstring injury that has reportedly healed now.

Ivan Nova - traded from the Yankees to the Pittsburgh Pirates for 2 players to be named later.  I’m sure one of them will be fairly decent and the other will probably be very young with slight hope - we’ll soon find out the projected worth of this deal; but, as a whole, Nova was way too inconsistent for all Yankees’ fans.

Tyler Clippard (RHP/Reliever) returns to the NYY - he was originally drafted by them in 2003 and played for their Major League club back in 2007 - as he was acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks for Vicente Campos.

By the way, Chapman, Beltran, and Nova are set to become Free Agents after this season.  That condition made each acquisition more challenging for Brian Cashman to acquire worthy talent.  Of course, all baseball fans know that most prospects don’t reach their projected potential; but, statistically (just like any other type of gamble) the more opportunities you align yourself with, the better chance you have to gain dividends.

Now that this season’s non-waiver trades are complete, the Yankees are still left with two players who are well below their prime years - CC Sabathia and A-Rod.  CC will probably remain on the team; but, as for A-Rod, he’s been rumored as a consideration to be released by the Yankees.  If that happens, the Yankees would still be obligated to fully pay his remaining contract (which has one-and-a-half years left @~$30 million, assuming he is unable to achieve 18 more homers which triggers his contract's clause for yet another extra $6 million for attaining 714 homers).

They also still have a handful of players underachieving for more than one consecutive season, now - Mark Teixeira (a free agent after this season), Brian McCann, Jacoby Ellsbury, Bret Gardner, and Michael Pineda.  Additionally, Chase Headley’s hitting has been worsening rapidly.  Aside from Teixeira and Gardner, the high-priced multi-year contracts of McCann, Ellsbury and Headley would typically qualify each as potential candidates for “waiver” trades (allowable trades that continue through the end of the season only after the team places such players onto the waiver wire for the other 29 teams to claim, if they choose).  The penalty for such claiming teams would be risky because they could be obligated to take on the full remaining balance of such high-priced contracts if they cannot work out a dually agreed-upon deal with the Yankees.   If any one of these Yankees passes through waivers, then the Yankees’ team would have the right to offer the unclaimed player in a trade.

All of the above offers the Yankees’ fans a lot of hope for this year and for years to come as more and more open roster spots open for the Yankees’ rookies!   In reality, we weren’t going to win the World Series this year, anyway - even if we won nearly 90 games.  So, next year, we will have a full season that will allow many promising youngsters a chance to prove or disprove themselves.  That list should include some we’ve already seen at a decent sample size (such as Rob Refsnyder, Aaron Hicks, and Luis Severino) and some that we’ve barely seen or have not seen yet: 

Hitters:

Tyler Austin (OF/1B/3B), Aaron Judge (OF), Gary Sanchez (C), Ben Gamel (OF), Jake Cave (OF), Kyle Higashioka (C), Jose Rosario (2B), Donavan Solano (3B), Cesar Puello (1B), Mason Williams (OF), and now outfielders Clint Frazier and Billy Mckinney.

Pitchers:

Conor Mullee, Mark Montgomery, Giovanny Gallegos, Tyler Webb, and now Ben Heller.