SU has been in a reflective mode as we complete the baseball season and gear up for college hoops and the never-ending NBA season. Here are some things to watch for in no particular order:
- The Yankees could have re-signed Didi for $17.5 million for one year and took a pass. OK, I get it. They were unhappy with Didi’s finish to the season after coming back from Tommy John surgery. But as they look to make a move and potentially move on from Didi, SU asks t his question, “What is the most important factor to consider in bringing new players to the Yankees?” We all know what that is. It’s not talent, career ERA, on-base percentage. It is CAN YOU PLAY IN NEW YORK? Well, Didi can play in New York – he succeeded Derek Jeter at shortstop and excelled. He’s a leader in the clubhouse, a mentor for the younger players. SU says either overpay for one year or 2 years, but you bring him back. It’s an obvious move. It could happen as there is not a great market for shortstops out there this year. But US is nervous they will take a pass and put Gleyber at shortstop. The Yankees need his left-handed bat in there. They don’t have to do it as LeMahieu can move to 2nd base and Voit to 1st but it’s short sighted. Case closed.
- Joel Sherman at the New York Post had an interesting observation about hitting into the shift at Yankee Stadium. With the short porch, it really reduces the area where a ball can fall in. So, when teams shift against a left-handed batter, there is nowhere for the ball to land without being fielded. As a result, there is less interest now, perhaps, to have more left-handed batters in the line up for the Yankees.
- DJ LeMahieu opened a lot of eyes in NY. A guy who puts the ball in play. Cashman thought he was getting someone like that a few years ago with Chase Headley (long-time SU fave – not) but LeMahieu came as advertised. SU says he is the model that they should look for now. Guys that put the ball in play. Not the Stantons, Encarnacions, even Aaron Hicks who has potential/talent but needs to also go the other way. SU saw that they got a more innovative pitching coach, apparently, now to replace Rothschild. Then, make the batters in 2020 go the other way starting in February. The home runs that go out during the regular season are harder to come by against the top pitchers in October. Let’s make the move now. I would say trade Stanton but not happening and there is no market out there as he has a no trade clause. But then you need to limit the similar type hitters around him which means no more Encarnacion pick ups during the year. SU likes Tauchman. He needs to play. You can bring Gardner back for a season but Tauchman needs to play.
- Do not sign Gerret Cole. No. He is going to get $35 million a year for 7 years which is ridiculous.
- The Yankees are close. 2019 was a great, enjoyable and fun year. They went as far as I thought they would go. Houston won’t be as good. Note to Brian Cashman: don’t screw it up.
SU liked the Beltran signing by the Mets. He is a good guy, smart and pays attention to the details. The Mets are close and they have a GM who is not afraid to gamble which SU likes. Of course, gambling means bringing in Robinson Cano who is running on fumes now. He is a DH, not an every day player. He will have to figure out what to do with Cespedes should he ever get healthy again. He may be on the Ellsbury recovery plan now – who knows?
Alabama vs. LSU yesterday was one of those great college games. Teams marching up and down the field with ease. Few punts, rosters full of NFL prospects and draft picks. SU says it’s why college football is more fun than the NFL. A match-up of LSU vs. Ohio State in the BCS playoffs would be great. LSU’s QB transferred from Ohio State – great story there. It is interesting how the same schools are always competing for the BCS title now: Ohio State; Alabama; Georgia; Clemson; Oklahoma; sometimes Notre Dame. SU watches a lot of Big Ten games and the speed of the SEC is just a level faster.
The last tournament of the men’s tennis season is starting today in London at the ATP Finals – top 8 players. The field is very interesting. You have the Big 3 in Fed, Djokovic and Nadal. Dominick Thiem, at 26, is there. The other 4 are the Next Generation players. It’s great for tennis that the next group is finally making their move. It’s interesting to note that the group that was 5 years behind the Big 3 is not there anymore – Del Potro, Raonic, etc. For tennis fans, you hope the Big 3 keep playing but the clock is ticking. The good news is that men’s tennis has a great crop of guys coming up in their early 20s. SU will be watching on the Tennis Channel along with 12 others nationally. Check it out.
Finally, a note on the NBA. Where did the term “load management” come from? Why is it so hard to play 82 games over about 7 months? And is it so hard to travel in chartered jets and stay at Ritz Carltons? I know some guys have chronic injuries (see Kawi Leonard) and some are older like LeBron. But for a fan who buys tickets in advance expecting to see the stars, this is not a good deal or a smart strategy.
Anyone on your personal wish list for the Yankees and Mets?
Sports Update Intergalactic 
I think Didi is great but $18 mil is a big overpay. The money is better off used on a Pitcher. I would go with Baumgardner. Can probably get him for 3/4 years at 18-20 mil. He may not be the ace of old but he has the playoff experience and is a very smart pitcher. Interesting speculation that Indians can sign Didi and trade Lindor. Makes a lot of sense for a mid market team.
As for my Mets. The sad reality is that even with insurance payments for Wright and Cespedes the Wilpon’s will refuse to increase the budget. I’d love to dream about Another guy named Mookie playing center field but it ain’t going to happen. Perhaps a trade with Tampa for Kermier makes sense for CF. Smith and Davis are good young players who may not have a place on this team. You need to give value to get value and either of those guys plus a bit more may entice Tampa.
I like Beltran but would rather have a proven tactician managing this team. Mickey probably cost them 10 wins over 2 years. We can’t afford to give away 1 win. Girardi was my pick. Should be fun to see him often when the Phillies come to town. Harper is sure to make Joe completely bald by the end of the season. How many days until pitchers and catchers report. At least we have the Islanders to carry us through the winter.
I completely understand bot sides to the Didi discussion. Still, I think he’s one of the best moves that Cashman can point to during his long tenure. I’d be surprised if he wants to walk away from that. I have a hunch that they are going to work something out. Other teams probably view his 2019 year the same as the Yankees do. They’re not going to start throwing money at him. And he has a good following in NY. I think he likes it here. And he’s developed a social media presence and brand that will simply be less valuable in any other market. If there’s a recipe for a hometown discount, this is it. Maybe 3-5 years at something under $15mil/year.
I’m not sure I’m as bullish on the team overall. Yes, they had a great season and played the Astros very close. But every decision worked out for them this year. They got contributions from people nobody expected so it’s hard to expect them to get the same next year. And the Astros games were closer than they should have been…mostly it felt like the Yankees were getting outplayed.
Stanton simply has to go. The team can’t have him hanging around, be it in the lineup or in rehab, for the rest of his contract.
Not sure how SU can dismiss Cole. I don’t like throwing around the big bucks either but we saw what it took to beat the Astros aces and that is other aces. You are not going to reliably make it through the playoffs with a bunch of starters going 4 and 5 innings. It’s just too much pressure on a bullpen, even a good one.
Grats to deGrom for back to back Cy Young awards. I didn’t think they would give it to him again due to his paltry win total but he did have another great year despite that.
As far as the Knicks go, the stories about Fizdale being on the hot seat are complete garbage. The front office is awful and they have given him crap players to work with. I wish they could fire the owner but it is the front office that has to go..