Brian Cashman pulled the trigger on the roster with Greg Bird rejoining the team and optioned Ronald Torreyes to Scranton.  Now, Torreyes’s playing time this year is down from last year under Girardi but he is hitting .339 to lead the team and can play 2nd, short and 3rd in addition to being the emergency catcher.  He is also beloved in the clubhouse.  His teammates love his work ethic and spirit.  Aaron Boone referenced that this was a difficult, emotional decision.  We may look back at their record in 2018 “B.T.” and “A.T.”  SU is not a big believer in karma in baseball but this kid is really liked by his teammates.  Something to watch now.

SU says interesting.  On most teams, the optioning of the utility infielder is not a big deal.  Cashman is faced with these issues:

• Other than Severino, his other 4 starters are lucky to go 5 innings per start.  As a result, the Yankees have to carry extra relievers.  This is a season long problem and will ultimately require the addition of possibly 2 front-line starters later this season.
• Greg Bird, an SU fave, cannot stay healthy.  The Yankees cannot count on him being the 1st baseman for the rest of the year nor do they want to play him every day.  Thus, you need to keep Tyler Austin on the roster.
• Neil Walker would need to be waived and again, they want him around as Bird insurance.

The Yankees and the Red Sox will go mano a mano for the full year to try and win the division, avoid the wild card game and avoid playing Houston in the next round of the playoffs.  Boston’s starters are far better than the Yankees right now, and we will see this week how much better Houston’s are.

What should the Yankees do?  Personally, I would trade Stanton.  His contract will be an albatross for the next 10 years.  SU has heard enough about his generational abilities.  When he faces right-handed pitchers with that closed stance, he is over-matched.  The team does not need more home runs and strikeouts.  You didn’t give up much to get him.  You are not going to beat Houston or Boston in the playoffs if you have to rely on Stanton in big situations.  And you’re not going to beat them without 2 more front-line starters.

SU says protect the best prospects.  Cashman will surely earn his salary this year.

Speaking of karma, what about Golden State?  SU says this is Curry’s, Thompson’s and Green’s team.  They are the core.  Durant is a superstar but he has turned into Carmelo Anthony in the playoffs.  He is getting his points but by going 1 on 1 so much, the degree of difficulty of his shots is really high.  On a team with this much fire power, it should not be that difficult for him.  If Golden State loses tomorrow night in game 7, it will be interesting to see if Durant opts out of his contract (I think he can do that this year).  If he is taking too many shots, as SU has said repeatedly, his teammates are not in rhythm.  Apparently, Steve Kerr has talked to him about trusting his teammates.  Monday night will be interesting.